Ellsworths in Paradise: Happy Birthday!

Brent and his new friend "Bert"

Talofa Family and Friends,
This week we celebrated Brent's 71st Birthday by having the TSS (Tutuila Super Seniors) plus the Lesas over for an enchilada dinner. Brent was not expecting gifts but was thrilled with his new friend "Bert" from the Patches, a cortisone shot in his shoulder from the Edwards, and a nice shirt from the Lesas.
In June we will be celebrating our 50th year of marriage, so thought I would take some room here and tell you what a great guy I married. Brent is kind, loving and faithful. He has been a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. It would be hard to imagine anyone who loves their family more that Brent.
Anyone who knows Brent knows what a hard worker he is. He has always worked hard to provide for his family and to improve himself. He loves learning new things, and is talented in so many areas. He can build almost anything, and fix almost anything. In our married life I only recall a handful of times we have called someone for help, usually because we did not want to cancel a warranty. He has built two houses and a garage, rebuilt and repaired cars, wired and plumbed a couple of houses, poured and finished concrete, reroofed our house, painted, designed and built cabinets, welded, designed our backyard as well as hand cutting for weeks flagstone for the patio and planter.... I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Besides construction he sews all his own ties and recently took up leather work - making beautiful belts for almost everyone in the family. That is a hobby he hopes to take up again once we return home.

Brent's Birthday Dinner - blowing out the candles

My introduction to his abilities was early in our marriage when I casually mentioned that it would have been better for the back door to be on the back of the house instead of the side. The next thing I know I hear this loud banging - rushed into the kitchen and demanded to know what in the heck he was doing knocking out the wall. "I thought you said you wanted the door moved," he replied.
Brent loves the Lord. I can hardly remember a day in 50 years that he hasn't read his scriptures. He loves being a missionary and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ because he knows how it can bless the lives of others. On our mission here in Tutuila he has enjoyed teaching Institute and there isn't anything he wouldn't do for our missionaries. Happy Birthday Honey! I love you!!!

Transfer Day

This week has also been a week of hellos and goodbyes. Elders Andelin and Williams left us and Sister Sauni joined us. We've also had Sisters Adams and White here from Tutuila for medical tests. Both Sisters had been complaining of stomach problems. Sister Adams started feeling better almost immediately so she went back out in the field. Sister White. on the other hand has been really sick, spending most of the week curled up in a ball on our couch. She has been cleared to return home for medical treatment, but there are only two flights off island a week so she will have to wait until Thursday. Sister Patch. a nurse, will be accompanying her home.

Sister White -

On Prep Day the missionaries have a few hours, after they get their laundry done, and apartments cleaned for free time. Elders Larsen and Fa'amausili just live a few blocks away so often come to the mission home. This week we also had Sisters King and Adams. We had crazy game of "UNO" that went on for almost an hour. I finally passed my hand to Elder Ellsworth, who eventually won the game. Who knew "UNO" could be so competitive? It was also Sister Adams birthday this week so her and Sister King enjoyed the opportunity to make a birthday cake. She was especially excited about learning how to make frosting - she thought it always came in a can - UGH!
On Friday Brent and I ran into the meteorologist for the island at the fish market. I asked him about approaching storms and he assured me we would be alright this week but after that they were expecting an increased chance of a cyclone. We filled up another 30 gallons of emergency water and have been checking missionary apartments for water and emergency food. Hopefully we are ready if a storm hits!

Sister Adams and King whipping up
a Birthday Cake for Sister Adams

Well, that's a wrap for this week. Institute starts again tomorrow and I need to go over my lesson before leaving for Patches for a TSS dinner. The Weather App is predicting thunderstorms for the entire week which means when it's not raining it is unbearably hot and humid. Sending some soggy greetings and love - have a wonderful week!
Alofa atu - Patty (Nana)