March 12 - 24, 2019

Rome Visitor Center

Rome Italy Temple

First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve in Rome Italy
Rusell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, Henry B. Eyring
Ballard, Holland, Uchdorf, Bednar, Cook, Christopherson, Anderson, Rasband, Stevenson, Rendund, Gong, Soars

The First Presidency is comprised of President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring. Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are President M. Russell Ballard, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder David A. Bednar, Elder Quentin L. Cook, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Elder Neil L. Andersen, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Elder Dale G. Renlund, Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Elder Ulisses Soares.

“I love these brethren with whom I serve,” said Elder David A. Bednar. “We are together each week in the Salt Lake Temple, on many other occasions, but today, to be in Rome, to be here for this, and to be all together is a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will always remember.”

First President Nelson shared five things to know:

• Know the truth and stand for it, even if the truth is not politically popular. “As the world grows more and more secular and less spiritual, your growth should be more and more spiritual and less secular. Strive to stand for principle instead for popularity.”
• Know and see yourself as the Creator sees you. “You are created in His image — male and female. You are divinely created. … Take care of your body.”
• Know you are accountable for your deeds and for your desires.
• Know your true identity. “You are the seed of Abraham, the seed of Isaac, the seed of Jacob.”
• Know your purpose. “You were sent to earth for a reason. Find out what that is. .. Apply your knowledge to the benefit and blessing of other people.”

Attendees listen to President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a devotional in Rome, Italy, on Thursday, March 7, 2019. Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President Nelson also shared five things to do:

• Prepare for marriage. “Prepare continually to be a wife or a husband. Prepare now to be a mother or a father.” If marriage doesn’t come immediately, “increase your education, your experience and your emulation of the Lord so you become more desirable with each passing year.”
• Prepare and pursue your education. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “education is a religious responsibility.”
• Feast on the words of the Lord. “It doesn’t matter what your career is or what your circumstances may be…. If you will read the scriptures daily, you will have spiritual life insurance.” Pray about all of your matters. “Constantly consult the Lord.”
• Pay your tithing. “You learn to pay your tithing when you are young.”
• Honor your parents. “Learn from them. Learn from your grandparents.”

The future generations of the Church

With his grandson, Elder James Huntsman of the Italy Rome Mission, serving as his translator, President Ballard promised the youth they will never forget this time in the history of the Church.

“Look around and see how many there are of you — the future generations of the Church.”

President Ballard shared “simple suggestions” with the youth. “If you will remember these simple things, you will stay true and faithful to the Church your whole life.”

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, meet with youth in the Rome Temple Visitors' Center prior to a youth devotional in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, March 9, 2019. Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

• Think deeply and often about the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement. “Love Him.”
• Read the scriptures every day. “Be sure you don’t get so busy that you can’t take time to read the word of the Lord.”
• Pray every morning and every night. “It will help you all the days of your life.”
• Attend your meetings, and keep the Sabbath day holy. Pay special attention during “time the sacrament is being blessed and passed.”
• Never, never give up. “Never give up your beliefs or your love for the Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Stay mentally and spiritually clean.
• Avoid unclean things — especially on your handheld devices. “Be careful what you watch and listen to.”
• Get as much education as you can. “Study. Do the best you know how.”
• Be careful with your time. “Time is important; you can waste a lot of it if you are not careful.”
• Limit time spent on cell phone and your video games.

President Ballard concluded: “I want to testify of God’s love for you, my beloved young people. It is real. You are His sons and daughters. He loves you. He wants to bless you. He will forgive you. He will strengthen you as you strive to keep the commandments of his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Aloha OE to Sister Flake.  After closing the VC they say goodbye.  A very touching activity.

Hibiscus on the way to the temple

Came home one night and found this guy on the floor.  I quickly sprayed him and he went undeer the fridge.  Next thing I know he is on a shelf.  He finally succumbd to my spraying.  Orkin came out on Monday.

Elder Stonehocker.  Paul plays racketball with him Monday, Wednesday and Fridays

Found this gecko on the inside of our bathroom window

Josh asked his mom to take him to the temple and he was smart enough to know you never go alone.  You always bring friends with you.  Way to go future missionary.  Leave no one behind. 

The Scott Springer family invited us for St. Patrick's Day dinner.  They are from Camarillo and also invited Tessa Sullivan over also.  What a wonderful Sunday.  

My friend Leslie gave me these beautiful orchids.  She is so generous and kind.  She lives at the Assisted Living home we visit Sundays when going for Just Serve.

Robbie went snowmobiling at Island Park.  Had a little run in with a tree with his Grandpa's machine.  All is well.

Sweet Sarah and Jaxson in Virginia.  Such a great Mom

Sister Stonehocker.  They serve with the PCC young people, feeding and encouraging them.

This weekend was the Cultural Celebration at the University.  What fun.  Many clubs, it takes two nights three hours each, for them all to perform and tell something about their country or club.  It is a wonderful event.  We went over Friday night after the temple and then got over early on Saturday so we could actually see better.  

One of our Sister Missionary homes got broken into Saturday night.  Elder and Sister Allen brought them all their home for the night.  They live in Kahuka by the beach.  They took credit cards and such.  It shool up the girls.  We need to all be more careful.  Not that they could have done anything.  The theives broke a window to get in.

 
Paul gave the Priethood lesson today.  It was Elder Stevenson's talk on "Shepherding".  He spent a great dear of time on seeing as he didn't find out until Friday night and did a great job, as usual.  Saturday we escoted a wedding.  Such a great couple.  They met just six months ago at work.  Both have served a mission.  She in Portugal and He in Papa New Guinie.  They are from here but are moving to Lehi.  

Today we have been invited to two dinners.  The Hopkinsons invited us last night as we were leaving the cultural event and Emily and Stu had said something about getting together Sunday and so hopefully we will be able to get to both.  Some weeks there is nothing. 
We had a nice visit with the Hallstroms this week going over things that we can do better.  They are very loving and kind and happy people.  We are fortunate to serve under them.  We have been serving in the baptisstry on Thursday mornings.  It has been very busy.  This last week we didn't get out until 10:30.  The baptistry closes at 9 and it took that long to get everyone out.  Which is a good thing.  We then come back at 2 for our shift.  We have had lots of visitors.  Many places have spring break.  

Rimpy Varial

March 4 - 11, 2019

March is flying by.  Who can believe it is already the 11th.  Life is about the same.  The weather the last month has been cloudy, windy and wet with sunshine mixed in.  It is always good to have an unbrella close by. 

Last Sunday night was Break the Fast.  We picked up the Petersons, from Ivans and friends of Gary and Diane's, to take them with us.  They are still tired but settling in.  They work from 8 or 9 to 4 or 5 every day, so they have a long day.  FHE was about taxes given by Elder Cain and Weech.  We will see what Kory decides is the best road for us.  We have $23,000 in church donations and probably around 7 or 8 hundred in expenses so it might be to our advantage to itemize.  He will probably have to do it both ways to decide.

The kids, Kory and Kelly, got together for dinner Sunday.  It's nice to see them getting together.  Mallorie, Brayden and Gary went over to Marcie's for dinner with the family also.  It's so good to keep these connections. 

Yesterday, Sunday, we invited Tessa Sullivan over for her birthday dinner.  She is finishing up her student teaching and will graduate in April.  Her family is coming.  She has to teach until the end of the school year, June 3. 

We are tired of driving around the island so opted to stay home today.  We did get up early and go to the gym and racketball.  Elder Broadbent has been sick this weekend with a bad cold and as soon as Emily Woleist heard about it she made chicken noodle soup for everyone.  They are the most amazing people.  So giving of time, money and love.  We are so blessed to know them. 

We also stopped at the Assisted Living home and visited with Leslie and listened to Percy who came to sing.  There are some lovely people there. 

We love the sister missionaries.  Tomorrow is transfer and many are moving apartments and 10 going home.  I took over some yogart and cookies this morning to the teaching center.  I try to keep something over there every week. 

This is an amazing week.  All 15 apostles are in Rome for the dedicatiton of the Rome Temple.  What an amazing accomplishment.  President Nelson said it is 162 temple with over 200 announced or being built.  We are living in a wonderful time.  Temples are dotting the earth and we feel so blessed to be serving in one.  Saturday we were able to help with two sealings.  One a young couple from Colorado and a local who was being sealed after 14 years of marriage, an older couple.  So sweet to be apart of this work.  We serve with incredible people, all so dedicated to loving the Lord and we are constantly amazed at the sacrifices they make to be here. 

We love the Lord and are trying to do our small part in helping His work to move forward. 

Laie Point 

High winds and surf on the North Shore 

Pirates of Penzan at the McKay Auditorium

many chickens having breakfast on our way to church Sunday

Percy, from Laie 1st Ward, comes to sing andplay for the residents

Paul listening to Percy 

Wild pigs at the Assisted Living, in a few months they will be someone's dinner

February 16 - March 3, 2019

Have been coming into the temple for the last couple of weeks on Thursday morning where we have been coordinating the baptistry.  It has been very fun.  Today Sister Malan and Savage came in right at 9 am.  Sister Savage forgot her recommend.  President looked her up and got her in.  The Sisters had found a family name and were so excited to bring these people to the temple.  So happy we could help them.  The Hughes boys came over to assist and the Bramwell YSA who is here for a few months is also coming every Thursday to help in the baptistry.  It's a wonderful extra assignment.
Came home and will go back at 2 for our shift.

Thursday evening we were able to help with a sealing of two older siblings to their parents.  Brother Anderson did the sealing and it was really wonderful.  They also had several other family names to do and toward the end Bro. Anderson invited me to come into the room with them.  What a special opportunity.  I spent the rest of the evening in the laundry with Zina, whom I love very much.  What an example of a daughter of God.  She so willingly gives of herself to further the work in the temple by taking care of all the laundry, of which the temple would not operate without what she does.

In my reading today I came across this article by Elder Rasband on the call of missionaries.  It's nice to be reminded that the Lord knows and loves each one of us.

"At the end of the meeting Elder Eyring bore his witness to me of the love of the Savior, which He has for each missionary assigned to go out into the world and preach the restored gospel. He said that it is by the great love of the Savior that His servants know where these wonderful young men and women, senior missionaries, and senior couple missionaries are to serve. I had a further witness that morning that every missionary called in this Church, and assigned or reassigned to a particular mission, is called by revelation from the Lord God Almighty through one of these, His servants."

February flew by.  One Monday we went down and helped at the Visitor Center while Elder Seabring was recouperating from eye surgery.  It is always fun to serve with the young sisters and get to know them better.  We have been trying to help them out by taking some snacks down to the teaching center for them.  They seem to appreicate it very much.  Some of them brought us a sweet note of thanks. 

The weather has been pretty strange this month.  All the natives think it has been the coldest they can remember for a long time.  A few nights were in the high 50's which is very cold for here.  It is starting to warm up again and we still have rain on and off. 

Sunday March 3rd we left home at 6:50 am and headed for Waipui for church.  We were able to go to four Wards, all in the same bldg.  The first was Tongan, they had translators for us, then Samoan, no translators, then Marshalese and finally English.  We saw many people we knew from the temple, either workers or patrons who come often.  What a blessing.  It was a fun day.  Upon returning home we went to Break the Fast with the other senior missionaries.  We picked up Elder and Sister Peterson, friends of Gary and Diane's from Ivans.  They are settling in but are tired.  They are serving at BYUH in Leadership and usually have a 8-5 hour day. 

Nikki and her brothers.  She works in the laundry with Zina

Scout pancake breakfast Laie 1st Ward

a very windy day 

helping at the VC

Aloha-OE Pam Mecham in ceneter 

The Keslers stopped by for a visit.  Knew them in HK

Church in Waipai 

Sweet Velma from HK

February 1 - 15

Jaxson Branaum almost 1 

Laie Point

Laie Point 

Joyce and Von Kesler from our HK mission 

Fran and Brent Peterson's are good friends of Gary and Diane.  Just arrived to serve at BYUH

The ocean in turmoil Sharks Cove

Aloha oe's to the Beuhrings, Tanners 

Two of our Sister missionaries, Sister Carter from Meier's Ward on right

Gage's first time at the temple and brother Josh bapatised him.

Our temple engineers, Bro. Tuttle, Dan, and Casey

Temple Road looking toward the ocean

Helping out at the VC for the Seabrings.  The VC is closed for renovation so they are totally outside.

Missiionaries leaving the Temple who are going home.  Sister Hoffman on the right, grandmother is Sister Nabors from Manhattan Temple we served with.

beautiful Hawaii mountains

Dinner at Pounders at PCC

As you can see there has been a lapse in my writing.  I just can't seem to get into the mood to write.  That better change.

February has been filled with a few visits and running into people we know from other missions.  This last week Von and Joyce Kesler from Hong Kong mission were here in Laie for a visit.  They had just finished a cruise with his family and were spending a few days here by themselves.  They are now living in Riverton.  We were so happy they contacted us.  We spent Sunday together.  They met us for Church then we drove down to Sharks coast to see the big waves.  We had a very unusual storm this last week.  The winds were coming from a different direction than usual and the ocean was definitely in turmoil.  The waves were up to 40-60 feet and you could see the white crests way out, which we never do.  There was a little rain but mostly wind.  We ended up being without power for about 5 hours.  Emily and Stu Wolthus came to the rescue and invited several friends and missionaries over for a bbq around 6.  We ate by candlelight and had a delicious dinner.  She is truely amazing.  She defrosted steak, salmon, shrimp and bbq it on the grill.  Luckily I had a few things in my fridge and I took fruit and salad.

It has been the coldest here in two years, in the 60's.  Every day we see a little sun, lots of rain, actually buckets of it for about 10 minutes, then overcast, then sun again and it starts all over again.  Luckily we have not been caught in a downpour yet.

Paul and I went to the dermetalogist the end of January and got a few things burned off.  He had some things on his ears but they have come back negative.  We looked a little strange but they have all fallen off now.

President and Sister Hollstrom took us to dinner at Turtle Bay a few weeks ago.  It was fun to get to know them better and we had a delicious meal.  They also came to FHE last Monday and invited all the missionaries who had a desire to come and serve in the temple as ordinance workers, volunteers or whoever they could.  We are in need of more workers.  When the BYUH students leave, because they serve four hours it leaves a skelton crew.  now.

January 21 - 17

Monday I went over to Jan Mecham's home and helped quilt on a quilt they were making for the mission settlement. I went back again on Tuesday and it was almost completed.  Paul did the laundry early and we stopped at Taco Bell to try their special burrito for $1.50.  not bad, a three cheese and a chicken enchilada.  Lunch for just over $3.00.  That night was FHE and the Tanners, Fowlers and Beurhrings are all going home.  Sister Beuhring has been doing baby receiving blankets and needs someone to take it over so I will try.

Tuesday we went in at 11 for prayer meeting and then attended the 12 o'clock session and then went to work at 2.  The sessions were not as full all day as last week.  We need more ordinance workers.  Many people had to wait in iniatory and sealing for enough workers.

Paul gave blood this week over at BYUH.  He has been so good about doing this service.  He gives doubles so can only go about every 4 months.

The last two weeks in January are a blur since I did not write weekly.  I'm sure it was more of the same.  Monday's going on a trip to Costco and Walmart and then FHE with the other missionaries.  A couple of times I did take Tessa Sullivan over to Walmart to get her some things and I also took Jural and Rimpy Vinay over to the Honolulu side so that Ryan could have an extra for his TB test.  Because they come from India the shot often shows up showing positive so he had to have an xray.  I was happy to do it.  Paul stayed home and rested after his strenuous racketball playing.

We see many wonderful friends in the temple.  The Carroll family come often.  They recently sent out their son to SLSouth mission.  He is doing so great.  He is a little unusual in that his voice has never changed.  He is a good looking young man but you just don't expect this voice to come out of him.  I guess growing up it has been a source of ridicule to him.  His Mom and Grandmother come to the temple weekly and she sends us his letters.  He is an amazing missionary and lives so close to the spirit.  Sister Lee, who comes on Tuesday mornings to the 11o'clock session is back from the mainland.  There are many like her who come the same time every week and we get to know them.

The weather this month has been very unusual and actually cool for most of the people here and those visiting want to know where is the sun.

President and Sister Hollstrom continue to take good care of us and the Broadbents.

The gospel is true and is on the earth again.  We are so happy to be part of President Nelson's army of gathering Israel.