April 1 - 30, 2019

I don't know what happened to April.  I see the page is empty.  Well first was General Conference.  It was wonderful.  We woke up at 5:55 am and watched the first session on our tv and spent the rest of the day sitting in front of the tv watching a enjoying conference.

Watching Conference

 This took all day.  Priesthood session session ended at 4 pm.  Sunday was more of the same.  We watched all of conference at home this year.  We feel inspired to do better than we did yesterday.  Living Prophets are guiding and directing us.  The church is moving forward and each of us needs to step up and do our part.

Laurie and Steve Sullivan came for Tessa's graduation 

Easter Dinner with the Sullivans 

Kelly and boys on their arrival

Kelly and Rob came for two weeks

Sharks Cove scubba diving

Blake and Grandpa playing in the sand

The boys loved Hukilau Beach

Mallorie at Prom

Gage, Tyler and Josh Easter Sunday

Tyler and McKenzie at Prom

Brother and Sister Thompson.  He opened the temple and greeted us at the recommend desk every morning when we first arrived.  He was there at 4 am every morning. 

Kelly helped me dye my hair, not quite what I was expecting 

Turtle Bay snorkeling 

Blake reading his book

 Kelly and Rob arrived on Tuesday and Thursday.  Saturday they went to Wikiki for a week where they parasailed, took surf lessons, climbed Diamond Head, hiked to the light house, took a catarman ride and swam with the turtles and many other things.  A great time.  We enjoyed having them.

I got sick while they were here.  Not much fun.  First a sore thoat, ear ache, goopy eyes, cough.  Finally went to the Dr and got a cpak and now am much better and back to work.  I took Tuesday and Wednesday off so I could get rid of my cough.

Tonight Elder and Sister Weech, our neighbors from Arizona, are leaving and have invited us to Prime Dining at the PCC along with the Broadbents.  The Weeches get free tickets and have to use them before they leave on Wednesday.  Lucky us, we get to go and don't have to pay.

The temple has been busy.  Saturday we had four weddings and we were able to help with two.  We also had several own endowments.  Graduation brings us lots of weddings because families can come for both.

Paul got his hair cut today and got it colored.  We also listened to our Come Follow Me.  Catching up.  I'll try to do better next month.  We love the Lord and our family and are so grateful for all we have and enjoy.  The gospel brings much joy and happiness into our lives.

Oh, we also helped with a missionary fireside at the Kahuka 1st Ward Sunday night.  We were facilitators for The Fig Tree parable.  It was a really nice evening with families and children.  They are working on ministering to those who are not coming out.

March 25 - 31, 2019

Tuesday, 26th, the baptistry was so full.  I have never seen so many people.  All the benches were full plus people all around the walkway and back again.  It was a State Holiday so not only did we have visitors but we also had locals.  What a wonderful day.  The sessions were also full.

Today while at G1 a young lady from baptistry made it all the way down to the front.  I hurried her back up and on the way ran into Laura Torgeson Wright from my days as YW Leader in Camarillo California.  She was there with her youngest 16 year old daughter and husband doing baptisms.  She now has four children and actually two grandchildren.  So fun to see and be remembered by these wonderful people.

Tonight  we are going to dinner at Nick and Nicki's home.  Haven't been there for some time so it will be fun and they always have great food.  Tonight it is Thai food.

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