June 24 - 30, 2019

Monday we went to say goodbye to the Stonehockers and ended up taking them to the airport for the Orams.  It was a pleasure.  Paul has been playing racketball with him all year.  They are headed to Lethbridge Alberta Canada.  They worked with the IWORK program and did so much good for the island students who come with practically nothing.  We met them many times at Walmart picking up pillows or other things for these students.  We stopped at Denny's and had a nice dinner before sending them off.  They forgot their handicap sign in their car and that ended up being an adventure for us but we finally got it sent off.  It cost $44 to send a tiny envelope international.

We got back in time for the middle of FHE where Sister Smith, MCCann and Stevensons were giving their Aloha oe.  We stopped by the YSA, where Susan and her husband serve, for some refreshments before going home.  They are so good to always share with us.

Paul spent all week working on our new schedule for the temple with the third couple.  We finally decided on one week assignment and then change.  It will be Team 1 7 - 1, Team 2 9:30-3:30, Team 3 - 9pm.  Should work out well.  The temple was busy this week.  Always is the last week before closure.  We had several weddings each day, Friday and Saturday being the busiest.  We were able to help with several of them.

Sinalei Tofa, she is in charge of the laundry and we love her dearly, had her son's wedding on Saturday at 11.  We were able to attend the reception that night.  So fun and so beautiful.  Kalei Weller and Falefitu Tofa.

We helped Pres. Ta'ala close up the temple by taking care of all othe ordinance worker lockers.  It was amazingly easy.  We had probably less than ten people leave their clothes.  A first.  It was probably President Hallstrom's scripture that did it.  I must find it and include it here.

Tuesday we went to Koneohe for dinner with Brother and Sister Hikia and Oshiras.  We went to a mexican restaurant, very good but not a good place to visit.  They coordinate on Wednesday day.  Wonderful people.  It was quite a rain storm that day with flood warnings but we were okay getting home.

Friday after our shift we went to the PCC to try and find the Figeroas who are visiting with their family.  The Springers found them first and took them around BYUH so we saw them for a few minutes.  Always fun to see people from home.  Saturday we also were stopped by a missionary we had known in Manhattan who was in Laie for a wedding.  Small world.  Oh, our tood friends, the Holloways from Manhattan Temple, received a call to serve in Johannesburg South Africa Temple and leave Sept 13th.

Gene and LaRae Figeroa from Oxnard, CA

It's been a wonderful week.  Now looking forward to two weeks off.  Tomorrow we take the Broadbents to the airpirt at 4 am.  Sunday night we are going to the Nichols for dinner.

Tyler's missionary picture

We love the Lord and each other.  Tyler is meeting with the Stake President today for his mission papers.  We are so proud of our grandchildren.

Kalei and Fale Tofa wedding

Paul, Mar Jean, Sister    , Carole Ann and Ray Broadbent

President & Sister Ta'ala, Max, recorder, and his wife

President and Sister Ta'ala

Sinalei Ta'ala Toja, my dear friend from the temple laundry

June 10 - 23, 2019

Today Paul is out trying to find a home for the Hunts.  I keep telling him it is not his job but he has been inspired.  As long as he does't take our home, I should be okay with it.  I am taking Vinay, Rimpy and Ryan Jurial, our India friends, to Sams Club.  Paul is going to stay home and get some rest.

I am happy to announce he has found a couple of places.  Bishop Lee has an apartmenet right across from the TVA condos they are building.  He is suppose to have it all renovated by July 8 when the Hunts arrive, I'll believe it when I see it.  It is going to be a push.  The Whettens are also building an apartment under their new home and it should be ready by October, again, we'll believe it when we see it.  It will be very nice so worth waiting for.

Saturday night we went to Erin and Matt Fredericks home for dinner.  It was delightful.  They live out by Sunset Beach up on the hill.  They have a beautiful home they have renovated.  Wonderful people.  She teaches at BYUH.  He is serving in the temple and Paul has had the privilege of mentoring him.  He had a stroke ten years ago and has come back really well.  Amazing the blessing he is and what he has been able to accomplish.  We are blessed to know them.  She cooked a most delicious meal topped with banana cream pie from Ted's bakery.

Matt & Erin Frederick

Today is father's day.  We feel very blessed to have had such good men in our lives.  Both of our dad's were great men who often worked quietly behind the scenes but were powerful in their love and service to others especially their family.  They loved their families dearly and were always happy when they saw them succeed.  We have a wonderful legacy to live up to.

Father's Day messages from the kids:  June 16
Dad, Happy Father's Day!  thank you for all you have taught Kimberly, Kelly and I  and for your great example of service and sacrifice.  We are eternally grateful that you decided to become a Member of Christ's church and your faithfulness in serving Him and your fellowman.  We sure love you!  Kory

Happy Father's Day!
Thank you for the great example you are to me and my family.  We have been so blessed to have you in our lives.  We appreicate your love adn support and selflessness.  You are always serving others and we are grateful for what you do for us and are blessed to see you serve others.  We love you!  Have a greaet day.  Love Kimberly, Gary & family

This week President & Sister Oaks were in Hawaii.  This is from the BYUH Devotional and they also spoke at a Fireside Sunday night which was televised throughout Hawaii in the Stake Centers.  Our Temple President The Hallstroms and our Mission President, the Bekkers are sitting behind them.  Elder & Sister Clark, Educatiion Director of the Church, was also with them, and, of course, President and Sister Tanner.

Our good friend Emily Wolthuist is gone for several weeks to the Manti pageant.  What a blessing for her.  She is having such a good time.  She spent three days making costumes for the angels.  She is in charge of all the angels, 350 of them, to get them to their position and whatever else.  She was also a grandma angel.  We miss her.  There is probably not a more giving and loving person than Emily.  We can all learn from her example.  

 Our beloved leaders are going home.  The Stockhomers, going to Alberta, Canada.  Paul played racketball with him every week and they were in charge of the IWorks program feeding and helping all the workers at the PCC and the incoming students who come with nothing.  They furnish bedding and other essential which most of them come without.  The other couple are the Canes.  They were in charge of all the housing for all the missionaries, that's VC, Sr. Couples and anyone else.  They did a terrific job.  Very personable and loving people.  They go back to Kinnewick, WA.

This is Mason, Staci and Adam's boy.  He just turned 1.

Jaxson having fun at the botanical Gardens in Virginia 

 Robbie went to a wresting camp in Wyoming and came home with some memories.

 Tyler graduated from Lehi High School.  Our oldest grandson.  So very proud of him.  He is working on his mission papers as we speak.  Good luck.  You will be an awesome missionary and you yourself will grow.

On Father's Day the Ward gave all the Dad's candy bars.  Later that evening after Just Serve we went to the Dan and Karen Nickols home for dinner.  They are always so generous.  We had tacos and lots of good company.  The Broadbents also came and another couple from their ward and Dave.  They always have an open invitation every Sunday for anyone.  

Karen & Dan Nichols, coordinators at the temple we have met and learned to love and appreicate.

 We didn't want to drive around the island this Monday so instead we enjoyed a leisurely morning and then went to watch the Cook Island dancers at the PCC in the afternoon.  They changed athe times so we just got the tail end so we stayed to see the whole performance.  They are truly amazing.  I also got tovisit with a sister that has been to the temple almost every day who is also from the Cook Islands.  She said they come early and stay with a son and help out with the performances and then will go home when the troup goes home.

Cook Island dancers

a sunset picture, my first

We met the Randalls, friends of the Harris's from our NY days.  They will be teaching ukuleli

 Wednesday evening we went to see the Polynesian Dance recital at BYUH.  Bobbie Beltran is in our Laie 1st Ward and I am assigned to minister to her so we went to watch.  She is the teacher and it was amazing what they were able to do in one semester.  It was a fun evening.

Bobbie Beltran

A couple who serve in the temple.  They are from Mongolia and she is in the dance class and just had this sweeet baby boy two weeks ago.  

Brother Thorsend who also serves at the temple. 

Brother Nu from Hong Kong, also serves in the temple

Sister Hammand who serves in the temple and also the laundry.  She is great. 

Sister Taylor at the percussion recital.  She comes to the temple every morning around 7 to do iniatories before she starts her day.  We wanted to support her.  A great performance.

Thursday evening we took Stu Wolthuis to the airport.  He was going up to be with Emily and celebrate his mom and dad's 60th anniversary.  They are such good people.  He teaches Technology at BYUH and is in a student Stake Presidency.  

It was a nice week at the temple.  Lots of visitors and some sessions were big and some not so big but good.  Paul has found "ordinance ready" and has taken two sets of names to the temple and completed them this last week.  They include ten sealings to children, five couples, one endowment, four baptisms and five iniatories.  He is on a roll.  I just completed Mallorie's names and got some more from her today.  We have been spending extra time at the temple to complete the work.  Saturday they were short so we stayed from 7 - 2:30.  A great day.  

We just learned yesterday that our good friends, Hollaways, received a call to serve in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple.  What an experience.  

We love the Lord and are trying to be like Him.  

June 1 - 9, 2019

Sunday was a busy day.  It was Fast Sunday and we were going to visit a couple of wards in Milliani. We got there at 8 and found out it was Stake Conference.  They were having a youth devotional with Elder Davis, from SD, so we attended that and then went to Stake Conference.  We saw many of our temple workers there also, so it was good.  It was a wonderful conference.  Elder Davis shared a few things with the youth.  A lot of it was on ministering.  Everything you do you are building faith.  Everyone must come up the ladder.  Be kind, express love, declare repentance and bring souls unto me.  Pres. Nau taught:  what will I do now?  let us bring others with us, live in a higher and holier way.   We must repent and do better. 

Pres. Hallstrom:  Each of us has an opportunity for a relationship with the Lorad.  In the temple all of the saving ordinances are presented to us.  It will bless our lies which are activated by our agency.  Blessings flow and come to us.  Five S's
1) Santuary of peace 2) divine school 3) salvation 4) sealings 5) teach us about the Savior 6) symbol of our faith 7) sanctify yourself

Elder Davis:  Be more committed

We went home and that evening we had Break the Fast with the Sr. missionaries and then there was a fireside with President & Sister Bekker.  They will be going home the end of the month as Mission President.  They are wonderful people and he was called as an Area Seventy at the last conference.  They are from Salt Lake area and were dear friends of Elder Scott. What I love about Sister Bekker is that she is so vibrant and excited and always smiling when she talks.  She is pretty amazing.  It was a touching meeting and the Sisters all sang a beautiful song, now I can't remember the name of it.  Oh I think it was "I will be what I believe".  Something like that but so beautiful.

Monday Paul got a haircut in Koneohe, we had lunch and checked out TMobil and came home.  At FHE that night Brother Fausati, from International Students spoke to us.  These students are amazing.  He told us the stories of about six or seven students from all over, there are 76 countries represented here at BYUH.  There stories are heartbreaking until they find the gospel and then are able to come here.  The Church has a wonderful program for them.  In the end if they graduate in four years and return to their country for four years their school debt is forgiven.  Pretty amazing.

Another week at the temple.  We are on afternoon and evenings this two weeks.  Paul has latched on to Family Search and has been getting names from "ordinance ready".  He is picking up on Elder Broadbent, who has also been using it.  We went in early Tuesday morning and got the baptisms and sealings completed and I was able to do two endowments.  I've just about got Mallorie's names completed.  I also printed out some and during another session we were able to complete the sealings.  He has another set for this week.  I only came up with one couple sealing. 

Friday we had a wonderful blessing.  Elder Riley Duke from our Slovenia Mission was here in Hawaii to be married. He knew we were here and asked Sister Hallstrom if we could be their escorts.  She made the arrangements and we were able to be with them adnnd attend the sealing which was done by her grandfather.  What a special blessing for us. 

Paul gave blood this week at BYUH.  He gives double platletts I believe.

Sunday we were invited to speak in the Waimanalo Ward by Brother Taufanga, he is a coordinator at the temple.  It was such a sweet ward.  We recognized several members.  One couple we had been escorts for back in April for their sealing.  Just last week their son was baptized and he passed the sacrament.  Bishop Reynolds and the ward were so kind to us.  Sister Reynolds use to serve at the temple.  We had the most wonderful RS lesson on Bishop Davis talk from conference on living prophets.  She taught us all the prophets with hand movements and then we sang the song and then from their she had the most wonderful  powerpoint presentation.  Truly a wonderful day.  We spoke on the temple of course. 

We came home and that evening went to a special Devotional with Presidenet and Sister Oaks and Elder & Sister Clark.  Sister Oaks is the great granddaughter of President Joseph F. Smith and she told about his life and trials.  Pres. Oaks entitled his talk "Carry on thru Advrsity".  We are drawn to the Savior becasue of His love. 1) Aid in the gathering. 2) Build faith for times of deficiency, correct the cause rather than the symptoms, build a testimony in the Savior--have a play book 3)Principle of leverage as applied to keeping the commandments 4) timing wait with patience 5) Repent 6) careful vs. casual 7) sacrament -- dress, noise 8) blesses us according to His wisdom -- ultimate benefit 9) do the very best you can every day  10) gospel study in the home 11) each home individual responsibility 12) daily repentance pathway to purity, change mind, heart 13) Savior -- exaltation, more required--family matter 14) home can be a holy place 15) choose to return to Him.  King Benjamin "all things done in wisdom and order"  Gordon B. Hinckley "do the vry best we can"

It was a glorious Sabbath.

Our dear friend Leslie from the Assisted Living Home

PCC

President James and Kathleen Hallstrom

The Fredericks from the Temple, Paul is mentoring him.  His wife teaches at BYUH and he had a stroke ten years ago.  Wonderful people.

Break the Fast

Fireside with the Bekkers & Sister Missionaires 

Emily Wolthiest in Manti for the pageant.  The most giving and caring person I have ever met. She is an angel.

Manti pageant

The Sister from Waimanalo Ward that we excorted for their sealing back in April 

Robbie and Josh at BYU for EFY.  We hear they had a great time even though they did not want to go to begin with.

Brody loves snakes. 

We are so very blessed. 

May 20 - 31, 2019

It's been really hard to keep up with this blog.  I should be a better journal writer by now.  May was pretty busy but mostly with the same things we do every day.  Mondays we are off from the temple.  For the last few weeks we have not gone around the island to our favorite places, Costco and Walmart.  We just have not needed much and decided it is  not worth going out. 

On Memorial Day weekend we spent some extra time in the temple.  Ray and Carole Ann Broadbent went home on Thursday for a wedding and so we were covering their shift so we were pretty much there all day, which was wonderful.  It is always a great experience to be in the temple and we were needed. 

At FHE we have been saying goodbye to more of our PCC and BYUH missionaries.  There have been a bunch who are going home and that means many more are coming.  We recently learned that we will get another couple for the temple.  The Hunts from Hong Kong will be coming July 8.  The Hong Kong Temple will be closing for major renovation and so they will finish out there mission here.  The problem is that they do not want to get a car so now Paul has taken it upon himself to find them a place to live.  There are several possibilities but nothing available right now.  He just left to go see Brother Cain to see if he has found anything for them. 

President & Sister Hallstrom stopped by one evening and invited us to dinner at Lai Lai at Turtle Beach.  We had a lovely evening with them.  They are so kind and generous.  Afterwards we went to Ted's Bakery for pie. 

Sister Taala fell while at the commisary and broke her knee cap.  She is now down for about 6 -8 weeks.  The other matrons are filling in for her so it is working out okay.

Blake's graduation from pre school

Farewells for missionaries 

 We went to the PCC and took some pictures while there for memories.

ukuleli museum

Attended a devotional for the mission settlement

a bird waiting for the people to arrive 

 We filled in one night for the Visitor Center and got to work with these wonderful sisters.

Josh received a couple of student awarads at school and had to 4.0 terms.  So proud of him.