April 25 - 10 May 2012

I am struggling to get my last two blogs out.  Miles brought us a new computer, and the blogspot has a different format.  I can’t get the pictures where I want them to go.  I hope I can figure it out soon because it’s frustrating!  Last time I wrote I left off where we arrived in Samoa for our Mission Presidents Seminar.

On Wednesday, we started our training at 8:00 am.  President Hamula spoke first. They talked to us about having greater faith; Faith not just to serve but to succeed.  We need to change from man’s way to God’s way.  We need to have greater faith in the Holy Ghost.  We need to create conditions where he can come.  Faith is the key.  We, as Presidents and wives, need to get out in the field, showing instead of just telling.

Elder Zwick and his wife came to be with us.  He is a member of the First Quorum of Seventy and Assistant Executive Director of the Missionary Department. His wife spoke about the fact that were nurtured our entire lives for this calling.  We should not limit ourselves to our own capacity.  The Lord will direct our paths.

Elder Zwick spoke about Real Growth in the Church.  He said that we need to raise the bar of the message and the messenger.  We need to get members engaged in the work.  If the missionary steps up then the member steps up, the convert steps-up and gives referrals.  He said to simplify and intensify.  If we are ready, revelations will come.  We really enjoyed their teaching.

Elder Pearson, one of the counselors to the area President, taught next.  He said there is an urgency to take things up a notch.  What is our vision, do our missionaries know it?  Faith to succeed is the faith to change.  We need to lift our Mission. The level of Discipleship is measured by our obedience, faith, and spiritual power. 

Elder Watson, the other counselor in the Area Presidency, spoke about Repentance and Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost cleanses.  The Hebrew word for repent is Shuba - to turn yourself around.  In Ezekiel 33: 8, 9, 11, and 15 we read that we need to turn away and go the right way and walk towards God.  As the investigator changes his heart and his behavior then true repentance can take place.  A missionary has to teach repentance.  That means that a missionary must practice it and know the principle before he can effectively teach it himself.

Elder Hamula then spoke about Hope.  Hope moves a person; despair stops a person.  We need to move people to act.  Inspired questions are keys to teaching.  Listen and watch your investigators.  Something they say will high light something to teach. Teach simply and clearly.

Elder Pearson taught about Presidents and wives being the lead trainers.  They teach by demonstration.  Inspiration requires information. Inspect what we expect. This is the training ground for later years of our future leaders - our Missionaries. 

Elder Zwick said a leader is a trusted disciple dEcalled to declare his word, so that those they teach might have everlasting life.  Pray for sensitivity.  Talk with everyone as opposed talking to someone. “You get what you go for.” 

Elder Watson said that the Priesthood has power over the adversary.  Counsel and teach “What would the First Presidency or Jesus do?”   The Prophet is the mouth piece of the Lord.  Feed, inspire, and save the flock.

We all went to a dinner that night at the church.  Some of the members cooked the food for us.  We then went to another room where the members performed native dances for us.  They were all great and so friendly.

We had a chance to meet with the Sisters and Presidents separately.  We were able to share ideas and hear Sisters Zwick, Hamula, Pearson, and Watson talk.  They also gave us a lava-lava, a little nativity and a Kava bowl with the date of our conference carved on it.  Yes, they do spoil us!  That evening we ate at the Hotel.

The next day we left early in the morning to go to the Samoa Temple.  It was beautiful and the workers were so sweet.  We all went on the same session which was special.

After that we went to a place called Sinuatua “A gathering place for the members.”  It took about an hour and a half to get there.  It was so pretty there.  They had a school, a welfare farm, homes and a church.  The members there gave us lunch and sang for us.  We went to the church and had a little presentation.  On the bus, was a member who was white who had married a Samoan lady.  He told us some of the customs and lifestyle of the people.  They were all so friendly and sweet to us.

We went to the airport around 11:00 pm for our flight at 1:50 in the morning.  We all went to New Zealand, as that was the quickest way that we could get back to Majuro.  That was about a three and a half hour flight.  We then had a five hour layover.  We then flew to Hawaii, a nine hour flight!  We were there for Saturday and Sunday.  We went to church and saw Sister Fanga and Sister Anterea (returned missionaries from the Marshall Islands).  Sister Anterea had come in on a boat that she works on and was staying with Sister Fanga until Tuesday.  Then she would go back to Christmas Island.  They are both doing well it was so great to see them.

We had a new missionary come to Majuro on Thursday.  Elder Samoa form Samoa.  He has the greatest smile and was excited to be here.  We welcome him.

On Friday evening we had six baptisms.  It was a combined one as the Rita and Jenrock chapel has not been completed so they combined with Uliga and Delap.

We left on Monday morning and arrived in Majuro on Tuesday morning!  It was good to be back in time to get ready for our Mission Tour with Elder & Sister Watson.  They arrived on Saturday morning.  We took them for a little tour to the Laura end.  We had dinner that evening in the mission home with them and the stake presidency and wives.  After that we had a Stake/Ward Council Training meeting.  The Watson’s both talked and President Zedhkeia.  It was a great meeting.

The next day was Sunday and we went to two different sacrament meetings, the Long Island ward and the Jenrok ward.  We also went to visit some members in their homes afterwards.  It was a long but great day. That evening we had a fireside for the stake.  The Watson’s talked and we bore our testimonies.  It was great and the church was packed.

On Monday, we had a zone conference.  The Watson’s, Tom and I spoke.  Elder Watson trained on God is our eHeavenly Father, and Sister Watson taught about the Articles of Faith.  They were both great trainings.  Tom and I gave short trainings.  I talked about Role Playing and he talked about how we can become Disciples of Christ.  That evening we had a dinner with the senior couples.  It was a great dinner and then we sat down together and we were able to ask Elder Watson some questions.  It was great to hear of some of his experiences.  He was one busy man. Through all of his callings his wife raised a family of twelve children!  Elder Watson played the piano and Sisters Watson and Badger sang.

The next day we left in the morning to go to Ebeye.  We were able to have a fireside that evening with the members.  Before the fireside we ate dinner at the restaurant with the District, Branch Presidencies and wives.

On Wednesday, Sister Morgan fixed us breakfast which was so nice of her and then we had a zone conference.  The same topics were taught there as were taught in Majuro. We had lunch with the Missionaries at the restaurant.  Those missionaries sure love to eat!  Then we tried to make some visits.  We went to see Winnie, a member whose family had just gone to the Temple in February.  Her husband had given his testimony at the fireside the night before, but she was sick and was not able to be there.  After we visited she told us that she had felt so bad that she was not able to go to the fireside and meet the Watson’s.  She told us that she had prayed that morning that she might meet them.  The counselor in the Stake Presidency had decided that we should go and see her, not knowing anything about her prayer.  You can imagine how happy she was to see them; just one of the tender mercies of the Lord. 

We then returned to Kwajalein by speed boat to wait for our flight back to Majuro. We arrived last night and the Watson’s continued on to Hawaii.  We so enjoyed spending time with them and being taught by them.

Happy Anniversary to Dad and Jeanne!  It was their twenty first.  We love you both so much. 

Also, Ethan was baptized on the fifth of May.  We want him to know how proud we are of him and how much we missed being there.  You are such a special grandson and we love you so much.  We know that you will continue to choose the right. 

Tomorrow, the tenth, is Bryant’s Birthday, he turns two.  We love you buddy and we will be thinking about you.  He is the youngest grandchild until October when Kellie and Paul will have another baby.  He was two months old when we left home so he has changed a lot since we left for our mission.

We love all of you and we can’t believe that it is May!  This year seems to be whizzing by!  We love to serve and we love our Missionaries, they are amazing!  Love Mom & Dad / Nana & Papa / President & Sister Shaw

April 3-24, 2012

So many exciting days have happened since the last blog.  Tom finally got over the flu bug or whatever he had, but not too quickly.  This is really the first time in our mission that he has felt this rough.  After two rounds of antibiotics and time he is doing better.  This flu has been hitting many people here and also our missionaries.  We are so grateful that the Lord blesses us in that regard because of all of our traveling it could be so much worse. 

On Tuesday, we had our office meeting and it was good to see everyone again.  We really wanted to be able to watch General Conference with the missionaries before we had to leave again.  So Elder Badger was able to download it off of the computer so we decided to watch it the next two days at the Mission home.  Our sweet, senior sisters had already thought of what we could serve for lunch both days and shopped and all pitched in.  The Missionaries usually always look forward to conference because they love to hear the Prophet and the Apostles speak and also because we have a lunch on both days!  Of course, as all of you know it was a wonderful conference and we noticed a definite emphasis on the importance of the family.  It was great to be together.  We also love to see how many of the missionaries need blankies because they say it is too cold!

Friday, we went over to the church for a party that the Long Island Ward had for less actives and investigators.  They had games and lunch and they also gave a tour of the inside of the church.  It was well attended but it was super-hot that day. 

Saturday, we attended a baptism in the Long Island Ward of a Sister.   Elder Randall baptized her.  It is always so wonderful to see the positive change that takes place and the happiness that the church brings into their lives.

Easter Sunday, we went to Long Island Ward.  It was a good block meeting.  Some of the other senior couples said that they did not even talk about the Atonement, but they did all talk about it in our meeting.  We hope all of you had a wonderful Easter and that you were able to spend the day with family and enjoyed Easter programs.  We had Elder Amram, a Missionary from Majuro come to eat lunch with us, as it was his final day of his mission.  We enjoyed having him for dinner and then we had a talk afterwards.  We always stress the importance of them staying very active and accepting callings and helping their home ward in any way they can.  Tom then gave him his final interview.  He came back to the mission home to change into his suit and then we took him home ten minutes away!  Some of his family was waiting for him and we talked with them and took pictures of those that were there.  He and a younger brother are the only members of the church in their family.  Many of our Islanders are the only member of their families, and many hope to convert their families after their missions are completed.  It is so important for them to stay strong, be married in the Temple and raise their own children in the gospel, so that the cycle can be repeated with their children.

 The next week we were preparing for a new intake of three Sisters and thirteen Elders, and our new senior couple Elder and Sister Wayas.  We had two Sisters (Sisters Ieie & Twebani) and six Elders (Elders Angilau, Benavides, Nabubu Swain, Vaaulu & Vano) come to Majuro, plus the Wayas’s, and one Sister (Sister Kimmons) and six Elders (Elders Butterfield, Lewis, Mendenhall, Saksak, Thomas & Teira) in Kiribati.  Our daughter (Kristy) and her husband Miles, and our son Scott and his wife Malia, were also on the plane coming to Majuro!  They were so excited to be on the same plane and got to know our new missionaries before we did.  Oh how we wish that all of our Missionaries could come to the mission home first so that we could greet them and spend time with them.  Unfortunately the airfare is so expensive that those who are serving in Kiribati have to go to Fiji, or to Hawaii, Fiji and then to Tarawa. We did try to skype with them that afternoon but the connection was poor, but we did get to say hello and talk to them for a few minutes, we can’t wait to meet them!

We had quite the Caravan from the airport to the Mission home and mission office!  The Missionaries all went for training at the mission office first, and then they all came to the mission home to eat lunch with us and our kids who came with them.  The Wayas’s were taken out to lunch with the senior couples.  We talked to them during lunch and found out a little bit about them and their families.  We have some more super missionaries and we can’t wait to meet the Kiribati Missionaries in person.

They had a meeting for the trainer and the trainee’s after they finished at our house.  Then they were taken with their trainer to their new areas.  Elder Randall is now back out in the field as a trainer and District leader.  We appreciate all of his service as an Assistant; he has done an outstanding job.  We welcome Elder Rigby as our new Assistant.  He will be a great asset and he and Elder Green are excited to get to work.

We, of course, were so excited to see our two kids and their spouses.  It had been almost two years since we had seen them and it was so great to give them a hug in person instead of a pretend one on skype!  Our wonderful seniors and missionaries allowed us to spend time with them until Monday evening when they flew back to Hawaii.  It was great to catch up with them and spend some special time with them.  The first evening they were there I, Malia and Kristy went over to the Young Women’s meeting.  Kristy and Malia taught the girls how to make friendship bracelets, and the girls taught them how to weave a basket. It was a fun exchange. 

We went to the Island Eneko with them for a day.  This is one of the little Islands on the Atoll where you can play in the ocean and use canoes and have a lunch.  We took them shopping for souvenirs which is always an adventure, there are so many neat crafts to pick from.  We were able to go to a baptism of a young boy who is helping to complete a family.  

Sunday, we went to Laura Ward for church.  The members were very welcoming and they had our kids all bear their testimonies.  As soon as the meeting started and they heard the members sing and pray, they were in love with them.  The primary sang “I am a Child of God” in English which also touched their hearts.  That evening we had set up for the girls to go proselyting with the Sisters in Long Island, and the guys with the Assistants in long Island.  We girls went to the home of a family they had already taught once or twice.  It was a Mother and two of her children.  We introduced ourselves and the mother told us a little about her family.  She mentioned that she had two sons and a daughter, and also a child that had died at birth.  Sisters Howard and Tekiare had told us beforehand that they were going to be teaching about the Book of Mormon and the importance of reading it.  The lesson was in Marshallese so we didn’t understand what was said but we felt the spirit as they read and talked about the scriptures.  The Mother had some reading glasses that were broken and only had the nose and glass part.  The wife and the husband had been sharing them whenever they read anything.  She had them perched on her nose trying to keep them on while she read.  When the lesson was over Sister asked the three of us if we would bear our testimonies about the Book of Mormon.  I started and then Malia and Kristy bore theirs as well.  You could tell that the Mom was really touched, especially as Malia shared with them that she also had lost a baby and that the Book of Mormon got her through that very difficult time.  It was as though heart spoke to heart and they both had a strong bond.  She bore her testimony too and said the closing prayer.  We told her that we had our kids gather some reading glasses to bring to our Mission to give out.  We told her that the Sisters would bring some by for her and her husband to try.  We took a couple of pictures with them also. When they took the glasses over they said the Mom was so touched by the visit and that she knew the Lord had sent us to their home.  The Sister’s took six different strengths of readers over and said they had so much fun trying the different ones on and decided which ones to keep.  She also asked if she could have a picture that we took with them.  It was an amazing experience for all of us.  The boys went to a guy’s home who speaks English so they both taught the whole lesson.  They enjoyed their experience as well, but unfortunately they forgot to take a camera with them.  They said that Sunday was the highlight of their visit.

The day they left we went to Laura Beach to look for shells.  The tide was in so there was not much beach to find the shells on.  We got in the water a little bit and ate lunch there.  That evening they left to go back to Hawaii.  We knew that we would see them there and spend a few days so that goodbye was not so difficult.  We flew there in a couple of days and were able to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center with them and to the Hawaii Temple.  They then left to go back to Utah and we went to Samoa the day after for our Pacific Area Mission Presidents Seminar.  So this goodbye was much harder.  We know that the three of them (including Paul) and their spouses that came have said it meant a lot to see at least this part of the Mission.  We wish they could have gone everywhere in our mission but that just isn’t an option.  We still have one more son Jeff and his wife Amanda who will be coming next year. I think that our family can truly say we have all been so blessed during our Mission.  You are all our jewels and our most prized possession.  We admire you all and the way you are raising your families in the Gospel.  We want all of you, children, grandchildren and extended families to know that we have a strong Testimony of our Father in Heaven, He lives.  His Son Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  The Gospel is the plan of happiness and it only changes lives for the better.  The Lord is in charge and He wants to help us succeed and be happy.  We can reach our potential with his love and guidance.  We are all God’s children and He wants us to return and live with Him once again.  Thank you for striving to be obedient and for your love and prayers, we feel them daily.  We love you all Mom & Dad / Nana & Papa / President & Sister Shaw.

Mar 19 - Apr 2, 2012

We arrived back in Majuro on Thursday, March 22nd. That day we had Sister Vuikadavu over for her departure dinner. She stayed overnight with us and then left for home on Friday, the 23rd. She is our second oldest Sister who served under us. She was a good missionary and she loved serving here.

On Saturday, we attended the baptism of a Sister in the long island ward. The Assistants had taught her, it was a good service.

On Tuesday, Elder/ Dr. Burton the Area Medical Advisor came to Majuro. Originally his wife was going to come but she ended up going to Utah to be with a daughter who was having a repeat surgery. We missed having her as well. He went to meet the Doctors in Majuro and spent the day with the Perkin’s. He came back to our home at dinner time and we ate dinner.

On Wednesday, we had our Zone Conference. It was so good to meet all together again. Dr. Burton gave a presentation and Dad and I spoke. We also had Elder Rigby, Sister Howard, Elder Cherrington, and the Assistants, Elders Randall and Green give presentations. We also had some wonderful testimonies from our newer Missionaries, Elder’s Duford, Watkins, Adam Atantaake, Jolley, Lavelua, Fesola'i, Elder & Sister Wood’s, and Sisters Tekiare and Tominey. We also heard from Elder Amram who will finish his mission in April. The spirit was so strong we have such strong missionaries. Tom talked about Church growth and I used a talk that Elder Packer gave on everything a missionary should know. Tom had already done the interviews of the Majuro missionaries earlier in the month. We had a lunch thanks to the Wood’s and the other seniors. There was still food left over so we know that no one went away hungry. We did the Birthday’s which were many since our last zone conference. Elder Burton joined us for dinner and he stayed with us that evening.

Thursday morning the Perkin’s, Dr. Burton, and us flew to Ebeye.. Dr. Burton went to meet some Doctors and to see the hospital. That evening we all had dinner at the restaurant in the hotel.

Friday, we had our zone conference with the missionaries, Dr. Burton, the Perkin’s and us. We trained on the same subjects we had in Majuro. Elders Kaka and Teriba and Sister Bauro helped with the training. We heard testimonies from Elders Gappmayer and McOmie, and Sister Roota. The spirit was strong once again. We have so much admiration for our Missionaries. They are strong and they have to learn so much so quickly; it is quite a challenge. They learn many things about themselves and about our Father in Heaven’s love for them and His constant care. We had a lunch at the hotel after our zone conference. The Morgan’s are great and they are super with the missionaries and they are always there for them and the Branches. Friday evening they had an orientation meeting explaining how the different organizations help and teach. They had us move from room to room and had women there to explain their subject. They talked about the Primary, Young Women’s, missionary work, compassionate service, home enrichment, and about going to the Temple. This cute family talked about their trip to the Temple.

One of the big reasons we came to Ebeye this time is to form another Branch and call a new Branch Presidency. Tom has interviewed them and they will be set apart on Sunday. The people know about the new Branch and have mixed feelings about the change. Change is always hard but we know that it will be good. More people will be able to have callings and now everyone will fit into the chapel for sacrament meetings.

Tonight, which is Saturday, we are going to watch Leadership Training from the Area Presidency for District and Branch councils. We pray it will help them to see how they should function in their callings? It has been translated into Marshallese. There was a good turnout and we hope it was helpful. Before the meeting started Tom gave a call to a young man who wants to be a missionary so much. He cannot read or write so he wouldn’t be able to serve a regular mission. So he extended a call for him to serve here in Ebeye, a type of service mission. He had a name tag made for him and he seems real ly excited about it. His family are not members so the members here help him out.

Sunday we had a District Meeting to create the new branch on Ebeye. They will now have three branches, one on Kwajalein and one of Lae. They showed the sustained the boundaries and sustained a new Branch Presidency, including a financial clerk, and Elders quorum president. They also ordained five men to the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is so great to see that happen because they can now work as families to go to the Temple. There were around 440 members who attended the meeting. They have a gymnasium that is big enough for District meetings. It is and open air place but is very hot. After the meeting we went to the church to set them all apart. Two of the men in the new Presidency were involved in the Ebeye 2nd Branch Presidency. So the Branch President had to turn in names for two new counselors, they were also sustained and set apart. We then had a luncheon for the District and Branch Presidencies and their wives. The people here are wonderful and we know that they will rally round the new Branch Presidency and help get things on the right track. Tom has been sick this whole trip which has not been too great for him. He lost his voice, and has had a bad cough and a sore throat. He had so many interviews and a talk and settings apart. He is trying to rest now until tomorrow when he has interviews set up in the morning with all of the missionaries. We pray he has a better night.

We want to mention Ethan’s, Scott’s and Jeanne’s Birthday since I last wrote. We hope your days were wonderful. We love you and miss you. Thank you for your love and prayers. Mom & Dad / Nana & Papa / President & Sister Shaw