WHAT A WEEK! June 5-11, 2016

This week we have dealt with two elders with an emergency transfer to Vanuatu, a broken hand requiring surgery, vandalism of the stake center leading to a last-minute baptism at our chapel, flat tires, no jacks, tooth decay, two elders being robbed, keys locked in cars--twice, two elders going home, car inspection, getting wrecked cars repaired, (there have been 4--none serious--since we got here),  a propane tank thief, a massive transfer (two weeks sooner than expected with sisters moving into what had been elders apartments and visa-versa). Because of the robbery we had a lengthy session at the police station and with the phone company trying to buy a new sim card and then get a new phone. The internet also quit for periods of time on two days. We have also been training a new church service missionary couple the Gastaldis.

  

At the police station

Fender Bender

Trying to figure out how to thwart a propane tank thief.  These Sisters would like a hot shower--especially now that the weather is getting cooler, but someone keeps stealing their propane tank which is outside their apartment.

The Gastaldis (left)  a local couple from our ward here will be working with us.  President and Sister Granger are on the right.  The Gurreras (also in our ward) finish their mission the end of June.  Gastaldis will be in charge of missionary apartments and cars.

Of a less dramatic nature, someone always needs a light bulb (one apartment had five burned out), a trash can, an ironing board cover, and more forks--always more forks. We are so blessed to have the Gastaldis to help us help these wonderful young missionaries.

LOTS OF VISITORS

Special Stake Conference (May 21-22)

This past weekend we had a special (previously unscheduled) Stake Conference.  Elder Lynn G. Robbins and Elder O. Vincent Haleck and his wife spoke at the conference meetings. President and Sister Granger and his two assistants were with us  in New Caledonia as well.  There was a Saturday morning leadership meeting.  In the afternoon there was a meeting for all of the missionaries in New Caledonia. The whole stake gathered for the Sunday morning meeting and there was a meeting for Young Adults Sunday Evening.  Elder Glade was asked to be in charge of the equipment used for translating which meant we were able to attend the Youth and Young Adult Meeting as well. 

 

All the full-time missionaries serving in New Caledonia and also some of the local church service missionaries.  On the front right side of the pictures are missionaries serving in the Family History Center.

At the airport.  We also did some driving when the Stake President couldn't.

After our Martha-like efforts to help the missionaries get the clothes they needed and get the office ready for the Grangers' visit, it was nice to sit Mary-like at their feet and be taught. 

Part of Getting Ready for the Weekend

Elder Rhodes and Elder Kessler, Office Elders, gave up most of p-day to help me paint the bureau.  They also patiently help me every day as I am learning my office jobs.  For once Elder Glade was grateful for how much office work he had to do.  He doesn't enjoy painting and had reports that couldn't wait.

              After the Missionary Meeting

The missionaries love to take and be in pictures whenever they are together.  Here are a couple of pictures.  

Quelques belles soeurs

Several Elders--some with new clothes.  Their shirts are so white. Next to impossible to get a picture without the hand signals.

And Also

The Stake had already arranged for a Brother Herewini Jones to come here from New Zealand for about ten days before they knew about the special Stake Conference. He is an expert on counseling with various tribes throughout the Islands and also in the United States.  In his talks to church members he talks about how indigenous people are of the House of Israel.  To the nonmember groups he spoke to he talks about precious truths that have been lost from their traditional teachings. He tells them this is why the people are having so many problems--especially the youth.  This is a great oversimplification, but he was fascinating and knows so much. We heard him speak about four times during the week. He would speak for two hours and sometimes the questions and answers would go on for two hours more.  He sometimes had two speaking engagements a day. He was tireless. He was very well received by church members, community counselors, and government leaders as well.  Everyone wants him to come back. 

Brother Herewini Jones.  The woman in the picture is the Stake Public Affairs Specialist.  She arranged everything for Brother Jone's visit and also translated for hours.  She is an amazing person and

we have been so blessed to get to know her.

Still More Visitors

We also spent time with a missionary couple from California serving in public affairs in Australia.  They came for a week to check out New Caledonia and wrote stories on Stake Conference and Brother Jones.  It was good to compare experiences as senior missionaries. We seldom interact with other full-time senior missionaries.  I enjoyed being able to visit with her and Sister Haleck and Sister Granger.  It isn't as much work as when there is a language barrier.  Quite a few people at church speak English well, but I try to speak French there as much as possible.

 

Next week it should be "things as usual"  if there is such a thing here.  There always seems to be something going on.