Two weeks ago I gave a talk in church--in French. Thanks to google translate, Elder Glade, a young missionary, Elder Calveau, and lots of practice, people were able to understand me. Even though I do enjoy the challenge, it is so hard not to have the words easily available to express my thoughts. Some French words are just plain hard for me to get my tongue around unless I say them over and over again. This has made me think how this mission has left me tongue-tied. It is so hard to find the words to describe our experiences with the natural beauty, the culture, the people, and the spirit.
Sometimes on p-days we have time to explore more of the natural beauty of this island.
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| Chutes de la Madeleine |
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| View of Dumbea from Mont Khogi |
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| Grand Kaori--1000 year old tree |
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| Roche Pierce |
But the ride home from the bureau where we work can be equally spectacular.
The mix of island, European (mostly French), and Asian cultures makes life in New Caledonia rich and varied--ukulele music, Chinese shops, and French restaurants. One day while waiting for a car to be fixed we visited some members who are a family of famous sculptors. We enjoyed learning more about some of the symbols in their work and their significance in Melanesian culture.
I've been a little surprised at how quickly I have come to love the people here so deeply--ward members and investigators, the young adults we work with some and the missionaries, the couple I teach English to who are hoping to pass the Michigan test and go to BYUH.
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| A young boy front and center enjoying watching dancing at a ward activity. |
A Sister at a recent Relief Society activity.
A Stake young adult activity.
The spiritual experiences are what truly make serving a mission worthwhile. Brother Maleoka, after investigating for four years, shouted for joy as he came up out of the waters of baptism. He was thrilled to know he could repent and improve his life. He wore white to symbolize the purity that he felt. He is illiterate. He said that he is unable to write about his baptism, but God could read what was written in his heart. This is the first time in his life he has worn a tie. Elder Watkins is baptizing Luc, an eleven year old with amazing gospel knowledge and looking forward to becoming a deacon soon. His tiny branch has few priesthood holders. He was the first convert baptism in the far north of the mission in at least ten years. No font within hours so Luc was baptized in the ocean.
I am so grateful to see the joy the Gospel brings into people's lives. I'm so grateful for the blessings of the Gospel in my life and the opportunity we have to serve this mission.
I am so grateful to see the joy the Gospel brings into people's lives. I'm so grateful for the blessings of the Gospel in my life and the opportunity we have to serve this mission.
A Sister at a recent Relief Society activity.
