TIME "MARCH"ES ON

TIME MARCHES ON

Another month has quickly passed.  Each day brings its share of interruptions and challenges.  The other day we had managed to get a great deal done before 11 a.m.  I said, "Today everything has gone smoothly. We've already gotten so much done!" Things fell apart.  By the end of of the day Elder Glade said, "Don't ever say that again!"  We are always trying to keep the office work done. There are always surprises.  Days end before we get everything done, but time passes and we seem to stay afloat.   

There always seem to be doctor and dentist visits, sprains, eye infections, diarrhea, headaches, rashes and sore throats.  This month brought two minor surgeries: a sister missionary had to change out of her missionary clothes before entering the OR.   I had some skin cancer removed from my cheek because it was getting bigger. The sweet Indonesian woman who assisted the doctor put her hands together and said "Pray Jesus." I don't know if she was telling me to or asking me if I had, but it was kind and comforting.  

The sister's companions kept busy while they waited for her.  They actually had done a good job talking to people in the waiting room, but they still found time to pursue a favorite pass time--taking selfies.  I don't know how they get a hold of Elder Glade's phone so frequently. 
It is always a mystery to him how these photos end up on his phone. 


There are always issues with cars--accidents, check-ups, repairs, tires.  This month the mission got three new trucks for the six elders up north.  Obviously they are excited and hopefully careful.

We had another zone conference.  This time I was in charge of lunch. In the past we have walked to a nearby Vietnamese restaurant.  The weather has been very hot most days, but the day of zone conference was pleasant enough to eat outside, and the ice cream didn't melt faster than the missionaries could eat it.

These 8 missionaries were in the MTC together.  This is the last time they will be together before the 4 sisters head home in the next two transfers.  We are losing more missionaries than are coming to New Caledonia.  Vanuatu is losing more missionaries than we are. Some of the missionaries here are being transferred to Vanuatu.  

This has led to closing two more apartments, a complicated process here and a lot of work. The office elders are helping us sort through the items brought down from the Poro apartment. Thankfully it was furnished and we didn't have to figure out what to do with furniture.

We are grateful when we occasionally have a chance to observe two missionaries have companionship study. It was a blessing to be able to watch these two Tahitian elders share, ask each other questions, and teach each other from the scriptures.  One is a recent convert who has already gained a marvelous knowledge of the gospel.





At each baptism we are reminded it is all worth it.  One young man was baptized the day he turned 18.  His mother, who is Catholic,  wouldn't let him become a member until he was 18 and he was unwilling to wait one day longer.  He had gone with his father, step-mother, older brother, and younger sister (fairly recent converts) to the temple in New Zealand.  He waited outside while they were sealed as a family and his brother was endowed before going on a mission.  Now he is looking forward to being sealed to his family and going on a mission himself.  I have never witnessed a more joyful experience than his baptism as his family and friends rejoiced with him.

Another highlight for us this month was spending time with a wonderful young family that is learning about the church. The family has attended our ward a few times.  We love being able to see the excitement people feel as they begin to learn about the gospel.  

Right now I am hurrying to finish this post while Cyclone Cook rages outside.  Everyone in New Caledonia has to be inside from noon until the cyclone passes. It may be a couple of days. The worst of the storm is still a few hours away.  We and all the missionaries have plenty of water and food and gas in our cars.  I was able to write this because we didn't go to the office today and I'm glad the electricity has stayed on long enough for me to finish.  I am grateful for the peace the gospel brings even when storms surround us.