Monday was a cloudy, rainy day. Work went well at the
office. We had the monthly Missionary Leadership Conference with about 50
missionaries. The office staff prepared a nice lunch of chicken croissant
sandwiches, pineapple, kale salad, clementine oranges, chips, and cookies.
After the conference is over the office is always flooded with missionaries
coming in for supplies. We love it! We had a new sister arrive from the MTC.
She is so sharp. She has been studying Mandarin Chinese and will be serving at
the Laie Temple Visitor’s Center. She is the only American sister we have
speaking Mandarin. Her new companion came to the office to meet her and they
were having a good time speaking Mandarin and giggling.
In the evening we went to a local member’s house for senior
FHE with the members of the McCully Ward. There are 3 wards that meet in the
Honolulu Tabernacle: McCully, Makiki, and Manoa. Each senior office couple is
assigned to one of the wards. We are in Manoa, but we get invited to events in
every ward. The members really do love the missionaries – senior and junior.
Tuesday was Hawaii at it’s best, weather wise – beautiful
blue skies, refreshing trade wind breeze, and air that felt crystal clean. It
was a quiet but busy day in the office. Not many interruptions, so we were able
to get a lot of work done. I even was able to have a nice, short nap. We made
another trip to the Toyota dealership to pick up the remaining new cars for the
office. In the evening Sister Overduyn and I attended a Relief Society event
for the Manoa Ward. The RS president was recently released, so she and her
counselor had a dinner/social at her home to say thank you to all the sisters
that served in any capacity with her. I was included because (1) I’m a
missionary, and (2) I play the piano for RS. There were about 30 sisters
attending. Sister Mataele’s home is high up on the hills above Honolulu. The
view of the city and sunset was beyond amazing. We had a wonderful, bountiful
turkey/ham dinner with all the trimmings and then some. We visited and played a
cute game. It was just wonderful to be with these special women. They truly
practice the aloha spirit – old and young. It is pure joy to be in their
presence and share in their love of the gospel and each other. This is such a
special place!
Wednesday was cloudy with misty-like rain off and on –
someone called it Hawaii snow. We had a good day at the office and then spent a
couple of hours running errands for the office. Devon needed to restock apartment
supplies, and I needed things from Office Max. We came home and had yummy
leftovers I brought home from the RS dinner last night. It was just as good the
second time! Our absentee ballots finally came in the mail. We filled them out
and dropped them in the mailbox.
Thursday was much like Wednesday – more clouds and rain off
and on. After office hours we hopped on the bus and went back to the Fossil
store at the International Marketplace to have the band on my new watch
adjusted. They were happy to fix it for me. We walked around a little and then
caught the bus back home. It cost us each $1.00 to ride down and we used a
transfer ticket to ride back. Doesn’t get any better than that.
Stunning light/skylight in the International Marketplace
Saturday morning I went to stake choir practice at 7:30 am.
They are preparing for their big Christmas concert and today was the first
practice. After that we loaded up the mission truck with a queen bed, fire
extinguishers, a vacuum, and a package - items that Devon needed to deliver to
various missionaries in Kaneohe and Laie. It was rainy again, so we carefully
wrapped the bed in tarps and then headed out. The ride was lovely, and
everything got delivered. We were so pleased to see the progress of the new
senior missionary couple apartment in Hau’ula. The owners have made it adorable
– cute furnishings and colorful accent walls. I would love to live there. Hope
the new couple feels the same.
After everything was delivered we stopped at the Settlement
in the PCC. I have fought the urge to begin a Hawaiian quilting project, but
finally gave in and bought a small project. Most of the Hawaiian quilts, pillow
coverings, and wall hangings you find here are made in the Philippines. If you
find one made in Hawaii you pay $$$. I finally decided the only way to get a
reasonably priced one made in Hawaii was to make it myself. So for $28.00 I
bought a kit – now to get started.
We decided to drive around the North Shore (the long way) to
get home. We stopped at Seven Brothers for late lunch. Hawaii is noted for it’s
wild chickens. They roam all over the countryside. Of course, we don’t see any
in Honolulu. Anyway. I had to take a photo of some we saw while we were having
lunch in Kahuku.
Sunday was restful. I attended ward choir practice. The
talks and lessons were all excellent. Bishop Halstrom had us all stand as we sang the intermediate hymn, "I Believe In Christ." It was so powerful! They have called a RS pianist, so I’m out
of a job, unless she needs a substitute. I suppose that is okay, but I did
enjoy playing. It’s a good calling for the sister, so I’m happy.
We end our week feeling grateful and very blessed. Between
the wonderful people and the surroundings, there truly is beauty all around us.
Ginger
Hibiscus
? - but look at the interesting leaves
I think I've asked you this before - do you have a twin or a sister? Is her husband mission president of the Bakersfield California mission? They spoke at our stake conference yesterday and I kept seeing you at the pulpit as she spoke!
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