What another amazing three weeks. Sorry it has taken so long to update the blog. We are busier than we ever imagined. We teach with the Elders and Sisters about 4 nights a week. Last month we had 40 baptisms on the island. Among those baptized were Karleen and Soukaru. Elder Chandler baptized Karleen in Pohnpein language. A first for him. He did great. One Sunday we were invited to their wedding and the next Saturday they were baptized. They have a wonderful family and we were so blessed to be a part of teaching them each week. Nixon is the other baptism we posted. He has been taught off and on for 23 years. Something always seemed to keep him from taking the final step. He would get depressed and would be having a hard time, when his wife would say, "Nixon, you need to pray!" So he did and without fail every time he prayed the next day the Elders showed up at his door. It was such an exciting day on the island when Nixon and his wife were baptized. She waited to be baptized many years wanting them to go together. When he was baptized she clapped her hands and squealed. It was so wonderful to watch. He opened his daughters mission call for her a month ago. We thought then he was close. We loved teaching with the Elders this family! Their daughter, Ivonlia, is the most amazing member missionary on the island. She is the President of our Seminary class at the PIC's High School. One week a little 10 year old boy was baptized and then afterward he gave his testimony. His little chin quivered and tears began to roll down his checks and he taught us about Jesus Christ, the prophet Joseph Smith and what it meant for him to be a member.
We started teaching seminary at PIC's high school during their lunch hour. We have about 30 come each day. It is a great experience with wonderful youth! The spirit is strong and testimonies are growing. Fast Sunday Sister Chandler gave her testimony in Pohnpein for the first time. The members of the Sekere Branch were very happy to think she would be learning the language for them. We love our mission, the people on this island, and our wonderful Sisters and Elders. Please know of our love for all of you.
I was just thinking about you both in church this morning and here I get a reminder to write. How exciting and positive your mission has been for you both. Since both of you are power of examples of what loving the Lord can do for a person, no wonder the response is so wonderful. I am so happy for you but miss you terribly. I am doing well and I am happy. My vacation was wonderful and I have a new calling. I am taking notes in Relief Society. I sure do learn alot by writing it out. I love and miss you both. God Bless You until we meet again. xoxoxoxo Barbara
ReplyDeleteWe check it every few days--but you don't update very often :) Glad you are having success and are enjoying your experience. Autumn used one of your missionary letters and pictures from the blog for her talk in Primary today. It was on "serving the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength". Then she started crying about how much she misses you.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to read of your wonderful experiences. We can tell you are thoroughly involved in the work and loving it. You are a great example. Sending love and hugs, Carl and Judy Hunt.
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