10-02-16 Awesome week

Very little time because today is BEACH P-DAYYY. The P-day before every transfer the Nausori North and South zones get together, as well as the AP's and ZTL's, and qito at a beach nearby our zones. We're leaving in just a few hours and we need to get our shopping done as well, so we're keeping this session short.

Namaste, humar bahut julum privaar!

It's been an awesome week, so here are the highlights! 

Thursday is our service day, and lately, we've been helping the Navatuyaba Elders build a raft so as to allow easier access across the Navatuyaba-Toga river. The week before last, we cut a bunch of bamboo. Last week, we tied it all together and finished the raft! I'll attach pictures, we were so proud haha. When we got it on the water, unfortunately, we learned that it is unbalanced and way small. It will get two people with great balance across the river though, so hey, it's not useless. Plus it was so fun to make!

Throughout the week, we had some awesome visits with some awesome families and individuals. Remember the investigator who came to church for the first time and brought her sister and mom? GREAT visit with them! I don't remember if i told yous their names, but her name is Eta, the sister is Mere, and the mother is Sara. Eta has three year old twins named Faith and Grace, cute saraga. Anyways, Eta has already accepted to be baptized in a previous visit. During our last visit, Elder Mong Yen extended the same invitation to Mere and Sara, both of whom accepted! Eta, Mere, and Sara are all set to be baptized on October 15. I can't wait! 

Okay, shoot. To save time, one last issue I'd like to bring up, and it's important. I'll get back to this, but I thought it was amazing to hear about Herbert's accident, because our truck is totaled as well.

Last night, we had the Toga and Navatuyaba Elders over so travel would be easier for today. At 9pm, the Toga missionaries decided they needed something from their flat, which is about a 30 minute drive from ours. Unless coming from an appointment, missionaries should never be out or driving past 9:30pm. Elder Carlson was adamantly against their leaving so late, but he left it to their free will. Elder Kanongata'a, Elder Hamon, Elder Mong Yen, and Elder Levasa ( Elder Carlson's companion) got in the car and promised to be back before 10pm. At 11pm, Elder Carlson and I figured that they probably decided to sleep at the Toga flat, and we knocked out. They'd taken our phones, so we had no means to contact anyone. At about 7 this morning, the Naitasiri Elders arrived at our flat and told us that they got into an accident at 9:30pm last night coming back home. The truck rolled four times and stopped itself in a ditch. Elder Mong Yen was driving. 

They were picked up from the scene by a nearby member and taken to the hospital. All, except for Elder Ta'a, were able to leave the hospital and spend the night at the AP's home. All left the scene with nothing more than some scratches and humble hearts. At about 11 this morning, the zone leaders brought to our flat Elder Hamon, Elder Levasa, and Elder Mong Yen. It was really hard to see Elder Mong Yen's bandages and his bloodied tie and sulu. Strangely enough, only a few spots on his shirt. They're all okay, Elder Ta'a will be released from the hospital in about an hour. He's scheduled to leave Fiji on Thursday, having completed his two years as a missionary. 

I was mad at them for their irresponsibility and carelessness when I found out they rolled, but now I'm just overwhelmed with relief that they're alright.

I'll attach photos of the truck, which we visited this morning. To me, it's a miracle that they're alive AND in such great condition. The Lord is just and merciful, no doubt. One good thing that came out of this: Lots more walking. My hopes of coming home with a six pack are reborn. 

Anyways, to address your letters!

I'm just overjoyed to know that Herbert is okay, what an incredible blessing. Concerning the marriage, LASHGOOOOWW. Isa, mom and dad, you guys make it like it's been official for a month. But yeah, WOOOO. I come home to a new sister! ( annnd niece/nephew? ayy ) Herbert IS a diamond, man. Give my new sister a hug for me ay??

U'i, HOLY SMOKES. SA DAULASU SARAGA. You just told me you still fat! Only thing still fat is your head, you're wayy small! That's so sick haha, keep it up! Nina you silly bhaini, getting so big!

Anyways, gotta go! Can't wait for conference on Friday!! Judging by your guys' enthusiasm about it, I'm way stoked!

I love you guys so much! I'm in good health , as are all the other missionaries, and I'm loving the work. I thank Heavenly father for everything I have daily, and I pray for your guys' overall well-being every day. Again, I love you guys so much, and I can't wait to hear from you folks again next week!

Au lomani kemudou valevu, aur hum aaplog ke bahut pyaar!

Moce!

Eldar Ishibashi

Sorry pictures next week