MAN, it's been quite a week. This last transfer was crazy, LOTS of ET's (emergency transfers) and LOTS of changes in the zone. HOWEVER, the work still carries on in its smooth and hastening paste.
It's honestly been a slow week, because we haven't been able to make to the other side at all (where most of our work is) due to bus difficulties and lack of fare. For this reason, I'd humbly ask that you tell me the password for my personal card, haha. While in Labasa, Elder Mo'unga's wallet was stolen, so we've been a little short on funds. I tried it this morning with my "i-n-o-a", but the transaction was rejected. I don't know what happens if I keep trying with wrong passwords, so I left it at that. ANYWAYS, that would actually be a huge help right now, so kerekere!
Despite it being a slow week, one incredible thing has come out of it. Elder Mo'unga and I were able to finish the lessons with the Naiaga family (Eta, Mere, and Sera), they were interviewed on Saturday, and I was able to stand as a witness of their baptism yesterday after church!! It was easily one of the most incredible experiences of my life. They've always been very warm and welcoming of us, but I saw the change in their hearts when our teachings turned from words of sweet curiosity to words of eternal truth. After the baptism, they were given the opportunity to share their testimonies. Their testimonies were the most beautiful I have ever heard. They testified of the changes in their hearts and in their family, and their knowledge of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and this church. They have a deep desire for their father to take the missionary discussions and feel of the joy they do. I love their family so much. I left that service, for lack of better word, pumped. I'm WAY excited to be able to bring people closer to Christ that THEY can partake of this fruit of unparalleled sweetness. We have our sights on a Rabian family who expresses a desire to come closer to Christ, and we visit them often. When we visit this week, we'll invite them to church for stake conference!
Before transfers, our area consisted of two sets of missionaries: Us, the Hindi Elders, and the Waila Sisters. During transfers, they whitewashed the Waila Sisters, replacing them with Elders! Now, our area consists of four Elders: Elder Mo'unga and I, Elder Levasa, and Elder Mckee. After the baptism, Elder Levasa complained to us "HEY. Why are you's teaching Fijians and Rabians?? Give us your investigators, go teach Indians!" He has a point, but hey. Fijian, Rabian, Indian, Tulavuan, Rotuman, doesn't matter. They're all children of God.
Anyways, that was yesterday. Incredible, and I can't say I'm exaggerating when I say, life changing day. Elder Mo'unga told me that the first baptism in the mission is always HUGE on a missionary, and he wasn't wrong. I love that family, and I'm so excited for them and the blessings the Lord has in store for them.
In regards to your letters:
I'm glad everyone's doing well in their family matters, in work and in school!
Of COURSE Lehia is flaunting his stuffed up eel bite. That's an Ishibashi. I actually messed up my leg playing rugby a few P-days back, and now I have a SICK scar on my thigh. Completely healed, doesn't hurt at all, don't worry about it. I'm curious to see what new battle wounds 'Io comes home with and flaunts.
Kala'i straight up just took my babysitting job, and I can't help but feel way envious. I miss those babies, keep them pictures coming sista!
I'm SO happy to hear about Aunty Rose! That's so awesome!! Man, I can't wait to meet her. It's way cool that 'Io will be able to speak to her when he comes home. Speaking of which, Elder Mo'unga and I are making a cake tonight to celebrate 'Io's 21st birthday!! Any excuse to have cake is a good excuse in my opinion, but this is an excellent excuse.
Anyways, I have to go! I'll start sending the pictures now because they take forever to load. I also have to poop REALLY bad right now and the nearest bathroom is downstairs, but I don't wanna take Elder Mo'unga away from the computer time away from writing, so I can hold it.
I love you guys SOOO much, and I'm overjoyed that you's are all okay! I was not aware whatsoever of the typhoon approaching the Philippines, thank you for letting me know, and I will be praying very hard for 'Io and everyone around him. Happy birthday buddy, here's a typhoon. It's okay, remember what I got for my 16th birthday? The flu, and three days in bed. Vinaka, trials. ANYWAYS, I love you guys so much, thank yous for everything!!
Au lomani kemudou sara valevu!!
Ham aaplog ke bahut pyaar karta hai!!
Mom, "au lomani iko" in Hindi would be "ham tum pyaar karta hai" which, directly translated, is "I you love do". Welcome to the Hindi program.
Moce!!
Elda Ishibashi
-New District! (left to right: Elder Jones, Elder Hamon, Elder Paki, Elder Levasa, Elder Mo'unga, Elder Wananavu) This was before the last ET. Now, Elder Paki is with Elder Lemusu in Navatuyaba and Elder Levasa is with Elder Mckee here in Waila.
-Found this sulu and tie in the closet, was left by a previous missionary because the sulu strap was broken. I sowed it back together, and it fits really well! It's a tinyy bit short around the waist, which will change soon, but the height is perfect.
-You would be pleased to know that I am coming home a master chef. Saturday night, I learned how to make roti! And it was goooooood, oh man. Also learned how to make a mean chicken and pumpkin curry. My wife will be a lucky woman. On a different note about food, we're having dinner with the Maiwiriwiri family tonight. Last time we had dinner with them, we had koko alaisa and panikeke. I'm stoooked. Still coming home with a six pack though.
-Finished rotis
-Welcome to the Fiji, Suva mission. Feat. Elder Mo'unga and Elder Levasa
Walking back to the Waila flat because SOMELEVASABODY forgot the baptismal jumpsuit in the flat.
-Myself, Sister Sera holding Grace (or Faith), Mere, Eta holding Faith (or Grace), Brother Maiwiriwiri, and Elder Mo'unga at the Naiaga family baptism.
-Currently feat. Elder Mo'unga
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