Welp, it's transfer week! Elder Datoon and I are anticipating transfer calls tomorrow, though we're pretty likely to stay together another transfer. Who knows, we'll see!
This last week has been preeetty uneventful, unfortunately. MORE unfortunately is the reason that this week was uneventful: I lead.
Elder Datoon gave me the opportunity to lead this week almost entirely, which means deciding who to see on what days, what we'll teach them, and leading those lessons. This week has definitely been another of trial and growth, as I experienced the stress of a senior companion. I'm grateful that Elder Datoon could tell when I was overwhelmed and incapable of effectively leading a lesson or planning session, so he took over. I wanted to be senior companion so badly last transfer because I thought leading an area/companion would be fun and a good learning experience. This last week of leadership seemed like the Lord's way of humbling me and showing me that there was so much more for me to learn before I even consider myself qualified to be a senior companion. (Ether 12:27) I know, ultimately, that all these stresses and annoyances will beat me into the shape I need to be to effectively lead an area. Like a diamond! I suppose I can't deem myself qualified for anything, it's all up to the Lord. When He calls, He qualifies. ANYWAYS, that's just a bit of a peak into my last week.
On Wednesday, I went on exchanges with Elder Arrieta in my area (which is their area too, I guess, but we went to visit some of our investigators and members). That was quite an adventure. We OYM'd for three hours with no luck. Where are those nanis sitting on their porches when you need them?? I found out later that the area we OYM'd is a pretty tough area because everyone is dumb rich and always busy. Does that mean they don't need the gospel, not at all, BUT we just need to hit that area in the sweet spot and at the sweet time. We had some good appointments, met someone Elder Datoon and I look forward to visiting consistently, and had a niccce dinner at bishop Kumar's home with his family (Reuben's fam)! I also discovered how limited my Hindi is, how often I rely on Elder Datoon, and the importance of effective language study.
On Thursday, the entire Suva zone got together for a beach clean-up for service! I hadn't been that close to the beach in aaaages, so I was pretty ridiculously happy to see the waves again; feel the cool mist of the sea on my face, breath in the salt in the air and smell the fragrance of the island orchids. I probably shouldn't have dipped my toes in the ocean, even if it was for just a second, because the temptation was there to "slip", and it was strong. I resisted, however. Beautiful as the crystal blue waters were as they glistened under blazing hot sun and stretched out as far as the eye could see, the shore was super gross. Absolutely littered with ice cream containers and bottles, old toys and household appliances, fishing and boating equipment and everything else that one could carelessly chuck into the ocean. It was a bit lengthy, but the zone did a beautiful job at cleaning up as much trash as possible in the short time that we had.
The rest of the week was mostly consistent of the same ol' same ol' missionary business. Yesterday, we were blessed to witness the confirmation of both Sister Brown and Sister Goundar!
This was actually pretty awesome because we had our doubts that Sister Goundar would attend church. The day previous, she told us that she would most likely be in Nausori on Sunday and Nadi the following Sunday, which would elongate her time without the Gift of the Holy Ghost two weeks (too long). SO, we were overjoyed to arrive at church to see Sister Goundar sitting near the baptismal font talking with the gospel doctrine teacher.
Finally, yesterday we held a mission fast. This mission fast was unlike most fasts we hold within ourselves or our districts, which typically is for personal betterment or the well-being and progression of investigators.
Elder Amai, from New Zealand, was my first zone leader when I entered the field. On P-days when I sat on the side pondered the meaning of life (didn't play because everyone else was playing basketball and I couldn't), Elder Amai sat with me and talked to me about my mission goals. He asked me where I wanted to go, what kind of missionary I wanted to be, and what I wanted my legacy to be when I left. He confirmed to me that trials are given to us for our good and betterment, and that they should NEVER get in the way of progression. He told me that most missionaries hit their year marks and feel as if it's "all down hill from there", like as of that moment, they're only getting closer and closer to home. He expressed to me that he didn't want to be that kind of missionary, and the the mission should never go downhill. When he hit his year mark, he strived to continue upward and refused to slow down whatsoever. Two transfers before he finished, he left zone leadership to train a new missionary. Elder Amai served valiantly and finished his mission strong at the end of December (with Elder Mong Yen).
On Saturday, our mission was devastated with the news that Elder Timothy Amai was involved in a car accident that claimed his life the day before. Yesterday, our mission fasted for the comfort and strength of the Amai family as they deal with the loss of their recently returned missionary friend/brother/son. This really made me think about things, how you never know when someone's time is or could be. He hadn't been home for much longer than a month when this tragic accident occurred. However, as saddened as I was to hear about Elder Amai, it lead me to reflect on the Lord's grace. I didn't know him very long, but I have no doubt in my mind that he's been called to a work that he couldn't have accomplished here. What a blessing it is for us as Latter-day saints to know the Lord's great plan, that he's not lost, but simply continuing his work on the other side of the veil! What a sorrowful thing it is as well, to know that there are people all over Fiji and New Zealand and Hawaii who don't know this great truth and mourn over the 'eternal loss' of their loved ones. I testify that this truth changes lives, and I invite you my incredible family to share this plan with whomever you can. We are so wonderfully blessed to have the knowledge that we do, and we've also been blessed with our voices and social butterfly-ness so that we can share it with others in time of need.
Know that I'm in great health and spirits, and that the work is still going strong!
In response to the letters:
I SAID BE SAFE, YAAR.
Nah jokes, but how incredible are those miracles you were able to witness, dad? I'm soo glad you're safe, and that you were blessed with that wonderful opportunity to serve that young family! The events following that little rescue are undoubtedly nothing short of miracles. The spire appearing under you, Lehia hearing your voice AND him being able to easily swim back to shore as you used his board, how amazing are the Lord's tender mercies?
I'm glad everyone is healthy and not lacking blessings whatsoever! Kala'i, be more careful. You're an athlete, take better care of yourself. Love you boy.
Lehia you hamale, what a blessing it is that you're a good enough surfer to have been near the rough waters that troubled dad AND that you could swim back to shore without your board like nothing. Never stop developing your talents, ay? Keep up your surfing, fishing, and studies (school and church)! HAHA how you like seminary??
Nina, you just keep being you, you beast. Write me more though, I wanna know how you're doing! You too, keep up with your schooling and continue to be the wonderful sister and daughter that you are to your siblings and mom and dad!
I'm gonna close up now, I love you all so much!! Have an incredible week, take care!
Ham aaplogke bahut bahut pyaar karta hai! Fir mileo!!
Elder Ishibashi
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