9-13-17 Iʻm a Dad!!!

So this is it! And I have almost no time because we were out in town getting haircuts and whatnot, but I'll try to get in as much of the hype of the last week as possible! 

First off, I'M A FATHER! Last week, Elder Kioa was reassigned to serve in Nasinu, and I was assigned to train a new missionary! I rode into Suva on Wednesday, and Thursday morning, I met my son. I always looked forward to the day I'd be able to train a new missionary in the Hindi program for one particular reason: to witness their reaction. Everybody said that the newly-called Hindi elder's reaction is the funniest thing on earth, so I was way keen to see it. When my poor son opened his call, it wasn't so much funny as it was just sad. He looked like his whole world just collapsed and threw the letter haha. All I could do is hug him and take him aside. The look of fear in his eyes when he saw the indistinguishable squiggles on my name badge was pretty funny though.

Elder Tui'one was brought up in Auckland, New Zealand, but his family lives in Tonga now. His parents are President and Sister Tui'one, mission president and wife of the Tonga, Nukualofa Mission. He's the absolute man! Wayy humble, such a pleasure to be around and so ready to work hard. His love for the work, our investigators, and this gospel is so evident as he testifies of its truthfulness. I feel so blessed to have such a great example of readiness and diligence of a trainee. Right off the bat, he said he doesn't really mind and that he loves the language already. That's what I did for about six months while in my heart, I carried a sucks attitude about the language and the work that comes with having to speak it. Whether he's genuine about his comfort in the Hindi program or not, I'm trying my best to convert him to the light side of it. Right now, he has an awesome attitude about everything, and I'm so grateful to the Lord for that. 

This last week has been really hectic but extremely humbling. 

On Monday, our flat got broken into and a lot of things were stolen, particular those of Elder Tui'one's. I'm sorry to report that this is the second time in the last month that our flat's been robbed, the last incident was on the 22nd of August. I didn't tell you guys because I didn't want yous to worry. I'm telling yous now because these things are happening frequently and for a reason. The first time, they took some clothes (of mine, only running shoes and a pair of shorts, not too much), Elder Kioa's hair clippers and polaroid camera and all of our food. They must have needed food above all else, because that was honestly our biggest loss. We don't know their situation, but we hope they needed the food more than we did. This last time, we had no food for them to take (haha) so they took almost all of Elder Tui'one's clothes, his hair clippers, and my broken olympus. At first, and to no surprise, he was pretty heated. After four days in Nadi, he had heaps of stuff stolen. He cooled down quickly and accepted that there is indeed a reason for everything, and that trials are given lovingly by our father in heaven for our progression. 

We've been living with the Nawaka elders over the last few days. Tuesday was mostly consistent of a service project and making calls to ensure the upped security of our flat before we moved back in. I was absolutely adamant against moving back into that flat, because it's obviously marked (it has a history of break-ins and intrusions actually, just two since I've been here), but the mission is making a great effort to find new affordable flats in the area. We've been assured that the windows were again barred up firmly and that a double-bolt deadlock was installed, requiring a key to enter and a different key to leave. I trust that it's safe, so we'll be moving back in tonight. Through all of this, Elder Tui'one has been so patient and willing to help in any way possible. He's an awesome kid, taking everything in and seeing it all as memories for the books.

Yesterday, we met up with Nasau again. Oh, she came to church on Sunday! Nasau is probably the most golden and ready soul I've met yet on my mission. Nasau brought her sister to church with her,  the lesson in the second block really struck them both to the core. The lesson was about how each and every single one of us is so special to God; how we're so much more significant than we sometimes think. Nasau's explanation of how it touched her reminded me of President Uchtdorf's quote from his 2011 general conference address You Matter to him: 

"Compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God."

And another address from President Uchtdorf in 2009 titled The Love of God:

“Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. … He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken”

The lesson with Nasau was beautiful, and she's already seen the blessings in her life since we've started visiting her. She committed to making the journey up to Lautoka for stake conference on Sunday, and I have all confidence that I'll see her at the stake center. 

I feel bad because this last week has been so weird for my son, so studies and the daily schedule's been a bit funky. REALLY looking forward to mission tour tomorrow and then stake conference on Saturday and Sunday. Monday, I'll have some hot new vuku to drop on yous. Hopefully by next week everything will be back to normal. 

Dad, I'm way glad the fireside went well! I've gained such an appreciation for my kupuna and the example they set in following Christ as I've served. I have no clue what legacy I'll leave in Fiji, and I'm sure the missionaries that brought the gospel to Keaka knew just as much. This is the work of God and we are his servants, purposed to bring the gospel to his beloved children so they might have the opportunity to return to our heavenly home. I also know with all my heart that that's true, obedience=blessings. I'll be one hundred percent honest, there were points earlier on in my mission when I was less-than-exactly obedient, and though it may be fun to deviate from the rules for a moment, it is NOT worth it. As simple as that formula is, another is just as simple: disobedience will cast the spirit away. Without the spirit, the work of the lord can/will not carry out. On the contrary, I have a testimony of the missionary principle "Obedience brings blessings;exact obedience brings miracles."

CONGRATULATIONS to Shon! I've heard there is an oddly large number of Indians in Logan, tell Shon I can hook him up with some vocab if he wants to impress some aunti on the street. It'd be a great OYM technique, I reckon. Let me know first thing when Siaosi receives his! My guess is Tonga. 

I'M OUT OF TIME, I love you all so much, have an incredible/blessed week! 

Hope you like the pictures!! Love yous! 

Khyaal rakna, 

Elder Ishibashi

Selections from drive from Suva to Nadi

-Seeing off the Australians finishing their missions (E. Kumar and S.Tuivai)

-Seeing off the pops

-The Tongan gene skips a generation

-Oldest Hindi Elders in Fiji with the youngest 

-Caught our ward clerk passed out after priesthood. When he woke up to me taking a picture:
"... Amen."

-Everybody that had anything to do with my upbringing in the FSM is dying. Soon, I won't know anybody out here. Moce to Sister Tupaea

-Na moko

-Literally me having absolutely no clue where we are

-"Everything the light touches is our kingdom..."

-Now feat. Elder Jessee

-Feat. Na luvequ

-Last night, sending Sister Teitiaki home to Kritimati. There were heaps of people from Hawai'i there because the Honolulu flight stops in Kritimati, but I was too shy to talk to anyone. I know, shame...