4-23-18 Really looking forward to working with these people!

Kaise hei! 

I don't have a lot of time, just popping in briefly to let you know I'm alive.

Yesterday was hectic, hence my not being able to write. We as a zone went to a beach for our zone P-day, which was wayyy fun. Because of my self-reliance class and my having to run around the zone for pick-ups to shuttle over to the beach a good hour drive away, I only had time to jump on and check without responding. 

This last week was great, though! It was a pretty normal week of good work. On a bit of a sad note, Elder Hess and I thoroughly went through our teaching pool and determined that half of them weren't keeping their commitments, so we dropped some and others are pending. However, the other half are doing great. We're looking at a baptism this weekend for Deo, and we had heaps of people referred to us by members over the last week and they're all way onst. Really looking forward to working with these people! 

No super significant things to report from the last week. 

I'm excited for zone conference on Thursday. The focus of zone conference this time around will be on chapter 7 of the Preach My Gospel: How can I better learn my mission language? The reason being that President Higgins and the older missionaries in this mission have noticed that the language ability of the missionaries have recently died down significantly. More and more lessons are being taught in English, and the missionaries don't have all that much of a drive to get really good at the language. We're sending home and spawning missionaries that are content with their decent Fijian. President doesn't want decent Fijian speakers, or even good or great Fijian speakers. He wants missionaries to go home fluent. He wants missionaries to be able to teach the principles of the gospel so well that there can be no misunderstanding of doctrine. More than this, however, he really wants to stress to sisters the importance of learning the language as well. When I first came in, we had some golden Fijian-speaking sisters here. They weren't fluent, but there's a culture within this mission that sisters just aren't under the same obligation to learn the language because they're always assigned to serve in English wards and branches anyway.Every now and again we have a sister missionary that has really good Fijian "for a sister". President wants to break that. I don't know when he'll start putting sisters into Fijian wards and branches (there's one such area right now, Toga), but he wants them to go home with as good Fijian as they can obtain over 18 months. I would love to see how this new language learning stress helps the mission, and I know that it'll be huge in motivating FSM missionaries to study and speak their assigned language all day every day.

Elder Hess and I are conducting a training on language learning principles and how the culture ties in. We determined that embracing the culture and adopting its customs, no matter how odd or different they may be, is essential in learning the language. For example, what are the contents of a normal conversation in Hawaii? Hunting and fishing laws, volleyball championships, politics, work, school, the economy, etc. Fijians typically converse about their teitei (plantations), how hot the day is, rugby, where they were and where they're going, and 80% of the conversation is a joke. We talk about different things and think different ways, and when we learn to adopt their thought patterns, politics, sense of humor, and so forth, their word choice, structure, and vocabulary begin to make sense. Indians talk about their sick family members and their favorite foods and the sale happening at Max-value. When we come to understand the things they're passionate about, we learn how we can better reach out to them and meet their needs. Over all this, we need to learn the vocabulary we need to converse about all such things and how to go about talking about it.

Again, I'm way excited. Sorry, I left my camera in the car again, but I'll send all the pictures next week. Mean, Lehia! That was a CLEAN win! Still lick you in three weeks, though. Also, Kala'i looking sliiick, what a skuxx! Still lick you too.

I'm glad Anya is cool, send her my love! And I don't know what 'Io's plans are or what he's willing to do, but I don't reckon he'll stray from home for the sake of marriage. I think he'd have the strength to make her stay in Hawaii, unless otherwise prompted by the spirit. Honestly, unless the spirit impresses me that I should follow my wife to the state/country of her origin, she's definitely staying on the islands. But that's quite a ways off to start thinking about. 

Anyways, I'm glad everyone is safe and doing well! 

I love you all so much, have a great and blessed week! 

Khyaal rakna,
Elda Ishibashi 

4-27-18 To obey is better than sacrifice

Kaise hei! 

Got back from self-reliance class a bit late, and we're meeting as a district soon to picnic by a nearby waterfall for p-day, so I'll be a bit brief.

This last week was way good! Found HEAPS of people to teach by trying something we've been finding a good groove in. As I said, we dropped a fat lump of our non progressing investigators, and we dropped several more last week. As we sat in the chapel parking lot one afternoon deciding what we should do, Elder Hess felt impressed that we needed to see a couple of ward members, just to check up on them. We visited each one, shared a message with them, and asked if there were any people on that road or anybody they knew that might be interested in taking the discussions. Every family referred to us at least three other families, either neighbors or close acquaintances. Visiting with each of the families referred to us, we found that they were all golden and ready for the lessons. We're beyond excited to follow-up on them! That night (Wednesday), our dinner appointment fell through, leaving us with a couple of hours to spare in the night before our appointed time to be home. We called several investigators asking if we could come by, but nobody was free at that short notice. Stumped, for a short moment, we bowed our heads in prayer and inquired of the Lord what we should do (because being home too early sucks). We both felt impressed that we needed to go and visit with more members, despite the lateness of the hour. We thought of several families in a certain area and made way to them. Each family had someone ill or injured in the home, and each asked for a priesthood blessing on the afflicted. We were blessed with the opportunity to bless four members that night, and we came home feeling accomplished and edified. 

One of our most promising investigators right now is Sonu. He's 23 years old, is studying accounting at Fiji National University, and works at the Cocacola factory. He's such a pleasure to teach because when we speak, he's so engaged and he listens intently to all of the new teachings. He also asks really good questions (an indication of interest and desire to understand and know more). He's accepted the invitation to be baptized and we're teaching him tonight. WAY cool and down-to-earth man, with such a humble and sincere spirit. He came to church for the first time yesterday, too! 

Zone conference on Thursday was awesome. The downside of being a zone leader is that you have to give the same training three times and you don't get to receive the other trainings by the other zone leaders or STLs. Our training, however, went really well. Given that we were training on cultre and the principles of learning a new language, Elder Hess came up with the idea to wear our shirwanis in representation of our embracing the Hindu culture. I think it helped get the message across of how important it is for us to embrace the culture, customs, and lifestyle of those we serve. When they see us making an effort to adopt the way they walk and the way they talk, the things they eat, and the way they think into our own lives, they'll be more willing to help us more fully understand how we can become like them in our mannerisms, behavior, and speech. It was so much fun, haha. We also received some excellent insights from President and Sister Higgins as well as the APs. One particular insight from President Higgins that stuck out to me was about Saul and Samuel in 1 Samuel:15. Saul was appointed by the Lord through the prophet Samuel to be king over Israel, and was given a simple task to prove his loyalty to the Lord and to the kingdom: Go to the nation of Amalek and wipe it out. Destroy everything that they own, everything within sight, and leave nothing behind. No man, nor woman, nor child, nor ox or camel. Saul gathered a number of men to accomplish the task, and made way to Amalek. He did as was commanded and slew every man, woman, child, and unclean animal he could find. Of the clean and favorable animals however, he took for burnt offerings unto the Lord. When Samuel and Saul met again, Saul confidently explained that he had successfully performed the commandments of the Lord. Saul responded with something along the lines of "... I hear sheep and oxen. What's that supposed to mean?" While trying to justify his actions, Samuel simply and boldly stated to Saul how in sparing the best of the flocks, he sinned in the sight of God still. Samuel explains "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the rat of rams." As a consequence, Saul was denied his kingship and the Lord's blessings.

Sometimes, we cease to fully obey the commandments of the Lord because we think we understand what He wants us to, and act according to our own understanding. In reality, the commandments are very direct and very simple. Blessings are promised in their purest form as we follow and obey them exactly. 

I have to head out, but really quickly, we attended a SICK fireside last night in Suva. We were addressed by Elder John H. Groberg, or Kolipoki from The Other Side of Heaven. It was an incredible fireside that helped me understand more fully why we receive hardships and how we can allow them to mold us into the people God needs us to be. I left my planner in the car (again, sorry, as well as my camera) but I'll go more in depth about the fireside when I have my notes and more time next week. In closing, I remember one quote from Elder Groberg "Heavenly Father and the Savior never does anything to us to torture us or get us down. They only do things to help us. That's all they do." Everything we receive in this life is for our benefit or the benefit of those around us, whether we see it in the very moment or not. When things happen out of our control in our lives, we can rest assured that it plays a part in the plan God has established for each and every one of us. 

Gotta go, but I love you all! Have a great and blessed week! Glad everything is going well back home, can't wait to skype you all soon! I had the horrific realization yesterday that I only have two more sabbaths in Fiji before I leave. Agh. Love you all so much, see you all soon! 

Khyaal rakna,
Elda Ishibashi 

-Zone conference

(Backup) 4-16-18 Just photos

-Checking up on the missionaries that had been evacuated to the chapel 

-LOVE the Singh family

-Sister Taylor

-Naitasiri

Toga

-Local youth take the liberty of setting up the road blockades due to the flooding of the Navatuyaba bridge

-Village kids waiting under a bus stand on their bilibili (raft)

This is Elder Hatch, from Arizona.

It was through him that I was able to witness the raw power of sincere prayer.

There came a point where our mission in Naitasiri to obtain Elder Haderlie's property could not continue unless a number of us crossed a heavily flooded highway by foot to the hill that lead to the flat. Elder Astle offered a prayer, after which it was decided that Elder Hatch and I would wait at a bus stand with everybody's stuff to keep it dry while they made their way up the flooded street. At this time the rain was pounding down relentlessly, the cold wind beat and bit at us in every direction, and the current was strengthening under the surface of the water. As I sat under the shelter looking through pictures on Elder English's camera, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Elder Hatch was kind of just standing there in the middle of the shelter. When I looked up, I saw his arms folded, eyes closed, and head bowed in earnest prayer. I watched him pray, inspired by his faith and care for the other missionaries. As I watched him, however, the weather changed dramatically. Over the course of two minutes, the rain ceased completely and the battering winds calmed. More than this, the clouds cleared to azure skies and the sun shew itself. Elder Hatch opened his eyes, looked around, bowed his head for another brief moment, and I could just see his mouth form the words "thank you". He looked at me, smiled his big Hatch smile, and sat down beside me.

4-15-18 Humbling day

Kaise hei!

Boy. Aggghh boy. These last few weeks. It's lowkey been P-week because of all the weather, transport, and health complications within the zone that we had to tend to, but as important as ministering is, we were blessed to be equally productive in administering to the needs of our missionaries and progressing investigators. 

We probably had about three cyclones hit Fiji over a week, resulting in the flooding of several areas in our zone and the inability for those missionaries to return and work in their areas for several days. You know I used my new camera wisely as I tried to very thoroughly document cyclones Kala, Keni, and Josi. Hopefully all those photos and videos go through. I actually just remembered that I had a lot of missionaries requesting I send those photos to them, so I'll have to do that. Anyways, it was a bit rough having to transport missionaries back and forth between there areas (when conditions permitted) and safer areas (when they again riled up). Several emergency transfers within the zone also took place, resulting in the closing of two areas and the need for several trips between Nausori and Suva. However, everything is situated now, everyone is safe in their respected areas and the work is moving forward. The other missionaries in Waila have been shifted, leaving Elder Hess and I as the only missionaries in that area. With all their investigators and recent converts now under our care, our teaching pool and responsibility just doubled. I'm really excited to get to meet all those people!
I'll share more stories from the week with the pictures, but it has been a really good week. Elder Hess continues to be an excellent companion and mentor, I learn so much from him every day. I had self-reliance again this morning, and rest assured it's not making me trunky, it's just getting me really excited about what may lie ahead! I'm excited to start schooling again and looking for opportunities. I've been under this odd impression that I need to do something that I'm good at and will support me and a future family; whether I happen to like that something or not. Self-reliance has helped me to see the importance of finding something doable, something that will help me to supply the necessities of life and then some, and also very importantly, something that I like to do. When money becomes the only drive to get up, get ready, and go to work, it becomes a miserable process and one that drags over years that should be enjoyed. I'm still looking at my options, but my vision is a bit more clear. The migrate-to-Utah prompting is becoming uncomfortably strong, but I think I just need some Hawaii for that to simmer down.

It's been a great week and we're looking at another great one! 
You all be safe during the storm, but I'm glad everything is going well other than that!
'Io looks mean, haha. Is he doing siva?? That's way sick! 
I hope you all have a great and blessed week, take care!

Khyaal rakna,
Elder Ishibashi 

I forgot to mention MLC. I guess that'll tie into my other stories though.
We had MLC (Mission Leadership Counsel) on Thursday morning. It was WAY nice, all of the zone leaders and Sister Training Leaders in the mission reported to the temple Wednesday night, and whereas the MLC would usually attend a session, we were unable as the temple is currently closed for renovations. We were, however, allowed to enter and clean the lockers, dressing rooms, and font. It was a really nice experience. Anyways, we were gathered together afterwards in the mission home and given time to ask President Higgins anything we wanted about church doctrine or missionary work. I learned heaps from him and the other leaders. At MLC the next morning, we received trainings on how important the Holy Ghost is in the work, and how important it is for us to drop our "nets" (weaknesses, limitations) that we might be more effective followers of Jesus Christ. 
It was a great experience!

I also just realized that I left my camera at home and will not be able to send those photos today, so I'll just very briefly tell of the adventure we had on Thursday.

We left the house with the intention of taking the Navatuyaba elders back into their area, if the water over the bridge had gone down. We were also asked to take the Toga sisters back into their area if the road conditions allowed. From the main road upon approaching Navatuyaba's entrance, we could clearly see that the water had doubled in depth and a raging river swept 20 feet over the top of the bridge. Awestruck, given that this was the least flood-prone area of the most flood-prone areas in our zone, we decided to check the others. We were quick to inform the Toga sisters that it would likely be several more days before they could return to Toga, as we arrived to find little boats floating around the streets. This excited us even more to check out Naitasiri, it notoriously being the worst flooding area in the zone. The elders anticipated that the bridge just before their house would be completely underwater, but that we'd at least be able to make it to that point. We were blown away when we arrived at the first bridge only to find it, the highway, and the school yard beyond covered by 10 feet of water. This was in the midst of emergency transfers. One of the elders needed his things from the flat, as he would be flown to Rabi the following morning. The chances of him obtaining his belongings dropped almost to impossible, when the AP's gave us permission to take the boats shuttling people through Naitasiri. In short, the cyclone strengthened brutally while we were out on the boat and trails, but by the tender mercy of our father in heaven, we were able to obtain Elder Haderlie's property (safe and dry) and he was able to fly to Rabi with everything he needed. That journey took about five hours, and MLC service at the temple would start an hour after we returned home. We had to quickly shower and pack for our overnight stay in Suva with the other mission leaders. It was definitely a very interesting, productive, and humbling day.

4-1-2018 So excited!

Kaise hai, parivaar!

Incredible week, as I feel so greatly blessed to have become the usual report.
So busy, in fact, that I can't immediately recollect what happened exactly...

Monday and Tuesday were pretty normal visiting days, we were able to set several baptismal dates and find several other people to begin teaching.

President and Sister Higgins popped by for a surprise joined companionship study on Wednesday morning! It was sooo pleasant to have them with us. I love having them over for companionship study because I see it as a golden opportunity to receive insights as to what we as a companionship can do better to carry out the work.

I love President and Sister Higgins SO much. I have utmost respect for them and I sustain them as powerful individuals called by the spirit of the Lord to lead this mission.

President Higgins is a very sweet, loving, and genuine man. Always constructive and very pleasant. What impresses me most about President Higgins, however, is how sensitive and obedient he is to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It seems that every single decision that he makes is inspired by the spirit. He always knows exactly what to minster to someone according to exact needs that that individual has, whether they were shared with him or not. Every bit of criticism is given constructively and with love.

Sister Higgins is the perfect example of a loving mother. In fact, she reminds me of you, mom, in certain ways. She's such a sweet and gentle woman, and you know just by talking to her that she genuinely cares about your personal well-being. She's a very, very bold woman, which I love. She will tell you to your face exactly what she knows you need to hear in exactly the way she wants to express it. To some people her bold and un-withheld remarks are taken as rude, but I've come to appreciate untamed and uncovered honesty. She has no shortage of personal life-changing experiences that resulted from having been brought up in the gospel, and shares them freely. Her testimony is rock solid and so powerful, as is President's. We were blessed to witness their teaching abilities and bearing of testimony firsthand. 

On Thursday morning, they accompanied us in a lesson with an investigator that has a lot of good questions. Brother Poese has been baptized into every church that exists in Fiji and has even tried Hinduism and Islam to find where he'd feel closest to God. He was particularly hateful towards the LDS church, despite his whole family being members, and rejected the lessons multiple times. After several experiences that not only prompted him to learn more about the church but impressed that he needed to join it, he accepted the lessons. He still has problems with the Book of Mormon and living prophets, but President and Sister Higgins were able to answer all of his questions exactly as he needed to hear them, and he loved having them there. The spirit in that lesson was almost physical, and I learned so much just listening to President and Sister Higgins minister to this soul-searching man. We're looking forward to seeing him again this week, hopefully with Brother Maiwiriwiri (Uncle Sonny). 

We had HEAPS of plans for Saturday and I was really stressed about all the things that needed to be done, but fortunately and by the Lord's tender mercies, we were able to accomplish all the things we set out to do. We had an early morning lesson (which went beautifully), had same errands we had to run in town, a baptism to attend, several other lessons and referrals to follow-up on, a dinner appointment, then a wedding celebration. OH. I met Sister Daulton! Elder Hess, a few other missionaries, and myself were doing our shopping on Monday when I heard another Elder call my name behind me. I turned around to see him standing next to two little Indian women. Since I've been here for so long and have spoken to and served around so many Indian women (and because my eyes still suck), I couldn't identify her until she stood right before me and I recognized her big, Indian smile. It was such a sweet reunion! I thought it was a bit funny that as I approached them (Sister Daulton and her sister), I realized they were speaking English to each other. I learned while speaking to Sister Daulton that she hasn't spoken Hindi in so long that she's much more familiar and comfortable with English at this point. I was glad at least that she could understand, even if she'd rather respond in English. I REALLY want to keep up with my Hindi, which is an additional reason I'm excited for school. I know of several students at BYUH now that I hope will allow me to keep it up and improve it. Anyways, she was in Suva for her niece's wedding, and her sister strongly suggested that we come, even if just for a minute to eat. What I love about Indian functions, unless strictly religious, is that they're very open. No matter who you are, if you're a friend to a friend's friend, if you were invited, come on in. No fuss is made whatsoever. If two foreigners from a different church came to a Hindu wedding and said "I've never seen an Indian wedding, but I'd like to.", they would warmly push them to the front so they can meet the bride and groom then to the food line. Indians are amongst the most hospitable and welcoming people I've ever met, it's awesome. Anyway, we went to the wedding for just a minute after our dinner appointment to say hello, and left. Dinner was also incredible, it was with a Samoan family. Quick question: How easy is it to get my hands on a block of koko samoa, because I'm in absolute love with it now and I need some when I get home.

Yesterday was interesting. We woke up to ridiculously heavy rain. We got dressed and went to church to discover that following fast and testimony meetings, everyone should return home. We went to our next ward only to be told that church had been cancelled due to a cyclone currently hitting Fiji. No prior warning reached us, so this came as quite a shock. We were then alerted by the mission that easily-flooding proselyting areas needed to be evacuated before bridges flooded over and exit would be impossible. We informed Naitasiri to pack their things and come down to our flat and we were able to pick up Navatuyaba just before the current over the bridge got too strong. Because of our emergency rescue mission for Navatuyaba, we had to leave or third ward ten minutes before it began, and because they live quite a ways away, we were too late for them to partake of the sacrament. I feel so blessed, and what a great tender mercy it was that we were able to partake of the sacrament in our first ward. We had all the elders over last night, which was interesting, and they'll be out of their areas for at least another day or two because the tide has risen significantly and all the bridges have flooded over. This is also transfer week, so it's going to be ridiculously busy. I'm curious and excited to see what happens in the mission tomorrow.

Anyways we'll be heading out soon and I have several emails I need to respond to, but I'm glad all is well!

I'm SO stoked for conference! I heard about Elder Gong and Elder Soares, about Elder Wakolo speaking, and just that it was an excellent conference. So excited! 

I'm so glad that everything back home is doing well, not very long before I'll be in the water with you guys, no worries! 

Please give all my aloha to the ohana, and wish them all a happy and blessed Easter!

Keep the savior in your hearts, not just today, but always. Because He rose, so will we, and how glorious that day will be. Think about the new beginnings we can execute as we strive daily to become a greater disciple of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

I love you all so much, have a great and blessed week! 

Khyaal rakna,

Elder Ishibashi 

-Fresh off the plane back in Nausori

-Naitasiri district (after first district meeting)

-Riya

-Claudius and Violet

-Uma

-Where did I serve my mission??

-Riya's birthday

-Zone qito

-Sister Daulton

3-24-18 I'm doing awesome

Kaise hai, parivaar!

Boy, has this week been incredible. One to remember, most certainly.
I'm so proud of the zone for everything they've accomplished. Our zone is racking in saints like nothing, and it's such a blessing to see their diligence and hard work pay off in the form of a saving ordinance being performed by people who have been taught, prepared, and converted by the spirit to the restored gospel. I feel like Alma, not being so proud of myself for having been a part of their conversion, but being aware of the incredible blessings they will see as a result of their faith and conversion. This work is so, so rewarding, especially when it's difficult. 

It's been a really busy week. Zone conference on Tuesday was amazing. It stressed how we need to apply what we've learned throughout our missions, whether it's building off of good experiences we've had or learning from the negative experiences. We were reminded that each and every one of us are in the exact place we're appointed to be at precisely that time we're supposed to. Heavenly Father's plan for each of us is mysterious, often times disappointing, but always and unfailingly correct. There is a reason, even a great reason, behind every trial we face. 

We were also reminded that our investigators have unseen trials that they may not be all that comfortable with sharing with the two young men sitting on their couch. Thus, we were reminded of the importance of asking inspired questions that we might discern and teaching according to such concerns.

Side note: I have listened to nothing save General Conference addresses for the last two weeks, and I've had my head in the Book of Mormon for the last two months. I'm in this spiritual high that I so miss, haha. 

Our training went well, and everybody loved the cards. In interviews with President Higgins on Wednesday, as always, the discussion concluded with President Higgins asking of I had any questions or anything I needed help with. That is always my favorite part of the interview, when I can have a one-on-one lesson with that spiritual giant of a man. I shared my concern that I didn't know how to be bold with love when dealing with disobedient missionaries, and I've been feeling particularly weary and impatient with consistent disobedience within the zone. When I discover something, I basically play good cop-bad cop in my head, where I either say 'everything is fine and hahaha maybe that wasn't such a good idea', or I'll say 'figure out why you came out on a mission as soon as possible because I'm over having to talk to you about this again'. Granted I've never had to go the latter way, but unfortunately, the first is the one I typically resort to. President suggested that I correct disobedience at the very moment that I see it, but never to put them down. As Jesus with the adulterous woman, he did not justify nor did he belittle the magnitude of her sin; he simply didn't mention it. He didn't rebuke or condemn her, either. He allowed her to feel and know that despite her sin, she was loved, and sent her off with a very bold and simple command: Go, and sin no more.
He shared with me that I don't need to be hostile, nor do I need to be "too friendly". I need to have a love for God to correct them that they might be more diligent in carrying out His great and sacred work, and I need to have a love for them that they'll see the blessings in their work as they apply the changes we as their leaders and examples suggest. I've already been able to apply that instruction, and I've seen great results. 

I don't remember much of Thursday, but I remember finding out the apple pie I'd bought had mold in it about halfway through eating it and tanking a full bottle of sprite in ten seconds feeling like the carbonation seared away all the bacteria I'd just eaten, though that's probably not how it works. We also had the best chicken curry and roti I've had in a very long time with a man that threatened he wouldn't feed us or the other elders again if I didn't finish all the food he put before me. I failed, but he gave me another chance. I did it on Thursday, and he was so proud of me. I think that was just a good, simple day full of appointments.

We spent Friday in Suva, as the auto repair shops here take roughly between four hours and two days to repair a grinding transmission. We took our Hilux in for its every 10,000 km checkup, and were granted permission to visit all of Elder Hess's recent converts in Suva while we awaited the repairs (he had no shortage whatsoever of recent converts, in fact, we didn't have time to visit them all). We visited the chapel when we found out that interviews with President Higgins were in the process for the Suva zone, so we stopped by and I was able to visit with Elder Tui'one (now serving in Nasinu) and the other Hindi elders serving in that zone. Being a Hindi elder is honestly so cool. Fijian elders don't bother speaking Fijian to each other because everyone else, including Hindi elders, at least understand the language. The inquisitive looks we six Hindi elders got conversing with one another in a language only we knew and understood in a room full of missionaries was priceless. 

The Hindi program has evolved so greatly since I began my mission. New Hindi areas are pending, as is a Hindi ward in Suva. Hindi branches are currently being established in Nadi, Labasa, and Navua. I see in the near future a Hindi district. The work for the Indian population in Fiji is about to skyrocket, and I feel so blessed to be a part of the pioneering of this feat in the church.

We were able to witness the baptism of Riya Singh on Saturday. She requested cake, and I (in my charitable heart) offered to purchase it. I discovered that an old investigator (and mother to some members in Nausori ward) still worked at the cake shop we purchased the cake from, and I was blessed to get 50% off. All this time, I had forgotten it was my birthday. There were too many other things we had to worry about, and we had a really busy day ahead. While waiting for our baptismal candidate to come to the chapel, the STLs called and requested to speak to me. When I took the phone (which was on loud speaker), a very enthusiastic "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ISHI!" blared from the speaker. At the moment, I remembered two things: 1) it was my birthday, and 2) I didn't want Elder Hess (or anyone) knowing it was my birthday. I don't like the attention or recognition that comes with it being my birthday, it's always awkward for me, especially on the mission. Anyways, Elder Hess gave me dagger eyes as I struggled to quickly silence the phone through my expressions of gratitude. He was a bit upset that I didn't tell him, and it blew his mind that I'd bought a cake for someone else on my birthday. In reality, I'll have many more birthdays after that. Riya will only be baptized once. So unfortunately ironic, however, is that at the shop, the cake was introduced to me as a chocolate cake. When the youth leaders tasted the frosting, Elder Hess and I were pulled aside and asked to taste the frosting. It tasted great, but admittedly a bit off somehow. It altogether occurred to me that I had accidentally purchased, brought to the baptism of a 13 year old girl, and placed before a crowd of active members with vanilla ice cream, a coffee flavored cake. My investigator will be hearing about this. I felt so bad. The day ended with a few great lessons.

Yesterday was awesome. On top of being able to confirm Riya myself and give her the Gift of the Holy Ghost, we had five people referred to us by several different families. We seem to have gained the trust of the Hindustani membership in the wards we cover, and we're seeing great blessings as a result. 

Another side note: Hindi is the language. Hindu is the religion. Hindustani is the race, being Indians.
Anyways, after church we had heaps of excellent lessons with freshly referred family members, all of whom have a greater desire to be baptized than a lot of people I've met in my mission. Last night during weekly planning, Elder Hess and I probably high fived about fifty times realizing how much great work we're getting done and how much more we're looking at in the coming weeks/transfer. Interestingly enough, also, we haven't had any success whatsoever on the few days we've been able to knock on doors or search for people. Everyone we're seeing has been a referral. We have SO many referrals. It's awesome.

Everything is great right now. My Hindi is improving significantly and I'm becoming more confident in using it. Elder Hess is fantastic, we're definitely warming up to one another and we're getting along great. We make sure to pray before and after literally everything we do, for protection and for susceptibility to spiritual inspiration and promptings. Again, I'm in this sick spiritual high. Our investigators are progressing beautifully towards their baptisms in the coming weeks. Our district and zone are working really hard right now. Some missionaries aren't exactly obedient, but instilled within them is a desire to be obedient and share the gospel with the power and gusto that one only can having the spirit with them. We're working on awaking that desire and encouraging them to apply it. Despite little complications, the zone is doing an impeccable job at teaching, preaching, and working as missionaries ought to.

I'm doing awesome, I'm in great health and spirits.

OH, I've unlocked the perks of having an intake elder as AP. The mission has made a change whereas initially, the missionary will receive their departure itinerary within the last three months of their mission. However, the itinerary is now not sent out and they receive their itinerary manually the week they leave and enter the mission office. Elder Green asked the office sister to guide us to my itinerary. I'm not trunky, just curious. My flight from Nadi will be on Saturday, 19 May at 9pm. I'll be flying to LA with Elders Tiafala and Hunkin, and I think I read that I should be arriving at the Hilo International Airport at about 7pm Saturday evening, 19 May. Let me know when/if I'll be expected to give a talk. 

It's more scary than anything, thinking about how little time I have left here. However, it's so motivating at the same time. This is definitely what 'Io and Herb talked about, seeing the most miracles in the last few months. 

Ham khali mangta tora sami le aur aapan gawahii shea kare. Iis Pita Parmeshwar ke kaam hai, aur uu hamlogke pale hai. Khali mango uuse pucho, aur uu hamlogse madat karii. Uu saamtaim wahaa hai hamlogke liye. Iis zindagi kabikabi mushkil rhega, aur hamlog dhir mamla aur taklif milega. Uu hamlogke dhil aur dhimag jane hai, lekin uu kuch nahin karii agar hamlog nahin vishwaas ki pucho uuske. Ham abhi saabchiij ke bare me kushii lage, Pita parmeshwar dhir ashivaad hamme deii hei, aur ham janta hai ki ii jon khaaran hai ki hamlog chuna ki saab mishin niyam ke palan karta hai. Ham janta hai ki Pita Parmeshwar aur Ishu Masih zinda hai, aur uulog hamogke baut pyaar kare. Iis girjaghar sache hai, aur Russel M. Nelson ek sache bhavishvekta hai. Ham iis kaam baut pyaar karta, aur ham iis kaam apaan puhra dhilse karega iis bachaa sami hamaar lage. Dhanbaad saabchiij ke wastin hamaar julum aur pyaari parivaar, ham tora dinse aaplogke dekhega! Iis hamaar gawahii Ishi Masih ke naam se, emen.

I love you guys so much, so glad everything is going well back home! Give my love to Carson, please! 

Have a great and blessed week, I love you guys! 
Khyaal rakna,

Elder Ishibashi