A Bleak Hawaii Mission

Sunday March 5, 2023.    Email #74    FINAL EMAIL   Aloha Everyone!   God is so good.  We have seen His hand in our lives in abundance this week and we are so very grateful. And we have had many special, meaningful goodbyes. I’m not sure anyone says “good bye” in a more appreciative way than people here in Hawaii.   Here is a “run down” of our last week here:   Monday: Instead of teaching a traditional ukulele class for the seniors, I decided to have a “party”.  I had lined up some entertainment from some students who played and sang songs on their ukuleles and guitar while we chatted and ate refreshments. We played some group games and then sang and played our ukuleles together. At the end of the class, they sang “Aloha Oe” to Scott and I and gave us a gift from the group—a beautiful statue of ocean life with a sincere thank you note from the class. There were lots of hugs and “thank you’s”.  Most of the missionaries...

Sunday February 26, 2023.    Email #73   Aloha Everyone!   Maybe it is part of the whole process but early in the week I had feelings of regret for things I did not do and should have done on our mission or could have done more diligently. I think the biggest regret is that I could have done more for the members of our ward this semester.  I didn’t get to know the students like I had the past semesters.  But then I scolded myself and tried to think of the good things I have done. It doesn’t do any good to dwell on the negative.  It helped my mind set to be honored at some “parties”.  It is tradition that you have a farewell party given by the department that you work for at the PCC.  Scott’s party was on Tuesday.  It was coupled with another senior missionary--Tom Kendall—who also works in that department.  It was a very nice event. Scott will be very missed by his co-workers.  He has been such a good influence on them....

Sunday February 19, 2023.    Email #72   Aloha Everyone! We were able to attend the temple twice this week.  That was rare for us here at this temple.  It is hard to get appointments here.  We already had a sealing appointment for Friday since it was our anniversary-- we scheduled that a while ago.  We love being in the temple on our anniversary if possible.  I still love looking into Scott’s eyes across the alter and feeling so very blessed to have married such a great man.  We were also able to attend an endowment session on Saturday.  That was a blessing out of the blue.  A student from Zimbabwe (Jennifer) invited us to come with her as she was taking out her endowment Saturday morning. Jennifer is married with two children but her husband and children are still in Zimbabwe.  They are hoping to join her over here in April.  She has been attending school since August, living without her family here.  She is a b...

Sunday February 12, 2023.    Email #71    HAPPY BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY LUCY!   Aloha Everyone!   The shift has begun.  I am shifting mentally and emotionally to get ready to come home.  My thoughts are now centered around things we need to give away and/or sell. What do we mail home vs. throw away etc.   I have been making all kinds of necessary medical appointments—dentist, doctor, chiropractor, mammogram etc. to have upon returning home.   (I am holding off on the colonoscopy appointment a little longer  ) My heartstrings are being tugged at.  I am certain it will get much harder and sadder as time goes on.  I know that this is all a part of the process, it just came faster than expected.  We have a serious buyer for our car.  They will let us know for sure by tomorrow.  The good thing is that they will put a substantial portion down now but let us continue using it right up until we fly ho...

Sunday February 5, 2023.    Email #70    Aloha Everyone!   Covid struck our household again this week.  Scott tested positive on Monday.  He stayed home all week. He is doing much better and finally ventured out today donning a mask.  What a weird virus.  He didn’t get it from me back in November but got it now—go figure.  And we both had it a year ago.  I hope we are done for a while.   Each Island at the PCC does an annual devotional.  I attended the “Hawaii” devotional yesterday (Scott stayed home) and was excited about the theme which was: What have you done with my name?” The first three talks were given by students and were good talks about their family name and their first names they were given at birth.  One mentioned that he was expected to carry on his good name.  It made me reflect on our heritage and the good names we were given and honor.  I then reflected on the name I wear as a missionary and ...