It Was A Great Birthday in the Mission Field

It was a great birthday! It began with a beautiful gift from Brad. A black pearl necklace made on the Island of Arno. The entire day was filled with birthday cake (a gift from Sister Bell), birthday songs, missionary visits, and cards. Here are just a few clips from some of the Elders cards.
"I'm so happy you're my mum in this mission." Love you always, Sister Kitiona
"Happy Birthday Sister Smith, you are a really good substitute mother for my mission." Elder Stoker
"Happy Birthday! I won't guess at your age, after having learned from my mom that's rude". Elder Haddock
"Happy Birthday Sister Smith, you are aging much better than your husband". Elder Corry
"Hippo Birdies to ewe, Hippo Birdies to ewe, Hippo Birdies Sister Smith, Hippo Birdies to ewe!" Elder Gardner
"Happy Birthday Sister Smith, thank you for all that you do for us, you make a really hard task look easy. It's cool to think that we will be here next year for your 31st birthday too!" Elder Nawahine and Elder Bulloch
"Happy Birthday Sister Smith! 28 years young, and nothing but adventure on the horizon!" Elder Mackey

My Birthday wish? Two more years with these wonderful missionaries!! It was definitely, a Happy Birthday to ME!

Beautiful Flower Gifts

Everywhere we go, and whenever we speak we are given these beautiful flower gifts. They are such a treasure. The headdress and necklace Brad and I are wearing in this picture were made by the Relief Society Sisters for Stake Conference. They get up very early to pick the flowers. They weave them with coconut fronds and beautiful leaves. They smell wonderful, but die within a couple of days. The leaves were a little long on this particular head dress, and I had trouble seeing through them when I spoke in Stake Conference. They are such a treasure, and made with so much love by the women here in the Islands.

Mission Presidents Seminar in Sydney

We just enjoyed a fantastic Mission Presidents Seminar in Sydney, Australia. It was a beautiful time of year to visit, and a spiritually uplifting and restful week. We were able to reunite with good friends who were in the MTC with us, preparing to leave for service in other areas of the Pacific. It was good to see them again. We also enjoyed time and instruction from Elder Quentin Cook, Elder Callister and the other Area Presidency.
The Sydney Harbor Bridge at night while on a dinner cruise.
Cruising Darling Harbor five months into our mission.
We were able to enjoy Sunday in Sydney. We attended Ward meetings in Hyde Park with President and Sister Simmons, Brother & Sister Sorenson (IFR for the Pacific Area), and Elder and Sister Nielson (first quorum of the seventy). We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with all of them at the mission home of the Simmons afterward.
We have loved sharing this missionary experience with the other wonderful Mission Presidents that came out when we did, the first of July. These are our great friends, Jeff & Diane Simmons serving as Mission President in Sydney, Australia.

Parker & Shawnee Visit

The past two weeks have been wonderful! Shawnee and Parker came to the Marshall Islands to visit. We were really worried that they wouldn't enjoy it, but they loved it, and received a real education. The week was packed with fun, and the spirit, and we wish they could have stayed much longer - but they had to get back to their significant others!
We took a day trip to an outer island (Enecko) to do some snorkeling, picnicing, and just laying on the beach. It was a great day, and snowing back home in Utah!



They spent a lot of time with the missionaries, and of course the missionaries loved it!
Shopping for amimono's was a highlight.
Standing at the highest point of the Island.
Tasting coconut milk for the first time - not so tasty they decided.
The people, and especially the children loved them!
It was so great to spend time with them, but hard to say good-bye again!

Just Have to Say . . . . .

Yippee! Congratulations Shawnee and Sam. We are very excited for the January Wedding. You're a darling couple. We love you both.

Next Time You Think You don't Have Enough Cupboard Space in Your Kitchen, Think Again . . . .

Wondering What To Do With Your Old Worn Out Suitcases?

Just cut off the top, and use as a wagon!