Talofa soon to be Bula Vinaka! I am transferring this Thursday. I think I mentioned that there were rumors of change and it turns out those rumors are true. I am going back to Fiji on Thursday and then I am heading west to Ba. My new companion is a brand new missionary and I will be training him. I'm not really sure what to think of everything, but I know that the Lord's hand is in this. I know he will help me in this exciting and slightly scary new challenge.
I was kind of sick this last week on Wednesday with a little infection that has been going around the island. I just had diarrhea and I vomited once, but overall not too bad. I was still able to work that day and I am now feeling one hundred percent. I even went running this morning, but unfortunately the old tendonitis in my knee flaired up a little bit. I think that's what I get for riding bikes everyday! It's ok though, and I am really glad that my new area too is a biking area. I want to be in good shape when I get home from my mission. Mom and Dad get ready to walk everywhere when we come back (including in Tuvalu!).
Well we have seven people preparing for baptism in two weeks. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend due to the recent transfer. I'll admit I think everyone is a little disappointed and surprised, including me. It will be good though! We had the baptismal interviews for Nau and Lilo as well as for Eti's family and everyone passed! In the coming week Elder Momoisea and his new companion Elder Strong (I served with him before) will finish the interviews.
Something that made the transfer really hard to me is that a lot of the people we're teaching expressed that they had been hoping I would baptize them. One in particular was Michael and Ue. We were discussing when they would get baptized and Michael said, "You'll still be here in this month won't you?" I told him no I'm getting transferred this coming week. He started crying and said, "We had been hoping that you would honor us in baptizing us." It was like a knife to my heart.
Honestly, my last few journal entries have usually begun like this My heart is as bitter as gall that I must leave these people, or Today was a really hard day because I had to tell everyone that I'm leaving. It seems like adventures like this will last forever, but then suddenly everything changes. I have felt kind of in a daze ever since we found out. I was hoping to stay here until October.
Yesterday was a very sad, but rewarding last Sunday in Tuvalu. A lot of people came to church and especially my investigators and recent converts, I was very pleased. Then in Sacrament we began singing the branch's favorite song "Welcome, Welcome Sabbath Morning." I couldn't sing, because I was so emotional at singing their favorite song. They sing with such spirit and gusto. Then they allowed me to bless the sacrament. Then I gave my last testimony in Tuvalu. I sang a song, and somehow I was able to sing without becoming emotional. I then started talking and I could barely get out my I knows and my I believes. I just felt so much love for the beautiful saints in this corner of paradise.
We then had our last branch council meeting, and that was rewarding as well. The branch has improved a lot while I've been here, I don't know that it has anything to do with me. President Niko thanked me at the end of the meeting and it was really nice. I really look up to President Niko. He has been the branch president for 20 years and has never complained. The Ensign should come to Tuvalu and do an article on that great man of faith. If anyone asks your opinion, tell them that.
This new week will bring many challenges and many adventures, but I feel up to the challenge. It's interesting but I prayed that I would have an opportunity to train on my mission, but I never thought it would come so soon.
It's hard to believe it has been ten years since September 11, 2001. My thoughts yesterday turned to America and to those who protect the rights and liberties of our country. Yesterday was kind of a sad day for me, but I feel very peaceful and secure doing the Lord's work. I know he will protect me and guard me in his work.
Well I love you all, I hope you will have a wonderful week!
--
Elder Paul Leland Hill
Fiji Suva Mission
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