Xmas Island and Fiji


View from the Fiji Temple

 Keith and I spent a week traveling. We left on Monday the 8th for Kiritimati (Xmas) Island.  We went there to see what we could do to help get more consistent electrical power on the island.  They rely on diesel generators for their electricity. Two of their three generators have completely failed and the third one is barely limping through.  The government has bought a new generator, but it will not be enough.  Australia aid has a project to put in solar power.  It has only paid for Phase 1 which is close to complete, but batteries are not part of phase 1, and it only allows green energy so they cannnot buy a diesel generator.  We met with Jake, the project manager for the australian aid project and also the Parliament Minister for the island along with his secretary and assistant.  I don't know where this project will go. We wrote up a concept letter for the committee to discuss.  It could be as small as buying another generator to paying for the rest of the solar project which would be much more.  We will see what the committee will decide.  Either way, it won't be part of this years budget.  


L- The man in charge of power disbursment (I can't remember his name)
Jake the project manager for the solar power and us. 

A very old broken down generator
LDS Chapel on Xmas Island

Where one of the branches holds Sacrament meeting 

We needed gas but the pump was broken. 
So they poured the petrol from a barrell into a bucket 
and then using a funnel into our car.  
Only in Kiribati!

After our meetings were done we went exploring. 
Beautiful view on the opposite side of the Island

After Xmas Island we flew to Suva, Fiji where our boss, Uraia, lives and also where the temple is.  We hadn't been to the temple in over 16 months.  What a lovely way to fill our very empty cups.  Things have changed a lot in 16 months.  I like it!!
We had the privilege of staying in patron housing.  There was a group from Vanuatu visiting.  There is a fund to help people in the Fiji temple district to attend the temple from other islands, if they are needing living ordances ie sealings, endownments.  Since the flight in and out of Fiji to their country is on the same day, they end up staying a whole week.  Their first day, they receive their own ordinance.  The rest of the week is spent in the temple.  They watch each others children so all can attend equally.  How perfect is that!  Simple meals are provided and served by senior service missionaries.  
Keith and I walked into the eating lounge that morning and my eyes immediately started to well up with tears.  I'm thinking, "this is stupid, I have no reason to cry".  But then I realized that what I was feeling was the joy these families are feeling.  Brings a whole new perspective to Forever Families. 

Fiji temple - note I'm wearing a sweater

 
Eating lounge at Patron Housing

We had our first real hamburger and chocolate shakes 
since starting our mission. 

We had Stake Conference last Sunday.  They split the Stake into two.  Elder Wakolo presided.  It is so good to witness the growth of the church here on Tarawa.  

Us with Elder Wakolo

Childrens Choir at Stake Conference

Kulene and his son.  
Both received advancements in the priesthood at conference

Senior missionaries - there are currently 15 of us. 








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