The Members Are Calling Me Fat (Samabula 2nd Area, Week 18)

This little guy's name is Josevata - we did service at his family's house this week

This week has just flown by, and somehow tons of work got done in between. I don't know where to start!

On Wednesday we had our Zone Conference about the Atonement and it was fantastic - so inspiring, we learned so much from it! President Layton has a great understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and it was exciting to get to tap into some of that wisdom. Probably the most quotable thing he said - "Some people try to atone for their own sins, but that is impossible - except to the Savior."

This is Immanuel, he's from the island of Rotuma and he's about to leave on 

his mission to the Gilbert Islands (Kiribati) this week!

Throughout this whole week we've been seeing Rosi and Jerry, getting her ready for her baptism next week. She's so prepared! She comes every week and has kept all the commitments we've asked her to keep. Jerry is also a big help - he wants to be at every lesson to help and support her, and he often asks her unspoken questions. Ever since they got married a few weeks ago, they've been much happier and more open with us. The Lord truly does bless those that put him first. The ward is getting pumped for her baptism this week, in addition to two other activities and our Ward Conference that will be happening this coming week. Seems like we'll be at the chapel every day!

Service at the Suka family's house

One of our favorite new families that we found is the Suka family. Shane Suka is the brother of Sister Williams, who runs the Church Distribution Center on the Temple compound. He and his wife have had a lot of interaction with the church over the years, their kids school at LDS Primary, and they were super welcoming when we first met them, on request of Sister Williams. We went to their house on Saturday and spent all morning helping them cut and clean their yard. It was a very enjoyable experience, and a great first-contact with them. They invited us back to have dinner there next week, and we're so excited to get to know them better.

Elda Kahia and Tukai just chilling

How 'bout those headphones? Kelepi is 

determined to get the experience out of his game

Every day was filled with food this week - some days we ate four times, between the hours of 12 and 6pm. It was actually very hard. Never thought I'd have that problem on my mission. In Fijian culture, they give you everything - and the best of everything. And it's very rude not to accept the offering, so we just ate as much as we could without it coming back up (with one exception...). At our dinner appointment on Thursday, Sister Tuinisautu pointed out that since I've gotten to Samabula 4 months ago I've gotten fatter ("O iko sa levulevu mai!"). And those were her exact words. Several other members agreed throughout the week. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I guess it is a blessing that the members love us so much.

And I love them too. This week was so great, and I can't wait for what next week holds!

Elder Barnaby