Back to the Mainland (Nakelo Area, Week 1)

This picture almost made me cry - goodbye, Taveuni

Moce, old district! 

(missing are the Vuna Elders, they couldn't make it to the farewell)

Transferred! I was so sad to leave the North, specifically Taveuni. I love that place so much, I wish I could have stayed. Noqu vanua, man. Elder Jonutz is now with a Fijian on Taveuni, Elder Vitiarai. In the mission, he's my "wife", because he's Elder Jonutz's "mom" (2nd companion). He's way tall.

One last peek!

But Nakelo is the place! I'm back on the mainland, Viti Levu, but it's cool to be back. I get my other bag too - I forget what's in it, to be honest. I'm here with Elder Sooula, he's the man himself! He's Samoan from Melbourne, Australia, and he's been out for about 10 months. He's been in Nakelo for the past 3 months, and he's done some good work here since being in the area! Nakelo is kind of a laid-back, slow area, and the church isn't super strong here, but I love a challenge! We have a pretty big area, but we have bikes - it's way weird to ride them in a sulu, but it's cool.

This Elder Sooula (or his back at least) - we have bikes! 

It's the weirdest thing riding in a skirt

Another perk I'm liking of being here in Nakelo is that I'm in the same district as Elder Beilman! He finishes his mission in January, but I'm way excited to be here with him. He's one of my favorite companions. He's currently the Zone Leader here. I just found out Elder Masoe, my MTC companion, was just called to be a District Leader in Suva. I'm so proud of all my companions!

Church was way cool - the chapel is sweet, and

I already love the members. We got roped into teaching Primary, and it was way funny - we sang Christmas carols and taught them a song to get them to be ready for a prayer. I loved it - these kids are way funny. Plus they love my nickname - Elder Painapiu (Elder Pineapple). Another thing I love about this area are the dinner appointments - every night. I love eating with the Fijians, and not having to eat ramen noodles every night.

It's a bit of a different life here than on Taveuni - 

this is what a lot of the houses look like, even in the villages.

The work here is cool - I'm super excited! New beginnings! Perfect timing too, with Christmas and New Years around the corner, I'm ready to get started with the final year. I'll be skyping home on Christmas too - Christmas in America, my birthday here in Fiji (the 26th)! I can't wait! I love my mission, I love my Savior, and I love Fiji. Everyone go watch the Church's Christmas Initiative, "A Savior is Born" at christmas.mormon.org

Love you all! Merry Christmas!

Elder Barnaby

Saying Goodbye to people I Love... is not easy

President Bautarua and I

Brother Lagi with Elder Jonutz and I

Shalei, Faith, and Sister Taylor