Week 23-February 29, 2016

Bula Vinaka,

My week has been alright. Still no power or water, so we are dirty and we smell bad, but we got to come into Makoi and stay with the Makoi Eldas for a few days so I got to take a SHOWER WITH  THE LIGHTS ON!!!! SO I don't smell too bad. 

Other than that we had a pretty normal week. We got to help and deliver food to families who needed it, but Elda Tera has gotten sick, so our work has slowed down a bit. 

The storm has really opened up a lot of opportunities for us to share the Gospel with the people. Also they love seeing those white shirts (mostly because they know that means food is coming, lol!)  

Speaking of the storm, so, I don't know if you were planning on sending a package or anything any time soon but the cyclone ripped up the inside of my flat pretty good. I don't need anything crazy, but I do need a new journal. Winston soaked and shredded mine. Also, a jacket. Yeah, believe it or not, it's gotten pretty chilly. It's because we are going into winter. So it's going to be wet. REALLY wet. Also maybe a new bag. The one I'm using is good for sometime, but the straps are starting to break and there are some holes. Also, it gets soaked when ever it rains. That's it. Other than that I have everything I need. Oh, except deodorant. Yeah, I need more of that too. Thanks parents. I love you guys. 

We are coming to the end of our transfer here. The missionaries are buzzing with anxiety and excitement. We are all making our guesses at who's going where. Honestly, I have a feeling that I'm leaving Toga, but who knows. 

This week an Elda and I have been talking about this awesome movie idea. I'm not going to spoil it, but it will be way cool. One day. His name is Elda Noble. He's a skux for sure. A real great guy. 

Any ways. I love the work still, even when it's a little extra hard. I love this Gospel. I know that the things I teach, the things that the church teaches are true. If I didn't, I wouldn't have stayed. I love Fiji. These people are so great. Even in such a terrible time, they are all smiles. I love my family. I miss you guys a lot.

Elda Dawson

P.S. The power went out for about an hour when I wrote this. 

Chilling with President Eyring and Elder Cook

--

Peace Be Still

Keep it Real

WE GOT A LETTER!! February 21, 2016

Family,

Yadra Vina'a! Boy it's been one heck of a week! I guess it started off like any other week but, man, did it take a turn. Haha. 

My Monday and Tuesday were alright. We were supposed to get our support money on Tuesday, but because of some holiday, we weren't able to get it until about Thursday, but it was all good. On Tuesday after District Meeting, we always try and have a District lunch, but because most of us didn't have money, we just got some cans of corned beef, some bread, and tomato sauce and we made some sandwiches in a supermarket parking lot. It was a good time. 

On Friday, the Natasiri 1 Eldas came over to our flat and we had a fun night. We went to our chapel in Toga and we balled hard in the rain for an hour or two before we had to go in. We just had a fun night, we ate Tim Tams, played pukana and scared each other. 

On Saturday we all headed up to Suva at about noon. It was so exciting to get there. I was able to see all of my Intake! Everyone. Green, Ogden, Forbush, Datoon. It was so awesome. Then it got even better because President Henry B. Erying and Quentin L. Cook came and so did all of the Area Seventy of the Pacific. They all bore their testimonies and man, it was the coolest thing. It was super special. 

Lovin' on my homeboy Thanos Insanos at the Celebration

So like most of you know, a pretty crazy storm hit us on Saturday. It was fun driving through Suva during a Cyclone. I didn't know trees could bend as far as they did. The Natasiri 1 Eldas were taking us back to our flat, but there was a huge tree that had fallen in the middle of the road to Toga, so we back tracked and we all, as a Zone, (besides the Sisters) stayed in the Naulu Stake Center. Actually, if you got to LDS.org and type in Fiji, the first result is "Traditional Welcome Greets President Eyring...." The Chapel in that article, is the chapel I slept in on Saturday Night. 

Honestly, Saturday Night, freaked me out a little. The chapel started flooding so most of us slept on the pews in the chapel. The rest of the Stake Center was full of members or people who need shelter from the storm. It was a dark, damp, mosquito filled night. 

When we woke up, it was like being in a different world. The chapel was beat up. Most of the trees outside had been ripped up and out. The walls were caked in mud, there was rubbish everywhere. It was a sight. The rest of our area didn't look much different. There is limited power (that's why I can email) but all of the flats that the Eldas stay in are all in the dark and most without water. 

On Sunday, we tried to go to Toga to grab some stuff, but the main road of Toga was completely flooded. It was a river. On Sunday, most of the Eldas went up to Suva for the Dedication, but we were out of the loop so we didn't get to go. They are broadcasting it though next week, so I'll watch it then. 

Today (Monday), we realized that we had to get to the Toga flat. We were running low on clothes and food. So we drove to Toga hoping that the river would be gone. The whole car ride we were all asking kerekere and praying. And when we got there, you'll never guess what we found.....a river. Haha, yes it was still there. We were all very disheartened to see that. But we needed what we came for, so we all got out, tightened our sulus, and we walked the mile to our flat through the chest high water. It was SO cold! 

When we reached our flat we saw that the Landlord had come to our flat and closed all of our windows. Luckily, they did so before our flat got flooded, ha ha.  When we got there everything was super wet. Mattresses, clothes, all of our pamphlets. It was nuts. Our power had been out for sometime too, so everything in our fridge had gone bad. It was just such a mad house. We cleaned up quickly, emptied our fridge and we left. Then we went to the Toga Chapel and took the families that were staying there some food. President Vavaloa, our Branch President, told us that there were a bunch of house that had been destroyed in Toga, so these next couple weeks, we are going to clean up and rebuild some houses. Time to break out the work gloves. 

I love you guys. Thanks you all for the prayers! Continue to pray for the wonderful people of Fiji. 

Elda Dawson    

--

Peace Be Still

Keep it Real

Week 22-February 21, 2016

Emails from President Layton.

I am sending this email to inform you that Elder Jasen Tate Dawson, who is serving in the Suva Fiji Mission, is currently safe and accounted for. We are currently experiencing Cyclone Winston, a category 5 storm, which is passing through Fiji as I send this email. The power is out through most of the island and we are experiencing high winds and rain. The missionaries have been trained on how to handle the storm. They are all either in their flats or at their Stake Center.

As you may know the temple is scheduled to be dedicated tomorrow with three sessions. President Henry B. Eyring and Elder Quentin L. Cook are with us here in the mission home. Earlier today we participated in a Cultural Celebration where the youth of Fiji performed dances celebrating the culture of Fiji and the surrounding islands. It was beautiful with a lot of energy from the youth. It was so exciting to have our missionaries in attendance.

The main part of the storm is forecast to pass us by in time for the dedication sessions tomorrow. Plans are to proceed with the dedication and have our missionaries participate.

We sure appreciate your faith and prayers in behalf of our missionaries as we pass through this challenging weather.

Warm regards,

President Layton
Fiji Suva Mission




Elder Jasen Tate Dawson is safe and accounted for here in Suva.

Power is out throughout Fiji and there is a State of Emergency and curfew being enforced. We originally planned to send the missionaries back to their areas tomorrow morning. However, because of the storm and restrictions on travel, we will keep them here until we know it is safe for them to travel. As I write this email we have not had any contact with the Saints on Vanua Levu and Taveuni, good or bad. All communication lines are down.

Today there were three sessions of the Suva Fiji Temple dedication with President Eyring presiding. They were all wonderful spirit filled events. Because the power is out throughout most of Fiji some of the Saints were not able to watch the dedication services as planned. President Eyring announced that the dedication services will be re-broadcast next Sunday.

With the power out we anticipate the Internet shops will be closed on preparation day. Your missionary probably will not be able to send you their weekly emails. Please know that we are watching thing close and I will try to keep you updated on the conditions here in Fiji, until we return back to normal.

Warm regards,

President Layton
Fiji Suva Mission

Suva Fiji LDS Temple Youth Cultural Celebration

Cyclone disrupts Suva Fiji Temple youth cultural celebration

Amid severe weather conditions caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston, Church leaders halted the youth temple cultural celebration in Suva, Fiji, on Feb. 20.

Originally scheduled to be held in the open-air ANZ Stadium in Suva, the event was moved across the street to the enclosed Vodafone Arena — which event organizers had also reserved months in advance.

However, as weather conditions intensified and the government asked everyone to vacate roads by 5 p.m., organizers skipped several numbers and had the 1,300 youth perform their finale.

Earlier in the day President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, told a group of missionaries serving in Fiji that he studied the weather before getting off the plane in the Pacific island nation. He asked the question: “Should we change plans?” The answer, he felt, was “No.”

Although he did not know what was going to happen with the cyclone, President Eyring said he felt at peace with plans to hold the cultural celebration and rededication. “I got the feeling, ‘Go forward. Don’t be afraid,’” President Eyring said, noting that the “Lord is in charge.”

During the cultural celebration, President Eyring addressed the youth, praising their preparation and sharing the love President Thomas S. Monson has for them.

“I join with you in celebrating the great contributions of so many who have built up the kingdom of God in these isles,” he said. “The Lord has blessed you with an increase of your talents and in your feelings of gratitude for all the Lord has done here and in all the places from which the people will come to enjoy this house of the Lord in Suva.”

He asked the youth to treasure their cultural celebration experience. “I know you will never forget it.”

Also addressing the youth was the Fiji Minister of Sport and Youth, Laisenia Tuitubou. He praised the youth for “their love of their God as well as their faith.”

Speaking of the cyclone, he said, “Through our faith we are all here.”

Ernest Vitinavulagi, director of the cultural event, said it was a “celebration of faith” intended to showcase the islands of the Fiji temple district — Fiji, Kiribati, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia — to the Pacific and the world.

The cultural event brought youth by bus and boat to the celebration. After the event, organizers reported that all the youth made it safely to the Church schools, where the majority would spend the night during the storm.

When the event was cut short, Selai Vuetibau, 18, did not get to perform the number she had prepared for the celebration. But she will always remember gathering with the youth of the temple district for the opening number and again for the finale.

She said the youth had been working on the finale for two weeks. “We thought it wouldn’t be perfect, but it was,” she said.

Accompanying President Eyring to the cultural event were Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Mary Cook; Elder Kent F. Richards, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Temple Department, and his wife, Sister Marsha Richards; and members of the Church's Pacific Area Presidency — Elder Kevin W. Pearson, Elder O. Vincent Haleck, and Elder S. Gifford Nielsen all General Authority Seventies and their wives, Sister June Pearson, Sister Peggy Haleck and Sister Wendy Nielsen.

Fiji Temple Rededication

President Eyring Rededicates Suva Fiji Temple

Major cyclone doesn’t discourage Latter-day Saints' participation

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, rededicated the Suva Fiji Temple on Sunday, February 21, 2016.

Suva, Fiji Temple

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, arrives at the Suva Fiji Temple for rededication services.

          

Fiji Suva Mission President LaMar L. Layton reports that all missionaries are safe and that they spent the day participating in the Suva Fiji Temple rededication. Cyclone Winston with winds as high as 184 miles per hour hit Fiji at about 7:00 p.m. local time Saturday night.In spite of the damage to the city of Suva caused by Cyclone Winston, members arrived safely at the temple after the cyclone had passed to participate in the Suva Fiji Temple rededication sessions. They traveled along the debris-strewn roads and some were delayed by check-points, but still they came. President Eyring arrived excited to join with the Fijian Saints in anticipation of this very sacred event. 

Accompanying President Eyring were Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Kent F. Richards of the Seventy, members of the Pacific Area Presidency and the temple presidency.

The day before the temple was rededicated 1,300 Latter-day Saint youth performed in a cultural celebration that honored the pioneers of the Church and the early pioneers of the Pacific in helping the worldwide faith to grow.

“I join with you,” said President Eyring, “in celebrating the great contributions of so many who have built up the kingdom of God in these islands. You will touch hearts that will transform those in this audience with feelings of love for the Lord and gratitude for all that Heavenly Father has done for us.”

The cultural celebration was moved up from the evening to the afternoon, and the program was shortened due to the impending cyclone. The program had been scheduled for the outdoor venue in the ANZ Stadium in Suva but was moved across the street from the stadium to the enclosed Vodafone Arena.

The temple exterior features Italian granite. The building stands 65 feet high and is crowned with a gilded statue of the angel Moroni, who is significant to Latter-day Saints for his role in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The colors and design motifs of the temple were inspired by the flowers, beaches and jungles of Fiji. The interior of the temple features original art glass and a hand-painted mural depicting the landscape and flora of the islands.

Latter-day Saint temples differ from churches where members meet for Sunday worship services. Temples are considered “houses of the Lord” where the teachings of Jesus Christ are reaffirmed through baptism, marriage and other ceremonies that unite families for eternity.

Cyclone Winston

Fiji super cyclone kills five, raises fears of health crisis

Category 5 Cyclone Winston bears down on Fiji

SYDNEY | BY JANE WARDELL AND COLIN PACKHAM

Downed power lines and flooding are hampering relief efforts in Fiji after the most powerful storm recorded in the southern hemisphere tore through the Pacific island nation, flattening remote villages and killing at least five people.

Harsh winds and torrential rains tore up homes and cut power, water and communications links across the nation of about 900,000 people, although Suva, the capital, escaped the brunt after the storm changed direction at the last minute.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed the death toll and declared a 30-day state of emergency, with schools ordered to shut and a nationwide curfew extended until Monday morning. 

"When we are able we will provide timelines for the return of water and power," he said, adding that electricity supply to some areas had been deliberately cut to avert further damage.

The archipelago of about 300 islands hit late on Saturday by tropical cyclone Winston, which packed winds of 230 kph (143 mph) that gusted up to 325 kph (202 mph).

Businessman Jay Dayal, who lives near Rakiraki, on the north coast of Fiji’s main island where the cyclone hit land, said the storm damage was extensive.

"I wouldn't be surprised if people are now starting to go without food," Dayal told Reuters. "It looks like a different country, it doesn't look like Fiji."

Humanitarian agencies warned Fiji may be facing a potential health crisis, mainly due to the lack of electricity. Low-lying river areas where hundreds of people live in tin sheds are also particularly vulnerable, aid workers said.

"We need electricity to ensure pumps are working and for sterilization," Raijeli Nicole, an official of aid agency Oxfam, told Reuters by telephone that flights have been scheduled on Sunday to assess damage in remote areas.

An elderly man died on Koro Island when a roof fell on him, authorities said. In a nearby village, 50 homes were reported to have been destroyed.

"Some villages have reported that all homes have been destroyed," Jone Tuiipelehaki of the United Nations Development Program tweeted late on Saturday.

People flocked to 758 evacuation centers on Saturday, while tourists hunkered down in hotel ballrooms and conference rooms in coastal areas.

"The images that we're starting to see roll in are terrifying," Alice Clements, a UNICEF official based in Suva said by telephone, describing visuals of a car on a building roof and a small plane nose down in debris.

Week 21-February 14, 2016

Bula noqu matavuvale,

Oh man, literally the most insane week of my mission so far....

Answers for you this week:

My new flat is just two Eldas. Just Elda Tera and myself. It's different than my Ba flat. Not better or worse, just different. We have carpet. We do still have rats, but we named these ones. My favorite one is named Harvey. He's a big boy.

There are snakes in Fiji but most of them are totally harmless.

Toga has a lot more Fijian food than Ba. Stuff like Kai and fish and lots of kasava and rourou.

Not so many Indians, but still a lot. Our land lord is Indian. I like them a lot. They have us over for dinner every week.

Toga is remote, not bush. The closest City is Suva, but there is Nausori town and Makoi.  Everything is about 20-30 minutes from our flat driving in a truck or taxi. The towns are similar to Ba.

We haven't received our new bikes or fans yet. Still lots of hot walking.

Our branch is so awesome. It's way bigger than the Ba Ward and most definitely needs to be a Ward. The Branch President is such an awesome guy. He loves us and he relies a lot on us, but in a good way. 

We play lots of Rugby in Toga, but a lot of American football and basketball. The Fijians and Polynesians really want all the valagi Eldas to teach them American sports.

Elda Kumar and Elda Feliuai are both in my zone. It's way fun to see them. We talk about MTC days and stuff.

We get new missionaries every 6 weeks. No Elda Guymon yet.

So, Elda Tera, there isn't much to say. He's Tahitian, he loves surfing probably more than living. He's a way awesome companion. We get a long really well. He's the definition of a skux, ya know? (I didn't know so I looked it up and skux means "playa' or ladies man.")

$20 a bag...to rich for our blood

Okay so about this insane week. So we had ZTM  (Zone Training Meeting) on Tuesday, and we were setting a goal and someone suggested the goal of 30 new converts for the month of February. The FSM (Fiji Suva Mission) record for the most saints in a month was 27 so it was going to be quite an act of faith. Well we all knelt down and prayed and we got a confirmation that 30 should be our goal. 

Upon returning from ZTM we got a call from a member on Vutia. She told us that there were four investigators on Vutia who had attended the temple open house and who had also been going to church for a while and wanted to be baptized...that Saturday! We were way excited so we took a boat out to Lomani Koro and made the hour long hike to Vutia (Lomani Koro and Vutia are on the same island, just opposite sides). We taught each investigator 3 lessons that day. 

We returned on Thursday and finished the lessons and asked if they had any questions or concernse. They all said they were solid so we were pumped. On Friday, we got our District Leader, Elda d'Aquin, to come out and he was able to pass them all on for baptism, meaning that they understood all that they had been taught. 

The next day we had an awesome Baptismal Service for the four and Elder Johansson of the Seventy 

was there!! Yeah that was a surprise! They were all confirmed yesterday by Elder Johansson and the Stake President. Man, Vutia is coming up. I smell a branch coming. We weren't the only ones seeing miracles this week. We, as a Zone, ended this week with a total of 45 SAINTS!!! We had 39 in ONE WEEK! WE BROKE THE MISSION'S MONTHLY TOTAL IN A WEEK!! And the best part, we still all have more saints for this month. The Lord is helping us push his work along like a freight train. This week has just been nuts! 

Elder Johansson

A way other cool thing is that on Sunday, we invited the Head Chief of Vutia to church.  He showed up and loved it. He asked Elda Tera and I to come back and teach him the lessons. The Chief of Vutia is one of our new investigators.  Oh, this past week was insane! 

Now...

Thanks for your advice, Mom. I've made a goal for myself to never be bored. I've started up old hobbies. I've read almost all of Jesus the Christ...that's quite a accomplish for me. I've also started writing stories and screenplays again. I've even started writing music. Like, I didn't even know I could do that, but I guess I can. Also, I've started working out twice a day, morning and night, so I'm about to get shredded!

That's awesome to hear about Nana and Grandma Baker visiting you. Man, just have fun with them. Take them to the Pier and Dana Point and the Mormon Battalion Visitors Center and all that other touristy stuff I hated. I wish I could go with you guys. I hope you really enjoy having that company. Since I've been gone, I've realized how much time I wasted being grumpy about having company over. I spent so much time trying to be away or avoid it, that I wasted precious time. Remember to enjoy them for me. 

It's scary hearing about how Emma is growing up. Tell her I think it's cool that she likes boys, just remind her that I know all that the Strength of Youth says and that Fiji is only a 19 hour flight from home and I know some really scary ways to chop up coconuts, if you catch my drift. 

Well family, I, as a person am doing quite well. Staying healthy and feeling happy. Also if you ever want to try some FSM missionary food, just email me and I'll email you some recipes. I'm sure everyone will just love them.

My cute face in an internet shop

I love you guys and I miss you like tons!  

Elda Dawson

--

Peace Be Still

Keep it Real

Week 20, February 7, 2016-Praying Peyton throws true passes!

Matavuvale,

Cola vina! It's weird writing an email without having a load of questions to answer. I don't know where to start. 

Well, everyday this week as been the same. Honestly this week seemed to zoom by.  Everyday, Tuesday to Saturday, Elda Tera and I have gone to the temple open house. I probably went into the temple more than 20 times. If there is ever a temple open house near you, you definitely should go.

So, way cool, yesterday, I got to go to our unit out on Vutia. Yes, I said out ON Vutia. It's a small island in the middle of the giant river/lake we are next to. We took a boat and it was about a 10 minute ride out. Man, the unit is way awesome. We have four investigators out there preparing for baptism on this Saturday! Awesome! 

I'm really liking Toga though. The Branch here is amazing so my life is actually easier here. I just show up and teach. The members take care of everything else. It's awesome.

Obviously, by my header, you can tell that I am very curious about the outcome of today's game. I testify that if we all have a prayer in our hearts, the Broncos will take the win! Ha-ha!!  Au veiwali. 

I've also really missed you. I dreamed that I came home (with honor) and it all felt so real. The whole gang was there and a certain young lady (who shall remain nameless, but in my heart) was there.  Kole was there to take my pictures. All those people were there but I remember dropping my bags and walking past all of them to hug Mom. It was so real. I could smell her hair spray.  Then I woke up. I hated my life for about 2 minutes. I read the letter that Mom gave me while I was on Trek a couple of years ago.  It gave me a boost. You say it all the time, Mom, but you don't really know how true it is. You are my number one cheerleader. More than any girl could ever be. No one else knows just what to say to me, to boost my spirits more than you, Mom. I want to make you proud. 

You know, I came on a mission because of you and dad. I know it was something I was "supposed" to do you know, and the adventure sounded good but I never sure that I really wanted to be a missionary.  But now, I can honestly say, I love what I'm doing. I'm not perfect, but I know I'm growing and changing. Thank you for pushing me to do this. At first, it felt like you were pushing me off of a cliff, but I needed it. I wouldn't have realized what I was capable of. The heights I could fly to. Sorry, that was way lame, but I mean it. Thank you, Mom. I love you. Au lomani kemuni sara vakalevu!

Well, I don't have much else to say. Probably because of no questions....but whatever(slackers). I love you so much and I miss you guys! Until next week!

Elda Dawson

--

Peace Be Still

Keep it Real

Week 19-January 28, 2016

Matavuvale,

So big news. I got transferred. But before I tell you about it, I have to answer some questions from my Nana.

-There were like probably 50-ish people at my branch yesterday.

-My chapel looks like a little chapel in America, a really little one. But it's way nice.

-My feet are doing pretty good. They are strangely tan, but they are doing great.

-My neighbors are Indian, so yeah, they are friendly for the most part.

-We grocery shop basically only when it's necessary. It's not good to have to much food in our flat because of rats and ants and mongooses.

-My companion and I have an extremely similar sense of humor, which will be lots of fun(and maybe a little trouble).

-Most flats have a washing machine. We just hang dry.

-I went to the temple for the first time on Saturday.

-There are a couple of Elders I admire. Elda Lemalu: He's my grandpa, an AP, and still is way fun. Elda Johnson: He's a way nice guy and he's a way hard worker. Elda Macleod: My last District Leader, he cares heaps about his missionaries. That's just a few, there are more, but I only have so much time. Lol.

-I feel safe like 99.999999999999% of the time. 

Okay so about transfers. So on Tuesday at District lunch we all started to get calls from President Layton. I picked up our phone:

-"Bula Vinaka oqo Elda Dawson"

-"Hello Elder Dawson, This is President Layton."

-"-Oh, Hello President Layton, how are you?"

-"I'm doing just great. Well, Elder Dawson, do you know what time it is?"

-"Yes President, it's lunch time."

-"Very true, are you having a good lunch?"

 -"Yes sir, I'm enjoying lunch with my district."

-"Oh, well that very nice. So Elder Dawson, you're getting transferred to Toga. Do you know where that is?"

-"Uh..."

-"Toga Rewa, on the east side of the island. Your follow up trainer will be Elder Tera. Do you know Elder Tera?" 

-"Uh, no President but I'm excited to meet him."

-"Well Great Elder Dawson, I know you'll do great there."

Awesome lunch with my district!

So Toga Rewa, it's not the country Tonga, but it's pronounced the same way. It's in the Nausori South Zone. It's on the South East side of Vitilevu. It's way green and it rains a lot. Good news though, It's flat as! No more hills! We also get bikes. We don't have any now, but we are getting some super cool ones, that Elda Tera and I tried out the other day.

A part of my new area...also, still no ocean for me.

So, in the mission, Toga is considered, by most Eldas, the bush. Bush means like sega ni civilazation. I don't know really how to explain it, it's just bush. But, I was talking to Elda Macleod ( an expert on bush areas) and he says it's remote not bush. So I'm in a remote area. It's way nice there though.

My companion is Elda Tera. He hit his year mark in December, I think, so I'm only 8-ish months behind him. He's from Tahiti and he is the man. His English is way good and he's funny as.... His first language is French so he said he's going to make sure his daughter (me) will be able to speak some French before one of us leaves.

Au kei Elda Tera!

So besides tranfers, the highlight of my week has been the temple. I got to go to the temple open house this past Saturday. We got to be up there all Saturday because we had investigators that kept coming to the temple. It was so cool!

Oh, so this just popped into my mind, Elda Feliuai from the MTC, yeah he's in my Zone. And guess who his follow up trainer is, yeah Elda Visawaqa. So Elda Feliuai is my little sister and Elda Visawaqa is still in my zone. It's pretty sweet. Alrighty fam, I love you and I miss you guys. I'll try and send pictures. Give my love to the missionaries. Tell the Sisters that my inbox is looking a little empty. Lol. Alright, Moce Jo.

Elda Dawson

 --

Peace Be Still

Keep it Real