SUN SETS ON OUR MISSION

Hard to believe it is all over. We have seen some gorgeous sunsets over the last eighteen months here in Saipan. As the sun sets on our mission experience here in the Pacific we will share some of them on the blog.

 

 

 

Faces of Saipan

The cultural diversity of this small island in the Pacific is amazing. The faces of Saipan reflect a mix of people from Philipines, Chuuk, Palau, Kosrae, Pohnepe, Yap, Guam, China, Japan, Russia, Korea, Marshalles, Samoa, Tonga, India, Fiji, Hawaii and the mainland US.as well as the native indiginous Chamorro and Carolinian peoples. Each of these groups speak a different language and has a different cultural background. My first church meeting is Saipan was the Primary Childrens Program which I labeled "25 Shades of Brown". Some of the faces are represented in this blog.



Matching SIsters

Sometimes we don't plan to match, but we do.

Sometimes we do plan to match.  We even had matching shirts made in Saipan to wear to Stake Conference in Guam.

And sometimes we plan to match the holiday.  This is at a baptism at Valentine's time.  Sister Valenzuela even got the memo.

I love Sisters Sulog (on the left) and Sister Tuioletai (on the right.)

Still in the "Middle" of our Mission

Middle of our Mission

One last FHE with Eileen and Moso and their daughters, Micki,
DaeDae and Lecka (nick-names) before they go back
to Hawaii to live and we go back to Utah.  This family has
been a special part of most of our mission.

Baptisms of members of the Taule family happen almost every week lately, Grandpa 
and Grandma Taule are on the right in the photo.  

We had a chance to teach early morning Seminary recently.  These youth are so great!  We love them and have such an apprecation for how they live the gospel!  They are small in number - about 18 of them - on an island with alot of youth; but they stand out!  They take the gospel to the people of Saipan when they leave Seminary each morning with gospel light in their faces and souls.  They also all go on splits with the missionaries every week helping to teach by word and deed.

We loved it even if I look mad.

This is at the Relief Society Birthday celebration.  I am at a table with the Sister Missionaries, Linda, Esper, Kylie, Pat and Mary.  The handsome YM served us.  One of them, Andres is in the photo with us. 



Just look at these bright piano students.  We had just performed a final recital together.  I am so  proud of how hard they worked with a novice teacher.  Standing by me is Mark Tuam-Iam and Christian Carulla.  In front l to r is Gehan Ruga, Li Lumbana, Jhanylin Cruz and Andrea Aberas.

 

Playing a little boogie duet with Li.

 

 

Linda's Birthday party and banquet.

 

 

 A "not so surprise" lunch for the Joneses at the District Elders apt.

 

We were invited to a farewell dinner gathering at the Silvanoe's new home.  Forgot to get pictures of the gathering, but the house looked so warm and inviting - which it was -  as we drove away. 

 

 

 A farewell dinner at the Cabael's.  Ann in blue, Al behind her, Koehoni in front and big brother Kyle in back with guitar.  The others are the recongnizable missionaries we are spending much time with before we go.  We sang many hymns together ending with "God Be With You Tell We Meet Again" and I did cry a little bit.....