Alright so -
Week 2 in the bag!
The Romantic Surprise Date night.
Our ami,
named Chico, missed a lesson with us. So
we decided to drive-by right before our dinner appointment in the Bishop’s
truck to schedule another lesson. We get there and Chico is walking out to go
out with his friends. The Bishop runs out and tells him to get in the
truck. Then, we drive and pick up a member who was walking on the side of
the road. We then drive to an old man’s
house (His name is Papai Eric). He only
speaks Tahitian and lives in this house with an incredible view. We all get out
and walk to this man’s yard. And he is sitting the dark singing with his
guitar. Next, he turns on the lights which were strung-up between palm
trees, and we can see dinner laid out.
We teach our lesson. Then when we have to leave for our dinner
appointment, an hour late, Chico stays there with the member man, Moana, the
Bishop, and Papai Eric. So, four men on a Friday night sharing a meal in
romantic lighting with a killer Tahitian view. Hahahaha sorry
Chico!!
The beautiful wildlife. So the centipedes decided to
make an appearance. Attached is a picture of one that almost made it into the
kitchen. Personally, I think they are cuter when they are dead.
The work is
hard work but good work. Our baptism that was supposed to be last week,
got canceled an hour before it was supposed to happen this week-- on account of
personal hesitation. Simon is so ready
for baptism though, and we have spent a ton of time with him and had a really
good lesson with him. The Bishop and
our "powerhouse" Stake President, President Pedron gave him a
blessing. The blessing he gave him was really amazing and it was such a
privilege to be there for this Ami's first experience with priesthood
blessings.
Another Ami,
Antonella, told us that we could have another lesson with her the next day, and
that she would make us flower crowns for us. She ended up missing the
lesson but left the flower crowns waiting at a friend’s house for us to pick
up. haha Tahitian People Priorities. I saw the biggest man I think I have
ever seen in my life, and he is 18. He and his wife just had a baby and we had
an awesome lesson about eternal families and the Family a Proclamation to the
World. Lovved it!
The ward is
incredible here in Faa'a!!! The Church Bus to and from church is my favorite
thing. We go out with ward members a lot during the week, and the Stake
President and Bishop teach lessons with us. It is a lot of Tahitian
power. Also, it is a hard thing to watch the people give us so much food
and make us eat so much and then not eating it themselves, and making their
kids walk away. The food has been awesome this week. One night was
a hearty meal of meat, potatoes, meat, and more meat, and several cow hearts(a
kind of meat). Not half bad but not as good as pulled pork. Also I had some
delicious Açai bowls and Spring Rolls again, wohooo! Plenty of Poisson Cru and
some crepes!! Taro is really good as well.
The other 5
Soeurs that live with me make everything better. Our Sr. from Vanuatu is our
mom, and there is a sweet Tahitian in the mix who laughs at my jokes and not my
French. How refreshing! They're trying to learn English and I am trying to
learn French, it's top. And my QT Soeurs are all so good at singing!! Last
night we pulled a mattress outside and ate popcorn and sang to Sr Durrants
incredible guitar playing skills, while checking out the beautiful Tahitian
night sky.
Tahitian
Tip: Just whatever you do, don’t cut your feet here. They will never ever
heal haha. Too sweaty and dirty for bandages and if it’s in the open the bugs
will attack it. Cool huh
I feel super
blessed to be with my companion who works so hard and puts up with me!!!!
Here's
something that pushed me forward this week
God does not
begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if
we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability.”
Patience is
tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly
impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God.
Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. We can
grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God's purposes and
patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable.”
― Neal A. Maxwell
― Neal A. Maxwell
I have been
so grateful for everyone at home who is a rock for me. I can feel a ton
of perspective seeping into my life everyday, but especially humility. I
have such a strong testimony in the little consistent things that make all the
difference: scripture study and prayer. I also know that the Priesthood
is so necessary. God's Power is the Only Power
Love you
all!!
Sr Spencer
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