Something we forgot to mention in our last post is that a member of our Ward passed away. We were invited by the Bishop to go with the Ward leaders to her brothers home for part of the funeral services. The Ward put on a program for the family. We all sat on the floor of the home on woven mats in a room where the coffin was. We had songs, prayers, and talks by Ward leaders. When it was over the family invited us to take home a snack which consisted of some BBQ and a bag full of something we later found out was raw meat which we put in our freezer for later. The following day the above service took place in the cultural hall of the Church. We didn't understand much of it since most of it was in Tongan. The following morning was the final funeral and burial. Unfortunately, she left a 15 year old daughter and 10 year old son.
We love working with these young Missionaries. We purchased a pressure washer to clean the bikes and three Missionaries showed up at our flat to have bikes fixed. We told them to clean the bikes with the pressure washer and they had a little too much fun and started cleaning the cement driveway. That's right, you now have their names: Elder Cowl, Elder Chung, and Elder Vaioa along with Elder Bartlett.
We were able to attend the Otara and Tamake Zone Conference and this is our group. We are losing many Missionaries so the groups are much smaller. This is President and Sister Walkers 2nd round of Zone Conferences. Unfortunately Elder Bartlett had to take the picture so he wasn't in it.
Sister Christy pictured here with Bishop Samau and President Ofanoa (2nd Counselor to the Stake President) just returned to the Ward from her mission in The Philippines. They do put on a party for their Returned Missionaries. You can see the leis that people placed on her, she could hardly stand up. She also talked briefly in Stake Conference and bore her Testimony in Tagalog, which was amazing since the Sisters had an investigator from the Philippines so he heard testimony in his own language.
Our Stake Conference was this week and they seem to love to have a Stake Activity to go along with Stake Conference, which would be a fun tradition back home. In this case it was Karaoke night. They wanted representatives from Primary, Youth, Relief Society, and Priesthood. The Sister in this performance is the Stake President's Wife Sister Pulu. What fun it is.
This is our Bishop Samau and he was really getting into it. We could say we let our hair down, but some of us don't have much hair to let down. Let's just say it was a fun time with clean, wholesome entertainment. They also enjoy inviting government officials to their activities and to Stake Conferences. One of the officials was able to give a few words of encouragement and told them to get registered to vote and make sure to vote.
This is his daughter (and wife). His daughter got caught up in the fun and wanted to sing a song. It was great.
Some of the Missionaries decided to dress up for Stake Conference and wear some of the traditional island dress including Sister Bartlett, Sister Gorrela (from India), and Sister Romauldo (from Philippines). We couldn't resist taking this in front of these beautiful blossoms on the tree. Funny thing is the tree has blossoms but no leaves.
We couldn't help taking this selfie so Elder Bartlett could get in the photo. We had a great Stake Conference and afterward we were invited to have dinner that the Stake Relief Society put on for all of the visitors. Since we were taking home these Sisters they also were invited. They love the Missionaries. We sat with the two Stake Patriarchs and their wives and had a wonderful conversation.
Sunday evening there was a Primary baptism and Mele Felila was baptised. Her grandfather actually came from Tonga for the baptism and performed the confirmation in Tongan. Mele was dressed in her traditional dress after her baptism.
Yes, you are seeing correctly. Following the baptism the family put on a feast including a whole pig and all the trimmings. They do know how to put on a meal.
Since three sets of Missionaries were at the baptism dressed in the Island dress, we had to get a picture with all of them. From left to right they are Sister Loneza, Sister Fehoko, Sister Romualdo, Elder and Sister Bartlett, Sister Gorrela, Sister Miko, and Sister Tauiliili.
Many things are going on right now and we are involved with the Missionaries and our Ward. We appreciate all of your prayers in our behalf and we pray for all of you, our friends and family. May the Lord bless you all.
Love, Elder and Sister Bartlett
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