On Monday September 27, 2010 we entered the MTC in Provo. this was the beginning of a most wonderful experience. The faith of those who were there will never be forgotten. The missionaries are the very cream of the crop. It was wonderful to see them as they would help with our dishes, open doors and were very kind and loving.
The Tuesday evening fireside with Bother Clayton was inspirational as he talked about the Rock being cut out of the mountain by Daniel in the Old Testament. Then to turn around and see the 2000 plus elders as them came in and sang the songs of Zion were something to behold. You could feel the spirit and the very power of the work going forth. What an outstanding blessing to be part of that wonderful evening.
On Thursday, September 30 be drove back home to Salt Lake to prepare for our trip to Tahiti on Friday. Friday morning October1, 2010 at around 8:30 am we flew from Salt Lake to L.A. When we were in L.A. we did not have a return ticket from Tahiti and they would not let us leave on the plane without a ticket indication we were leaving Tahiti. So, I called Salt Lake and in just a few minutes a return ticket was emailed to Air Tahiti Nui in L.A. indicating or giving us a departure date and time. We then we issued a ticket and boarded the plane. We arrived in Tahiti around 6:30 pm and were greet by President Mathew and Susan Smith. We were driven to the mission home where we stayed.
Saturday morning was General Conference which started at 6:00 am since Tahiti is 4 hours behind Utah time. What a wonderful conference. I was struck by the number of small children caring their scriptures who were up and listening to conference. The children were so beautiful and all the people were so kind and loving to us.
Sunday after the afternoon session of conference we had a dinner at the mission home. Two of the people who where there were President and Sister Moody the President of the Tahiti Temple which was just next door. After dinner President Moody played two songs for us that will soon appear in the friend magazine. They were beautiful and sweet. The Moody's are very close friends with Bona and Parley.
Monday, October 4, 2010 we took our extra luggage to the airport to have it sent to Rarotonga. We had just over 100 lbs which did cost us $300 to sent. I paid $100 and President Smith payed the rest. We sent it by freight since we were told it was cheaper that way.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 we flew to Rarotonga, Cook Island arriving around 11:30 am. As we walked off the plane and into the terminal we could hear music being played . Found out Brother Jake Numanga was the one singing and playing his ukulele. He stopped playing for a minute and came up to us to greet us and welcome us to Rarotonga. This was a very special moment for us.
After we received our luggage and went through customs we were greeted by Elder and Sister Teriipaia and several members of the church. They gave us leis. This was another tender moment for me to see them express their love for us. Elder and Sister Teriipaia were being transferred to Tahiti. He is from Tahiti and she (Joan) is from Kona on the Bis Island of Hawaii. We then drove to the L.D.S. Mission home at Black Rock and tried to settle in the rest of the day. That evening we were invited to dinner at Brother and Sister Labb's home. What a great couple.
