Hathaways In Fiji

During the the school's summer vacation we had some special visitors: our dear friends, John, Sue Ann, and Christina Hathaway.  We feel very blessed that we have the type of mission where occasionally we have a little time off.  So it was perfect timing and we had a great time showing them some of the best places in Fiji. 

We first took a boat to Mana Island Resort in the Mamanuca  (ma- ma- new- tha) Islands.  Our rooms were very big and nice and had a beautiful view of the beach. (somehow we have no picture of the view, so you will just have to take our word for it.)

Dinner with a view of the ocean.  

Mike and John had a friendly bird that would sit on their stomach and eat crackers.

We then headed to Suva and soaked in some of the local culture.

The Fish Market

Fresh Crabs for sale!

Also lobster

We spent the morning at the Suva LDS temple before heading to the other side of the island.

We took King's Highway which is being constructed by the Chinese government.  It meanders through a beautiful rainforest.  Along the way we saw a sign for the LDS church, so we turned around and stopped.  

The building on the right is where they have their meetings on Sunday.  The building on the left is where some members of the church live.  Of course being Fijians, they were so friendly and happy to see us.  They offered us some refreshment of fruit and fresh coconut.

The son climbing up the coconut tree to get the coconuts.

The coconut was cut open, but there was a film across the top, so Christina stuck her finger through the opening so they could get to the coconut milk and the flesh.  There was some kind of pressure in there because the coconut milk shot up into Sue Ann's eyes.  

Yumm. fresh coconut milk.

Some of the family.  The Fijians are just so amazing.  If they have company then they go out into the yard and pick fruit for the guests.  This country has an abundance of food for the people.

Wananavu Beach

Our last night together at Wananavu which means wonderful or awesome in Fijian.  And it was truly an awesome place.  

We really enjoyed having the Hathaways come for a visit.  

Christmas

Christmas turned out to be quite different than was planned.  The schools are out for summer break and so we were going to take the holiday to go to a resort with 2 other missionary couples.  But alas, we ended up at the hospital on Christmas Eve.  It all started with what we thought was the flu.  By the next day Mike was in a lot of pain and by that evening he was really hurting.  They did an x-ray and he had 2 kidney stones.  So we were home and house bound for 4 days.  But we took that time to remember the birth of the Savior and all the blessings we have.  We are thankful for the opportunity we have to serve a mission and the love and support we feel from our family and friends. We are grateful that the kidney stones passed and we have been very healthy (overall) on our mission.  That was our first trip to the doctor and the first time Mike has been sick since we arrived in Fiji.  

Poor Mike.  After 2 shots of morphine he had some relief.  Mike was very thankful for morphine.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ward Christmas Party

Our ward Christmas party was "A Night in Bethlehem".  Everyone was asked to dress up in clothing of that time period.  They asked Mike to be a Roman centurion and announce the decree of Caesar Augustus that all the world was to be taxed, etc.  We did not have much to use for costumes (as you can see from the pictures).( How do you like the bowl covered with foil?)  Most of the members (who dressed up) had great costumes!  We were really impressed.

A Roman Centurion

 a soldier and an old woman

Apenisa and his 2 cousins

Bishop Hussain

Mary and Joseph

The 3 Wise Men

Of course Santa made an appearance.  Notice the beard.  

Sister Damuni - She went home right after Christmas.  She will be missed, she was a good missionary.