Happy Belated Easter

Family and Friends,

Well, it’s my turn again to write our weekly missionary letter. Darleen is definitely much better at this than I am, but I suppose it gives you two different perspectives, and maybe something to look forward to next week.  😊

With this past week being Easter week, things were a little slower. Schools were out toward the end of the week, and many families began traveling for a long weekend since Monday was also a holiday here (Easter Monday). However, we still had several meaningful experiences we’d love to share from our mission in Vanuatu Port Vila.

We continue making weekly visits to different seminary classes across the island to learn how we can best support the teachers and get to know the students. On Tuesday, we visited Port Vila Wards 1 and 3, splitting up so we could attend both classes. When we visited a few weeks ago, Darleen promised she would bring a treat, and she followed through by making chocolate cookies for each class. At the end, the students happily enjoyed them and told us, “Come back again.”

On Thursday, we traveled out to the Eton unit, a small branch located in the bush. We had been hoping to visit for several weeks, and Darleen had coordinated with Sister Akua, one of the seminary teachers. Since she didn’t have time to bake, we picked up several packs of hot cross buns from a local bakery.

When we arrived, Sister Akua and her students weren’t there, so we walked across the street to her home. She explained that she hadn’t been teaching regularly because the students weren’t showing up. Normally, class is held at 6:00 a.m., but that day she planned to try 4:00 p.m. We encouraged her to gather the students, since many lived nearby. She was able to find about 15 of them, and we met together in the small church building.

Darleen spoke to them about the importance of seminary and learning about “Papa God.” She had each of them raise their hand and repeat: “I will attend seminary on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.” They followed along enthusiastically. We committed to return and help them get things going again. Afterwards, the local fulltime missionaries, who were preparing for a church themed movie night later that evening, helped us hand out juice and the hot cross buns we had brought.

Darleen having the seminary students in Eton
commit to attending seminary class in the future.
See the video below for the actual event.

Sister Akua plans on moving seminary from 6:00am to 4:00pm to see if the students will have more consistent attendance.   We plan on trying to attend to help, as we can.   We even mentioned we would be happy to teach a future lesson to help Sister Akua, which she seemed happy for us to do.    We will keep working to support this small unit that we have come to love.

Darleen mentioned last week that we are helping a young woman in Eton prepare to serve a full-time mission. This week, we took her to a dentist in downtown Port Vila for a required check. Darleen went in with her to assist with paperwork. During the exam, the dentist asked if she was in pain—she said yes. The dentist explained that she is likely in constant pain and will need extensive treatment. This helped us understand why she struggled to eat after her doctor’s appointment last week.

While we are not sure what treatment our young woman will require, we are hopeful it will relieve the pain she has been enduring for so long.

This week also brought missionary transfers, which happen every six weeks. Eleven missionaries completed their service and returned home, while nineteen new missionaries arrived. They were assigned by our Mission President, President Ball, to new areas and companions. It’s inspiring to watch these young missionaries grow in confidence as they learn the language and how to teach the gospel. While it’s always a little sad to see others leave, it’s also joyful knowing they are returning to loving reunions with their families. We are truly grateful for their sacrifices.

Unlike in the U.S., most stores here close on Good Friday in observance of the Savior. It is uplifting to see how many people focus on Him during this time, attending church services throughout the weekend.

On Sunday, we had a special Easter service and were invited to sing “Gethsemane” with the seminary and institute students. When it was time to sing, it took several minutes for everyone to gather, and eventually even the Primary children were invited to join. It may not have been the most polished performance, but it was a good way to express testimony in song.   Note, normally we would have been all participating in the our churches bi-annual General Conference that is broadcast from Salt Lake City, however, the message needs to be translated into Bislama for the local members and that won't be done until next week. 

Our little Easter Dinner celebration with the other
senior missionaries and our Mission President and 
his wife.

After church, Darleen had organized an Easter meal with the other senior missionaries in our apartment complex, along with inviting President and Sister Ball to join us, which they accepted.   Darleen prepared ham, lamb, sweet potato casserole, fried corn with cream, and a tomato basil salad. I helped where I could, even learning from YouTube how to properly fold paper napkins (Darleen likes to tease me and say I would make a great Relief Society President).   Everyone came with some amazing rolls, side dishes and desserts.  It turned into a wonderful meal. Darleen said it may have been her favorite meal in the past seven months, and I would have to agree.

Some of the food that was served.   The sweat
potato casserole and the lamb (back right) Darleen
made!!!

Even though our apartment was a bit crowded with eleven of us, we had a wonderful time together. We ended the evening by sharing thoughts about the Savior and singing a hymn. We truly love serving alongside these wonderful missionaries, they make this experience so meaningful.

The tables all set up and ready for the guests to arrive.

We are also grateful for some protection this week. A cyclone passed between us and Fiji, missing our island. While we may still see some rain, we are thankful it was not a direct hit. However, we did experience a 7.2 magnitude earthquake about 175 miles north of us. As we sat on the couch, Darleen asked, “Do you feel that?” and soon we both felt the shaking, which lasted about 15–20 seconds. We headed for the door until it stopped.

We later learned the impact was near the island of Santo. The senior couple there said their truck shook violently while driving. Thankfully, we heard there were no serious injuries, and damage was limited to items being thrown off shelves and cracks in some of the structures.   Aftershocks continued for several days. While it was interesting to experience an earthquake for the first time, we’re perfectly fine not having another one. 😊

May I end with a personal thought?

This Easter week, we were reminded of the power of Jesus Christ’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, His sacrifice on the cross, and His Resurrection three days later. He suffered and bled for each of us so that we would not have to, if we repent and believe in Him. Through His Resurrection, He also made it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Father with perfected, resurrected bodies. I am deeply grateful for this incredible gift He has given to all of us.

This truth became especially personal to us this week. On Monday, we learned that our Aunt Agie had been admitted to the ICU after years of serious health challenges. She had been living with about 50% heart function, and surgery was not an option due to other conditions.

Not the best picture of Agie, but the last one
we took before we entered the MTC in Provo 
in early September and started our mission.
     

We spoke with her briefly, and in her usual steady way, she simply said, “I’m good.” That was always her, never complaining, no matter how she felt. Soon after, we learned she was being placed in hospice care.

On Good Friday, Agie peacefully passed from this life and returned to be with loved ones on the other side. We are deeply grateful for her example and influence over the past 46+ years. We will miss her dearly, but we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace and free from pain.

As the Savior taught, “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19). President Dallin H. Oaks said:

“The Resurrection gives us the perspective and the strength to endure the mortal challenges faced by each of us and those we love… Because each of us has an assured resurrection, we know that these mortal deficiencies and oppositions are only temporary.”

Like so many, the pains Agie carried are now gone. And because of Jesus Christ, we know she will one day be resurrected in a perfect and whole state.   We love you and take joy in the fact that she is released from her imperfect body and enjoying now time with her families, friends, and cats that had passed on before her.

We love you all so much. Have a wonderful Easter.

Nana & Papa, Mom & Dad, Elda & Sista Lovelace, Mark and Darleen

Additional pictures from the week:

Video of Darleen committing the Seminary
students to attend class Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, and Friday.   Got to love her!!!!

Watching the YSA's playing volleyball out in Eton
while waiting to see if the seminary students will 
attend the seminary class.   

Ward Baptism we attended on Saturday.   

Birthday celebration this Saturday with Elder Meyer
at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Flower arrangements we made up for the
Easter dinner.  They have some 
beautiful local flowers on this island.

Darleen enjoying watching the Saturday 
sessions of conference on Sunday afternoon

My famous napkins I folded
for our Easter celebration dinner.
Pretty impressive!!!