Watermelons and Hard Boiled Eggs
Hello Family and Friends
 |
| Spending the evening at the resort Iriki for dinner. Beautiful views from our table. |
At the downtown Port Vila market, we were excited to see watermelons back in season. Unlike the U.S., where typically fruits are available year‑round, here they only appear when the season allows. We bought two massive 20‑lb melons (about $30 each) and served generous slices to the youth. They were thrilled, each received at least two slices, and their smiles made the expense worth it.
 |
| The two watermelons purchased from the market downtown. They were massive size. We were told watermelons come from the Vanuatu island of Malekula. |
For Thursday and Friday classes, we switched to hard‑boiled eggs. Because the store limited purchases to one carton at a time, we had to make six separate trips to buy six cartons of 30 eggs each. Over several days we boiled and peeled nearly 180 eggs. I quickly learned — not that I didn’t already know this lesson, but this time I REALLY learned — that not all eggs peel the same. Some shells slipped off easily, while others stubbornly clung, tearing chunks of the whites away. I started calling those stubborn ones the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde eggs — you never knew which side of their personality you were going to get when you tried to peel them.
It was exhausting work. Darleen’s and my fingers were sore, with bits of shell sometimes lodging under our fingernails, making the task even more “fun.” Yet despite the discomfort, it was rewarding to see the youth happily receive two eggs each. Their smiles made the effort worthwhile. Still, I’m not sure we’ll be repeating that particular snack anytime soon!
Opportunities to Serve
On Wednesday we had several opportunities to serve individuals alongside our teaching activities. We began with Sister Neslyne, a dedicated sister who has agreed to teach the Foundation SIS class in the Erakor Branch. For the past several weeks she has faithfully observed Darleen as she taught the younger youth (ages 11–14). Now she is beginning to step forward and lead the discussions herself, while Darleen observes and provides feedback to help her gain confidence before we fully hand the class over to her.
Neslyne is a widow who moved from Santo to Port Vila after her husband’s passing. She shared with us how her husband, together with his brother, helped build the District Church building on Santo. They were among the pioneers of the Church on that island, and it was inspiring to hear her stories of service and sacrifice in those early days.
Even now, Neslyne continues to serve tirelessly, often baking for others as an expression of love. Recently, we learned that she had been cooking all her meals over an open fire, despite having purchased an oven two years ago. Unfortunately, a broken gas connector had prevented her from ever using it. After our Tuesday SIS class, we took Neslyne home to look at the stove and see if it could be repaired.
Determined to help, I returned Wednesday morning, removed the damaged part, and spent most of the day driving from store to store in search of a replacement. Each shop sent me on to another, and I couldn’t help but long for the convenience of a Home Depot or Lowe’s where you can find exactly what you need in minutes. Finally, at G‑Gas, I located a fitting that looked promising, but when I tried to reconnect it to the oven, the threads didn’t quite match.
 |
| The view of the back of the offending broken oven |
Though the oven remained unfixed at first, we were able to buy and install a new propane tank for her small stovetop, which she hadn’t been able to use. Even that small improvement brought her joy and gave her the ability to cook more easily.
 |
| This is the view of the part that is broken. That connector is busted at the bottom part, but also the threads that go into the oven are cracked. |
I’m happy to report that during our errands on Monday, after being directed from one shop to another, I finally located the correct connector. This week, after our Tuesday evening SIS class near her home, I plan to install it. I’m excited for the moment when she can finally use the oven she purchased two years ago — it will be a blessing for her, and a joy for us to see her able to bake again, something she loves to do.
That same day, we also had the opportunity to serve Sister Chrisman, one of the new Sister Training Leaders. She had transferred from New Caledonia after about 11 months of service there. New Caledonia, a French‑speaking island south of Vanuatu but part of the Port Vila Mission, is often described as having a mini‑European feel, with items and foods more familiar to someone coming from the U.S.
By contrast, Port Vila presents a very different cultural and food environment. Having been here just about a month, Sister Chrisman was still adjusting to those differences. While I was searching through several stores for oven parts that morning, Darleen stayed in the truck, FaceTiming with Amanda — her sister‑in‑law, married to her older brother Tony.
It truly is a small world. When we first received our mission call, Amanda had told us that her niece, Sister Chrisman, was serving in the Vanuatu Port Vila Mission. We never thought we would meet her, since she was a French‑speaking missionary and we assumed she would remain in New Caledonia. Typically, once assigned there, missionaries stay until the end of their service. But Sister Chrisman was given the opportunity to transfer to Port Vila to serve as one of the Sister Training Leaders here.
During their conversation, Amanda shared insights with Darleen about some of the challenges Sister Chrisman was facing, while also catching up on family news back home. It was a tender reminder of how connected the Lord’s work can be — weaving family ties, missionary service, and opportunities to support one another across islands and cultures.
If you know Darleen, you know she loves to serve through food. After talking with Amanda, she decided to help Sister Chrisman by showing her some food options that might be easier on her stomach. We bought groceries and Darleen prepared examples, including a pasta salad with local tuna.
 |
| Sister Moreno and Chrisman after dropping off the food. We didn't know that wearing green would blend in so nicely to the background of the walls in their apartment :-) |
We had planned to take Sister Chrisman and her companion, Sister Moreno, out to dinner Wednesday night, but they needed to prepare for lessons at Zone Conference the next day. Instead, they asked us to stop by and give a priesthood blessing. After our SIS class in Erakor, we visited with groceries in hand. Darleen explained how to use the ingredients in different recipes and gave her two loaves of banana chocolate chip bread to share with her apartment companions. She was overjoyed.
 |
| Sister Chrisman holding up the pasta salad. She actually made another batch of it later in the week and said her companions loved it. |
Next came the a blessing for Sister Chrisman. What I thought was going to be one blessing turned into a blessing for four, as all the sisters in the apartment requested comfort for their individual challenges. It was a sacred privilege to lay hands on each of their heads, one after another, and feel the Spirit testify of Heavenly Father’s love for them. These sisters — from the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, USA, and Kiribati — each bring unique gifts, united in their devotion to the gospel. Darleen’s food lifted their spirits, and the blessings brought peace. We left filled with joy, reminded of Matthew 25:40: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Zone Conference and Institute
On Friday morning, we attended Zone Conference at the Mission President’s home. The zone leaders, district leaders, sister training leaders, Sister Ball, and President Ball shared uplifting messages, and we enjoyed interacting with the younger missionaries.
 |
| The Zone Conference from Friday. This is about half of the missionaries currently serving in Port Vila Stake. The other zone meet on Thursday. |
 |
| Sister Moreno and Chrisman teaching at the Zone Conference |
That afternoon, we taught math in Etas for SIS, then drove back to the Stake Center to lead one of the Institute class discussions on “Establishing the Cause of Zion.” Though I hadn’t felt as prepared as I would have liked, Darleen reassured me afterward that it went well. I do think she is a little biased.
We also brought along the leftover boiled eggs from SIS, and — in one of those tender mercies that remind us the Lord is in the details — the amount we had was exactly enough for the YSA students who attended Institute that night. Not one egg was left over. It was a simple but powerful reminder that this truly is the Lord’s work, and He provides even in the smallest ways.
 |
| Preparing to teach the YSA Institute class |
After class, we visited Elder and Sister Meyers to meet their son Sam and his wife Emily, who had just arrived. They had kindly brought dive camera accessories for me from the U.S. Sam and Emily live in California, where Sam is a lawyer and Emily a student. The Meyers are taking them to Australia for a week to see kangaroos, koalas, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Seminary & Institute In‑Service
Saturday began with pickleball at 6:30 a.m., where I enjoyed watching Sam playfully challenge Elder Meyer. Back home, the Meyer boys often competed against their father, and it was fun to see that tradition continue.
Later that morning, Darleen and I attended our monthly Seminary & Institute In‑Service meeting. For the first time, we didn’t lead any of the training discussions. Our S&I Supervisor, Sister Maklen Tikoisuva, did a wonderful job assigning teachers to lead. She is truly magnifying her calling and blessing the S&I program in the Port Vila Stake.
 |
| Saturday In-Service meeting with Sister Mayline Teriitaohia leading the discussion |
After the training, Darleen and I provided lunch. She made a Caesar salad with homemade dressing, and we added watermelon and pizzas. Attendance was smaller than last month, so we worried we had too much food — 12 pizzas for 14 people. But everything was eaten, and the salad was a huge hit. Several asked Darleen for her recipe.
That evening we joined the senior missionaries, Sam, and Emily for a buffet dinner at Iriki, a resort on a small island in Port Vila bay. Afterward we stayed for their Saturday night fire show. I had thought it would be fireworks, but it was still enjoyable. We left a little early as the kerosene fumes were blowing into our faces, which gave us time to prepare Sunday’s lesson.
 |
| Beautiful sunset at Iriki resort. |
 |
| Right before the fire show started |
 |
| How's that for a view!!!! |
Sunday Lessons
On Sunday we taught about the prophet Elijah, drawing from 1 Kings 12–22. Darleen taught about King Rehoboam’s poor leadership choices in listening to younger advisors instead of wiser ones, and she emphasized the importance of following the Savior’s example of leadership. She also taught about Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, who gave him her last meal and was blessed with food throughout the drought.
 |
| Darleen teaching the YSA Sunday School lesson |
I then taught Elijah’s contest with the priests of Baal, framing it like a World Cup match: one prophet against 850 opponents. The youth enjoyed the analogy, and it sparked lively discussion. We concluded by reflecting on how God speaks through a “still small voice,” not through wind, earthquakes, or fire. I challenged them to pray and listen for that quiet guidance. I’m learning to love teaching, especially our youth and YSA’s.
The Blessing of the Temple
We have often spoken of the blessing that Vanuatu will receive with the construction of a temple. Today, if members wish to perform living ordinances, they must travel to Fiji or New Zealand — a tremendous financial burden.
 |
| Current view of the temple site at night |
The Church announced the Port Vila Vanuatu Temple in October 2020. Progress has taken about a year longer than expected, due to the December 2024 earthquake and other construction challenges. Now the temple is in its final stages, with structural work, landscaping, and inspections underway. While no official date has been given, dedication is anticipated in early 2027.
This week brought exciting news: the First Presidency has called the temple’s first president and matron. Robert Harry Simpson and his wife Jimmy Atele Beatrice Poutoa Simpson of Liverpool, Australia will serve. Elder Simpson was one of the original four missionaries called to Port Vila in 1976. Now, fifty years later, he returns to lead the temple and open its doors to the Saints across Vanuatu. What a remarkable full‑circle moment in the Lord’s work.
Final Tribute
I want to end our weekly letter by honoring the life of Sister Joella Rep, a 29‑year‑old service missionary who passed away this past week while serving in Santo. She had always dreamed of serving as a full‑time missionary, but due to a congenital heart condition she was not permitted to serve in that capacity. She could have given up, but instead she was encouraged to submit her papers to serve as a full‑time service missionary. She did so faithfully and was called to labor on her home island of Santo.
 |
| Sister Rep |
 |
| Darleen with Sister Rep after meeting her at the airport when we visited Santo in June |
I first met Sister Rep at the YSA Convention in January and was touched by her determination to serve despite her physical challenges. She loved being able to serve, and that love was evident to everyone around her. After reading many of the memorials posted on Facebook, I noticed a common theme: people remembered her infectious smile, her laugh, and her joy in sharing the gospel.
Our Mission President, President Ball, sent out a beautiful note to all the full‑time missionaries in Vanuatu the morning of her passing. Here is part of the message he shared with us on this sweet sister: “She is a beacon of light, hope and truth for all lucky enough to meet her. Early this morning she accepted her transfer to a teaching mission in the spirit world. I promise she is working side by side with all of us teaching the Doctrine of Christ on the other side of the veil.”
Sister Rep exemplified the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14‑30. She magnified the gifts she had, blessing everyone she met. Her example inspires us to use our talents fully, honoring the Savior with whatever we have been given. Personally, her life encourages me to try a little harder to magnify and use the talents I have been entrusted with to serve others.
May we all strive a little harder this week to look for ways to serve others and to be a light in someone’s life. Your small acts of kindness will truly reflect the Savior’s example.
We hope you enjoy reading about our weekly adventures as much as we enjoyed experiencing them.
With love and gratitude,
Darleen & Mark (aka: Nana & Papa, Mom & Dad, Sista Lovelace & Elda Lovelace)
Additional Photos from the week
 |
| This is a the field right next to our apartment where for the past 6 months they have been removing every tree. These past few weeks they built this wall and retaining pool. The picture doesn't tell the story of how big it is. |
 |
| The church dog waiting outside the chapel doors on Sunday. He tends to be a regular attender!!! :-) |
 |
| Another photo the Elder & Sister Lamph shared from Iriki Resort. I can't take credit for it, but it is worth posting given the sun setting into the horizon. |
Comments
Post a Comment