A Week of Reflections

This week has been a week of reflection. After our visit to Tanna, we are back to work here on Efate. I’ll share more about our week, but first I want to tell you about a special experience we had Monday morning.

Monday here in Vanuatu is actually Sunday in the United States. Back home, something very special happened, something that reminded me once again of the great sacrifice our family is also making so that we can serve here.

Our grandson, Grant, made the choice to be baptized.

Our daughter traveled from Florida to Georgia and was kind enough to make sure a Teams meeting was scheduled so that we, along with other family members, could be part of his special day. Even though we were thousands of miles away, we felt very much a part of it.

Darcie, who was baptized in December, said the closing prayer. What she said touched my heart deeply. She thanked God for Grant’s baptism and called it “the best baptism in the world!” I think those simple words expressed exactly how we all felt.

I was also touched by the talk Brittani gave on baptism. She made it personal by focusing on why Grant had chosen to be baptized. She shared a story about a recent trip she and Pat had taken with Grant to Venice, where they visited a cathedral. As they explored, Grant was taking everything in. He paused to think about Jesus and wondered why people had been so mean to Him. Brittani shared that Grant’s relationship with Jesus had actually started a long time ago.

Grant is a special boy. He has a huge appetite for facts and knowledge, and I love seeing that same desire for knowledge lead him to seek to understand and follow the example of Jesus Christ.

Grant’s Aunt Ashley gave a wonderful talk about the gift of the Holy Ghost. I think she satisfied some of Grant’s hunger to understand every detail about this special gift. She brought several gifts in a bag and invited Grant to pull them out one at a time. She then explained how each gift could be an example of the ways the Holy Ghost can help and guide him throughout his life. It was such a creative and meaningful way to teach him.

Grant’s sister, Rylie, also sang a beautiful song that seemed to fit Grant perfectly: “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus.”

As I watched and listened from so far away, I was reminded of how special it is to make the choice to follow Jesus Christ and be baptized. This baptism seemed to stir all of our souls. And in the sweet, simple prayer of Grant’s cousin Darcie, I think she expressed exactly what we were all feeling:

The best baptism in the world.

That is 11 out of 12 grandchildren who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ.  While serving our mission 2 has been baptized and we will miss being at 1 more.  These are special life-changing events, and My Nana heart is so grateful for the internet that allows us to participate.  We often talk about the sacrifice we are making by leaving home to serve a mission, but there is another sacrifice that is just as meaningful—the sacrifice our family makes by letting us go. We miss birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, and so many of the little moments that we would normally share together. Our children and grandchildren are giving up time with us, and we know that isn’t always easy. Their willingness to support us, encourage us, and share these special moments with us from afar is a sacrifice we don’t take for granted. In many ways, this mission is not just ours. It is a family sacrifice, and we are so grateful for the love that makes it possible.

A few high points of our week:

Monday Afternoon — Mission Calls and Miracles

Monday afternoon, I received a message from one of our Young Single Adults, Josephine, whom we had helped complete her medical work a few weeks ago. I immediately called her, and when she answered, we both screamed with joy!

She told me she would be opening her mission call Tuesday evening and invited us to be there. Unfortunately, we had a meeting we needed to attend. I asked if someone could call me so I could listen in. Josephine had her sister start a FaceTime call, and I stepped out of the meeting for a few minutes so I could be part of this special moment.

I don’t think I will ever get tired of watching someone open a mission call. There is something so powerful about watching the emotions unfold as a young person learns where they will serve the Lord. To be told that you have been recommended as worthy to represent the Lord Jesus Christ is a BIG deal—especially in the world we are living in today.

Josephine was called to serve the people of Manila, Philippines, and she will be learning to speak Tagalog. I think she is going to be amazing!

For these young people, leaving their small island to serve far from home can be a little unsettling. Yet their desire to love others and share the good news of Jesus Christ is so much greater than their fears. Watching them make that choice is such a privilege.

This week, I also had the sweet opportunity to read a letter from one of my Young Women from Wisconsin. When I served in Young Women, I had a front-row seat to watching Kylie grow up. Today, she is Sister Mills, serving in the Missionary Training Center and preparing for her own mission.

Once again, I found myself reflecting on how blessed I have been to have my path cross with this amazing daughter of God. She, too, has been recommended as worthy to represent our Savior.

I love hearing the joy in her words as she shares her experiences. What a blessing it is to watch these young people grow, make covenants, and choose to serve the Lord. 

This week brought several reminders that miracles have not ceased.

I received a text from Robert, letting me know that he had finally received his travel arrangements to Indonesia. I think we mentioned that Robert was leaving to attend college there. We went to the airport to say goodbye, and Robert said to me, “Sista Lovelace, I knew you would be mad at me if I didn’t let you know I was leaving.”

I think he may have been a little unsure whether we would actually make it to the airport. But there was no way I was going to let this “man child” leave without telling him good luck and reminding him how much we love him.

I told him, “I’m not sure if we will see each other again.”

Without hesitation, and with complete confidence, he said, “Oh yes, we will! I’ll see you at Tania’s wedding!”

Remember Tania? I guess Robert knows more than me.  But, a wedding reunion would be FUN!

Every Thursday, the elders and sisters serving in the mission join what is called the Miracle Call. It’s about a 30-minute Zoom call where the missionaries have an opportunity to share a miracle they experienced during the week. We usually join in and listen to their experiences.

It is inspiring to hear their stories and see how the Lord continues to keep His promise to go before us and prepare a way for us to accomplish the work He has called us to do. So often, we hear how prayers have been answered, doors have opened, and people have been placed in just the right place at just the right time.

This week, we experienced one of those moments ourselves.

As we came out of church today, we noticed another senior missionary couple whom we didn’t recognize. We soon discovered that they were the Schofields, who are serving as Health and Nutrition missionaries for the Pacific Area. They live in Fiji but travel throughout the islands, helping with the health and nutrition needs of children.

They were here to visit a family in our Eton Branch. They had arranged for someone to help them find the family, but unfortunately, that plan fell through. So, they decided, “Well, we’ll just go and pray that the Lord will help us find them.”

As we came out of a meeting with our SIS teachers, we greeted them. We then discovered that Anna, one of our SIS teachers, was going to give them directions. We told the Schofields that we knew the family and knew exactly where they lived. We would be happy to lead the way if they wanted to follow us.

When we arrived in Eton, something else unexpected happened. The unit leader and his wife were just leaving the chapel, even though church had been over for quite some time. They agreed to show Elder and Sister Schofield where the family lived.

As we were getting back into our car, Sister Schofield came over, gave me a big hug, and said, “You were an answer to our prayers.” They had no idea how they were going to find this family. They simply knew they needed to go.

And once again, we were reminded of the words of Moroni in the Book of Mormon:

“Miracles have not ceased.”

I’d like to close with a much more personal miracle.

My cousin Debi was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her surgery was this past Friday. Mark and I have been praying for Debi, her family, her doctors, and the nurses caring for her.

Debi has such incredible faith. No matter what the outcome of any situation, she praises the Lord all the day long. Her faith has been an example to our entire family.

I received a text from my aunt letting me know that the surgery went well. The doctor believes he was able to remove every bit of the tumor, and at this point, it appears to be benign.

I am so eternally grateful.

The Lord has blessed our family with so many miracles throughout our lives. I have been privileged to witness His hand working in the lives of people I love again and again. This week, I simply want to stop and say thank you, Heavenly Father, for the tender mercies of the Lord.

Be grateful for all things. Look for the miracles. Pay attention to the little things that may seem like coincidences but somehow come together at exactly the right moment.

A friend of mine recently posted a quote that I loved:

“Sometimes God takes you on a journey you didn’t know you needed, to bring you everything you ever wanted.”

I think there is so much truth in that.

To feel and see the hand of God in our lives is everything.

So, enjoy the journey, y’all! Look for the miracles. Be grateful for the tender mercies. And have a spectacular week!

We love you!

Nana & Papa, Mom & Dad, Darleen & Mark, Sista & Elder Lovelace

Pictures for the week:

Group of cows just walking on the main
road as we traveled around Efate on Saturday.

Saturday restaurant we ate at on the North East
part of Efate - Havana Resort.

Mark posing in one of my favorite
ocean view areas.

Mark teaching math to our Succeed
in School students in the Stake Center.   

Washing clothes with a baby
chicken on her shoulder.