 |
| Even little kids plank |
 |
| Golfing |
Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,
 |
| All the guys before we go UTV |
Ok from last week a bit of catch up. Our mission president, President Dalton, Sister Dalton and the 4 assistants to the president came over to Lanai to spend our day off with us. Well it was super fun! We picked them up from the airport with a member's borrowed car because we don't have one. Grabbed a quick breakfast at the gas station because that is the only place that is quick. Then we headed down to golf. Yes at the Challenge at Manelle! Every time, it sweeps me off my feet and it is so beautiful. My golfing skills have gotten better. A member is super good and she has been helping Sister Bonrostro and I learn how to drive so we could be decent when President came. Well, we did pretty well for my second time in my life golfing. Highlights: chasing turkeys in our golf carts, almost falling out because I was trying to pick up a golf ball, Sister Bonrostro hit her golf ball and got in the Elders' cart as they were driving away, and President Dalton pranking the Elders by loosening up the straps that keep the cadies attached to the carts. After golfing we had lunch at Blue Gingers and then went on UTVs (aka golf carts on steroids) up at the stables. We shot bow and arrows and it was super fun! Come back to find out that we have lost track of time and should have already left for the airport. Whoops! Don't worry we made it there on time (and I kept mission rules by not speeding) It was sad to see them go but I realized how lucky I am to be on the Mission President's favorite island and to spend his last hurrah before he went home. He is now back home in California and I will miss him; but, I am excited to get to know President Warner and his wife.
 |
| The best pic ever because we all did funny faces :) |
We had some really good lessons with James. We were able to catch him at home and he loves meeting with us but struggles with the feeling the importance of coming to church. But he wants us to keep coming back because he says he loves learning all he can about religions so he can know which one to join.
On Sunday, we had about 75 which is super good for sacrament meeting. A lot of less actives came to church and it was so good. I only pray that they will keep coming and understand that the Atonement is for everyone and can help them with everything. Alberta was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost and then welcomed into the ward. We taught our class, I'm not really sure what to call it because it includes the youth, and then the recent converts too. Sister Bonrostro has decided that we are going to teach them about the Book of Mormon so this week was about 1 Nephi 1-7 and it was really good because they are now learning from the scriptures themselves and not just having to listen to me go on and on about stuff. Then we also taught Primary and it was so much fun! We taught them about missionary work. Sister Bonrostro and I had to get a bit creative and we made them little "Future Missionary" name tags out of note cards, black marker, white out and packing tape. They were super cute and then we gave one for each of the kids to wear. We taught them how they too could be missionaries now and they were angels (hyper angels but angels haha) We taught them "I Hope They Call Me On a Mission" and I played the piano... God helps you out a lot when you have a righteous desire because I am not very good at the piano and I have NEVER in my life played with people singing along. Plus I only played the right hand to make it easier for me. I still messed up but the kids are forgiving thankfully. After we played Missionary Tag. Afterwards a few of the kids came up and asked if they could take an extra tag for their sibling or for their friends. Wow kids are so amazing and I love them so much!
Alberta's baptism was the cherry on top of a Christ filled week. Oh my there are just not words to describe. I wish we could have videoed her baptism because it belongs in a movie, no joke. Ok, I'll try my best to paint the scene for you. Wake up and get everything ready for the baptism program at 8. We start a little late (normal Hawaiian time) and the program goes smoothly. We have a song, prayer, a talk on baptism, a talk on the Holy Ghost and then we invite everyone to come with us down to the beach for the baptism ordinance. We caravan down and we do it early-ish to avoid tourists and generally the waves are calmer. It looks like a beautiful day, a bit overcast, with a slight breeze. We get closer, park the car and start to walk towards our pond/ tide pool where we baptize. The ocean comes into view and lo and behold the waves are CRAZY! The tide pool is gone and flooding, and being crashed on by 8 foot waves. I'm freaking out on the inside but trying to have a dignified calm expression on the outside. I'm sure I did an awful job at trying to remain calm. All these thoughts of, "What if Alberta is scared and postpones her baptism?" Oh dear what can be done? I see our Branch President ( a certified lifeguard) rolling up his pants, taking off his tie, shoes, phone and glasses just incase he has to jump in and save someone. Another member is rolling up his pants so he can be of quick assistance. I find our High Counselor and ask, "Is there a blessing that can be given on the water?" He replies, "I just gave it." Alberta is handling this loads better than me and walks down the steps to the tide pool, waits for a wave to crash and dives in. Wow- nothing is stopping her. Wow- Sister Lang where is you faith? Alberta stole it but hey if anyone was going to have it, I'm glad it was her. Johnny Seiuli (the one who was going to baptize Alberta) sees Alberta's faith and jumps in after. From up top a person yells swim to the right and back its shallower over there. Wait until after these 2 waves and then it should be calmer. They wait for the 2 waves and then it is a lot calmer, still a bit chaotic, and President Seiuli is practically yelling the baptismal prayer. Alberta is baptized and it was so beautiful and she looks so beautiful! Some pictures were taken, we closed with a song and a prayer and then a potluck of course! (the reason I'm gaining weight haha). We ended up staying down at the beach for awhile visiting with our members and just enjoying their love and being a part of their families!
 |
| I want a Samoan baby!!! TAMA I want to take him with me so bad! |
 |
| Typical potluck and the bbq lunch |
Hawaiian Words: Good morning- Aloha kakahiaka.
 |
| The branch |
Well, I think that is all for me! I love this work. I love Lanai. I love the people! I love being a missionary. I love backwards hats! Surprisingly, I love getting up early! I love having my own island. I love being welcomed into the culture here and becoming a part of the families here. I love the Lord and Jesus Christ. I love after baptism smiles because they are glowing. I love the scriptures. I love crying because the Holy Ghost is there. I love learning how to play 'Be Still My Soul' on the ukulele. I love my family. I love tender mercies. I love love! AND I love you! Mahal kita! Aloha wau ia oe!
 |
| A member made those hair pieces for us... they are beautiful! |
Love Always,
Sister Cassidy Lang
No comments:
Post a Comment