August/September 2023

 

My new favorite picture of 
Jesus Christ
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth alll understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

Courtesy of the international date line, we started our trip home from Fiji on July 24th, and 20-ish travel hours later, we landed in Las Vegas, on July 24th! 

We delivered Sister Kinzer safely into the arms of her mother, so mission accomplished there.

Sister Kinzer was greeted
joyfully in Las Vegas
by her mother

My sister Sue and her husband Garold met us at the airport and drove us up to St. George (about a 2 hour trip). Boy, was it HOT! And dry. My eyes noticed the difference in humidity almost immediately. Fortunately, we didn't land until about 8 pm, so most of the drive across the desert was made after sunset, but the daytime temperatures had been over 110 degrees (43C). 

So our plan was: get home, schedule surgery, wait 6 weeks for clearance to fly, return to Fiji. I'm sure you've heard the saying "Man plans, God laughs"!

Our first visit to the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, Dr. Chase, was on July 26th. He could not visualise the ear drum because there was significant fungal infection (up to this point, we had been treating for bacterial infection). The doctor filled Steve's ear canal up with an anti-fungal cream, popped a cotton ball in it, and said come back in 2 weeks. The doctor turned to me and apologised for the hearing loss he would experience because of the treatment. I laughed because he was not hearing anything out of the left ear anyway!

It was disappointing that we couldn't immediately schedule the surgery, but the two weeks allowed us to get settled in, start to find other projects, and make some plans. We were so happy to be able to attend the blessing of Ammon Diego Martinez, our newest grandson, on July 30th. We were also able to fly up to Rexburg, ID for our granddaughter Katelyn's marriage in the Rexburg temple on August 4th. 

Nefi Martinez, Steve, Tracy, Moroni, Garold
Naomi, Ammon, Angela
b

Angela and Ammon

Katelyn and Jake Quast

The first time we got to 
meet our newest 
great granddaughter
Mila

Justin, Jeanette, Steve holding Mila, Mickey, Michael
Rebecca and Ares down in  front

Steve holding Mila, and Mickey "holding" Ares. 
(If you look closely, you can see Michael is helping me by
supporting Ares weight from behind)

.

It was raining in Rexburg, so we all crowded in front of the temple doors for this picture.
The man in the framed photo is Jake's Dad. who had passed away just a few weeks before the wedding.

We stayed in Idaho Falls (close to the airport) on our Rexburg trip, and it was the first time I have ever been there to see the falls and the temple. We had time before our flight on Saturday  to take a beautiful walk along the river and enjoy a Saturday Outdoor Farmer's Market. The morning was beautiful, the storm had passed, and there were lots of interesting wares on display at the market. Since we were flying, no temptation buy much!

I was on the walking path
across the river.

Idaho Falls Temple

I brought about 5 articles of clothing home that needed sewing attention and were just sitting in a pile in our flat waiting for me to get around to them. My sewing room at home was packed up and child-proofed so that it could be used for guest accommodation, and I didn't want to dismantle it too much. I pulled out the necessary basics and started working on projects.  After I finished the mending and alteration chores, I worked on a new travel bag with lots of pockets and a trolly band. Steve bought me a new, smaller rolling carry-on suitcase so I can manage overhead bins on airplanes more easily.

The fabric is from a dress that I liked
but it didn't fit well--so I repurposed!

The trolly band fastens with
velcro

Steve decided to do some rearranging in the vegetable garden. With my creaky back in mind, he took one of the raised boxes and laid it on top of another box, thus significantly increasing its height. That was a LOT of dirt shovelling! In the new empty spot, he purchased and assembled some raised garden boxes, filled them with soil, and installed an olla (pronounced oi-ya) watering system. The granddaughters (Angela and Naomi) were happy campers as they all played in the dirt and mud together! 

The new boxes stand at waist
level

Steve spent a lot of time constructing
a PVC pipe structure to support shade
cloth during the hot months

Angela and Naomi enjoying the elevated
garden box

We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in one of our favourite spots, Zion National Park. We had briefly discussed some of the options for marking the day, and then Steve presented me with  reservations at the Zion Lodge, and a rental car (while we were home we shared a small pick-up truck with our son-in-law) to drive the scenic route in style. Our children surprised us with flowers, chocolates, and dinner reservations. I wrote it up for the family, and if you want more details, it's one of the blog posts.

One of the beautiful vistas 
of the canyon

50 years seems like such a long 
time!

The fungal infection cleared, and surgery was scheduled on August 21st. Everything went very well. Steve is a good and obedient patient, and follows instructions diligently about medications and rechecks. BUT he does tend to ignore weight-lifting restrictions. He wasn't supposed to lift more than 10 pounds (5 kilos) for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Since he was in the middle of a large garden renovation, I had to "remind" him several times that he needed to get help with the heavy stuff. 

X marks the correct ear

Chic post-surgery bling

Once we were settled with Steve's treatment plan, I started exploring options to help heal my back and improve pain and function. I was able to find a chiropractor who offered laser decompression treatment. I went in for a session every day for 15 days (not weekends). The treatment was remarkably effective, and after 2 weeks I was able to get off  all the around-the-clock pain medications I had been taking. I got several good massages, and have been faithful about targeted exercise. I am feeling "normal" most of the time now. It is such a blessing to be able to move without pain. 

Some of the things we were able to enjoy while waiting for healing to happen were: visiting the St. George Temple open house; General Conference in real time, in our own living room; visits from 2 of our children, and some extended family, including 5 of my siblings; Sacrament meeting, Sunday School, Relief Society, and Priesthood meetings in "American" English!; preparing seedlings for the fall garden; the summer desert monsoons and rainbows; bimonthly "family" Sunday dinners; a few ministering visits within walking distance of the house; and, on the final Sunday at home Tracy and I were able to go visit little Alaia Jane Martinez who came to her new Mom and Dad, Amanda and Nefi Martinez, weighing a little over 6 pounds.

Random pictures:

Steve with Angela as she
waited her turn for the
haircut

We took Naomi for her
first haircut

Summer Monsoons make beautiful rainbows
and sunsets

This guy came out to greet me when 
I was on a walk one day

We took a group picture at church when
we were all in our "pretty" clothes
 Left to Right: Naomi, Steve, Mickey, Ammon and
Angela 

Larry Roth, Mickey, Steve, Tawnya Roth
My brother and his wife were able to visit
on our last Sunday 

Steve's final visit with the ENT was Wednesday September 27th. He has regained some hearing in the left ear, and it continues to improve as he heals. He got new hearing aids, which he can control from an app on his phone. The doctor wrote the release letter, and we got it to our Stake President the next day. President Meyer forwarded it up to SLC mission department, but that was right before General Conference, so I wasn't real hopeful about timely attention. We were surprised and pleased to hear back from them on the following Tuesday.

Finally, the paperwork, clearances, and travel arrangements were made and on October 9th we were able to return to Fiji. We will continue to serve for another year (we hope!)

Parked in Nadi, October 11, 2023

Our adventure continues.

Love from Mickey and Steve Hinkson

July 2023

One of my favourite views
on  beautiful Orvalau island and 
the city of Levuka

Our first project in July was to return to Levuka and give Self-Reliance and BYU Pathways presentations. We went to the Branch Sacrament meeting on Sunday. We were so excited because there were over 70 people in attendance (the last time we were on the island, one family showed up for church). To our benefit, a newly released missionary, Elder Johnson, and his family were visiting that Sunday, and it seemed like all the members on the island turned out to greet them. It was also Fast Sunday (the first Sunday of the month is dedicated to a 24 hour fasting period). That means that all the individual village units, and some units from other islands, come in to the chapel in Levuka to meet together. We were thrilled to have an hour to give our presentation. Everyone stayed, because they had prepared a big Lovo feast (Fijian pit barbecue ) for after the meeting. It was a wonderful Sunday.

One of the most delightful experiences in Levuka
is staying at the HomeStay Inn and visiting with
the owners, John and Marilyn. Marilyn cooks an
incredible breakfast every morning, which often
carries us  through until dinner! 

Tara Diloi (center) and her sister were invaluable
in keeping track of attendance and transport
fees. 

Monday we spent preparing for the 2- day health and family garden presentation that we do in partnership with the Ministry of Health education team. Since we took our car over on the ferry on Saturday, we were able to transport all of their supplies.  We made the arrangements for venue and food. The ministry team was then able to just stay on the island for the 2 days of the conference, which helps them stretch their budget, both time and money. The Ministry team does such a good job of presenting, and of course, in Fijian, with all of the government statistics and experience in island gardens. Steve and I are happy to spend our time and budget on the project to have their expertise in training. 

 

Our total attendance ended up at 32 people, which 
included 2 village health workers, about 20 members of 
the church, and 10 friends interested in health and
gardens.

Ravin is demonstrating the
seedling tray preparation

Steve always likes the "bird's eye" view

Tara Deloi here with her mother, her aunt, and her
sister

We go outside for the soil and seed demonstrations

We had our conference at the Horizon Restaurant right across from the ferry landing. They specialise in pizza, and they provided morning "tea" and lunch for us each day, as well as opening for business at 5 pm. I was so impressed with the kitchen staff that provided us with such wonderful food.

Morning break. I've learned to specify herbal 
(usually lemongrass) tea and hot chocolate.

The food was beautifully presented

Our hardworking kitchen staff

I'm sure I'm talking about the sugar content
hidden in the common drinks we consume

Caroline is the dietitian
in charge at the 
Sub-divisional medical
center on Orvalau

Our graduating class

On the second day of our conference, a young lady, Josephine Naikelekele, showed us the poem she wrote during the evening hours. I was so thrilled to see it, and have tangible feedback, that what we were presenting was seen, heard, and understood. I took a picture, so I will always have access to the original, and I have it written in a Word document so I can use it (with  her permission) in future presentations. I'll include the Word document at the end in case you can't read her work in the picture.

What U Eat is What U Are!

On July 12th Sister La'ulu and I toured around Suva, introducing her to the medical facilities that we use. Fortunately, Steve was able to be our driver, and he dropped us off at entrances and picked us back up after we finished.  With his help, we were able to cover a lot of ground in a few hours. The training continued unexpectedly the next day when one of our Sister missionaries became ill enough to need to be admitted to the hospital. Sister La'ulu immediately volunteered for night duty. My back was sure grateful! Our sister did well, and I am rather pleased with myself that I was able to save her from a lumbar puncture (one of her symptoms was a severe headache). I asked our office secretary to pull her immunization record and had it with me to document that she had received appropriate meningitis vaccinations. The doctors were willing to take a "wait and watch" course of treatment, and by the next morning they released her to our care. She spent the next 3 days in the mission home, but was able to return to full missionary schedule within a week. Miracles were definitely involved in that recovery!

July 14th we were asked to present to a youth career day for the Suva Stake youth. Over 200 young people (14-18) attended. They were divided into groups and moved from room to room to hear the various presentations every 10 minutes. Steve and I did the presentation 8 times that morning. Fortunately, we both know the material well enough by now that we were able to take turns doing the talking. We were very grateful for the Fiji Water bottles provided by the event organisers!

Suva Stake youth main meeting

Our classroom display focused on BYU 
Pathway Connect with a little Self-
Reliance information

July 13-15 was the Roth Family Reunion, held at Richardson campground in Lake Tahoe. I thought about flying home to attend, but our schedules were so full, and a sore back dissuaded me. I was delighted to participate via Facebook, and the family made several great posts. I was very entertained by the unexpected guest . . . a bear walking around the tents during the night! My brother, Mark, celebrated his  birthday during the event and it got the attention it deserved. I saw this picture posted, but it wasn't until later that someone explained to me that Patricia (center back) was holding up a picture of my Mom and Dad, and her cell phone--with my picture. I am glad that all of us are in the frame!

Front row: Mark, John, Sheri, Diane
Middle row: Larry and Sue
Back row: Cell phone Mickey, Patricia, and Mom & Dad in the photo
The sticker are icons of our youth, and bring back fond memories!

On Sunday July 16th we were invited to present our health information, along with Elder and Sister Hatch, the dentist and his wife, to the dorm students at the Church College (think high-school age). These kids come in from surrounding islands and stay here for the years of their high school education, usually only going home for a visit once a year. These are the future leaders in the South Pacific. They are a terrific audience!

Elder and Sister Patton, in the back, organise 
these firesides every Sunday night

Mickey, Steve, Florence Hatch, Greg Hatch

Since March Steve  has been battling an ear infection. The (only) ENT doctor in Suva was finally able to get the infection cleared up enough to take a good look at what was going on. He said best treatment was surgery, and no one in Fiji is equipped to perform it. 

So, after exploring many options, it was decided that we should go home to St. George for medical care. We left Fiji and returned to the USA on July 24th. 

Sister Kinzer, Mickey, 
Sister Stone

In front of the Fiji Temple
with my favourite guy
(yes my skirt does match his tie)

Sister Kinzer, in the picture above, became acutely ill just before we needed to leave for home, and she also was going to St. George. Missionary Travel, with God's help, got her onto every flight we had reservations for, and she was able to accompany us, (or we were able to accompany her) to Las Vegas, where she was reunited with her mother. 

One of the reasons I've delayed in getting my blogs published is because I hate cliff hangers, and keep reading for the "rest of the story"!(The other reason is that I'm really lazy about writing!)

Love from

Mickey and Steve Hinkson

What u eat is what u Are!

Wise Decision is a Healthy Life

by Josephine Naikelekele

Everyone please plant ur own home garden and watch it grow

            Take good care and nurture it should you know

            Fertile soil rich in nutrients will cause greeny leaves grow automatic

            Do not use chemicals but be organic

What we eat is what we look like

            Beautiful of food types you eat may cause your life

            They may cause diseases such as anemia

            Please get your blood tested and be healthier

NCD’s does not spread from person to person basis

            Healthy food will prevent us from diabetes

            It depends on the food we eat in one bite

            Growing our own food can help us enjoy long life!

Growing our own food is nutritious and healthy

            It will make you and your family happy

            You can earn as u plant with skills

            Do not use chemical fertilizer as it kills

Nutrients in the soil helps plant grow in many  powers

            A bit of sunshine required is 6-8 hours

            Have a space of about 5M X 5 metre

            Transplant seeds you cannot hold in your finger

Most plants grow better in cool & dry season

            Lettuce, cabbage, cucumbers are the outcome reason

            Use organic fertilizers will enrich soil & it’s beauty

            Homemade compost improves soil fertility

Re-using material waste for compost is free

            Add lemon grass an aromatic plant in ur tea

            Plant aroma plants that keeps insects away

            Or use homemade liquid fertilizer spray