October 2023

The view from our the front of the building where
our flat is located.

The day we were leaving to come back to Fiji we received the information that our daughter Anna's fiancé, Chris Garfield, had been in a tragic motorcycle accident, and was killed. His young daughter, Shelby, was riding with him, and was seriously injured. Fortunately, Shelby's injuries will heal, and she should have no long-term disability. We were so sad, and had so much emotional conflict about leaving the country just at this heart-wrenching moment. Anna assured us that she wanted us to go continue our mission. Our other children were incredibly supportive to Anna and the children, including one daughter, Jeanette, who went to stay with her for several weeks. I'm including a remembrance video that our grandson, Michael Schade, created for the funeral. Chris will be deeply missed by our family and many others.

 When we first got to Utah, I would look for things around the house and garden, saying "I know where this item is in Fiji." Since we've been back, I find myself looking for stuff, thinking "I know where I kept this in Utah!" Change always brings adjustment, and it's not only jet lag.

We spent a fair amount of time getting the flat back in shape and restocked with food. Everyone at the office was happy to see us, and we felt warmly welcomed. 

Sister La'ulu (MPW) and Sister Gerkin had been sharing the medical needs responsibilities, and the most delightful phrase I heard was "We had NO idea" as to what the mission nurse does. There has been quite an influx of new missionaries in our absence, We are up to 110. The office was low on medical supplies, so I did a bit of shopping and got an order into my supply guy right away. We were able to make up 10 mission flat medical kits within a few days. Paperwork. doctor office visits, and shopping . . . that's what I do!

Sister Thevenin in the new Saioko flat
In the village, it is not proper for women
to wear pants, thus her interesting outfit!

The Thevenins were very happy
with the fact that 
the bathroom is joined to the
main building. The elders
who come here will have to 
pretend they are camping!

Steve had the opportunity to make a trip up to Saioko to help the Thevenin's (our housing coordinators) set up a new missionary flat. It's a rugged 4 hour drive to get up to the village. The chapel is a hike up from the road, and we've been there a few times. I chose not to subject my back to the riggers of the trip. They were gone all day, so I made dinner and asked Thevenin's to join us as my contribution. They were very glad to have a good meal with no effort when they got back

One of the office "wellness" projects is to play pickle ball every Wednesday afternoon at 4 pm. We play at the Berry Street building in Suva, which is the first building the church built here, and was dedicated by President David O. McKay. I'm including pictures because these folks have all become dear friends.

Romulus is the financial
director, and also acts as the 
executive secretary to
our Area Seventy, Paul 
Whippy

Of course, this is my favourite player!

Naomi is in charge of translation
services. She is the Primary 
music leader in her ward. She is also
a great massage therapist!

Peniette is the Area WSR
director, and our "boss".
She is also expecting a 
baby in April!
She is Stake Self-Reliance
specialist in Suva North Stake
and a Sunday School teacher.

Ana works in translation services
and is the Seminary director for 
Nausori Stake.

Meli is in charge of the travel
desk, and one of his main 
jobs is to get missionaries to 
their missions with all the 
correct paperwork, visas, travel
documents, etc. He is a bishop's
counselor in Samabula 2nd ward.

Elder Gerkin is the financial
secretary for the FSM mission.
He and his wife are from Queen
Creek, Arizona.

Mili works in finances, and is the YW
president in her ward.

Walter is director of Family Services for this region
which includes several islands. He is the YM president 
in his ward.

David is Facilities Manager
and is also a new Stake 
President in Nausori

George keeps track of 
all the vehicles in Fiji
owned by the church.
 His favourite phrase is "What's
the milage?" 
He is also a Bishop in
his ward. 

Elder Boehm and his wife 
are here serving a humanitarian
mission working on several project
for LDS Charities

Steve and I feel so blessed to be working with this amazing group (and others that don't play pickle ball!). 

The week of October 23rd, Elder Wakola, a counsellor in the Area Seventy presidency, came on a mission tour. He requested to meet with all the senior couples (we only have couples right now) for an early morning breakfast on Friday. We met at the mission home at 6:30 am. I think it was the only time he could fit us into his schedule. We had a wonderful breakfast, courtesy of a local caterer, and then got to ask and answer questions about missionary work in this area. Elder Wakola filled us in on details about how the Area Presidency (based in Auckland, NZ) views the growth of the church throughout the South Pacific. He expressed deep appreciation for the service that senior missionaries provide. He also provided some insights to what future projects the Church plans in  this area.

Top: Steve and I, Elder and Sister Patton, Elder and Sister Moyes,
Elder and Sister Thevenin, Elder and Sister Gerkin, Sister La'ulu, 
Sister Wakola, Elder Wakola.
Front: Elder Walk, Sister Walk, Sister Boehm, Elder Boehm

Shortly after the breakfast was finished, the Boehm's and Steve left to go to Naikawaga Koro (village) to evaluate a humanitarian project. When they arrived at the village, there was also a group from an Australian Non-Profit, Preventing Violence Against Women. The village hall was decked out for the occasion, and the biggest Kava bowl was in use, and everyone had their best clothes on for the ceremonial festivities. 

The largest ceremonial Kava bowl we've 
ever seen. Also, when there is an event, 
the best mats are used and the coloums of the
hall are decorated.

They want to extend this paved
path to the back of the village.

The project propoal was to 
make a cement path through
the village.

When we wear the same
fabric, it's called 
colorvada. The restaurant ship
Tika in the background.

Our final Senior Missionary
dinner of the month was on the Tika, a ship
that sits in Suva harbor.

That wraps up October!

Love from the Hinkson's