WDET Kona 09

2012-02-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

Uploaded files from Best of Kona

Incoming pictures ???

2012-02-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

This is over a year later. Somehow I lost the link to the photos which were a part of the past blog posts.

I'm trying to link another photo, to see if it works correctly. Here goes . . .

Aloha Oe

2010-12-19T23:08:00.000-08:00

This has been an emotionally draining week. The 13th was the farewell party from the Temple Presidency. (middle picture). It was a sweet expression of their love. Friday, Elder and Sister Horton arrived and we moved out of our apartment so Horton's could move in. We are staying in the apartment below our first apartment. Sister Snarr has gone to Honolulu for the week and let us stay here and use her car. Saturday the 20th was Robert Jablonski's baptism. Wayne baptized Bob and then confirmed him on Sunday. It has been an incredible experience to see a 77 year old man change his life. What a wonderful way to conclude our mission.

After the baptism we attended the Kealakakua Ward Christmas party. They paid a very kind tribute to us and gave us a beautiful picture of the Kona Temple. Then today, after Sacrament Meeting, the ward members sang Aloha Oe to us. I have been dreading this day. The above picture on the right is of all the leis we received from our Hawaiian ohana and friends. They are all so kind to us. We drove up to Mauna Lani with the Hortons and had dinner with the Barlockers. What wonderful friends we have met here in Hawaii. Tomorrow is a farewell party at Bishop Nakamoto's. They have invited all the people from our Book of Mormon class, Temple Preparation classes and all who have gone to the Temple and those who we taught the missionary lessons. I hope we can survive saying good bye one more time.

We are looking forward to returning home and saying Aloha to our precious family. This will be the last entry to an incredible mission experience. We are most grateful for the opportunity we had to serve here on this beautiful island.

Aloha nui loa,
Eileen and Wayne

2010-12-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

This photo is in the temple parking lot. One of the members (BROTHER Alvstad) made these two leis! One more Sunday! They sing Aloha Oe to those leaving the ward. We've got some real mxied feelings about being there and are feeling sad already to miss such wonderful friends, and a trememdous opportunity to serve.

We are working on a transition list with way too much to do before the Horton's arrive on Friday. There will be a baptism for Bob Jablonski on Saturday, along with the ward Christmas party. Somehow we have been singing with the ward choir and will participate with them in Sacrament meeting.

It has been a great opportunity for both of us to act in the place of the temple presidency and matron these last four months. It is a special privilege to talk to the new endowment patrons for their "instructions" prior to the endowment session. The ordinance workers have been very gracious to accept us in these assignments.

We look forward to being with the family during the Christmas holidays. Somehow we will have to adapt to 60 degrees lower on the thermostat!!!

Next week will be our last entry for this blog.

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

Poinsettas in full bloom!

2010-12-05T23:01:00.000-08:00

It may not look like Christmas around here at 80 degrees, but these poinsettias are magnificent!

I hardly know where to begin this weeks blog. Everything is falling into place and we are so happy. Mark Takizawa came to the Temple on Saturday to receive his own endowment. It was a wonderful day. The Jensen's are doing really well in the office and Horton's enter the MTC tomorrow. They will arrive on the 17th. We will move out of our apartment that day and move into a family's condo while they are in Oahu for the week.

Bob Jablonski is really doing well with his missionary lessons and can hardly wait for his baptism on the 18th. The Kealakakua Ward Christmas Party will be that evening. Our Bishop is having a going away social for us on the 20th at his home with all the people we have taught - Book of Mormon, Temple Preparation and Missionary lessons. The temple is planning a going away party on the 13th up at Brother and Sister Maluo's home. It is in Kohala Ranch. It is one of my favorite places on this island. I am sure that we will be able to see many whales in the ocean from their yard.

We still have three more people taking the Temple Preparation Class but will have to have Elder and Sister Horton finish the lessons for us.

We had a Temple "Open House" tonight prior to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. We were asked to stand in front of the temple and tell people about the purpose of the temple again this year. It is a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with them.

We gave Blake and Renee Nitta their last Temple Preparation lesson today. It is given after they attend the temple. It was fun to see them there for Mark's endowment. I just can't believe how blessed we have been to serve on this beautiful island. We love the work and the wonderful people.

It will be so special to be home for Christmas. Our family means so much to us and we have missed them. It will truly be a the best Christmas ever!

Aloha nui loa,
Mom and Dad

2010-11-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

The above photo is of friends in Kona. Left is Linda Jablonski (baptized in July - her husband is now taking the lessons and will be baptized on December 18), Michelle & Darl Gleed (great member friendshippers), Rene & Blake Nitta (endowed & sealed last week!!!), and Mark Takizawa (to be endowed this Saturday). What a wonderful opportunity to make special friendships and help people move their lives forward.

We welcomed the Jensens this week (from Moab, Utah) to work here as temple missionaries. They are excited to be here and are willing to work! The Hortons had their "non-farewell" today in our old home ward, and enter the MTC (our granddaughter Emily called the Empty Sea) in 8 days and are excited to be coming to Kona.

We spent part of Thanksgiving doing some training at the temple, then were invited to Thanksgiving Dinner at Maluo's in Kohala Ranch (northern part of the big island). People have been very kind and generous to us. It will be hard to leave.

Andrea had made a paper chain with links for each remaining day. Their are only 22 links left (but who's counting). We look forward to being home again and renewing relationships with family and friends.

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

Poinsetta bush outside our back window!

2010-11-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

Magnificent Poinsetta bush outside our back window.

Today was the re-dedication of the Laie Temple. Instead of our regular church meetings, we watched the dedication by closed circuit. It was also wonderful to watch the cultural celebration last night at the stake center. At the end they sang aloha and it was so touching.

This week we had Elder Pieper come for the Temple Review. It was wonderful to hear his stories about his experiences in the Russia St. Petersburg Mission. We enjoyed so much learning from him.

The other highlight of the week was the sealing of Blake and Renee Nitta. We have been working with them for months. It was a wonderful occasion.

We also gave the Restoration lesson to Bob Jablonski on Friday. His wife was converted several months ago. We couldn't believe the change in his heart. We will be teaching him twice a week.

The new couple to replace the Blacks came on Friday night. The Jensens are from Moab and I am sure they will do a great job in the temple. Tomorrow is the going away party for Elder and Sister Black. Time is flying by and we hope to get everything in order before we leave. It has been an amazing experience to serve here in Hawaii and especially in the temple.

We are looking forward to spending Christmas together. We love and miss you all.

Aloha nui loa,

Mom and Dad

2010-11-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Well, here's a picture of those two guys! We went early to a Stake General Priesthood Meeting this morning. Eileen took a short nap in the car, then after my meeting, I was the one with the nap! As she says, "We come as a TEAM" - Amos 3:3.

We got great news this weekend about the Nittas coming for their own endowment, then sealing next Saturday. We have been working with them for 4-5 months. First with the weekly Book of Mormon class, then the temple preparation class in their home. She has prepared lunch for us after the church block most every Sunday, and we presented the temple preparation classes. What a wonderful opportunity to be involved, and to help them progress.

We have Elder Pieper (of the Seventy) and his wife here for two days this coming week. The temple matron is stressed out, but will do well. We look forward to the review, and counsel from him. He is the editor of the Ensign, and a recently returned Mission President from Russia.

People have been so kind and nice to us, that it will be hard to leave (not to mention the 50 degree temperature drop!!). Being back with the family will be wonderful. We look forward to spending time with them.

We wish good things for all, and blessings to our family for their love and support.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

Coming Home

2010-11-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Well, believe it or not, we are coming home. We received our itinerary this week. The church travel department was very kind and we will be able to fly to Honolulu and spend the day so we can drive to Laie and attend the temple since we couldn't get to the open house. Then we will take the red eye home and arrive early the morning of the 23rd of December. It is going to be a temperature shock of about 50 degrees but we will survive.

This mission has been a great learning experience. We are better people because of our opportunities here. It will be such a blessing to be home again with our precious family. Everyone has been a great support to us and we are anxious to spend time with each one. We send our love and aloha, Mom and Dad

End of October

2010-10-31T21:24:00.001-07:00

This is our favorite picture of the temple. We have it in our apartment, on the temple schedule card, and as a hand-out for new patrons. We continue to enjoy the rich blessings of serving each day in the temple. Sometimes we are in charge of the temple, and the ordinances that occur - other times we are as support for the presidency in the office.

We have finished the temple preparation lessons for Mark Takazawa and for Blake and Rene Nitta. They are planning to come to the temple in November. What a wonderful privilege to be involved with them and to see the progression they have made. We will have the opportunity to attend with them, and complete the process.

Reed Sudburry came to church for his last time before leaving for the MTC in Provo tomorrow. It is the custom to sing Aloha to those who leave from the ward. Many of the ward members come up and put a lei (usually hand made - sometimes real flowers) and give them a hug. It is really touching and hard to see good friends go. We are struggling with having to do that, when our turn comes.

We have enjoyed listening to "Round Table Discussions" from BYU (as and iPod file). We are currently listening and learning from the professors at BYU about the New Testament - Acts to Revelations. They are 30 minute broadcasts that are really enlightening.

We miss the family - particularly at holidays, but know that all is well. We'll make up for lost opportunities when we get home!

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-10-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

This has been a sad and happy week. We received word on Wednesday that Chris and Karla Horton have received and accepted a call to serve in the Kona Hawaii Temple. They will arrive in Kona on the 17th of December. We do not have a release date as we are waiting to see when or if Sister Ah Sam will be able to return to the temple.

We worked our first Saturday this week in the place of the presidency. It is much more taxing as sessions overlap and you need to be in at least two places at one time. We had our first real challenge Saturday afternoon. We had a cute little family come to have an adopted child sealed to them. Their biological daughter, Ariel, age five, has been telling everyone she met, even people in the grocery store that they were taking Haku, a beautiful little two year old girl to the temple to be sealed to her family. When they arrived, I noticed that the adoption papers they brought were the petition papers and not the final decree. We were sick. Our Stake President is a judge and we called Pres. Auna to see if the final decree could be faxed to us. It was just impossible and we had to ask them to return. I was so impressed with the couple. We are looking forward to their return to the temple with the final decree. I have to say that I was also very impressed with how Wayne handled this unfortunate experience.

Today was Reed Sudbury's "farewell". All the men sang Called to Serve. At the end of the very stirring hymn, several little children in the congregation clapped and cheered. It was really funny. Life is interesting here in Hawaii.

Aloha,
Eileen and Wayne

2010-10-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

The above photo was taken outside our front apartment window. The sunsets are spectacular! It reminds us that we are rapidly approaching the conclusion of our temple mission in Kona, Hawaii. It has been a wonderful experience to be here, and to serve in the Temple. We have completed our cleaning and maintenance work, and look forward to the resuming regular ordinances on Tuesday.

We should hear from the Temple Department within two weeks regarding if/when our replacement will be announced. One couple is already slated to enter the MTC on November 1 and will arrive here two weeks later.

Reed Sudbury will come to the temple on Tuesday for his own endowment, then speak in Sacrament Meeting next Sunday. He goes to the MTC in early November. It has been a wonderful opportunity to teach him about the temple, and have him attend our class on the Book of Mormon.

Time is running short for visits to this island while we're here. Get your reservations in as soon as possible!

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

Sunday 10-10-10

2010-10-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

We took the above picture on our way to Hilo. It was such a clear day that we could see the smoke from the volcano. This is an amazing island and it gets bigger everyday thanks to Kilauea.

Well, we completed our first week of shutdown at the Temple. We were hoping to be finished by Friday but still have several projects to complete. This is our first time to be responsible for everything and when we vacuum our way out next week, everything will be clean and organized. It is really a privilege to "work" in the temple as well as serve.

Time is flying by. We received news that another couple, Elder and Sister Jensen from Moab, Utah are coming to replace Elder and Sister Black who leave the 24th of November. We still have not heard the final word on our replacement but the Temple Department assured us that we will receive official word on Friday.

We have a General Authority coming the middle of November for our annual visit. That will be a nice opportunity but lots of responsibility to get everything right for his review.

Dad and I want to thank all our children for looking out for each other while we are away. We love you all and appreciate your goodness to us and to each other.

Aloha nui loa,
Eileen

2010-10-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

We hope this works. The above VIDEO was taken on our preparation day last Monday. This is our version of "having fun" at the beach (but not getting in the water). The waves are really impressive to see.

This has been another busy, but wonderful week. Friday was the last day the temple was open, before the regularly scheduled two-week shutdown for maintenance and cleaning. Eileen and I have been asked to run the schedule of volunteers and maintenance projects. We enjoy being at the temple and working with those who come.

One of the couples from the Waimea 1st Ward (Lonnie and Cathy Cole) were baptized just over a year ago, and came Friday for their own endowments and to be sealed together. It is wonderful to see how they have progressed. We continue to teach three separate classes for Temple Preparation. Reed Sudbury will come on October 19, when we open back up. He is going to the California Long Beach Mission.

We really enjoyed watching General Conference this weekend. The talks were very timely, and we realized many things that we should do in our own lives. Pres. Eyring's talk on "Trusting the Lord" was particulary helpful.

We trust that all is well at home.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

Tiengsack Inthavong and Koungnang Komphadit

2010-09-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

Time is flying by but we continue to have wonderful experiences. The pictures attached are of the first ever couple from Laos to have a licensed marriage in a temple and it happened in Kona. They are such a cute couple but they look so young. They will be attending BYU Hawaii. Koungnang's skirt was made by her mother - raising silk worms, weaving the cloth, dyeing the colors and sewing the skirt. Tiengsack was the first missionary to serve a mission from Laos. I am sure that they have a great future in the church.

We are on lesson three with three different people in the Temple Preparation classes. Reed will come to the temple the day the temple reopens on the 19th of October and we are still waiting for a date for Mark Takasawa and Blake and Renee Nitta. It is an exciting and wonderful experience to see these faithful saints prepare to receive their temple blessings. We are in Alma chapter 30 in the Book of Mormon class and see that there is no way to finish the book before we return home. We are hoping that the couple who replaces us will love this class as much as we have.

Tonight I got to hear the General Relief Society Conference. I am so grateful for the gospel and the teachings of the Savior. I am going to try really hard to follow the prophet and not judge. He used one of my all time favorite stories, The Old Fisherman, in his talk. It was a great reminder to look on the heart and not judge people and that we are all doing our best.

We send our love and aloha,
Eileen and Wayne

2010-09-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

It is my turn to write (Wayne) - we alternate each week, unless I get behind and assign it to Eileen. The above photo is typical of foliage arond Kona. This particular palm tree was sort of dwarf (or something). The coconuts were about 5 feet from the ground.

We continue to get a lot of rain - more than is typical for this side of the island. The weather is consistant at about 78 degrees. It will feel wonderful in December, but is sure to be a culture shock when we return home.

We continue to put in long hours at the temple (but love the opportunity). Eileen is covering for one of the assistant matrons on two mornings, in addition to our shift of three times a week - substituting for the first counselor and his wife in the temple presidency. On Thursday, we arrived at 5 am and left at 10 pm. Most days are a little fewer hours. We are looking forward to the semiannual maintenance closure that starts October 2 and runs for two weeks. There are a number of maintenance projects to be done, and the deep cleaning by volunteers. It's a lot to coordinate, but we are delighted to have the opportunity to be involved.

We have been so very blessed with good health, and enough stamina to keep the pace. The Lord is richly blessing us, and our family at home.

Enough for now.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-09-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

This fruit is Rambutan. We had it for dinner tonight at the Nakamoto's. It is a form of lichi fruit and is sweet and delicious. The picture on the left is from wikipedia. They aren't that pretty in real life as you can see from the picture on the right.

We had another busy Sunday. Taught two Temple Preparation Classes, attended choir and had dinner at Nakamoto's. They wanted us to meet with Grandpa Nakamoto's brother and sister-in-law who are not members. They are nice people.

Our schedule at the temple has increased with the health problems with Sister Ah Sam and Tuesday the other assistant matron is leaving for Salt Lake to have a hip replacement. We are exhausted but so grateful for the many opportunities we are having at the temple. This week we had the first ever couple from Laos to be married in the temple, we had a bride from Japan, another bride from Hong Kong and a Groom from Indonesia, who only has one name. I guess they don't have first and last names there. It was a little tricky doing the paper work.

We feel blessed to meet people from all over the world and occasionally see a familiar face from home. We send our love and trust that all is well.

Aloha,
Mom and Dad

2010-09-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

The above photos are from the landscaping of the Kona Hawaii Stake Center (next to the temple). I was reminded of the familiar church hymn, "Firm as the Palm Trees around us - Stalwart and TALL they stand" (or something like that).

We are so blessed to be here on this beautiful island. Recent rains have made the trees blossom, flowers grow, and the beauty of God's handiwork is displayed. We enjoy seeing the many colors - including the different shades of the ocean, at various times of the day.

We continue to enjoy our opportunity to teach the classes for Temple Preparation. The Nittas are doing well - so is Reed Sudbury. He has his mission call to Long Beach, CA. Linda Jablonski came to the temple for the first time to participate in baptisms for the dead, with her wonderful fellowshipper - Michelle Gleed.

We both have been given additional responsibilities in the temple, and are struggling to keep up with what is required. Long days will probably get even longer - but more enjoyable!

We appreciate family members at home who are helping with our condo / cars / mail etc.
Four weeks until general conference (and the two-week temple shutdown).

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-08-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

This is such a beautiful island. The above picture was taken from a shopping area just before sunset. It is so incredible to see the suns reflection in the water.

Today was a very busy Sunday. There was a bike race in Kona so we had to take Alii Drive to church as they had blocked our usual route. It was wonderful to see the ocean and the waves again.

Yesterday and today was our Kona Stake Conference. We enjoyed the Saturday night meeting and the early, new member and investigator meeting this morning prior to the general session. We have a new mission president in the Honolulu Hawaii Mission so he and Sister Dalton spoke at all three meetings. Kealakakua Ward choir sang for the general session. It was a wonderful opportunity. We have a very humble and remarkable Stake President, President Auna. You can always be assured of feeling the spirit when he speaks. It was a special day.

After conference we taught Reed Sudbury the first Temple Preparation lesson and included some missionary preparation information as well. He will make a great missionary. Next we went to the Nitta's home to teach their first Temple Preparation lesson. Blake will be a member one year in November. We are so blessed to be able to serve these faithful people.

Sister Ah Sam, the first counselor's wife in the Kona Temple Presidency, has been in the hospital for several weeks. She is diabetic and has a bad sore on her foot that will not heal. After some surgery and treatment, she is now home but can not put any weight on her foot for four months. We are very concerned for her. With the Ah Sam's absence, we are all putting in extra time and effort to keep the temple running smoothly. Sister Heinzen, the second counselor's wife is having a hip replacement surgery the end of September. We feel blessed to be here to help out during this challenging time.

We send our love to each of you. We miss you and pray for you every day.
Aloha,
Mom and Dad

2010-08-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

This is sort of an unusual photo. Last week we were invited to Bishop Nakamoto's home for dinner with some of the ward members. I noticed as we walked across a piece of older carpeting laid on the ground as an entry way to the patio, and saw this site. Notice closely in the center, that a plant was growing up through the carpet! Talk about persistence! It was a great lesson on blooming where you are planted.

This past week, one of the island members called to schedule an endowment at the temple. When he said his name, I asked him to please spell it (they're used to that response, knowing they are dealing with houli's). He said, "It's spelled Kaaa". It is pronounced Ka-a'-a (like the "a" in awesome). We're gradually picking up the sounds, but it still requires a lot of effort.

We had the wonderful treat of having Douglas Todd ( Eileen's brother), his new wife Susette, and Doug's two children here for several days. We met them on Friday and saw some things close to Kona. Today, we picked them up and went to the Kohala Ward for church. That ward sings Aloha-oe to all who are visiting, and presents them with leis. Doug was very touched (he served his mission here, about 30 years ago). It was nice to spend some time with them, and get to know Susette.

We love our opportunity to serve in the temple, and continue to be amazed at the Lord's help in our service.

Love to all.

Wayne & Eileen

August 15th 2010

2010-08-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

This picture is taken from the Makai (water) side of the Temple. These trees are called Fan Palms.

Contrary to our thoughts that the temple would be empty after the announcement of the opening of the Laie Temple, Saturday was a very busy day. Wayne was trying to run the bapistry and manage the front desk all morning and prepare for the sealings. We had two sealings after civil marriages and one licensed marriage plus two new own endowment patrons and a little two year old sealed to her parents. We had Keaukaha Ward youth come to do baptisms (about 25 youth) and it was a very wonderful and full day. I don't think Wayne sat in his office chair all day. I tried to keep ahead of the office work and we were exhausted when we finally got home.

Today Wayne was given a Hawaiian name by the Lui's, one of the older Hawaiian couples in our ward. It is Ho'o Mai`au. It means neat and careful in work and skillful, ingenious, expert, correct and careful in speech, very thorough. I think they came pretty close. Brother and Sister Lui used to perform in the big hotels here in Kona. They have beautiful voices.

This week we will begin teaching Brother and Sister Nitta and Reed Sudbury, who is waiting for a mission call, the temple preparation classes. I can't believe how blessed we are to have these wonderful opportunities.

We hope all is well at home. Please continue to look after each other. How we love you all.
Aloha nui loa,

Mom and Dad

2010-08-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

The photo above is outside our apartment door - across the hall. It is "tradition" for people on this island to leave their shoes outside their front door. (We would NEVER have done that in Uganda - we would be shoeless !) There are some wonderful traits of the Hawaiian people. They are very friendly, and greet each other with a kiss (they sort of miss the cheek and make a kissing sound in the air.) We haven't adopted that custom. Everyone is either someone's "auntie" or "uncle" and it's difficult to really know who is related to who. They are very willing to share what they have - we frequently receive bananas, mangos, oranges, etc.

We are slowing down quite a bit at the temple. All of the 12 stakes from Oahu will now begin making reservations at the Laie temple. Only those who are to be married, or leaving on missions will travel to the big island, and use the Kona Temple. We will miss the busy days, and the friends we've made. The members from Maui will continue to come, since they are assigned to this temple.

We have enjoyed listening to the podcasts provided by BYU on the Book of Mormon. There are 63 discussions and we have really learned a lot. We are now listening to the discussions on the New Testament.

We have been talking to a couple in our home ward about coming on a temple mission to replace us. It will be interesting to see if all works out. We are not sure how the schedule will be changed, or if volunteers will take a bigger role in the office.

Thanks to all who write and keep us informed.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-08-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

Today is Wayne's birthday. It was a wonderful day to visit with most of the children. Oh, how we miss our precious children and grandchildren.

Little Camryn was blessed today. Josh and Lisa sent a picture of Camryn in her blessing dress that Lisa had made. I attached it below. Another very precious little spirit to join our eternal family.

Our grandson, Ryan, was ordained as a deacon today in Douglasville, Georgia. Ryan is a very kind and loving brother. We are very proud of him. I know Ryan will honor his priesthood. He is a fine young man. It is hard to miss these very special occasions.

We continue to have miraculous experiences in the temple and with the people we teach in the Book of Mormon class. It is surely evidence to us that the church blesses and changes lives and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Every morning when we dress in white, Wayne and I go into the little room next to the office and pray together. We ask Heavenly Father to help us be accurate in our work. Wayne feels such a responsibility to make sure the ordinances are done correctly and that the work in the office is as perfect as it can be. We continue to be amazed at the many times each day we are directed and supported in the work. Above all, this mission has taught us that we can trust in the Lord. What a valuable lesson for us.

You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

We send our love.
Aloha,
Eileen and Wayne

2010-07-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

The above photo was taken when we went to a member's home (Pres. Veloria was the previous temple president). We helped them with the arrangements for a luau. I was asked to "pick" a coconut with a long bamboo pole with a knife (sort of) on the end.

We had a wonderful but very busy week with the saints from Maui. They are from the Pi`ilani Ward (Pee E Lani). They had about 100 members come for the week. They had a Monday evening fireside, came for training on Tuesday morning at 5 am, and did about 2000 ordinances each day. They are very devoted, and make the most of their trip to the big island. We were very impressed with their dedication. At the end of the week, we were totally exhausted.

We continue to enjoy teaching the Book of Mormon class on Wednesday, and an after-baptism fellowshipping class for Linda Jablonski. We have been listening to the podcast series on the Book of Mormon from BYU. It is available on their website, and is a wonderful way to learn about the scriptures. There are 63 half-hour segments. We're about 3/4 through.

We trust that all is well at home.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-07-19T01:02:00.000-07:00

We just got home from having dinner at Bishop Nakamoto's. Today is the birthday of their twin daughters, Staci and Sydni. They turned six today. I made them matching hats. I know you don't think of needing a hat in Hawaii but the Big Island has many climates. We live mauka side which is on the mountain and it is about ten degrees cooler than where we used to live. They are sweet little girls.

We continue to be so blessed with our work at the temple. I can't begin to tell you of all the miraculous events that happen almost daily. Friday I opened my spiral binder where I keep daily notes and just happened to turn to a page where I noticed that I had not made appointments for a family that was coming on Saturday from Oahu to do all the ordinances for great grandparents on both sides of the family. The family was going to call back after purchasing their airline tickets and I didn't ever hear back from them. I called Friday to "verify" what they wanted and miraculously we could fit them in everywhere they needed to be. And to add to the wonderful experience, Pres. Mo`o said he would do the sealing for the family since the grandma spoke no English. It was done in Tongan and the family couldn't have been happier. It turned out to be a wonderful day. What are the chances of turning to that page!

Occasionally we have to help people with their family history on new.familysearch.org. I have learned that when I can't make it work, there is usually some family member, usually a baby that died that has not been sealed to their family. Once I find that baby and add them to be sealed, miraculously the computer program works and I can prepare the papers. I can hardly believe all the help we receive.

We greatly appreciate all your prayers in our behalf. We pray for each of you by name each day. We love and miss you.

Aloha,
Dad and Mom

2010-07-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

The above photo is of Daryl and Michelle Gleed (outside couple) with Linda Jablonski and her husband Bob. We participated in Linda's baptism this past weekend.. The Gleeds spent a lot of time in helping her accept the gospel. It's been a very interesting experience working with her, as she has accepted some of the teachings that have been difficult for her.

We have made a lot of friends in the ward, and at the temple. We are amazed at the strengthening influence that the Lord provides as we tackle an early morning schedule for 5 days a week. We have been VERY blessed and helped. Our health has been good, and we have been protected and blessed in many ways.

We are grateful for the support of our family and friends.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-07-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

This week we had the wonderful opportunity to learn Hawaiian culture and traditions first hand. President and Sister Veloria (past president and matron of the Kona Temple) invited us to help prepare a luau at their home. A travel agent had asked them to prepare a luau for about twenty people. President Veloria is getting pretty crippled and needed Wayne's help to do the physical work.

The first thing we did was to get the dinner cooking. Sister Veloria had all the food prepared ahead of time and then we learned how to cook it. The Hawaiians use an outdoor pit called a imu where they burn wood to get stones really hot and then cook their food in aluminum foil, double wrapped, It was like cooking tin foil dinners. Then they cover the food with lots of banana leaves, then burlap bags, and then a heavy plastic covers over the top of everything and then you shovel soil around all the edges so no steam escapes. It was quite a process. We cooked Kailua pork, sweet potatoes (which are purple in color), chicken and laulau. The food cooked for three hours.

We learned to pick and open a coconut, make head leis, learned a hula, blowing the conch shell ceremony and then enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Sister Veloria had also prepared lomi lomi salmon, poi, a fresh fruit bowl served with ice cream on top and several different cakes.

My favorite part was the traditional ceremony of blowing the conch shells to the north, then east, then south and then west to invite all to come to enjoy a dinner with them. Sister Veloria sang the chant in Hawaiian which was lovely and at the end everyone says a quiet aloha like a quiet amen to a prayer. It reminded me of Tevia's family prayer before dinner in Fiddler on the Roof.

But best of all was the singing and ukulele music during dinner. They sing beautifully together. We were grateful and so appreciative to learn of these customs. The Hawaiian people have taught us many traditions that we want to take home with us.

We had another wonderful and busy week at the temple. The miracles continue to happen and many times there are several in a day. The temple really is the house of the Lord. We couldn't do this work without His help.

We send our love. I hope we can have our own style luau when we return.

Aloha nui loa,

Eileen and Wayne

2010-06-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

This week we went to the Nakamoto "Farm". They used to raise eggs with 40,000 chickens, but now raise Macadamia nuts, and all kinds of fruits. The father (top left) picked some oranges from a tree, showed me how to propagate pineapples (top right), showed me some of the coffee that had been growing for years (bottom left) and vanilla beans (bottom right). They are a wonderful member family of 4 generations. Their son is bishop of the Kealakekua Ward where we attend, and has been very supportive. I love to learn about things that grow on the island. He sent us home with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, avacados, oranges, and corn.

We continue to be very busy at the temple. We get up at about 4:15 am and spend an 8-9 hour day at the temple. Then we teach a Book of Mormon class on Wednesday and Friday. The Wednesday class was especially great this past week, with a wonderful feeling from those who attend. Friday, we reviewed the baptismal interview questions with Linda, who will be baptized on July 10 by a member fellowshipper.

This Sunday, one of the recently re-actiivated brothers (Derek Aiwohi) spoke in Sacrament Meeting. He has been attending the Wednesday class for months and has made some wonderful changes. He went to the temple about a month ago, and it has truly been a joy to watch him grow. Blake Nitta (recent convert / husband of a member) bore his testimony as well. They also attend the class. The scouts were at camp (on Sunday !?!) and four of those participating in the Sacrament were converts or recently re-activated. Great day!

We will attend and help with another member couple (previous temple president & matron) who host luaus at their home in Hawi (Ha-Vee). It will be fun to learn all that goes with the preparation of food, etc.

We wish we could have been at Joy's baptism yesterday. We wish her well.

Thanks for keeping in touch.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-06-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a short letter because it has been a long week. Lahaina 2nd Ward, the Tongans, came this past week. They like to start the day early and serve all day. What remarkable, humble saints.

Our office helper has been off island so Dad and I have been super busy. We love the opportunity to serve and we are learning so much and experiencing many miracles daily.

Tonight we had dinner with Bishop Nakamoto's family for Fathers Day. They make us feel like family. Dad and I are learning many good traditions to bring home to share with our family. We enjoyed visiting with most of you today.

We miss you all very much. We send our love, Mahalo for serving and caring for each other.

Aloha nui loa,
Eileen

2010-06-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Wayne's turn to write this week. The above photos show some of what we see here. Top right should be obvious (when was the last time you had Spam?) The photo on the left is a WHOLE ISLE END and the grocery store. Can you guess what the "staple" is here? They still eat Spam, probably as a carry-over from World War II and the food available from the military then. The bottom left was HALF of a wonderful avocado given to us. The right is some kind of a cherry, with "ribs" like a watermellon!

We had a very busy week with three wards from Maui for many sessions. In addition, the number of regular local ordinance workers was about half, so it required a lot of improvising. Having three concurrent assignments is not uncommon on days like that.

We continue to teach Linda Jablonski. Two weeks ago, we thought it was "over". She really struggled with the concept of priesthood authority. This week, she announced when she would like to have her baptism! She has a terriffic member friend that is doing the fellowshipping, and support. What a wonderful opportunity to teach and help her learn all that is available to her in becoming a new member of the church.

We can't believe that we're half way into June. Another two weeks will mark the "one year" point for our mission here.

Thanks for the love and support from home. We miss and love you.

Wayne & Eileen

2010-06-07T00:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our last Strengthening Marriage class. It has been a great experience. The picture above is of our teachers, Brother and Sister Gleed. I hope you all get the opportunity to take the class in your ward. It was a great reminder of ways to nourish and make a marriage better.

Except for Sundays, we have spent everyday in the temple for two weeks. We have had extra sessions during the day and it has been wonderful having the temple so busy. This week we have two wards from Maui coming and the schedule is full to the brim. We will start again on Tuesday morning with a 6:00 am training meeting for the Maui wards. I think many people thought that the Laie Temple would be open soon, but with no official announcement yet, we continue to schedule groups from all the islands.

On Thursday and Friday we had the Youth Conference for the Island of Kauai and 100 youth preformed baptisms and confirmations for two days. Laundry miraculously got done and we loved having the youth and their leaders in the temple.

One thing that is so wonderful about this assignment is that it involves so many things - being an ordinance worker, running the office, helping patrons with their family history, doing laundry, cleaning the temple, preparing for new patrons from many different cultures and Wayne always is asked to help when a mechanical or technical problem arises. Currently we are training several new office workers who have replaced the Merrells who returned home in May.

We sang Aloha Oe to another couple leaving from our ward today. The tradition is to have the family come to the front of the chapel - the congregation stands and we all sing Aloha to the family that is leaving and after the second chorus, people come up and give them a lei and a hug and a kiss. I think we will have to sluff church the week before we leave. I cry just singing the song. There are many things I would like to take home with me from Hawaii and one is the love that people have for each other.

We send our love to you.
Aloha, Mom and Dad

2010-05-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

The above picture is what we have come to call "Ziplock Sunday". If we plan ahead well, we can take food to make it through until 7:30 pm. We participated in the fifth Sunday meeting with Priesthood and Relief Society in our ward today, talking about the blessings of temple attendance, then choir, then helping with members, then lunch (sort of) then an evening class. We enjoy our service, but it is "work".

We had one of the middle-aged men who comes to our Book of Mormon class - at the temple on Saturday to receive his own endowment, and be sealed to his deceased spouse. What a wonderful opportunity to be with and support him.

We had a very challenging lesson- teaching the other Book of Mormon class on Friday. Linda was very determined to make us respond to the lack of authority in other churches. As kindly and directly as we could, we answered her, and tried to help her understand the position of "Only True Church". Fortunately she came with her husband to a ward activity the next night, and was at all three meetings in Church today.

If we can survive the pace, it will have been a tremendous experience.

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-05-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

We are constantly amazed at the beauty of this island. Some places remind us of Idaho, with lava rock and dry sage brush. Other parts are lush and beautiful! This is a photo of a flower growing on bushes outside our apartment. They bloom sort of like "day lillies", then the blossoms fall to the ground and are replaced by new ones each morning. The recent rains have brought a wonderful display of Plumeria on large trees. They drop the flowers on the ground and present such a lovely sight.

We continue to work with the young missionaries, and also teach one woman on our own (with the help from a wonderful member sister). We enjoy helping her understand the Book of Mormon, and trying to answer some of her questions.

We had a wonderful experience this past Tuesday, with an older member couple who were sealed about 6 years ago in the temple, but had not been back since then. We helped with some family history, and encouraged local members to accompany them so the wife could be sealed to her parents. It was a great opportunity to see the blessings of the temple in the lives of ward members. We have been asked to lead the discussion next this Sunday (third hour) on the blessings of temple attendance.

Thanks to all who keep us up-to-date with things going on at home.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-05-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

We are so happy and grateful for the safe arrival of Camryn Elena Moore our new granddaughter. Josh and Lisa skyped with us the day they came home from the hospital and I really miss being home to hold Camryn. She is a precious little addition to our family.

We had an unusually busy week. It seems like we just keep adding more and more responsibilities to our to do list. Wayne and Pres. Heinzen painted the baptismal font yesterday. During the shut down, they sanded and prepared it and now it looks better than ever. It was a lot of work for them. Wayne will put on a second coat tomorrow and then refill it Tuesday morning before the temple opens.

Brother and Sister Merrell leave for home on Wednesday. We will really miss them in the Temple. They came as volunteers and have been a great blessing to the temple this past year. The Temple Presidency hosted a party for them Saturday evening up in Hawi. It was at a home over looking the ocean. We watched the sun set and the moon rise. It was so magnificent. I will miss the ocean and the beauty of the island.

We continue to enjoy the spirit of the Book of Mormon classes. What a treat to teach those who are anxious to learn.

We are training local people to help in the temple office to replace Sister Merrell. There is so much detail. Wayne loves detail and has organized the office and the scheduling so it will be in great order when we return home.

We send our love,
Aloha nui loa,
Eileen and Wayne

2010-05-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

The above piece of "art work" was by Tanner Nakamoto (the bishop's 10-year-old son). We were waiting for our weekly Book of Mormon class on Wednesday (mostly recent converts and some who were less-active). We enjoy helping the class see the power and majesty of the Book of Mormon in our lives. We ALWAYS start with 1 Nephi 19:23 - Liken scriptures to us - apply them in our lives. Four of the class members were at the temple with us on Tuesday night, for Baptisms for the Dead. It was a great experience - both for them and for us.

We seem to have really full days each week. Perhaps it is because we begin each day a little before 4:30 am. We are seeing the effects of old age, though we don't really want to admit it!

It is a wonderful experience to see the Lord's hand in helping us meet the demands of scheduling, recording, and assisting in the ordinances. Maybe we have been to used to saying, "Oh, that's wonderful that everything worked out", when it really is His involvement, working things out. Even catching a small mistake in scheduling is a VERY welcome help in our work.

It is surprising to think that we are already in mid-May. We have made a lot of friends, and feel welcome in the ward and stake.

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-05-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

This is a palm frond. Remember the sign we sent, "Beware falling coconuts and fronds". The kids love to use them as sleds and slide down the grassy hills at the Stake Center.

Today I will have to be quick in writing. We are going back to the ward for the CES Broadcast and then to our Strengthening Marriage class tonight.

We continue to have wonderful experiences at the temple. I just can't believe all the miracles that happen almost daily. Just one short example. Sister Freebairn and her husband come with BYUH students and coordinate their temple activities. Sister Freebairn had helped the students all day Saturday and just felt at the end of the day that she wanted to do some ordinances herself. She received a sheet of five temple names to do and noticed that the forth name on the list was Elizabeth Fantz who is one of her own ancestors for whom she has been searching for quite some time. We have stopped believing in coincidences a long time ago. This is the Lord's work and He does visit His temple. We often feel angels around us. This is an incredible mission assignment.

We enjoyed talking with James and Andrew for their birthdays this week. We are so grateful for all our family. I hope you all pray for each other everyday. We do need each others faith and prayers for the challenges we face in our families. Dad and I also need and appreciate your prayers in our behalf. We send our love.

Aloha nui loa,
Eileen and Wayne

2010-04-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

The above photo was sent to us by a woman we are teaching. Obviously, it is more than "life size". It was taken in Waimea, home of the Parker Ranch - one of the oldest cattle ranches in "America" and one of largest in the world, on the Big Island (for reference, some folks here wear tee-shirts with the big letters F B I on it - meaning "From Big Island". The woman we are teaching "Linda" is starting to accept the gospel, and is reading in the Book of Mormon. She has a wonderful friendshipping couple in the ward, and it is a great opportunity to share things with her.

We had the BYU Hawaii 1st Stake here again this weekend. Lots of young single adults, lots of ordinances, and wonderful stake people coming to help. It is great to see members come with the intent to be helpful in seeing others enjoy the experience and spirit of the temple.

I've never seen Eileen so happy, yet so exhausted ! ! We spoke in the Kona 1st Ward sacrament meeting today, after I attended a Stake Priesthood Meeting at 6:30 am. Eileen was absolutely wonderful with her presentation ! I think it was the best she has ever done. I tease her about the (seemingly excessive) time she spends in her preparation, but the result was really worth it !

We trust that all is well with those at home. We love to hear what's going on.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

Aipia Family - Sealed 17 April 2010

2010-04-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

Today is April 18th 2010. Time is starting to fly by. We had such a busy week. Yesterday they were turning people away from the temple. We had overbooked every session and added an additional session at 12:20 pm. but still couldn't accommodate everyone. When we left the temple at 4:00 pm we put about six or eight batches of wash in the mechanical room to do on Tuesday when we return. We just couldn't keep up.

It was a special day for us as the Aipia's (above picture) were endowed and sealed. We had the privilege of teaching them the temple preparation classes.

We have added another Book of Mormon class to our weekly schedule on Friday afternoons. Our Wednesday class is too far ahead for new investigators to get a solid foundation to the Book. We will see how it goes. I hope we can keep up this schedule for another eight months. We are exhausted at the end of each day. We have been incredibly blessed and are so grateful for this opportunity to serve in the temple.

Our new apartment is wonderful. I just love new clean carpets. This is most unusual for a rental but the Jones have been very good to us.

We continue to have wonderful and remarkable experiences in the temple. Wayne keeps getting more and more responsibilities. I struggle just keeping my head above water. I can't believe all the new patrons we have each day. We still have not heard any news on the reopening of the Laie Temple but are enjoying the opportunity to meet patrons that come from all the islands.

You are always in our thought and prayers. We send our love.

Aloha
Eileen and Wayne

2010-04-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

The above photo is at our new apartment. The caption is "30 Hats !" These are PART of what Eileen has created, while I have been reading to her from a variety of sources - mostly Church related. She is very talented with her hands, and creates her own patterns. (Can you tell that Wayne was assigned to write the blog this week?)

We had a wonderful week in the temple - finishing the cleaning and maintenance work. Our ward had the assignment to paint some of the cement / marble benches outside the temple. There were 12 members who helped. We are now looking forward to the re-opening on Tuesday morning, where we will greet 11 new endowment patrons, and 5 weddings. For a small temple, this is humongous! This Saturday, we will welcome the Aipias - a couple we taught the Temple Preparations Class for their endowment, then sealing of their small son.

Since the temple was closed from Thursday until next Tuesday, we were privileged to attend the missionary zone conference (for the full day) at Waimea. It is great to be involved, and brings back so many fond memories.

We love our new apartment. It is much cooler, and is clean and nice. We are glad that most of the family was able to attend Maxwell Fankhauser's baptism last Saturday. We were sorry that we were not there. Thanks to so many who came. We saw a picture of 20 grandchildren - GREAT WORK!

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-04-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

The photo is the parking lot of the temple. You may think we are saving this spot for someone special however, it marks the place where coconuts may fall onto parked cars. We don't have to worry about this in Bountiful.

What a great week! We spent Monday through Friday in the temple cleaning and making repairs. Several of us worked for hours for several days cleaning every crystal on the chandeliers, washing and ironing clothing, drapes and curtains. Wayne and several brethren worked on the font, removed I don't know how many coats of paint and cleaned the floor in the baptistry which was a huge project. It has been an incredible amount of work but what a privilege it has been. We will start work again on Tuesday with our Japanese wedding in the afternoon and we are very excited for that experience. Our daily office work has continued during the break and we have, I think, at last count 11 new patrons and six sealings on Tuesday when we open on the 13th. For a big temple, that is small but for a little temple, this will be a real miracle if it all comes together and I know it will. It is so amazing to see the hand of the Lord make this all work when we do all we can to prepare. We have color coded the sealing this time because we have two patrons with last name of Wong (not being married to each other) and one patron named Wang and two patrons (brother, a missionary and sister being married) by the last name of Cabagangun. We had a similar day on Saturday before we closed and it was an incredible experience. Pres. Ah Sam kept coming into the office and was so delighted that it was all coming together.

Then Saturday and Sunday have been so wonderful. We rented a cable box which we will only keep this month and then rent it again for October conference. That is cheaper than the gasoline for trips back and forth to the Stake Center to watch conference there. We got up and watched both sessions of conference Saturday and got up to watch the 5:30 a.m. Music and the Spoken Word and both sessions of conference today. It has been a most incredible day and the Nakamoto Family has invited us to dinner! We learned so many good things today.

Our hope is that all of you had a wonderful Easter and Conference weekend. The only thing that could have made this day better would have been to be with our family that we love and miss so much.

Aloha nui loa,
Eileen and Wayne

2010-03-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

We are trying to get used to Daylight Savings time, without changing OUR clocks. Hawaii does not observe the change in time, so we are another hour removed from Utah (what the locals call "the mainland"). We spent parts of three days moving to a new apartment. We now rent from a member who is in an adjoining ward Bishopric. They had an unfurnished apartment, repainted and replaced the carpets, then added very nice furnishings! We feel doubly blessed! Transitions are sometimes awkward, but we are grateful to be in a nice place, and save some money as well.

The temple will be closed for two weeks starting tomorrow. We occasionally get people who call from the mainland, or arrive from there, and want to know when the sessions are held! It is hard to tell them that the temple won't be available while they are here on vacation.

We anticipate spending most of each day helping with the cleaning, some smaller maintenance projects, and support of the office. We love being there, and enjoy feeling the Spirit and influence there.

We continue to express our gratitude for support from family and friends at home. It's great to hear what's going on. We SO MUCH are looking forward to General Conference this weekend. We hope we can stay home (starts at 6 am here) and make a connection through the internet.

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-03-21T19:43:00.001-07:00

Today is cloudy and voggy. I hope so much that we get a big rain storm. There continues to be a drought on the island. Maybe if Wayne washes the car again, it will rain.

This weekend we will be moving to another apartment. It is a little further from the temple but will be much more cost effective and it is out of the tsunami evacuation area. I hope there will be lots of song birds there as well. This part of the world is so beautiful. I still can’t believe how blessed we are to be able to serve here.

We had a magnificent week at the temple. We started at 5:00 a.m. on Monday with the wards from Molokai. These people are so full of faith and are willing to sacrifice so much to come to the temple. I did the verification of records for a couple that was receiving their temple blessings and also being sealed as a family. I noticed the old shoes on their feet and wondered at the cost of coming to the temple with their two little children. What a sweet contract to seeing them later in new temple clothes. These people are such a great example to us and remind us what is really important in life.

We have a young Japanese couple coming to be married during the week the temple is closed. We have made arrangements to accommodate their schedule with most of the family coming from Japan and the rest, from the mainland. It will be on April 6th. After that time, we will share some of the special circumstances accompanying this marriage.

Miracles seem to be more frequent lately. I am sure that it is because we need so much help. This is a marvelous experience for us. We don’t believe in coincidences!

The Pahoa Ward (Hilo side) is coming this next Saturday. They will have eight members of their ward receiving their temple blessings all during the same session. It has been so much work to get all the paper work ready for them but what a wonderful experience it will be for that ward.

We celebrated our 43rd Wedding Anniversary on Saturday. We went to Panda Express for dinner and spent the evening making plans for our future.

Aloha,
Eileen and Wayne

2010-03-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Another week with missionary assignments. We teach a Book of Mormon class each Wednesday evening. This week we used parts of "Fiddler On The Roof" to describe the traditions and plights of the Jews (2 Nephi 25). We can remember from our previous mission in Africa, showing the film for an institute class, and having the young adults singing "If I Were A Rich Man" as they walked out! We enjoy working with those who come - quite a wide cross section of membership.

We have been attending a "Strengthening Families" class each Sunday evening - sponsored by the Stake. It has been a wonderful reminder of how to help family members as they learn and grow. We wish we had done a better job with our own children.

We were sorry to hear of our Daughter-in-Law Larraine's father dying this week. We wish we could have been there to support them. We trust that all will work out for their family (her mother had passed away several years earlier).

This is a busy week with a full shift on Monday (our preparation day), but we love being in the temple, and try to do our best with each assignment.

We will be moving to a new apartment in about two weeks. It will help us save several hundred dollars a month. We will post, email and forward it when we get the exact snail mail address.

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-03-07T22:41:00.000-08:00

Another especially wonderful week. We had many experiences that made this week very special. Nate and Larraine came on Wednesday night and we had some great times together. We went whale watching, did a temple session, watched the sun set over the ocean and had some wonderful meals. (Nate always thinks he has to feed the missionaries!) We had dinner and birthday cake at Macaroni Grill and it was a fun evening.   Mahalo, Nate and Larraine.

On Friday, Derrick, one of our Book of Mormon class students, came to do baptisms at the temple. His wife died a year ago last January and he was very anxious to have her receive her temple blessings along with her parents. I think he is about 35 years old and has made a remarkable comeback in keeping the commandments and now has a limited use recommend.   It was a very emotional experience for Derrick.

Saturday we had Sister Harbottle from Oahu come to the temple office and ask what needed to be done to have her husband sealed to his deceased parents. She had prepared cards for his parents to be sealed together and for a deceased brother to be sealed to his parents. It should have been an easy thing to do but I just couldn’t figure it out. We went to new.familysearch to see what she had done and noticed that there was a baby girl listed in the family group that was not being sealed. I asked if there were a reason - bottom line, once Wayne helped me prepared the papers for the baby’s sealing we were able to get Bishop Harbottle’s papers ready. It was obvious that “Daughter Harbottle” who only lived for two days, wanted to be a part of her family forever. This is a remarkable experience to serve in the temple.
Thanks for all your birthday wishes and gifts. We love and miss you all.

Eileen

PS   Wayne is adding pictures (not ours) of whale watching. This is a beautiful and remarkable world!

2010-02-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

The above photo is of Jared and Sandlyn (Sunny) Keanaaina (Kay Ana I-na). We have been teaching them in a temple preparation class for about 4 months. Last Saturday, they were sealed in the temple, and had their two boys sealed to them. We were grateful to join with them and enjoyed helping them that day.

We have been blessed with wonderful opportunities to serve. This past Friday, we taught a middle-aged woman about the Book of Mormon. She has a wonderful member friend as a fellowshipper. They brought her to Stake Conference meetings today, and the messages were wonderful. We trust that things will progress for her to accept the gospel.

The days at the temple fly by so quickly. We arrive at 6 am, and by the first time we look up, the time is 10 am! We enjoy helping others plan to come. The temple in Laie (Oahu) is still being rebuilt. We're not sure if they will meet the goal of finishing by July, or not.

We were grateful to not have had a serious problem with the effects of the earthquake in Chile. There were Tsunami warnings early on Saturday morning, with requirements for evacuation in low-lying areas. We packed up the important things, and drove to higher ground at the Temple. After our assignment on Saturday, they were allowing people back into where we live. We have been very blessed to be both safe and healthy while we have been here. We are going on 9 months tomorrow!

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

Fillmores in Kona

2010-02-21T22:03:00.000-08:00

We were delighted to have President Robert and Sister Pam Fillmore here in Kona for the weekend! They are wonderful and gracious people! They came to an endowment session on Saturday, then we went to lunch by the coast. On Sunday, we took them to the Kohala Ward meetings - up in Hawi, and brought a picnic lunch to have by the ocean. Elder & Sister Heers joined us for lunch. We went to the lookout at Waipio valley, then saw some whales while driving back along the coast.

We had the Tongans here again at the temple this past week. They are from the Lahaina 2nd ward (Kahului Stake on Maui). They are very faithful saints! They came to begin baptisms several days at 5:30 am. We were glad to get up earlier to accommodate their desire to be in the temple.

This next week, another of the younger couples who have participated in our Temple Preparation classes will come to be sealed (having already been married, with one young son.)

We love working here, even though some of the days are really exhausting.

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-02-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

Wayne noticed this week in the news that 49 of the 50 states had snow on the ground. Hawaii was the only state without snow. Actually we usually do have snow on Mauna Kea which is about 13,000 feet. (The above photo is of the observatories on top of Mauna Kea from Wikipedia.) That is one of the fascinating facts about the Big Island. It is an interesting experience to drive from the beach in Kona to Zone Conference in Waimea and see how many different climate zones you see. The beach is hot and the waves are marvelous but as we go north we see lots of black lava and then it looks like the Utah desert lands (cactus and all) and finally in Waimea it is green and rainy and much cooler. The Hilo side is a rain forest area with lots of water falls. You can see so many beautiful sites here. One of my favorite sites lately is the sky. Since we are in the temple from 6:00 am until early afternoon five days a week, we don't get to walk in the mornings so we walk around the apartment complex in the evening. The stars are brilliant and there are many. I hope that sometime we can go to the top of Mauna Kea to the observatories and see the heavens. This is a magnificent world.

This week we received a phone call at the temple from a couple who attended the temple preparation class. What a joy to have them ready and so anxious to receive the blessings of the temple. We are grateful to have the opportunity to teach this class.

I received another call this week from a young mother who said she was desperate to attend the temple. She said that her little son had died and she needed the blessings of the temple. The temple is a place of miracles. We see them almost every day and sometimes more than once a day. I love feeling the closeness of the Spirit.

The happiest news of the week is that my brother, Doug and Susette were married in the Portland Temple on Saturday. It was very hard to miss that special occasion with family but we are so happy for them. I count this as a real miracle. How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father.

May the Lord bless you all.
Aloha,
Eileen and Wayne

2010-02-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

The above picture is not ours ! (We wouldn't have been standing this close to an active volcano ! ! )

The picture is taken at Kilaeua, down on the bottom of the island (it is the most Southern point in the USA. We visited there several weeks ago, when the temple was shut down. They sell videos of expeditions, and work done by the National Park Service. Actually, the Big Island is getting slightly BIGGER - by the addition to the coast of lava, running down from the crater. When the volcano spews ash, the locals call it Vog, rather than Fog.

We have settled in to our new assignment (replacing the couple who served for a year in the temple office). We handle appointments for new endowments, licensed marriages, sealings after civil marriages, baptismal appointments, and the group visits from 12 stakes from the other islands of Hawaii. We're not sure when the Laie (law e a) temple will re-open. It was a major renovation, and a great deal of changes are being made.

We enjoy participating with the temple workers, some of whom get up at 3 am, drive over two hours, and spend 6 hours at the temple, then drive the 2 hours back home. We admire their dedication.

Our assignment in teaching the Book of Mormon to recent converts and newly re-activated members is a real opportunity to contribute. We are very blessed with such a wonderful resource. We love reading the talks given by the brethren.

We trust that all is well at home. Please keep us up to date on what is happening in your lives.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

Waipio Valley

2010-01-31T22:37:00.000-08:00

Top Left: Close-up of taro (made into Poi)
Top Center: Taro patch
Top Right: Angel's Trumpets (growing wild, along the road)
Botton Left: Warning about steep road
Bottom Center: Standing down on the beach
Bottom Right: Waipio Valley, with waterfall in background

For Preparation Day this week, we went to Waipi`o Valley. It is a valley nestled between two very high cliffs. The ocean is on one end and the valley is further back between the mountains. We went with Auntie Margaret Loo. She is 76 and drives that road three times a week. The grade is 25%. I was scared to death but the view was magnificent. In this valley, they grow taro root which is used to make poi. The native Hawaiians used the cliffs as their temple. We are learning so many interesting things about this remarkable island.
This has been our first week alone in the Temple Office. There is so much to do when you are alone but we love being busy. Wayne was set apart as Assistant Temple Recorder on Friday by President Mo`o, our Temple President. It was a special experience. He not only blessed us but our family at home as well. I hope you all feel of the blessing.
Today we drove the ocean road to Hawi (Ha vee) which is at the northern tip of the island, about 1 ½ hour drive. We had been invited to speak in church today in the Kohala Ward. I just can get over the beauty we see each day.
We trust that all is well at home. We love and miss you all.
Aloha nui loa,
Mom and Dad

2010-01-24T21:24:00.000-08:00

This is one of the par 3 holes at Waikoloa. We walked past it while seeing some petroglyphs in the area. Sometimes life seems to have a lot of "hazards" in the way! The weather is great, the people are great, the experiences in the temple are great.

We are participating with other couples in a three-ward area in a class encouraged by the Stake Presidency entitled "Strengthening The Family". We wish we had these resources 30 or 40 years ago. The materials and encouragement are very worthwhile.

We had a couple come to the temple this past week for their own endowment, then the next day to receive a temple sealing after their previous civil marriage. The final part was to have their 5 year old daughter sealed to them. Eileen was asked to help with the young girl, and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity.

We are grateful for the love and support from home.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-01-17T23:16:00.000-08:00

This has been a very busy week. We have been helping the mission president of the Marshall Islands Mission with preparations for his daughter’s wedding. We helped them arrange for a photographer and we arranged for the flowers. I asked the former temple president’s wife who I could ask to do flowers. She offered to do them and they were incredible. Sister Veloria is a wonderful and gifted person. Everything turned out very well.

We spoke in church today. Wayne spoke on Temple Work and I was assigned to speak on Missionary Work. Wayne gave one of the best talks he has ever given. We have another speaking assignment in two weeks in the Kohala Ward which is about 1 ½ hours from Kona. It will be a beautiful drive.

We continue to enjoy teaching the Book of Mormon class and the Temple Preparation class. On Sunday evening we attend the new “Strengthening the Family” class. I would suggest that you all get the manual. It is very well done. Wish I had it forty years ago.

We send our love.
Aloha,
Eileen

2010-01-10T21:53:00.000-08:00

After 5 full days in the temple, then a jam-packed day at church, we went with the other three couples on Monday to watch whales! We probably saw 20 or so different occasions where they would spout, breach, or jump out of the water (we think most of the events were different whales!) Eileen was especially excited to see one CLOSE UP, that came almost completely out of the water. The weather was fantastic - actually it was about 20 below (below 100 F).

We enjoy teaching our class of recent converts in the Book of Mormon. It is wonderful to see their understanding and acceptance start to grow. The stories in 1 Nephi are a great resource for comparing life and our own experiences.

We've been asked to speak in Sacrament meeting next Sunday - Eileen on couple missions, and me on Temple service.

There is a licenced marriage that will occur this Friday - the daughter of the Mission President and his wife, who are serving in the Marshall Islands. Eileen has been helping (long distance) with arrangements for the flowers, photographer, etc. It will be a great experience to help them pull it off.

We miss the family, and all that is going on at home. Thanks to Lisa for her 2010 calendar of family photos. WELL DONE ! !

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2010-01-03T20:16:00.001-08:00

We hope you all had a very Mele Kalikimaka and are enjoying a Hauoli Makahiki Hou! It is a lonely time without our family. How grateful I am for skype.

Monday we had a family come from Utah to have their son married to a girl he met in England. President Heinzen opened the temple for us and all the missionary couples came to support this family. Wayne and I picked them up at the airport and took them back after the sealing.

We have served in the temple the last two Mondays so it was nice to have Thursday and Friday off. This is whale season along the coastline so we took a trip to Anaehoomalu Beach. We saw a huge whale breach and two spouts from whales. It was really amazing. I hope we can go again a stay longer sometime.

We were invited to Bishop Nakamoto’s home for New Years Eve. All 40 members of the Nakamoto Family live on family land. It was a very nice opportunity to share the holiday with them. One of the family members had brought a non- member friend. Today we had the opportunity to teach her the first missionary lesson. It was a wonderful experience. We have a return appointment with Janet next Sunday. Sister Keanaaina works with Janet and is a great person to fellowship her.

We hope all is well at home. I asked Wayne to attach a photo of the waves. Sometimes we can hear them at night. This is a wonderful world.

We are happy to be in the service of our Savior. What a blessing to be in the temple five or six days a week and walk where He walks and feel of His presence.

Aloha Nui Loi,

Eileen

2009-12-27T16:34:00.000-08:00

TOP LEFT - We had two days "off" during Christmas, and went to the Volcano National Park with Pres. & Sis. Heinzen (temple presidency). They live near Hilo (as in Hilo Hattie - the commercial outlet chain).

TOP CENTER - Lava explosions from the crater (taken from the park brochure)

TOP RIGHT - Inside "Thurston's Tube" a 12 ft dia. tube that once carried lava to the ocean.

BOTTOM LEFT - The fish picture is of a "HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA`A". It means "the fish with the nose like a pig!"

BOTTOM CENTER - Eileen made dinner rolls, to the delight of all who came.

BOTTOM RIGHT - She participated with the other missionary sisters in making a quilt for a dear little sister who is humped over, but comes regularly to the temple.

We enjoyed talking to many of the children and grandchildren over the Christmas Holiday. Thanks for the gifts and remembrances. It's fun to see photographs.

Even though we were away from family during this season, it was a wonderful time to spend together and read Luke 2, and talk about how much the birth of the Savior and his wonderful life have affected ours. Our family has been truly blessed. We look forward with each of you to a new year.

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2009-12-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

The photo above is courtesy of Sherman and Jennifer. The tree arrived with a note that reminded us of how many times we went the the Christmas tree lot, and felt bad enough for a tree that we considered buying it! Thanks to the Atlanta Moores!

We had a wonderful Christmas program in Sacrament Meeting this morning. We have been practicing with the ward choir for several months and were part of a simple but very inspiring program. It was written by a member in Minnesota some years ago, with some short dialogue along with her own music.

We continue to teach a Book of Mormon class on Wednesdays - it is great to help new converts understand the scriptures and learn to get more out of their reading.

This past Thursday, we had a small group of 4 recent converts come to the temple to participate in baptisms for the dead. Several expressed their deep appreciation for the privilege of coming to the temple. We have been involved with their fellowshipping and encourement.

Eileen and I usually are assigned to work in the baptistry on Saturday mornings. This week one of the missionary couples had family visitors for the holidays. Their son-in-law and grandson came and participated. It reminded us of our efforts about a year ago to involve our own grandchildren with temple baptisms.

What a wonderful holiday season - we miss our family and friends, but are grateful to be of help in the Lord's work.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2009-12-13T17:40:00.001-08:00

Well, it is my turn to write the letter this week. This week has been the hardest of this or any or our missions. We received a call this week telling us that my younger brother, Doug, has cancer that has metastasized. Doug is an otolaryngologist. He is gentle and kind and has overcome some incredible challenges in his life and is true and faithful to the Lord. We are praying for a miracle.
Even in our sadness, we have been blessed to feel the Spirit of the Lord in our temple work. We had a very special experience yesterday. Brother Okura, (a sealer) of Japanese descent, had some baptisms to do for some of his ancestors. We had a youth group there and one of the young men was proxy for the baptisms, Brother Okura pronounced the confirmation. An incredible spirit came into the room. Brother Okura could hardly get through the prayer. Sometimes you just know these people are there to witness their baptism and confirmation and have been awaiting this day for a long time. We love serving in the temple.
We are looking forward to Christmas. This year there will be no tree, no ornaments or bustling around or wrapping gifts. It will be a day to remember the life of our Savior. We feel blessed to be in His service in this beautiful land of Hawaii. We are missing our children and grandchildren but recognize all the many blessing our family has received this year.
Mele Kalikimaka to you all.
Eileen and Wayne

2009-12-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

The above photo is of "Spam Musubi". It is a favorite Hawaiian snack food, made of spam, rice, and sea weed (with a little garnish on top). No comments !

We had a wonderful day at the temple this past Saturday. The BYU Hawaii 1st Stake came in full strength! We had 170 of the young adults fly over for the day and participate in temple ordinances. We figure it probably cost over $20,000 for the day. Many of them were young women with "limited use" recommends - who participated in the baptistry. It was a scheduling challenge, but turned out to be a really great event -normally, we can only accommodate 50 or so (we believe in miracles). Eileen was again awarded the Nobel Prize for Laundry.

We enjoyed the First Presidency Christmas Devotional with several wards who were invited to the stake center. They came for an open house, including the adjacent temple grounds. We spoke to several groups about families, and the purposes of temples.

Eileen has struggled with a spider bite for several days. We finally got medical help (doctor = $170, medicine = $2.93 ???) We have been blessed with good health, and stamina enough to keep a challenging pace.

We look forward to Christmas - this year without snow shovels! We trust that you will all enjoy the time with family and friends.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2009-11-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

We have had a wonderful week of Thanksgiving. How grateful we are for our family and friends. We have been so blessed as a family. We are most grateful for a loving Heavenly Father for all His tender mercies this past month.

All the missionary couples were invited by a couple who serves in the temple to enjoy Thanksgiving with them in Kohala which is on the North end of the island. We overlooked a magnificent view of the ocean. Heavenly Father has created a most miraculous and beautiful world.

Friday, Austen and Pam Antolin, from our temple preparation class, came to the temple to receive their temple blessings. It was an emotional time for all of us. We were in the temple foyer waiting for them to arrive. They stood outside the temple for a minute and took hold of the door and then talked again. We could only imagine their conversation. It was a long awaited dream come true. Saturday, they were sealed and Kolton was sealed to them. I stayed with Kolton (7 months old) during the ceremony and he fell asleep so it was a sweet and peaceful sealing. There were many tears of gratitude. The Antolin’s have so much potential. I hope they can be strong and keep the covenants they have made.

Mosiah 2:20-22
. . . If you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess. . . If ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day . . even supporting you from one moment to another . . . Behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary. . . “

Let’s count our blessings!

Aloha
Wayne and Eileen

2009-11-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

This photo is from Waipio Valley. There are wonderful places to take a photo with great scenery!

We had a regional meeting for church this Sunday. President Monson was to be here for the weekend, but stayed home due to his wife falling, and recovering in the hospital. We hope she recovers fully, and soon. Elder Perry and several of the Seventy conducted a meeting that originated in Oahu, at the BYUH campus, and was broadcast to chapels on all the Hawaiian Islands. It is great to see new converts come and gain the experience and Spirit of a conference like this.

The weather is cooled off (down to 74 or so, at night). The difference between that, and 23 degrees at home is amazing. We are grateful for milder conditions, and enjoy the beautiful setting on the island. The members are kind and gracious, and willing to share what they grow. The first counselor in the temple presidency (Pres. Ah Sam) brought oranges to us again on Saturday, and asked if we would like some limes. They are very kind to us.

We miss our family, friends, and things at home.

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2009-11-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

The photo above, shows a typical Wednesday at Kailua-Kona. A cruise ship line docks here at 6am and passengers offload. Some come to the temple on that morning.

Today was Kealakakua Ward Conference. Bishop Nakamoto told the following story. His family had an egg farm with over 20,000 chickens. One summer they heard of a convention at the Kona Surf Hotel. There were classes on nutrition for chickens, better egg production and even a class on flying. The Nakamoto’s decided that this would be a good opportunity to help their chickens and so they opened their cages and the chickens walked down the street to Ali`I Drive, crossed at the light and walked into the hotel. They had a marvelous day and learned many wonderful things. Their favorite class was on flying and they learned quickly and soared along the coast line. They really enjoyed a wonderful conference. At the end of the conference, the chickens left the hotel and walked on their little feet all the way back up the hill to the Nakamoto farm, got back into their cages and it was quickly “business as usual.”

Bishop Nakamoto counseled us to enjoy conference today but also to apply what we learn. He is a great bishop.

This evening (Monday) all the temple missionaries have been invited to have dinner with the temple presidency. They are preparing a typical Hawaiian dinner, Lomi lomi salmon, poi, kalua pork, chicken long rice, lau lau and several dishes that I can’t pronounce or spell. They are so kind.

We continue to keep very busy and we see the hand of the Lord daily in our work at the temple. This is an incredible experience.

2009-11-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

We have enjoyed another week in the temple. We have concluded the temple preparation classes for two of the couples in our ward. We found the picture for this week on the internet. We used it for a "couples FHE presentation last Monday night. There is a story that goes with it.

One other account from those early, faithful builders of modern Zion. John R. Moyle lived in Alpine, Utah, about 22 miles as the crow flies to the Salt Lake Temple, where he was the chief superintendent of masonry during its construction. To make certain he was always at work by 8 o'clock, Brother Moyle would start walking about 2 A.M. on Monday mornings. He would finish his work week at 5 P.M. on Friday and then start the walk home, arriving there shortly before midnight. Each week he would repeat that schedule for the entire time he served on the construction of the temple.

Once when he was home on the weekend, one of his cows bolted during milking and kicked Brother Moyle in the leg, shattering the bone just below the knee. With no better medical help than they had in such rural circumstances, his family and friends took a door off the hinges and strapped him onto that makeshift operating table. They then took the bucksaw they had been using to cut branches from a nearby tree and amputated his leg just a few inches below the knee.

When against all medical likelihood the leg finally started to heal, Brother Moyle took a piece of wood and carved an artificial leg. First he walked in the house. Then he walked around the yard. Finally he ventured out about his property. When he felt he could stand the pain, he strapped on his leg, walked the 22 miles to the Salt Lake Temple, climbed the scaffolding, and with a chisel in his hand hammered out the declaration "Holiness to the Lord."

Jeffrey R. Holland - Apr. 2000

What a wonderful example of courage, commitment, and determination. It makes us want to do more - with what we have been given.

Love to all.

Wayne & Eileen

2009-11-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

This has been another busy but wonderful week. We finished the Temple Preparation Classes with two of our families. They are both ready to receive their temple blessings. I can hardly wait to receive the call from them with a date and time they want to attend so I can get things ready for them at the temple. Both of the families have children so that even makes the occasion better.

Wayne and I are exhausted but happy. It is so amazing how once we open the door to the temple, we are regenerated and ready to serve. What a great blessing and miracle.
Friday morning we had the opportunity to go to Zone Conference. It is wonderful to meet with the young missionaries and be taught by President and Sister Peterson. For those of you who have not been to the big island, there are thirteen different climate zones in the world. Eleven of them are In Hawaii (Big Island only). The above pictures were taken on our way to Waimea for Zone Conference! We leave beautiful Kona and drive through, what looks like the desert of Utah, cactus and all, and end up in the beautiful, green and fruitful land of Waimea at the top of the Island.

We had seven people at our Book of Mormon class on Wednesday and three were new converts. I figured out that if I would read just 1 1/3 page a day, I could finish reading the Book of Mormon by the time we return in 420 days. It is true as Joseph Smith declared that “. . . a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” In our current assignment serving in the temple, I really desire to get nearer to God.

We send our love.

Aloha nui loa,
Eileen and Wayne

2009-10-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

The photo of the week is from Kealakekua Bay. This is where Captain Cook landed in the late 1700's. The monument in the center of the photo is for him. Rumor has it that upon his first landing, he was hailed as a god. Later when he came back, he was not so welcome, and was killed! We try to see a few things each week on Monday (preparation day). We chose not to take the small boat across the bay to see the statue (mission rules!!). The ward we attend is named after this bay (Kealakekua Ward).

We are back in full swing at the temple. It seems the pace has quickened - perhaps because the temple was closed for two weeks. Members came from Maui and Kauai for several extra sessions each day. Saturday was a particularly long day. One of the sisters serving in the baptistry with Eileen finally commented that Eileen deserved the "Noble peace prize - for laundry". I fully agree !

We participate with the full-time (young) missionaries in our ward - with newly baptized members. One of them was confirmed today, and I was asked to ordain another brother as a Priest. It is a great honor to use that authority.

Two of the couples we teach in Temple Preparation classes should be ready to attend the temple for the first time - perhaps in 4-6 weeks. Again, a great joy to see them progress.

We trust that all is well at home.
Weather: 86 high - 77 low. Visitors are most welcome.

Wayne & Eileen

2009-10-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

The photo of the week is of the Tsunami warnings - posted many places on the island, close to sea level. We have had three warnings since we've been here but they were soon cancelled, with no effect to the island.

Well, we never thought it would all come together but the temple is ready and so beautiful. I love the carving in the new carpets, the freshly painted walls, the new projectors and the beautifully painted font, the freshly laundered and pressed curtains and clothing. We even got a power generator for emergencies. With all the workers and all the hustle and bustle and obstacles to overcome, and the mess that comes with upgrading and remodeling, I just couldn’t feel the spirit.

Friday afternoon after all the workers had completed their work and gone home and the temple was clean and orderly, I was replacing the last minute items when the Spirit came most wonderfully back to the temple. Since our matron had some surgery over the break and the two counselors and their wives were off island, we had the privilege of preparing many special things. This was a once in a life time blessing for us. Wayne has worked hard and put in many long days of physical work remaking and modifying the projection area to fit the new projectors. Tuesday the temple will reopen and the Lord’s work will continue on. It is blessing to be in the Lord’s service.

Aloha - to all.

Eileen

2009-10-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

Wayne and I have had a long but wonderful week at the temple. The painters have finished their work and this week we start with new carpets and the major cleaning. It will be very interesting to see how the patterns are cut into the carpets. They are so beautifully done. Wayne is still working on changing out the old projectors and putting in new ones. He is also repairing and doing routine maintenance on the baptismal font. In April, during the two week closure, we will get a new font which will be wonderful. We would have never guessed that a temple mission would include using his engineering skills.

I enjoy working in the office. We have been really busy getting reservations for marriages and sealings. It is fun to hear their excitement and delight as they plan for their long awaited wedding day. We continue to see miracles in our work. We have had two tsunami warnings but have been very blessed and protected. I love the scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 84:88, “. . . I will be on your right hand and on your left and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you.” I know this is true.

We send our love,
Wayne and Eileen

2009-10-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

We try to include a "photo of the week". This was a good one. It is at the half-way point of our morning walk. The view and sounds of the ocean are a welcome addition to a busy but wonderful week in the temple.

We VERY MUCH enjoyed listening to conference this weekend ! ! ! The neighbor (member) below our apartment went to Utah for several weeks, and let us watch conference on the cable BYU channel in their place. It was well worth it to get up before 6 am each day, and watch the sessions. Priesthood meeting was via sattelite at the Stake Center, then we spoke at a baptism after that meeting. We made notes of things that we are going to do, and ways we can improve. What a wonderful spirit of encouragement we felt.

The Kona temple is now into the scheduled maintenance for two weeks. We have volunteered to help with many of the projects that will happen there. We LOVE being in the temple, but miss our family and friends.

The temperature is still about 84 degrees? Visitors ?

Love,

Wayne & Eileen

2009-09-27T23:09:00.000-07:00

The photo above shows what has been pasted into each of the church hymnbooks. The hymn is sung to those who are moving from the ward.

It is such a special experience to see people come from off island to attend the temple. What a sacrifice they make in time and money. I talked with a sister who serves as a temple worker who lives on a little island off the coast of Maui called Lana`i. To get to the temple, she has to take a ferry to Maui, a bus to downtown, another bus to the airport, a flight to Oahu, a flight to Kona and a taxi to the Kona Temple. We had a student ward from BYU Hawaii come yesterday. It is such an expense for these young students but they all feel it is money well spent. We are so surprised to see how many of the Hawaiian saints are traveling to general conference this week. The gospel is their life.
We continue to teach the Antolin, Keanaina and the Jemwai (Marshallese couple) the temple preparation classes. It is a humbling experience.
We send our love to our precious family and friends back home,
Eileen and Wayne

2009-09-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful week at the temple! We had members from the Waipahu Stake (Oahu) and spend ALL of Saturday in the baptistry. Between three wards, they had 29 youth come to do baptisms for the dead. It is always special when members bring some family file cards, for ordinance work.

We took some pictures in front of the temple on Thursday. The brother that grows the orchids for the grounds is a non-member.

We attended a baptismal service on Friday evening in Waimea. It was for an older couple in their 60's. It was a special experience to see how the gospel had blessed their lives in so short a period of time.

We trust that all is well at home. We're busy (sometimes exhausted) but very happy doing the work.

Love to all,

Wayne & Eileen

2009-09-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

These are the couples that serve at the Kona Temple. The Merrells (second from left) are here as volunteers, and work most days with the rest of us.

This was a long week! We responded to a request by one of the temple presidency to come in on Monday - Labor Day, when his ward came from the Hilo area. We are always glad to be of help. It meant 6 full days at the temple. Eileen is very gracious to work in the laundry. They have two washers and four dryers. Some members come hoping to borrow clothing for a session, and the youth / member baptisms creates a lot of stress on the facility.

We have been blessed with good health, and enough strength to keep up the pace. We try to be the last ones to leave, each shift. The presidency and matrons are very appreciative of our efforts.

We have had some wonderful experiences teaching the Book of Mormon, and the temple preparation classes. It is a great opportunity to help people along with their learning and progress. Bishop Nakamoto is openly appreciative of what we do.

The weather is still VERY WARM. Eileen can't remember being in an environment that drains your strength, due to the heat. We are told that it will be somewhat cooler (5 degrees, or so) later in the year. Most days go from 78 to 86 F.

We helped a new missionary, with his first visit at the temple this week. His middle name is Kaleionohikaimanaokawaiolilinoe Kalei ono hika im ana oka waio lili noe (sort of). The name means "A child of God, that shines like a diamond - in the midst". We have changed from our struggle to pronounce the names, to an appreciation for their wonderful meaning.

2009-09-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

We went to do a service project in Hilo (the other side of the big island). The background for the photo is Akaka Falls (we think it is the one in the temple video).

It is my week to do the blog again. It has been another busy week in the temple. Hawaiian Airlines cut airfare to $25. each way for the month of September so we will have many off island visitors. I love it when they come. They make a huge sacrifice with airfare, lodging, transportation, time off work, etc. The temple is filled with a wonderful spirit when it is full to capacity. They did announce, however, that the Laie Temple will have an open house the 11th of July 2010. When it re-opens, we will go back to servicing only three Stakes, Kona, Hilo and Maui. I love to drive up North and look across the ocean and see the mountains on Maui. I didn’t know they were so close together.

We have enjoyed so much teaching the temple preparation lessons to the Antolin’s on Sunday and the Keana`aina’s (key ona ina) on Thursday nights. They are both young couples. We look forward to seeing them in the temple. It’s wonderful to see their desire and preparations.

Tomorrow is Labor Day and the temple is normally closed but Pres. and Sister Heinzen (2nd counselor in Temple Presidency) invited their ward in Hilo to come to the temple for two special sessions. Hilo is on the opposite side of the island and is about a two hour drive. They asked Wayne and me to be there to help out and record the ordinances. We like to spend all the time we can in the temple. Yesterday a little adopted girl was sealed to her parents. It brought back wonderful memories of when Charity, Joy and Henry were sealed to Nate and Larraine. It was a precious moment.

Aloha,

Eileen

2009-08-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

As is frequently the case, just after we have a particular need, and are trying to fulfill our current responsibilities, we are guided to something that REALLY HELPS. As evidence, the following is an excerpt from “Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple” – the lesson resource for the class we have been called to teach:

"When members of the Church are troubled or when crucial decisions weigh heavily upon their minds, it is a common thing for them to go to the temple. It is a good place to take our cares. In the temple we can receive spiritual perspective. There, during the time of the temple service, we are “out of the world.

"A large part of the value of these occasions is the fact that we are doing something for someone that they cannot do for themselves. As we perform the endowment for someone who is dead, somehow we feel a little less hesitant to pray fervently to the Lord to assist us. When young married couples have decisions to make, if they are near a temple there is great value in attending a session. There is something cleansing and clarifying about the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.

"Sometimes our minds are so beset with problems, and there are so many things clamoring for attention at once, that we just cannot think clearly and see clearly. At the temple the dust of distraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can “see” things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known.

"The Lord will bless us as we attend to the sacred ordinance work of the temples. Blessings there will not be limited to our temple service. We will be blessed in all of our affairs. We will be eligible to have the Lord take an interest in our affairs both spiritual and temporal."

We LOVE getting the help we need, even though we often feel undeserving.

Love to all -

Wayne & Eileen

2009-08-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

We occasionally join with the other three couples that serve in the temple - for dinner and an activity on Monday evening. This time it was by the beach, complete with sea turtles!

The work at the temple was much more busy this week. Several wards from a neighboring island came, and stayed through the day. They bring their own ordinance workers, but need our help to complete the assignments. Eileen spends much of Saturday in the small laundry area, supporting the proxy baptisms that are done.

We continue to teach a Book of Mormon class on Wednesday evening, after the day in the temple. We are trying to arrange a convenient time for the Temple Preparation class in our ward. The materials are very well done, and we look forward to being of help.

Time flys by - we send our love,

Wayne & Eileen

2009-08-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

We helped in the kitchen at Waimea for a zone conference this week. We enjoy working with wonderful members.

We worked the morning shift in the temple Tuesday through Saturday this week. This Saturday we worked a 10-hour day. We were exhausted but happy. I love working in the baptistry. Today we had two sisters and two brothers from BYU Hawaii come to do baptisms. One of the sisters came over and asked if she could sit by me. She was a beautiful Hawaiian sister. She said she could feel the presents of her ancestors whose names she had brought to the temple. Wayne was performing the baptisms and I watched her intently read the names on the monitor as Wayne would pronounce them. Sometimes she would just sob. There are such wonderful, humble and faithful people living on these islands. Every week is another marvelous experience for us.

We sang with the ward choir today. The song they sang was in Hawaiian. It was called, “Nani A Maikai”. The vowel sounds are:
A = “a” short sound
E = long “a” sound
I = long “e” sound
O = is long “o” sound
U = is “oo” sound
We have to remember to pronounce all the vowels, which are many! We will keep trying.

We taught the Book of Mormon class on Wednesday and were set apart today to teach the Temple Preparation Class. The opportunities to grow just keep coming.

We send our love,
Aloha,

Eileen

A Together Family

2009-08-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful experience this past week at the temple. A family from Oahu, by the name of Ching - brought their three children to the temple. (The Laie temple is closed for 18 months for major renovation). They came Saturday morning, and were sealed together. Eileen made friends with them, and then spent some time with the children before the ordinace was done. The family came to our ward (Kealakekua) for Sacrament meeting this morning, then we asked if we could take a few pictures, to remember them. I should mention that Eileen had a difficult time saying goodbye to them (and remembering our grandchildren !)

It is a wonderful experience to see the sacrifice and expense that the members from other islands make, to come to Kona. We regularly see couples and some families come to Church on Sunday mornings as visitors from the mainland. A cruise line operates a large floating hotel, which comes to Kona Bay on Wednesdays. We occasionally get visitors from the ship, who include the temple on their list of activities.

Thanks for the love and support of our family and friends.

Wayne & Eileen

2009-08-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

The above collage is a photo collection of one day's walk by our apartment ! !

Today was a wonderful day in the temple. First thing this morning we had a young couple from Mongolia come to be married. They had traveled through the night to get to the temple. They had both previously been endowed so they decided to take the names of the grooms grandparents and do all the temple work for them today. We started at 6:30 am to do the baptisms. The bride wanted someone to do the baptism for her (as to not mess up her hair for the wedding to follow). A couple from the Hauula Ward was there waiting for their ward youth to come. Sister Haanga said that she had a family name that she wanted to do so she offered to do both baptisms. It was an incredible experience. Sister Haanga was doing the name of her husband’s sister. Brother Haanga started the baptismal prayer and could not gain his composure for quite some time. He was overwhelmed to provide that wonderful blessing for his sister. Then Brother Haanga baptized the Mongolian man for his grandfather. When the prayer was finished, he stood there in the font and hugged Brother Haanga. It was such a wonderful way to start the day. Then at 8:00 am we had a group of 39 youth from Oahu come with their leaders to do baptisms for the dead. 594 baptisms and confirmations were done by them. These youth paid their own airfare to come to the temple. That is about $100. each. Dad directed the baptistery and I kept the laundry going. We just have two washers and four dryers. There was a mountain of laundry but the sweet sisters from Hauula were a great help. I could be very happy just to do laundry all day as long as it was in the temple. We feel very blessed to have this opportunity to serve here in beautiful Hawaii.

We love you all - Eileen

2009-07-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

We have had another busy week, with assignments in the temple each day. We're learning more of the office procedures, and all the details that work in the background - so that patrons have a positive and inspiring experience.

We were asked to speak in the Kona 2nd ward sacrament meeting (on short notice), and enjoyed being with the members there. It's amazing how many visitors come each week. We met a friend that served with us at the Bountiful Temple !

Our exercise for the day is to walk along the road next to the beach. The scenery is fantastic (as you can see from the photo, above). Eileen especially enjoys the sound and sight of the waves. It's hard to imagine any more beautiful place to serve, and with any more wonderful saints.

Love to all - Aloha

Wayne & Eileen

2009-07-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

We had the most incredible experience today. The Tongans from Maui have come to the temple this week. Each morning at 5:30 am they have a devotional in the Stake Center next to the Temple. Then they line up and come to the temple. They stay all day. Sometimes they are so tired that we have to wake them up but they will not stop to rest. They just keep doing the work for their ancestors.

Tonight they invited several of the missionary couples to eat dinner with them. It was such a humbling experience. They are all so poor but they pay for their families to come and spend the week serving in the temple. Wednesday, they did 1700 ordinances ! Thursday, they did over 2100 ordinances ! !

After the dinner the bishop of one of the wards prayed to start a fast tomorrow. Everyone knelt down on the gym floor while he prayed. What an experience. We were sure that angels will be in the temple the next day

We enjoy working with the other two couples in the temple office. There is a myriad of details and procedures as part of the preparations for those receiving their own endowment, getting sealed, etc.

Love to all.

Aloha

12 July 09

2009-07-12T18:13:00.002-07:00

First of all, our address is 75-6009 #R22, Alii Drive, Kona, Hawaii. (The street is pronounced A–Lee - E ). I think our plan is to stay in this apartment. It is much more than we need, but others are even more expensive. We are about ten minutes from the temple. We attended church at the stake center, which is our ward house, and it is right next to the temple lot. The ward is the Kealakakua Ward. (Pronounced, Key – ala – ka – kua). It is so hard to remember names when they are Hawaiian, Tongan, Samoan, Chinese or Japanese etc.

This a gorgeous city. Each morning we go for a walk by the ocean. The air is sometimes foggy (voggy as it is caused by the volcano that is erupting) but along the coast it is clear. The ocean is so flat, we can see for miles. Sometimes we see the tops of ships along the horizon. Cruise ships come in on Wednesdays. There were more visitors than members at church today. I can hardly wait for whale season. Apparently in the winter, you can see many whales. After our trip to Sea World with Robert and Liz and their family, I love whales even more.

Tomorrow we have dinner with the couples and I am excited to get to know them. There are three couples that work in the temple office, Elder and Sister Heers, Elder and Sister Black and Dad and I. The temple is open about 16 hours a day and two couples have to be there in the office so the Heers and Blacks are very happy to have us here. We were set apart as ordinance workers on Saturday. The temple is small but very beautiful. I hardly can believe we are here.

I think we will purchase the car that the couple before us purchased. We weren’t planning on buying a car, but I think we will be able to sell it when we leave. It was the mission president’s car in Oahu. There are no buses or taxis on the Island so you really need a car.

The weather is very warm and really humid. However, the temple is air conditioned which will be very nice. They have a snack room in the temple for office workers and presidency. It has a fridge and a microwave so I am sure that we will do very well.

We have not heard any more news about the Nigeria Temple. We do know that it is closed for “renovations” and that all the couples are safely out of the country. This just goes to show you that Dad was right ---“sometimes you just have to be willing”!

We wish you could all be here with us. This Island is not green and lush like Kauai. The beaches have black lava rock along the coast. There are a few sandy beaches. The land is covered with beautiful flowers and trees. We would have loved to fly to Oahu to see Nathan, Sherman, Franklin and Roberts families but the temple matron reminded us that we are not on vacation here. There is much work to be done. So all of you have a great time. Thanks to Sherman for the offer.

We send our love. I will attach a picture of our arrival at the Kona Airport. Sister Mo’o, the temple matron is next to me and her nephew and his wife arrived at the same time.

Transistions

2009-07-12T18:13:00.001-07:00

We were in the first week of our MTC training on Wednesday afternoon, and were called out of class to visit with a member of the MTC Presidency - who advised us that we had been reassigned to the Kona, Hawaii Temple. We asked, "are you sure?" several times ! Evidently there have been sufficient problems to warrant the re-direction of our assignment. We spoke briefly to the missionary department who didn't offer many details, but said that the change had been made by the Quorum of the Twelve. We participated in the normal week of training from "Preach My Gospel" with the whole group of 70 senior missionaries. (They have separated us somewhat from the younger missionaries, as a precaution to the flu problems that have been here for about 8 weeks). Next week, we attend the Provo temple, for some extensive training. We fly on Friday (West, not East) to LA, then directly to Kona (the large island). The temple on Oahu is closed for 18 months during renovation, so we will have all 18 Hawaiian stakes come to Kona. We love the work, and miss our family. WDET