We fought through extra heavy morning traffic, as the children were all going to school, and battled our way back to the Registry Office. This time we were fully prepared and armed with complete birth dates for the members who had died. Amazingly, there was no line this time. We only had to wait for one person. The man at the front desk was actually smiling, happy, and helpful as we went through. We were convinced this was going to work this time! When we showed the government official the revised list and explained to her what we needed, she informed us that it was against the law to give us any personal information unless we were directly related. (The man we had talked to before had not said anything about that, or we surely would not have gone back.) She kept explaining and stating the reasons. We told her we understood, assured her that we did not want to make her break the law, and promptly excused ourselves. We felt a little defeated, as if we had fought a battle for nothing, but at least we never have to go back there again! The bad news is that now we have to try to find family members and personally ask them for the death dates. We had tried to avoid the sadness that might cause. Wish us luck!

Another assignment was to go to a neighboring town, Seaqaqa, to help a girl who barely returned from her mission the same day Sister Heitonga left. We showed her how to get online and begin her BYU Hawaii application. It was painful for her, as she does not type; but we got her started. 

Brother Petero is her Branch President, as well as a counselor in the District Presidency. He and his wife, two of the most knowledgeable people I know in Fiji, were there to support her. They have also been helping her prepare for the English Proficiency Test she took Saturday. If she passes, they will help her continue her online application. 

The main thing we need to encourage here in Fiji is English skills. All the exams are written in English, and students have to write essays for these exams in English. We have been told this is most difficult for them since many think of their essays in Fijian, and the direct translation does not bode well in English. Many seem unprepared to pass their final exams in secondary school to let them go on to University. We have set aside a time to help the youth on Friday nights just before the youth activity. One thing I tried to teach my children is that if you can tell a story, you can write it. All you have to do is put the words down on the page. Fijians tend to skip words as they speak in English. We need to help them fill in the gap to make it smooth and understandable.

We appreciate all your prayers in our behalf. We can feel them, and we know the Lord is blessing us as we try to help these people.

Thanks for all the news from home.  We love hearing from you.

Love you all!