March 19, 2015

We have had the opportunity of going with the young Elders several times to visit the less active family in Siberia. As the name denotes, they live far out of town and it is hard to come to church.

   It is always a treat to go to their house--physically, spiritually, and literally. Brother Chetty is a farmer. He raises various fruits and vegetables, and he milks cows. With the milk and natural ingredients he grows, he makes popsicles he calls an “ice box.” He distributes them to the local market and stores which they sell for 40 cents. Each time we come, we are served an ice box to eat, along with a bowl to catch the drip. Rex says, “A popsicle in the Fijian heat starts out like a dripping candle, then transforms into a little pink thundercloud on a stick. It’s as welcome as the rain, but you have to be careful not to get soaked.” He speaks from experience.

   Before or after the lesson, they also serve us an entire meal of fish or chicken and produce grown on their farm, perfectly arranged and presented. Along with the other things, I love the sliced watermelon, papaya, and cucumbers. I always felt a little strange that they would set a perfect table and then just watch us eat it. Brother Chetty said it is their custom. A couple of times I told him that in America, we eat all together; and I invited him to eat with us. Of course, he said no. Last week, I said it would be our honor to have them eat with us. To my delight, they did! I was so excited! I did feel honored.

   Brother Chetty is very intelligent. He prides himself in the fact that his son is on a government Topper’s Scholarship, a full ride scholarship, in Veterinary Medicine. He says Shivani is very smart, even smarter than her brother. She beams when he says that. I love it when parents set high expectations for their children and praise them in front of others. Brother Chetty always wanted to be a lawyer and sometimes helps represent people in court cases. He says they always win. He converses easily on a wide array of subjects and enjoys talking with us before each lesson. We are pleased and happy with this family.

   Shivani is 10 years old and not baptized. She learns quickly. Even though she has black hair and dark brown eyes, she reminds me of Brad’s daughter, Paige –about the same age and size, beautiful, smart, talented, helpful, loves drawing, sparkling eyes, and a darling smile. The Elders are teaching her the discussions and have set March 28, 2015, as her baptism date. Right after they challenged her, Rex felt impressed to challenge the father, who is an Elder, to prepare himself to baptize and confirm her. We are praying that will happen.

   We are well and happy! The people here take good care of us!

   Love you all!