During church Sunday, April 12, Brother Narayan asked Rex to go to the hospital that evening at 6 PM and give his wife a blessing. She was very sick with low blood pressure. It was our first time at the hospital. Instead of describing it, I’ll just quote Rex, “Let’s not get sick. I don’t want to come here.”

   We thought Brother Narayan would be there to greet us, but he wasn't even there. We just kept navigating different wings and asking people for directions. It didn't help that she was admitted under her maiden name. “Narayan” wasn't even on their list. We were looking at the numbers above the doors, but nothing matched. Finally we found her, not that we found “Bed 14” in the Women’s wing, as her husband had described, but that she had seen us and was sitting up and waving at us. She was in the back corner of a room with five other women. A tiny sign above her head said, “Bed 14.”

   We had a nice visit with her. The IV has helped, and she was feeling a little better. Rex gave her a beautiful blessing. The Spirit was strong.

   On our way out of the hospital, we saw Marica’s daughter-in-law who had helped with the branch luncheon. She and her husband were waiting to be admitted. They told us their baby was going to be born. That was exciting, but we couldn't help think how disappointed the Sister Missionaries would be that she wouldn't be baptized the next Saturday as planned. They thought they could make it happen before the baby came. They had just cut it too close. Rex had warned them, “Babies come when babies come.”

   We left the next day for the Retreat in Suva. When we got home, we asked about the baby. Tima had stayed in the hospital for 2 days before all contractions stopped, and they sent her home. On Thursday, the sisters asked me to type the program for the baptism. I was surprised when Tima’s name was still on it, but they had no doubt it would happen. I must admit that I waited until the hour before the baptism to print out the program, but Saturday, April 18, we had 2 baptisms. One was Brother Salabogi’s granddaughter Vaseva Disele Maroci baptized by her uncle Josepa Salabogi, and the other was Tima Nawaqavolau baptized by her husband Asaeli Nawaqavolau.

   Tima was radiant! She bore a fervent testimony after the baptism! She had to cry a little as she told how in the hospital she had prayed, and she knew that she was to be baptized before the baby came. I was blown away by her faith and the faith of the Sisters. It was a very special day. The baby is due today. We pray that she and her baby will be healthy and strong.

   We hope everyone is well and happy at home. We are well and happy here!

   Love you all!

Sister Kora, Tima, Josepa, Vaseva, Asaeli, Sister Eneri.
Behind them is our baptismal font -
outside between the church buildings in what I call the quad .

Brother and Sister Salabogi and daughter joined the group.