We had the most amazing day yesterday. First we met with the missionaries and watched a two hour training DVD from Salt Lake. It was inspiring.

Just as that was ending, the rest of our Zone arrived for Zone Training Meeting on how to help investigators and returning saints. It was wonderful! Of course, Rex was impressive as he acted in a role play on keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. He was the father who was telling his son they had two free tickets to the Super Bowl. The son was telling why they couldn’t go on Sunday, and Rex was countering with some very convincing reasons why they should. He wanted the ending to be positive so he finally agreed to sell the tickets and go with his son to Sacrament Meeting. Afterwards, the Elders came up to him with big smiles and said they loved it. They thought it was so good that it should have been caught on video.

When it came to accountability and making our zone goal, we insisted on an extra high number that I think will be a first for Taveuni Zone. 20! February will be a hard month to do it with the sisters gone for 1 ½ weeks to Suva, and the rest gone for 4 days to the temple celebration and rededication. However, we know with the help of the Lord, we can do it. Again, we are holding to the promise of President Layton that miracles will take place. It is deemed to be the most incredible month of our mission!

After ZTM, we ate at the Wong Tungs and then went to the old folk’s home. I love how much they love us. We need to train the workers there to play with them so they won’t be so sad when we go.

Last week, we received a call that Brother Salabogi needed money to enroll his son in a Cabinet Making School starting the next week. He asked us if the PEF loan could help. The answer was no, on many levels. Since we are instructed as missionaries not to just give people money, we came up with a plan. We met him at the fish market, where he works for President Bull, and paid him in advance the $140 ($70 US) needed for his son in exchange for craft items his wife would make for us. We were invited to their home last night to pick out the items to order. They laid out a huge mat for us to sit on. I could tell it was brand new. As we explained what kind of mat we wanted made, I kept looking at the beautiful mat on the floor. Finally, I just said, “I like this one! Could we just buy this one?” We asked them how much and gave them $10 more to equal $150. They were very excited! Now wish us luck in folding it so it will fit in our suitcase!

The work is on fire here in Labasa!

Our missionaries and members are the best!

Hope all is well at home!

We love you!