Extravaganza

We had several "out of the ordinary" things happen this week, which is nice because while we enjoy doing our usual activities, a change of pace once in a while keeps things interesting and enjoyable.  

On Sunday we were asked by the stake presidency to speak in other wards in support of the seminary program.  Sister Mundell spoke in Kaneohe First Ward at 8 am, and Elder Mundell spoke at the Keolu Ward in the Kailua area at 11 am.  We expressed our love and appreciation for our seminary students, and talked about the many benefits participation in early morning seminary has for them, both in their immediate future as they make important decisions about the direction their lives will take, and their long-term happiness remaining faithful to Heavenly Father and staying active in the Church.  Our goal was to encourage high school students and their parents to make attending seminary a priority in their busy lives. 

We had a very early start to our day on Tuesday.  The seminary teacher in Olomana was in the mainland for a family emergency, and we were asked to substitute in her class.  It's about a 20 minute drive and the class starts at 5:30, so we woke up a little after 4 am.  The small class of four students was wonderful, attentive and respectful towards us, and we had a very spiritual lesson with them.  We will substitute there again this week while Sister Camara is off island.

Sister Mundell has been making sacrifices this week because her temporary dental filling won't be fixed until early April, and she has to avoid any foods that could cause it to come out prematurely. So she's been on a soft diet of yogurt and liquids for weeks, which hasn't been a lot of fun. We had a nice lunch with our mission leaders and a new senior couple, Elder and Sister Larson from Utah.  She dined on chicken broth while the rest of us had Asian food from Panda Express. It got worse on Wednesday.  She could only have clear liquids and had to drink a mixture that cleaned out her intestines for a medical  procedure the next day.  Needless to say, she was miserable, but through it all she maintained a bright and cheerful spirit.  Dan was happy to go by himself and teach a youth Bible class about Daniel and the Lion's Den at the correctional facility that night. 

Kaneohe Stake Family History Extravaganza

Our week ended on an outstanding note.  Our stake had a very successful Family History Extravaganza that was very well attended.  The parking lot was completely full, and everyone seemed to have a very good time.  Each ward or branch was asked to take a foreign country, and create a booth to share some of its culture and history with everyone. Portugal, Italy, China, Japan, Okinawa, Tonga. the Philippines, Hawaii and even India were represented.  The purpose was to get people excited about seeking out their family history, and it was a huge success.  Dan has seen miracles researching his father's ancestors this year, and just recently we were able to seal two entire families together, his great-great grandparents to all of their children.

Seven Fitzpatrick children were sealed to Dan's great-great grandparents

Four Potter children were sealed to Dan's great-great grandparents


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