Week 49: Fiesta!!

 Kumusta, 

     Hi everyone!  Kumusta po sa inyo?  So this week was cool and fun to see how people here in Libon celebrate the Fiesta.  We could see how they really love their families in celebrating the Fiesta.  It really strengthens each individual and family.  

     We have been working the same as last week inside our apartment calling our friends.  It is so interesting how they can adjust in this pandemic Covid-19.  On Sunday, we were invited by our landlord to have a lunch with them celebrating the Fiesta.  I know it's more different than their past Fiesta experience before lockdown but it's so cool seeing their humility and patience at this time.  In the morning, we had a very delicious fried red fish (ika ni bong) that is what we call it in Kiribati.   We were so happy that we could share a simple message from our hymn book entitled, "I Need Thee Every Hour" on page 98.  They said that it really made their Fiesta.  

      We received a call from our zone leader because my two companions got transferred after having lunch with our landlord.  We were both sad and oppo.  That's how missionary life is.  We are not here to do what we want but to fulfill His will in helping others by inviting them to come unto Christ.  

     So right now I am with my new companion:  Elder Villar.  He's from my district before in Tabacco.  We are so happy to be together again.  Yesterday, we planned to visit our friends and members.  We are so happy that we were able to introduce them to my new companion.  We are looking forward for the work and to find more people.  

     I would like to share some of the talks from Elder and Sister Clinton from the last nights Missionary Worldwide Devotional. 

  •  They said to use the area book in working with members.  
  • Always refer to your purpose.  Why am I here?  
  • Use every honorable teaching moment
  • Follow a guideline in missionary work
  • Take advantage of good technology
  • Rely on The Book of Mormon
  • NEVER GIVE UP!!
I really love what Elder Clinton's talk said, "Accept that there's a different way except focusing on this pandemic.  Just look for the bright side."  I am shocked to hear some of His talk that keeps ringing in my ears. . ."If we go back to the old days, we won't be successful."  

     I wanted to share one of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon when Alma teaches the poor whose affliction had humbled them.  He compares faith in the word of God to a seed.  Alma 32:41-43 " (41)But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.  (42)  And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the  fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst, (43)Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you".  

   Brothers and Sisters we have been preserved by our loving God till we are here at this time.  Let's all move forward and shift our mindset.  Accept that there's a different way.  Begin to reach out to others in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I love you all and I am looking forward.  

Elder Bateiti

Elder Bateiti and Elder Villar - On our way to Sagrada village.  Behind us you see maiis or cornstalks.  This time where we traveled to, they welcomed us with delicious boiled corn.
Laundry
My companion made caldereda ulam.
Caldereda Ulam
Having Fiesta lunch with our landlord
Fiesta fish - this is what we call it in Kiribati "te ika ni bong"  In English, fish found in the night.
Fiesta Fish from Nanay Emma

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