Hello everyone,
I need to write this email about Elder Gaba in my district. As you all know he will be serving in Fiji with me and he is from Papua New Guinea. He is from a small village, Suki. He was converted by the missionaries at age 13. He never met his parents. For 3 years he would go bow hunting with his hand made equipment and kill animals that he would go sell in the town to raise money for his mission. He happily noted that the first thing he would do was go pay his tithing "to receive the blessings". When he submitted his mission papers in 2015 it took him 2 years to receive his call due to problems in his village and a bad mission president. A 15 hour boat ride and 5 plane rides later he made it to Utah. EVERYTHING he has was donated by other church members in his country. He has a couple shirts, one tie, a belt that doesn't nearly fit and is shredded. None of this matters to him because his testimony is just so strong. I gave him some of my ties, which he loves. Got him a new belt, and my companion and I are helping him experience a lot of things for the first time. First time using a bed, using a toilet, doing laundry, using a elevator. He is loving it. I was in tears when he first told me his full story. He hopes to convert his whole family upon his return home from the mission. No one has a phone or computer at village so he won't be in contact with anyone for a full 2 years. Some people really sacrifice so much just to be here.
As for me, things are great. My zone is full of athletes who really know how to have fun but can really bring the spirit to a meeting. I am learning so much and the Fijian is coming along nicely. We went to the temple Friday for Elder Gaba to receive his endowments (awesome/touching experience). Afterwards a very nice gentleman, Brother Yarro, starting asking our zone what we need. One Elder from a very poor family said "I could use a camera" almost jokingly. Elder Gaba said he needed one too. The next day we got a delivery for our zone. Several suitcases that were full of treats and sure enough two cameras for the two Elders who needed them. Watching the joy those two had opening the cameras and using them was heartwarming. I love it here and am feeling so blessed.
Lastly, I gave my first blessing a couple days ago. A sister was feeling really stressed. I went over thinking I'd just stand in for it. Next thing you know, I am the one giving it. I was so scared. However the spirit took over and I couldn't tell you half of what I said, but I felt the sister start crying halfway through. I was fighting off the tears myself as I was giving it. What a great experience that was! A day to remember.
I love you all.
Peace be with you,
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