Mauri Vinaka! - 1 Oct 2017

June 18, 2018

Mauri Vinaka! - 1 Oct 2017

Mauri Tariu ao Mwaneu!

It has been just over a month since the last time I was able to email. Since then I have heard a little bit of this and that regarding things going on in the U.S. I was devastated to hear of the two huge hurricanes that struck both Florida and Texas. When I heard of the severity of the two I was taken back for quite awhile. Comforts me to know we have such great humanitarian aid and service in our Church. I am sure they reacted promptly. I've heard some other CRAZY things from some not so credible sources on my Island but luckily found out of there falsity.

A couple weeks ago all the Missionaries in the North Zone of Fiji were able to travel to the Island of Taveuni for Mission Tour. It was a 2 hour boat ride over and there wasn't a dull moment. Taveuni was very fun and we all had the privilege of hearing form Elder O. Vincent Haleck. He s the 1st counselor of the area 70 and he spoke on the Saturday session of our recent General Conference. Was a great meeting. Following the meeting we all had a lunch prepared by the members of the Taveuni Ward. All I could say after each bite was "Wow." Those who know me know that's a sign of great food. All the Missionaries who had been serving for almost 2 years said it was the best Zone Conference meal they have ever seen. I testify, it was one for the books.

Rabi (Rambi) is going very well. I love it. The people are amazing and treat my companion and I so well. I never thought I was be at the point where I actually crave fish for dinner, but that's where I am at right now. The experiences are plentiful and anything but boring. However, the work out here is tough. We currently have some great investigators that seem to be really progressing and some seem to take on commitments before we even invite them to. Yet there a quite a few who can't seem to shake their bad habits. They are so accustomed to their weekly routines, which for some are the basis of their whole life, when we ask them to try and drop a

habit they are very taken back. Often times we find that little or no effort is made to change there ways. We stay patient though. One day we may be led to say or teach just what they need to hear. We have been able to get some families to start coming to church though and things are looking good. Hopefully it will all pan out in the end.

We recently opened up a Unit in our farthest village in Buakonikai. It is still undergoing some minor renovations so we held our Sacrament meeting at a members house 2 Sundays ago. Elder Tenoa and I both gave talks after we passed the Sacrament. There was 9 in all including us, 3 of which were little kids. It was a very humbling experience. Couldn't help but think of Matthew 18:20 "where there are two or three gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." Will be easier to get people to church now as well since this unit is substantially closer than the Branch. Looking forward to whats in store.

Mango season is approaching and I am excited. So much fruit in Rabi. Always have fresh papayas and bananas. They're everywhere. For P-Day's I usually go out and catch some crabs then wade out to one of our reefs to fish for an hour or so, then come back and cook the fish for lunch. It is a great experience.

Speaking of good experiences. The other day my companion and I went to this HUGE birthday party. just over 100 people I'd say all squeezed into this tent for a huge meal. After a while I realize that this is all for a baby turning "1." It blew my mind the amount of work people put in for someone so young, but supposedly its what the people of the Pacific do. It was that night where I came home and could no longer stand the horrible smell that lingered in the air. After a quick search, I found a dead dog, our dog, under the flat. Was very late and I wasn't in the mood to dig a hole but it's what I did as my handicapped (twisted ankle) companion watched. I reached to grab the dogs tail to pull it out from under the house. To my surprise my hand felt a loss of tension as I looked and saw the tail ripped off from the dog dangling in my hand. I don't think I will be experience something like that ever again.

Seems l am always having some great memories being made in Rabi. I love where I am serving. The language is great and I think my Kiribati will soon be surpassing my Fijian. I am so grateful to be experiencing the life similar to that of an islander. From the daily cold showers to the raw fish. Its all a blessing to me.

Expecting to be emailing again in 2 weeks

For now. Tiabo!

Love,

Elder Richardson

5 Days of foul odor and one "I think Brownie is dead under the flat" joke later...

Brownie, our dog, who was found dead under our flat and then dragged out and buried by yours truly. 10:30 PM right when I was getting into bed. Memories!