Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Onward, Ever Onward!

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm a little scatter-brained as to where to start....so much has taken place over the last few weeks.  

We had a wonderful Relief Society Birthday Party! (171 years) We first met in the chapel and had an opening song and prayer, then some sister's shared their conversion stories and the great help they received from sisters in their wards.  It was very humbling to hear just how difficult life really is for the people out here in the islands.  But they are also very strong. 
 

Then the party moved to a Maniaba (big hut) where each ward or branch performed their "Entrance March and Dance". 

 It was a blast and it felt like the whole place turned into a "sweat lodge".  The costumes were beautiful and yes, I even sewed my own lavalava:)






 


And the night before I stayed up and helped make our head leis and leafy skirts.  It was so good to get to know the sisters.  I love the sisters in my ward!  The Kiribati people are the most friendly people and they love to give hugs and kisses!  This really helps when I'm feeling a little homesick. 

    I received my first piece of mail..yeah!  A baby shower invitation
for my new grandson, Tristan.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend, but I'm sending my love to both Taylor and Sophie.  Thank you, Maddison for giving your soon-to-be nephew a wonderful baby shower. 

My first Sunday here, I was asked to teach Relief Society, which went well.  Then I was asked to teach Gospel Doctrine when the teacher didn't show up.  The brother conducting looked straight at me and said, "Sister Cassita, will you please teach us?"  We had a great discussion and all of us were taught by the Spirit. 

Later in the week the Bishop asked if I would serve as the 4th Sunday Relief Society teacher.  There is much to be done here, (as I'm sure it is with any mission...) especially with the in-active members.  The retention rate is only about 25 - 30%. 
 
Here are some of the many hats that I wear - Nurse,
flat inspector, marriage clearance for investigators, bicycles, newsletter photos and stores, R.S. teacher, and anything else that I'm asked to do! 
Sometimes, I even have to be "nurse" to myself!  Yeah, cut my finger pretty bad cleaning my stove.  But it's all better now:)


I spoke in church last week and boy, am I so grateful for the Spirit! I misunderstood the Bishop...when he called me on Tuesday, I thought he had asked if he could seem me after church.  But when I walked out my front door, it just so happened that he was walking by and asked if I was ready to speak in sacrament meeting.  Yikes!  I said, "no..." and then we laughed and I said that I would do it and that things would be fine...and they were:)   

Most people here in Tarawa live in Buias.  They are built up on stilts to keep from getting wet and to keep the critters out. 

Everything crawls here - shells and all!  
I love serving with the other missionaries here and the other Senior Couples.  We are such a support to one another!


The past several days have been challenging for me, even though I have been busy, I have been a little homesick and lonely...but I just keep saying, "One more day! The sun'll come up tomorrow!" And it always does!!!

Thank you all for your love and support.  I couldn't do this without you!  

"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save He shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

I love my Savior so much and oh, how I need him every hour!  I know He lives and loves all of us.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With all my love, 
Sister Cassita

2 comments:

  1. Hey congratulations on your new grandbaby!! It is exciting! You are doing such amazing work,thank you for your testimony and wonderful example. Love you, Cami

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  2. Kudos to you sweet sister Liz. You are working so hard to serve our Heavenly Father. Our prayers are with you.

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