Mission Miracles...

My Dear family and friends,

Where to begin? So much has happened and I want to share all of it with you, but I know that isn't possible, so I will do my best to share what is most dear to my heart.

First off – one of my investigators that I talked about 2 posts ago, (the man way up in the breadfruit tree) was baptized last Saturday.

He was beaming and was so happy that he couldn't stop grinning. The spirit was so strong and it was a glorious day for him!

 

His wife isn't quite ready but I will continue to serve and help them.

Next - I made an emergency trip to Fiji with an Elder that needed emergency surgery - or so we all thought… God had other plans.  The Elder and I flew to Nadi, Fiji and then on to Suva where there is adequate medical help and facilities.

The night we arrived he was admitted to the hospital. The surgeon told me that he would do surgery in the morning. The Elder received a priesthood blessing.  I arrived at the hospital early the next morning. It was a miracle. The doctor came in and said '" I don't know what happened but he's all better, he doesn't need surgery".  I told him, “I know what happened,” and pointed to heaven, “God answered our prayers.”  They kept the elder in the hospital for more testing and to hydrate him with IV fluids.

That gave me some free time to spend with the Fiji mission president and his family, President Klingler.

             We had such a wonderful time going up the river

                        to a village to learn about Fijian culture

 

and eating traditional foods.

It was a wonderful experience. Then further up the river we went swimming under a waterfall.

While I was in Fiji, one of my missionaries that was serving in Kiribati finished her mission – Sister Balenicagi. 

I had gone on splits with her and helped with service projects. She was by far our most obedient missionary and a great leader to her peers. I didn't think that I would get to see her before I left, but one night I had just finished a session at the Suva Temple

and as I turned to come out to the foyer, there was Sister Balenicagi standing right there.  I was so surprised! We embraced and cried tears of joy.

I realized in that moment that I needed to treasure more, the times that I spend with those that I love.  She took me to her home where her family had put together a HUGE welcome home party for her. It was a treat to be a part of it. I love her so much. 

At one point during her celebration I asked her mother if I could share an experience we had while on splits. I had received a medical call and had to go to Baota which is at the very end of the Atoll on the East side, for a medical issue.  On our way back Sister Balenicagi said, "Sister Cassita, did you see that man lying in the road"? I said, “No, where?” She said, “You nearly ran over him!” That kinda freaked me out.  I asked her if we should go back and get him.  She said, “Yes”.  I made a U-turn and as I pulled up to his body I drove on the wrong side of the road and parked so that the lights from my car were shinning on him. We got out of the car and I checked for a pulse. At first I could not find one so I did a sternal rub which didn't phase him.  He had very shallow breathing and after another hard sternal rub I was able to arouse or get movement from him. His girlfriend had been watching from the other side of the road and came running over. She had thought that he was dead. They were both extremely intoxicated.   I looked up at the people standing next to the fence and asked if anyone knew this man or where he lived. Nope. So I took a hold of this man and lifted him off the road. As I was walking back between two huts a young man came and helped me carry him.

I shared with Sister Balenicagi's family how she had saved this man’s life, for I believe that he would have been run over had we not gone back and moved him out of the road. I was grateful that I didn't run over him. I never know what my days will look like but there is always an adventure.  I love being a light to this part of the world. These people are so dear to me and so loving and kind.

  

I miss my children so very much.  Thank you to all who have sent boxes of food and to all of you who continue support and pray for me. I could never do this alone. It is because of all of you that I can be here serving a mission. May God bless each one of you with his choicest blessing and send his angels to keep you safe.

I know God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  I love Him. He is my best friend.

 I am grateful for the example of my mother when it comes to charity. She has given me a priceless gift.  I miss her so very much.  I love this Gospel and I love being a servant of the Lord.

Love always,
Sister Cassita