Make Us One...

Dear Family and Friends,

Wow! Once again there's so much to share.
We had a visit from the USS Pearl Harbor ship. There were several different groups traveling aboard this ship. For the first week here they put on a Health Fair.

There were several different stations where the people here in Kiribati received education and free items.

The stations were:

                          

Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Oral Hygiene, Care of Animals and Eye Care.

At the end of the line was the table representing the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Charities".

The Youngberg's, who are our Humanitarian Missionaries

asked me to man this station as they had several appearances that they had to make at schools all along the island. The Church also donated thousands of school kits to several schools.

It was humbling to see these poor people's beautiful smiles, tears and gestures of gratitude as I would hand them a hygiene kit from the church.

Each kit had 5 toothbrushes, 1 large tube of toothpaste, 2 hand towels and 2 bars of soap; all in a zip lock bag. Some of the people would hold it to their chest and repeatedly say, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" 
 

Some people would ask me what it was for, so I would teach them about keeping their bodies clean. It was a real treat to be involved and to feel the Spirit of the God, so strong! There was one man who is homeless and walks the streets; I've seen him on many occasions and bought him some food before. When I gave him the hygiene kit he was so excited that he just had to kiss me. I turned so he wouldn't kiss me on the lips but he was so happy and grateful!

Our young missionaries, along with returned missionaries from Kiribati, performed all the translation for all the military and other charity groups. They loved it and the military were quite surprised at their willingness to help and be of service - all volunteer!

The second week, their focus was on all the cats, dogs and pigs.

My friend, Turian, and I went to the clinic that was set up in Betio and she helped with translation

and I got to help hold the animals. The best was the baby pigs; Just holding them upside down while they got "fixed".

We had a great two weeks of working side by side with the military personnel from America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The ship's port is at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. Captain Lovely is the man in charge. Elder and Sister Youngberg invited me to tour the ship with them. What a treat! It was amazing to see the back of the ship, where they sink it to 8 feet and then load everything inside there and the small sleeping quarters, the store, and the cafeteria. I wanted to order some "real" food and have lunch... not possible.
The guns were huge, though this in not an attack ship. All the gunners are for defense only.

We were transported to the ship via a small boat that sort of looked like a raft. It cost $350,000.00 dollars so I know it's alot more than just a raft. Anyway, I asked the driver if I could drive it, Wow! Halfway between the ship and land he said, "Now who wanted to drive?" I spoke up and said, "I did!" It was awesome!! He even taught me how to "spin a doughnut"! I thanked every military member for serving our country and keeping us safe.

They work hard all day long keeping the ship in top condition. It was such a wonderful experience.

Some of the military personnel had questions about the church, but as I worked with the people over the last two weeks, I had this overwhelming peace come upon me; that no matter how different our individual beliefs or religions were - we were all of "one purpose" - caring for the needy and less fortunate. It's just like the song that I love, "Make us one that our burdens may be light". That He did!

I love being a missionary. I love serving in any capacity. I love my new mission president and his wife, President and Sister Weir.

They invited me to go Tuna fishing with them along with President and Sister Tune.

We had a great time! I was the "bird watcher". That means, when we found a group of birds, we knew that is where the Tuna were feeding off the smaller fish. Well... we caught one. A HUGE one!

A yellow-finned Tuna. I named him George. We ate him for dinner one night and I must say, I love fresh tuna!

I love you all so very much. I loved these two weeks and helping serve with the great Forces, as we all were of "one mind and one purpose". Thank you to all who serve or who have served in the military; for your brave service to defend our freedom in America. May God bless all of you with his choicest blessings.  I love and miss you all so much.

Love,
Sister Cassita

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

Service Unto the Lord

My Dear family and friends,

So much has happened!

I have found that when I am in the service of others I am in the service of my God.

I will let the pictures do the talking....

My eyes are filled with tears as I write; Tears of joy for the knowledge of how wonderful and loving our Heavenly Father is. He has blessed me and my children with miracles. 

For me - it is a new heart.

In my mission, they ask each Elder or Sister to share their conversion story. I would like to share with you the one I submitted…I know it will change with time, but this is where I have arrived; and the journey continues…

May God bless each one of you with His choicest blessings. I love you and miss you so much.

Thank you for your prayers, love and support. It is because of you that I am who I am today, Thank You!

Love,

Sister Cassita

                       My Conversion Story
                             April 29, 2013 

     I was born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am the youngest of 13 children. I figure by the time I came along my parents must have been very tired. But no worries; I had plenty of siblings who all helped take care of me. I had a wonderful grandpa who taught me many things; the most important was that he loved me.

     My mother and I didn't get along and my poor father was put in between the two of us, on many occasions, to try and keep the peace. We lived double standards, it seemed. We would go to church and learn how to be like Jesus, (loving, kind, gentle,) and yet, in my home there was much of the opposite. I don't share this at all to judge my parents, but it placed a lot of confusion in my mind through my growing up years.

     I have endured many kinds of abuses; some so severe, that where I find myself right now in my life, is truly a miracle. At 18 years of age, I left the church and was sure that I would never return. At 22 years of age, I became pregnant. After I gave birth to my first son, I was alone one day, while still in the hospital in Holland. While I was holding my child, feeling overwhelmed and fearful of what lay ahead, I asked God what I was supposed to do with this child. The answer came ever so quickly.  "Teach him what you know."  My mind immediately went back to my Primary days and I knew that this is what I must do for my child. I had been lost for 4 long years; completely let go of the iron rod. It was a long road back but worth every step.  It began first as a desire, and not so much for me as it was for my child, for I knew that he was my responsibility; then came repentance.

     I had 3 more children, to make a total of 4. I loved being a mother and we were eventually sealed as a family in the House of the Lord. I divorced after 10 years of marriage, went to nursing school, and did my best to raise my children in the Gospel, all the time feeling like I was just hanging on. Life was difficult and I had many struggles that challenged my faith and trust in my Heavenly Father. I felt lost and alone.

     The major event that would turn my face toward God and change my heart was the day I went to take my own life. My brother had taken his, (later, his son took his, as well) and it seemed like an easy way out.  But also, I wanted to try and get back at others for hurting me through their judgments. (I know... not Christ-like at all...)  In His mercy and compassion, God placed a little lost girl outside my door, which saved my life, as Satan’s grasp on me was interrupted through my service to help her. In that same hour, He brought me a new best friend who stayed with me and kept me safe. I was so blessed that day and I am still blessed to this day. Through many trials, which seemed to increase in their intensity, I have been given many answers to prayers, often through my best friend and her service to me.

     As I find myself now serving a mission and pondering how I got to this place, my eyes are filled with tears. Only through the Grace of God, am I here, and because of the many prayers offered on my behalf, by my family and friends.  I find that I am truly converted to Jesus Christ. I have learned to prioritize and order my life through being obedient to His will. I recognize that my every pursuit, passion, thought and behavior must always be in line with His will. I had to become susceptible to the Light; a complete turning around and trusting Him. This was huge for me - To face His light and truth and then know that I am capable of perceiving, and then following the will of God with complete trust; a trust that is spontaneous and innocent, like that of a child.  And now with that trust, I am an Ambassador for Christ.

    Through true conversion, my conversion is real. It has become all that matters to me. It is what helps me to endure and God has promised that if we endure to the end, we shall be saved. I have a new hope in my heart, knowing that I am imperfect but acceptable to God.  My heart has changed through the gift of the Atonement of my beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. Oh, how I love Him with all my heart, might, mind and soul! Oh, how I love my children with all my heart; they are so dear to me. I love my extended family and all my friends; you are precious and wonderful.  Line upon line, precept upon precept, my conversion will continue to grow. My heart is and always will be - His. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the face of the earth. I love, love being a disciple of Christ. This is my testimony, in His holy name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.