Bro. Seiuli, who is blind, greeted and entertained us, at a Stake High Priest Social. He is amazing.
Bro. Tipa lead us in a dance.
Do I fit in? These wonderful murals are painted by the Post Office in Fagatogo.
Where, o' where is Elder DaBell?
It's great to see the boats come and go in the harbor. 
Is that you, Elder DaBell?
A sweet mother, Danira and her daughters in our Mesepa International Ward.
What a treat we found at KS Mart: fresh fish. Yum!!!!
We met this wonderful family in Fagatogo. The wife came from the west side of the island to meet her sister from the east side.
Grandma Peters gave her grandson a ride on her walker. She is always so kind (and fun).
Sweet Dorothy Tuitama, from New Zealand taught us about new.familysearch.org. Usually, she is at the Malaeimi chapel where we jog. The other day, I stopped in to say hi, and she shared some of her life history with me.She and her husband were able to attend the dedication of the New Zealand temple since they were members just over one year. It was a 3 day event with 6000 people in attendance.
Upon returning home in July, of that year, they received a letter from the church asking them to serve a church building mission for 2 years. They sold their 83 cows, pigs, chickens, farm property, and reported for their mission by August. They were set apart in the Celestial room of the temple. Dorothy’s parents were non-members, had a farm next to theirs, and were furious with their decision.
They drove their car along with their personal clothing, 5 year old daughter, and dog. The church provided living quarters near the temple. For personal items, they were given each, $1 a week. The church had a store with food donated from around the country. Once in a while there were treats: canned peaches. One day she went to get groceries and there were canned foods with the labels off. She took the cans, hoping for peaches.
That is like searching for our ancestors. We have the “cans”: the family search website. We don’t know the treasures inside until we open them.
I love to see her smile: you can’t see her eyes. Her life has been full of challenges, yet she always says "I have a wonderful life". One year into their mission, their sweet daughter contracted measles and died. What a heartbreak. She and her husband adopted four children within the next two years.
These are a few of her darling grandchildren.
4 comments:
What a sweet woman, Sister Tuitama. And what faith to sell all she had and serve the Lord. I'm so happy to hear of the work moving forward in all parts of the world. It really is so wonderful to be a part of something so great! I love your posts! What a beautiful place to be, too.
Fun new pics and updates. We get to come in less than a month. Your hair is getting long. What wonderful people. Check out our blog there's some great new pics. Love, love, love you.
Talofa & Greetings Brother & Sister Dabell,
What beautiful words, pictures and expressions you have shared about our lovely island. We miss you both and hope that all is well with you and your families, you both were truly an inspiration, much goings with the children, births, marriage and missions and yet you remained strong in your calling.
May Heavenly Father continue to bestow his blessings upon you and your families. Be well, until we meet again at His feet.
If ever in Hawaii, stop by to see Victoria as she is in BYUH and performing at PCC. She is well. We are all doing well.
Soifua & Regards,
Sister Lulu Barber and family (MIW)
Hello Bro and Sis. Dabell. I hope this message finds you both in good health and high spirits. Better yet I hope this message finds you. My name is Salamasina Tuitama and am the daughter of Dorothy Tuitama. I would like to thank you for the kind message and story you shared about my mother. She was truly a God fearing mother and a great example to many but especially to me. My mother passed away Jan. 10th, 2020 and I've been missing her lately a lot more than usual and reading your kind words about her just warmed my heart. Thank you so much.
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