Office Life is Getting Easier

 Week 13

Prayers From The Cook Islands

November 10, 2024

We are on assignment this week in the Cook Islands. I had to say that to make it sound official. We are on assignment, but what a beautiful assignment. Every year in November, all of the religions come together for an inter-faith prayer meeting to ask God to protect them during their cyclone season which it between November to March. Then, in April they come together again to thank the Lord for protecting them, their "Thanksgiving". It is such a beautiful tradition. I interviewed an older sister today after church, and she told me how the tradition started. When Cyclone Sally hit the island, all the Church mothers gathered together in white dress to pray for those that were suffering. Over time the tradition and prayers changed to include everyone on the island and to ask for a prayer of protection.

We took the district president and his wife to dinner to learn more about his role. A leader or pastor from each religion form an interfaith committee, to solve issues and plan these prayer meetings. This year it was District President Thomas Willie's turn to be in charge. He did a great job for someone so young, 34.  I really felt for him and the pressure he was under. All of the leaders spoke on being prepared and their dependance on the Lord, and then each gave a heart-felt prayer. It really was amazing to be apart of.

This is President Willie and his wife just after the event was finished.  Everyone was so respectful during the prayers by each denomination.   

We received a warm Cook Island welcome from the senior missionaries serving here. There were so sweet to meet us at the airport with leis. We went to dinner with them Saturday evening along with a couple serving a service mission. Elder and Sister Moody from American Fort and Elder and Sister Brown from Australia

We spent Saturday afternoon at the market and snorkling. I almost had Kelly convinced to buy a Ukulele. It was very different from our Ukuleles. It was solid wood with a small hole in the back and it cost $300 instead of $50. Maybe next time.

I'd give snorkling about a C+. It had great moments like seeing:  Kelly choke from saltwater, a bright blue starfish, Dories and Nemos, an eel and lots of sea cucumbers. The only problem was it was windy and Kelly's gear wasn't working too well. But it was fun being together enjoying nature.

The coast is beautiful! The mountain peaks are beautiful! But in between, you see a very developing nation. (It's not called 3 world. It's called developing) When you get to know them, you feel for them and love them.

Beautiful walks on the beach but we seemed to always be accompanied by stray dogs. What is the deal with that??? It was almost funny. Between the dogs and the roosters, we were very entertained. 4:00AM a roosted crowed right out our window. Go figure. I swear it was on purpose.

Yummy fruit every morning! Papaya!

This is our Institute class that we teach each Wednesday night.  It is one of our favorite things to do.   They are so willing to learn and have a wonderful spirit.   We just finished for the semester and covered many of the miracles performed by the Savior.   We will start back up again at the end of January with a new semester.

We are continually amazed at the goodness of the people.   The sacrifices they make to be members of the church and their dedication to their callings.   Most impressive is how happy they are even when they have so little.  We are humbled by the fact they teach us what it means to obey the two greatest commandments.   Love the Lord and Love your Neighbor.   We are so blessed to be able to serve a mission and see God's hand is so much that we do and the people we serve.

We are sorry this blog is a little late.   Travel to some of the smaller Pacific Islands means very spotty internet options.   

Love Elder and Sister Shaw