Sister and Elder Duncan: 7/18/23

 

Aloha Dear Family & Friends,

We kind of lost track of what week it is on our mission because of how fast the time is going!

First, a story of faith, a young man in our ward from a small island next to Fiji, who is a student at BYU-H. A few weeks ago, he received a call from his mom informing him of his father's sudden passing. This young man whose name is Greg asked his Mom what he should do because if he went home, he would lose his visa. His mom told him to stay and work on his education, and that everything would work out. She told him that he could do his father's endowment in the Laie temple. Although Greg's father was a member, their family had not had the finances to travel to the nearest temple in Fiji, to receive their endowment's. Now Greg's father would have this opportunity and his son who couldn't attend his own father's funeral could be a proxy for his father and do his endowment. This brought so much hope, joy, and peace to Greg and his family. 

There are so many examples of faith like this with the students from pacific islands, and all over the world. Many are the only members in their families. I'm so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Happiness. Everything will work out when we center our lives in Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.

Stacy is in her true element as she helps the young missionaries and sometimes seniors. They really love her, and she loves them. She also has been feeding a lot of people, they love her homemade rolls and bread. 

I love working at the PCC and working to make it a great place for people from around the world to visit and have a memorable experience. I was able to fix a water leak, with Craig's help, It is no longer wet!

We enjoy working at the visitor's center on Sundays and having the opportunity to share our testimonies. There are quite a few non-members who come in with family members and friends.  Also, many who want to see what the church is about. The Missionaries are amazing, and you hear different languages everywhere as they share the message of the restoration of the gospel.

The 4th of July was a great day of celebration. I worked at the PCC in the morning, we ushered at the PCC for three hours in the afternoon, went to the beach for dinner with our district, and watched fireworks with 12 other couples. 

We had the opportunity to see our friends Eric & Amy Jacobsen and their beautiful family and visit with them. 

Jeremy and Audrey Brown came to our ward on Sunday and after we had them over for dinner. It was so fun getting to know them better. We were both a little homesick when they left.

We have moved out of our comfort zone, and we will be singing with the senior missionary choir, "Redeemer of Israel '' and "How Firm a Foundation '' and playing our ukulele, at the Laie pioneer day closing ceremony.......:) 

We miss you and we are grateful for you in our lives!

Aloha Nui Loa!

Dan & Stacy

Elder & Sister Duncan