Sister and Elder Duncan: 8/9/23

 

Aloha Dear Family & Friends,

Aloha is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy. That is commonly used as a simple greeting but has a deeper cultural and spiritual significance to native Hawaiians, for whom the term is used to define a force that holds together existence.

I looked up the definition of Aloha because as we have been analyzing our time here it has made us think deeper into the customs here and the things that make Laie so special. On Sunday morning, it is so fun to watch the entire neighborhood walk to church! We live a block away from the chapel by the temple. They say Laie is made up of 98% members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Yet we had 12 baptisms last month. We have a teaching center, where the sister's answer calls from all over. We also have the Laie Temple Visitor's Center. It is fun to see the people come in and ask to know more about our church. We love working at the Visitor's Center!  The fountain hasn't worked since we got here and last week, they got it fixed! Sacrament meeting we had six young men who blessed and passed the sacrament. The two that blessed are from Ghana & India. The four that passed were from America, Japan, Philippines, & China.

We also get to work at the Polynesian Cultural Center taking tickets to the Luaus and we are also helping with the "Ask Me" program. We stand by an "ask me" flag and answer questions. Most are looking for the Gateway Buffet and the Pacific Theatre. But we get all kinds of questions. I enjoy helping people find their way around and when you see the look of confusion in their eyes. Being able to ask how I can help is really nice! Our friend Kim was by the front gate and had wondered if she would be missed if she didn't go in that day. After her arrival she noticed a couple arguing. They were not sure how things worked. She asked if she could help, and they were so appreciative. It is times like this that we know the Lord is watching over us!

Last week we welcomed new missionaries and Sister Roskelley from Arizona asked if I knew a nurse named Celeste? Celeste is Sister Roskelley's aunt. It made me miss the school nurses I worked with! I was blessed to work with good friends at a job I loved!

Dan is enjoying golfing on his P-day. Last week he went with President Bassett, Elder Archibald and Elder Sorensen. Archibald bought some clubs off Facebook and was just holding them in his hand. He laid them down and with his first swing he put the ball next to the hole.

We are teaching a temple preparation class in our YSA ward. For an activity we went to the temple and took the picture. All of those in the picture are endowed. On Sunday the gospel doctrine teacher didn't show up so Brother Chase asked us if we would teach the class. We had our biggest temple prep class ever. 

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

Aloha Nui Loa!

Dan & Stacy

Elder & Sister Duncan