Weeks 13/14 Rainy Season
Aloha Friends and Family: Apparently there is a rainy season here in Oahu, but as most of you know rains are like light sprinkles, then dissipate quickly. However, yesterday we had a real rain fall that lasted much longer. The temperatures even dropped into the low 70’s–imagine that! Today is unusually cloudy and breezy, but still so beautiful. No complaining here! Rainbows abound after even the smallest of rainfalls.
In the last two weeks we’ve had some powerful opportunities to teach with our missionaries in our district. They invited us to be a part of lessons with their friends who are learning more about the restored gospel. We were able to share our testimonies of the goodness of God who sent His son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins so that we can be renewed daily through His love and grace, despite our imperfections. I was moved to say to our friend Mary Anne that God calls us His daughters and His sons while Satan calls us “not good enough” and creates doubt about our identities. She admitted she had been feeling these doubts, but when she began reading more scriptures and praying, she felt the love of God fill her with positive, affirming thoughts. The Holy Ghost is powerful.
We attended the Laie temple again with our zone which is always marvelous. One of our zone missionaries, Sister Pepa, will be going home this next transfer so it was a treat to be with her. She has been an outstanding leader in the mission. She’ll be missed.
Last week an apartment building in Wainae (on the west side of Oahu) caught fire due to a malfunctioning electric wheelchair in one of the apartments. Glass windows shattered and debris fell from about the 16th floor onto cars below. Fortunately no one was injured in the accident. Unfortunately one of our missionary cars was parked below and received some damage. Michael and I drove there to check out the damage and to take the affected missionaries to lunch. They are both good leaders and hard working missionaries. Finding a good body shop to work with on that side of the island will be the bigger challenge.
It’s become known in our area that Sister Mangum loves to play tennis so, as usual within tennis networks, I’m in touch with others who like to play. Michael and I were invited to join a group of sister missionaries on Kailua to play some early morning doubles which was so much fun. Tennis continues to be a great way to meet people so I’m looking forward to meeting even more. 
Michael’s morning walk last week rewarded him with this beautiful sunrise.
And finally we enjoyed stake conference (a gathering of about 9 different congregations) this morning. Michael and I sang in the choir which was a privilege, but just like in our weekly Auwaiolimu ward, the flowers stole the show. These arrangements were about 4 feet tall and hung on either side of the front facade. Hawaiians love their flowers along with their Aloha Spirit! God be with you until we meet again!
