I Love To See The Temple

 

I never imagined that I would live closer to a Temple than I have all my life in Salt Lake City! Where we live at home we are so spoiled to live close to 4 Temples now that the Draper and Oquirrah Temples have been built along with the Jordan River and the Salt Lake Temples but here I am living next to this beautiful Temple which is just 50 yards from our temporary apartment. When we move into the Staggs apartment we will be within 1/2 mile still!

Suva City is quite hilly (which surprised us) and the Temple sits right at the top of a promenient hilltop. It is stunningly white both day and night. When people see our badges they will ask if we are members of the Church with the big white Temple. The Temple is open several hours every day except Sundays and Mondays and they seem to keep quite busy. We haven't been to a session yet but are looking forward to attending one next Wednesday probably.

 

Do we look like "deers in the headlights"? Here we are just minutes after arriving. These darling children quickly came to our aid and helped us get all of our luggage into our flat. There is a Church sponsored school just down the street from the Temple and these children had just come home from school. All schools over here have their children wear uniforms. Every school wears something different but they all look clean and sharp. All the boys (and lots of the men) wear the traditional sulasula which are the "pants skirts". It is perfect for this climate. I think Paul will be joining in the style before too long.

Here we are with our dear friends Elder Ted and Sister Pat Stagg who have been serving here for almost 18 months and are the couple that we will be replacing. They have done a fabulous job and they know everyone! They have been so kind and nurturing to us ever since we arrived. It will be really hard to see them leave and then for us to try to take over will be a huge responsibility! Elder Stagg gave Paul the chance to get behind the steering wheel yesterday which was an intense adventure. Did I mention they drive on the left-hand side of the road over here? For such a laid back culture, they sure drive like they are in a rush! Paul did great! It will be a while before I'm ready to tackle that.