February Youth Baptism

Eric has a wonderful ability to get along with others. It is a natural talent and gift he has, and being on a mission has only brought him closer to people. He is especially sweet with children, and has many opportunities to teach, and then been chosen as the one to baptize, some young children.

I especially love this picture, and the look of trust on the face of this child as he is about to be baptized. I know Eric is truly honored whenever he has been asked to perform this ordinance.

Turtle Carving from Palau

Eric sent home this turtle carving as my birthday gift in January from Palau. I absolutely love it:

January 2014 Baptism: Sister Ropon

Eric was honored to baptize Sister Ropon, who had been faithfully taught by the Sister Missionaries:

Shown here with her family:

What a wonderful example she set for her children. They all look so happy.

Elder Johnson and Saipan

In mid January 2014, Elder Gubler was released from his assignment as an AP and is finishing his mission just really focusing on serving the people. Eric enjoyed his time with him. Elder Johnson, originally from Colorado and serving on Chuuk, was called to be an AP and Eric's companion. They work hard and but still take time to have fun too, as the picture below shows:

Elder Johnson and Eric in Saipan

 
 They were scheduled to make their first trip together to Yap, but at the last minute the flight was cancelled, so they went to Saipan. 



Brief History:

Saipan is the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth of the United States in the western Pacific Ocean. It is the second largest island in the Mariana Islands, after Guam. It is only 12 miles by 5.6 miles wide consisting of 44.55 square feet. In 2010, Saipan’s population was 48,220. The western side of the island is lined with sandy beaches and an offshore coral reef which creates a large lagoon. The eastern shore is composed primarily of rugged rocky cliffs and a reef. Coconuts, papayas, and Thai hot peppers are among the fruits that grow wild. Local families and farmers cultivate mango, taro root and bananas. The island used to have a large population of giant African land snails, introduced either deliberately as a food source, or accidentally by shipping, which became an agricultural pest. In the last few decades, its numbers have been substantially controlled by an introduced  flatworm that unfortunately also wiped out the native tree-snails.

Traces of human settlements on Saipan have been found by archaeologists ranging over 4,000 years. Saipan was discovered in 1521 by the Spanish, who originally named the island San Jose. The native population shrank dramatically due to European-introduced diseases and conflicts over land and the survivors were forcibly relocated to Guam in 1720 for better control and assimilation. After the Spanish-American War of 1898, Saipan was occupied by the US, but it was sold by Spain to the German Empire in 1899. During World War I, the island was captured by the Empire of Japan and was awarded formal control in 1918 by the League of Nations as part of the South Pacific Mandate.  During World War II, Japan considered Saipan as part of the last line of defenses for the Japanese homeland, and thus had strongly committed to defending it. The Battle of Saipan from 15 June to 9 July 1944 was one of the major campaigns of World War II. Some 20,000 Japanese civilians perished during the battle, including over 1,000 who committed suicide by jumping from "Suicide Cliff" and "Banzai Cliff" rather than be taken prisoner. 

 The local population mostly fought on the Japanese side. With the capture of Saipan, the US was only 1300 miles from Japan and brought Japan within striking distance of the B-29 bombers.

After the end of World War II, Saipan became part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands  administered by the United States. The island continued to be dominated by the United States military. The military presence began to be replaced by tourism in the 1990s, but still plays an important role in the local economy.

There are 12 missionaries on Saipan: 8 Elders and 4 Sisters. Eric mentioned that he has noticed these cultural differences: In Palau the people are really open, in Guam not so much, and even less so on Saipan. But he really enjoyed the beautiful island and people.

Sending Love to Sister Sam

Going through advanced cancer: the shock, the surgery, the chemotherapy, the radiation, is an  experience that cannot be truly understood unless you have taken the same path. While it is not an experience you wanted to have, or would wish on anyone, when you have opportunities to serve others who are walking that same road, you jump at the chance.  Eric knew I felt this way, and I got a an email from him about Sister Sam whom Eric described as "an amazingly sweet, kind and loving woman". Diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she was going through her second round of chemo when Eric met her. Her hair was falling out, and she had very little money. She was currently using a dish rag to cover her head. Eric remembered that I had scarves and other coverings that I used to cover my head as all my hair fell out during chemo. He told me that even in her poverty, Sister Sam took care of Eric and his companion. Every time they visited her, she always gave them something to take home. He loves this lady, and wondered if I would send her the scarves and my favorite hat that I had used.

I am delighted to help Eric in any way I can on his mission, but this was a request where I felt I might really be able to help.  I sent the hat and scarves, along with an inspiration T-shirt about fighting cancer, and some fragrant lotions. Eric went to visit her and sent these pictures, with her permission.

Her sweet smile made me so happy. I was so grateful to help a sister in the gospel, a sister in need. Prayers out to her for her complete recovery.

Monkey Around in Palau

On one of the visits, Eric and his companion came across a cage:

 And found a MONKEY

They took a moment to interact with the monkey. Not a pet you see everyday.

2014 Palau Part II

Eric and Elder Gubler got to visit and work with the Missionaries assigned on Palau:

There were only two Elder companionships on Palau and the Zone Leaders. But they are doing a great job. Eric and Elder Gubler did splits one day with a companionship and the second day with the Zone Leaders. They were able to visit Members and learn new cultures and observe different teaching styles.

And just take in the beautiful island