68 Fiji Mission Report

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Fiji Mission Epilogue to our beloved Family and Friends July 14 2010
Is there life after a mission in Fiji? Well yes, but definitely different! Our life in Fiji was pretty much scripted, but at home, we are much busier in so many different directions. It seems that everyone needs attention at the same time! We are remodeling our home to accommodate two families; daughter Janet and her great husband, Barry, will continue to live in the home. Our kids call it “elder care!” J

We had a lovely open house at the meetinghouse on Saturday for family and friends who could attend. We had an opportunity to show off all the treasured gifts that we brought from our friends in Fiji.
All my boys wore sulus. Sons Daryl, Dennis, Dan and David surround the little guy in the middle of the picture, who is still the patriarch. 

Our two sons-in-law also had sulus but did not get into the picture.
The bishop invited us to speak in sacrament meeting on Sunday and many friends and family attended. Ramona gave a wonderful talk remembering a dream she had 20 years ago about preparing for the “last days! I focused on the steps to come unto Christ through covenants, commitment and consecration. The young men and leaders in the ward surprised us when they showed up wearing sulus to administer and pass the sacrament! Now, all of the boys and even our young grandson want to have sulus. We counseled only those who are comfortable with their own masculinity can confidently wear a sulu, and that you never want to challenge one of our big handsome Fijian rugby players about dress standards!

The real Fijian in the picture is Evone Ratumaiyale, our ward High Priest group leader. His village is on an island off Laucala Bay
Sons Dennis, Daryl, papa Dennis, sons Barry and David all are confidently wearing their sulus! They are a handsome bunch, but we can never get them all in the same picture.

Even our beautiful little four year old granddaughter Emily got into the South Seas spirit with a cute little hula wiggle!

It is good to be a part of family life again, but we dearly miss the wonderful friends and the temple that we so love in Fiji. They are and always will be a part of our life!
We were delighted to meet Parvin from Fiji when we went to the DI last week. He was a counselor to Pres Sefeti in the Suva Fiji stake before moving to Oregon. Fijians are everywhere!
The Suva Fiji Temple will be opened now and hopefully humming with some new faces. We hope the tracks that we left in the sand will be traceable!
We are still planning a major trip to see all of our remotely scattered family and friends as soon as we can get the construction under control. We hope to see you all when we can!
I now have a tennis date with my boys so must run for now; let’s stay in touch!
We send our love and affection, same as always,

Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma, Dennis and Ramona

The Dalling’s home, sweet home, in Gladstone, Oregon

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