We didn't expect that two weeks after we arrived in the Australia Brisbane Mission, we would have to say Goodbye to some incredible missionaries. WE LOVE THEM! They are valiant, dedicated missionaries who served with all their heart, might, mind and strength! It was an emotional farewell with the joy of service for the past two years for the Elders and 18 months for the Sisters....along with the nervousness of life that was only an airplane flight away for 16 of these great missionaries. The Elders had two years of their life packed in their suitcases with a few unique things they found along the way.
Here is Elder Tarawa from New Zealand playing the didgeridoo:
The didgeridoo (also known as a didjeridu) is a wind instrument developed by Indigenous Australians of northern Australia around 1,500 years ago and still in widespread use today both in Australia and around the world.
Elder Vakameilalo from Tonga: An amazing athlete who holds many records for high jumping. He showed his athleticism by climbing our palm tree with his bare hands and bare feet in a suit and tie.
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Our sweet Sisters from Kiribati....they bore testimony to us in their native tongue.
Kiribati ([kɪribas] KIRR-i-bas[4] or ˌkɪrəˈbɑdi;[5]Gilbertese: [ˈkiɾibas]), officially the Republic of Kiribati, is an island nation in the central tropical Pacific Ocean. The permanent population is just over 100,000
The people of Kiribati speak an Oceanic language called "Gilbertese"
THE SIXTEEN DEPARTING MISSIONARIES, ALONG WITH THE SENIOR MISSIONARIES WHO WORK IN THE OFFICE AND WILL BE LEAVING IN FOUR WEEKS. WE LOVE THEM!
What a big group to be leaving! They look so happy with you guys though. I would be too :)
ReplyDeleteWow. Love that he climbed up the palm tree! Can't wait to tell the kids :) Looks like a great group...bet they are sad they don't get to spend more time with you two!
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