Pacific Review -- SLC visitors

One week on our own in Tonga (The Waddoups who we replaced had returned to Idaho Falls), we hosted a Pacific Review in Tonga. Steve Peterson, the church general humanitarian manager was supposed to come but he got called emergently to Houston to conduct the response there post hurricane and flooding. Lee Hardy, who runs Deseret Employment, came in his stead. Also and already scheduled was Zach Robinson, Humanitarian Department. Hans Sorenson, Area Welfare Manager for the Pacific, who we report to, accompanied them. We thoroughly enjoyed their visit. We toured many projects here in Tonga and also went out to dinner at Hina Caves where there is traditional Tongan food and entertainment, along with some history of Tonga.

                Lee Hardy, Hans Sorenson, Zach Robinson, Sister and Elder Thomson

The Pacific Review team presented at our senior missionary couple FHE. There are humanitarian missionaries in parts of the world where regular missionaries are not allowed for one reason or another; such as Egypt, China, Iraq, and many other countries you may not think the missionaries are. Humanitarian aid goes to nonmembers as well as members of the church. In fact, more is given to nonmembers. There are 160 humanitarian couples serving at this time. Many more are needed. 

We try to follow Alma 1:30: "And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been norusihed, and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need."

Hans Sorenson, Lee Hardy, Zach Robinson

Projects toured: 

Niumate Garden

Houma Water Project

Benjamin - a 10-year-old who recieved a prosthetic leg

Liahona Welfare Farm

Liahona Dental Clinic

Fasi School

Atele School

A chicken project

Wheelchair accessible van turnover ceremony

One evening we went to Hina Caves, AKA Oholei Resort. It was founded by Papa Osika Kami and his familly in 1960. For a while, it was closed but was reopened by the family. It is set among caves and cliffs of Lavegatonga Beach.

The food is traditional Tongan, as is the entertainment to include singing, dancing, and fire dancing -- including a 7-year-old grandson who is superb.