Atele GPS Library

South Stake President Naikano Paletua told us the GPS in his area were in need of school furniture. So we visited Atele GPS to assess their needs for desks and chairs. There we met Brittney, a Peace Corps volunteer, who has been teaching English at Atele GPS. It was her dream to start a library.

A recent Furniture for Schools shipment contained library-style shelving. We gathered some primary books and, soccer and rugby balls, and jumprope to take along with the shelves.



I found one of my favorite children's book, Harold and the Purple Crayon. There was also a book for simple science experiments which one of the teachers is anxious to try out.

The principal said "I did not know how we were going to make Brittney's dream come true. Then you came along. God answered our prayers. Brittney can start a library."




The teachers loved the balls and jump ropes. In fact, they loved them so much they had to try out the jump ropes. The children giggled and pointed when they saw their teachers jumping rope!
Hee hee hee

I am sure the children will enjoy the jump ropes as much as the teachers. Maybe, the teachers will even jump with them.

Navutoka GPS now meeting in LDS Chapel

Navutoka GPS was severely damaged in Cyclone Gita. The roof of the school was peeled back during the storm and contents in the building destroyed. Two months later Cyclone Keni pushed the roof back but not in proper place. 

Classes have continued at Navutoka GPS -- some in the classrooms, some on the veranda outside the classrooms. When it rains, classes are canceled and students are sent home.

A solution was sought to have the students housed at the LDS Chapel in Navutoka. The school needed approval from the Noble for the area, Stake President, Elder 'Aisake Tukuafu Area Seventy in Tonga, Pacific Area Presidency in New Zealand, and authorities in Salt Lake. Finally after 6 months, the final go was given. 

Brother Faka'osilea Kaufusi, who works with us in humanitarian, lives in Navutoka. He was instrumental in getting approvals needed for this move.

One stipulation was that the old style desks common in Tonga (as seen in photo above right) could not be taken to the chapel. It was thought they would damage the floors. The principal and teachers were worried what they would use for desks. Kaufusi quietly scoured our Furniture for Schools deliveries and saved desks and chairs for the Navutoka move. But he did not say a word. Finally a couple days before move-in day, he told the principal and teachers. Relief showed on their faces. Now all was in place for the move.

MOVE-IN DAY
Move-in day was August 23, 6 months after Cyclone Gita. As we drove past Navutoka GPS, the children waved and shouted. They knew we were coming, and they could not hold their excitement back. Soon, students and teachers walked up to the chapel to help with unloading. The boys are always eager to jump in the truck and haul the school furniture into the building. They just need a little supervision and the job gets done quickly.

               
There is much joy in Navutoka with the children now in a safe environment with new desks and chairs! 

      

There is no greater joy in life than being anxiously engaged in the service of the Lord.                            elder m. russell ballard                     

Chinese Medical Ship Ark Peace

The Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark spent 8 days at the Port of Nukualofa, Tonga, the fourth stop of its “Harmonious Mission 2018”, for a friendly visit and humanitarian medical service. It was the Peace Ark's second visit. 

During her stay, Ark Peace fulfilled consultation and treatment of 5,532 persons, conducted auxiliary examinations of 2,598 persons, hospitalized 28 patients and performed 34 surgeries. 

Opening ceremonies included traditional Tongan dancing by students from Tonga High School.

I read online that tours were being conducted. When we arrived, we were told they were not doing tours but we were supposed to go to the Chinese Embassy first. They told us to wait. A couple minutes later we had our badge and were told to get in line. We asked one of the security men if we would be able to get on for a tour. He led us to the front of the line. We were told no. After talking amongst themselves and someone on the phone, we were asked if we had any medical condition that needed to be looked at. We responded our eyes needed to be checked. We were then allowed on the boat. 

 

  

Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to the needy. 
Deuteronomy 15:11

Veitongo Water Tower

Don't underestimate the power of the wind! This steel water tower was twisted and crumpled by Cyclone Gita on February 12, 2018.

                               
There were 3 towers in Veitongo, the other 2 tanks were blown off and destroyed. The villagers had to fill water containers at the church building or buy bottled water. We felt it was imperative for this tower to be rebuilt. We wrote in our Cyclone Gita Recovery Project. The town wanted to build a cement tower. Veitongo town officer and water committee submitted plans and cost quotes. They came in too high.

Lisiate Huni and contractor from Australia go over plans with Elder Thomson

The town decided they would do the labor, which brought the cost down. The labor ended up being donated by a Veitongo man who lives in Australia. He came with his men to build the tower. Many Tongans living abroad helped with donations of money and labor to help rebuild the Kingdom.

                 And The Work Began

 

This tower will not blow over. The tank will be tied down and should be filled with water with news of an impending cyclone so that it will be more apt to stay in place.

Isaiah 12:3: With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

 

We Couldn't Do FFS Without the Elders' Help

Elders Earl (West Jordan) and Kaumavae

Elders are the muscle to our project Furniture for Schools. They are always eager to help unload the 20-foot container. Without the Popua and Maufanga elders, it would take us all day to unload the container. With them, it is done in about an hour.

They also help load the truck on the days we deliver to the schools. It is special when the school we are delivering to is in their district so they get to come.

Elder Tutone (Vava'u, Tonga)

Elder Mafi (California)

Elder Christofferson (Wyoming)

Elders Woods, Earl, and Toketi at Maufanga GPS

Elder Holani (Niutoua, Tonga)

Elder Woods (Tennessee)

Elder Toketi (Utah)

When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.  Mosiah 2:17

Hala'Olive Fua'amotu Kindy

Teacher Sharon Tongi

We met Sharon Tongi at the Haveluliku Chicken Project. When we were inspecting the coops, she told us she ran a preschool and needed tables and chairs, books and bookshelves. Shortly after, a container arrived with chairs and bookcases. We found some appropriate books for the preschool and delivered them.

The children quickly latched onto the colorful books. They may not be able to read yet but they certainly can enjoy the pictures. They are learning the letters, animals in English and their sounds, and songs in English and Tongan. Before we left, the children gathered the books and put them neatly on the new shelves.

At the door, the children sang to us to show their appreciation. We love to hear the sweet voices of the children, and to see their enthusiasm for learning!


Matthew 14:17   Jesus said, Suffer little children ... to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.