DECEMBER 2013 TOP THREE

At the end of this beautiful season, we look back and wonder how this experience came to us and are grateful for Heavenly Father's hand in many events that led us here.

At the end of December, we feel that the top three had to do with service we were able to give and receive more of a true "joy" than presents to us could ever bring.  They are just little things, but we felt they were the best-est!

#3 - SECRET SANTA - our good old family tradition of anonymous giving - always brings a warm feeling.  Mosiah - When you are in the service of your fellowman, you are in service of your God.  I think saints all over the world enjoy this tradition. . . it is part of the "magic" of Christmas.

#2 -KIDS R GREAT - Singing songs with and teaching language and reading skills to kids.  It is the kids' summer break and we decided to offer a summer reading program, figuring we would like to have 20 kids participate.  We capped it at 2 groups of 30 and ended up squeezing 36 in one group and 39 in another.  We have had so much support from missionaries and school staff and parents that made it possible to have 5 language centers that they rotate through each day - 2 wks in December, and then 2 wks. in January.  One center each of writing, word practice, one on one reading, vocabulary and listening.  It has been SO fun to associate with young, eager learners.

#1 -  CAROLING -  Christmas Caroling and home-made Cookies with the other missionaries.  We went to a village and sang to the entire village in about 2 hours.  These people know how to sing, but still appreciated our efforts and plates of goodies.  We had suckers to give to the groups of interested children that followed us around.  In their humblest of circumstances they are filled with a good, peaceful spirit and knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It radiates in their  beautiful, heartfelt smiles.

ALSO their New Year family dance on the tennis courts was a great, fun-filled event to behold.  Can't stop these people from"getting down" and dancing. . . then fireworks.

We love these Tongans and have learned much from them.  Yes, we missed family and loved ones, but are grateful for these life changing experiences we are having.  We would highly recommend a mission to anyone, if possible. 

We also recognize that each of you are offering great services wherever you are.

Let's carry on another year, and may God bless us, everyone!

Love & blessings from,

Elder & Sister, Ma & Pa, John and Marsha Aland

HANDING OUT CANDY TO THE LITTLE ONES

SISTER ALAND TEACHING READING

CHILDREN FROM VAINI VILLAGE

TONGAN HOUSES

A

THIS SECTION IS NOT TO MAKE LIGHT OF THE HOMES IN TONGA BUT TO SHOW THE EXTREMES THAT EXIST HERE.  THERE IS A LOT OF POVERTY WITH A FEW UPPER INCOME LEVELS AND ALMOST NO MIDDLE INCOME LEVELS.  THIS IS A HOME ON THE COAST, WHICH IN AND OF ITSELF CAN BECOME PROBLEMATIC

RAINY SEASON MEANS FLOODED HOMES

A GRASS HUT ON A PLANTATION

 MISSIONARY QUARTERS

 AN ABOVE GROUND CISTERN FOR CATCHING RAINWATER FROM THE ROOFS.  THIS IS THEIR CULINARY WATER

 THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF A FENCE THAT WAS JUST PLANTED BY PUTTING STICKS INTO THE GROUND

 A COASTAL BEACH HOME

 SOMETIMES A CURTAIN IS USED FOR A DOOR.  SOMETIMES THEY HAVE NO DOOR

 ANOTHER HOME ON A PLANTATION.  JUST ENOUGH ROOM TO SLEEP ON THE FLOOR AND COOK OUTSIDE

 THIS HOME HAS NO DOOR TO CLOSE

WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE WHAT WE HAVE.  THE AMAZING THING IS THAT THESE GREAT PEOPLE ARE SO VERY HAPPY, EVEN IN THEIR EXTREME POVERTY

A TONGAN LOG CABIN

 THE STILTS ARE FOR HIGH WATER, WHICH HAPPENS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2013

Book of Alands - Chapter 39

   A story filled with rain and shine.

Goodbye to Mom, began the year;

   A gathering from far and near.

Reminiscing with each other;

   We honored our sweet angel (grand) mother!

Again a stirring deep within;

   Was it time to serve again?

Reply was "yes" . . . could we, by chance,

   Request a warmer circumstance?

Tonga's open in the Fall;

   Yes, we'd love to heed the call!

 Spring, Summer FINE, FAMILY, FUN!

   We squeezed much time spent with each one

As time drew near, again we stressed;

   But we KNEW - they would all be blessed.

Tho' we and family are miles apart,

   We're close by in thoughts and heart.

And we pray for constant care,

   To be with loved ones, everywhere!

At this special time and season,

   Remember - our Savior is the reason.

May service given to fellow man.

   Reflect devotion to Father's plan.

And may we each, this coming year,

   Remember the BIG picture here.
 PREPARE each day and be "in tune"

  Hastening . . . He will come soon.

Our love and blessing to you all,

Elder & Sister, Ma & Pa, John and Marsha Aland

 THESE BEAUTIFUL TREES BLOOM AT CHRISTMAS TIME

 GOTTA LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS TREE

 WHO NEEDS TO DECORATE WHEN NATURE DOES IT FOR YOU?

CHRISTMAS TREE - TONGAN TEMPLE - FULL MOON

GOTTA LOVE IT!

AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLING

 GETTING PACKAGES OF COOKIES READY FOR FAMILIES

 THIS  WAS THE VIEW ON THE WAY TO THE VILLAGE

 SENIOR MISSIONARIES SINGING CAROLS

  CAROLING TO WIDOWS AND YOUNG FAMILIES

 A MOMENT OF REFLECTION ON HOW BLESSED WE ARE

 TREATS FOR THE LITTLE ONES

 HUMBLE CIRCUMSTANCES

A FUN EVENING THAT WARMED OUR ALREADY WARM HEARTS

TOP 3 TONGA TESTIMONY EVENTS

The Top 3 Tonga testimony building events are as follows: #3 MUSIC NOTES:  We have 8 keyboards coming in the first shipment and are currently teaching at 2 stakes.  We jumped into this program without knowing how we could possibly get all 13 stakes done, but there were angels waiting in wings to assist us.  ( a senior couple that speak Tongan and called to do YSA on the island now has the stakes organized uner their direction - amazingly smooth)!  We are moving forward with a newly revised music teaching program and with the Lord's help we cannot fail.  Marsha also got to accompany this amazing Tongan choir that raised the roof with their deep, rich harmony!! #2 BYUH classes and teaching have begun:  Some of you will be amazed, as we are, that we've been able to engage our education brains once again.  We've learned new courses of study and are teaching the Liahona High School teachers to be able to receive their teaching certificates.  John is teaching EDU 200- Spec Ed and Marsha is teaching EDU 305 - Technology and Computers in Education.  #1  GOODBYE ELDER & SISTER BEAN:  Meet our new friends that we will now be saying goodbye to.  Elder and Sister Bean are in the duplex next to us.  They have been tirelessly serving the youth here who desperately need help with their education.  It is called the Perpetual Education Fund.  They work with individuals and have heart warming stories of helping "the one" that they shared with us last FHE.  We will NEVER forget them and the impact they have had here!!   Ofa Lahi Atu, Elder John & Sister Marsha, Ma & Pa  YOUNG SINGLE ADULT CHOIR PRACTICING FOR STAKE CONFERENCE  SAYING GOODBYE TO SOME GOOD FRIENDS - ELDER AND SISTER BEAN FROM SEATTLE WACHINGTON  ELDER ALAND'S SPED 200 CLASS AND SISTER ALAND'S READING CLASS

COLLECTION OF TONGAN CARS

A LITTLE WIRE WILL HOLD ANYTHING TOGETHER !!!

ANYBODY KNOW A GOOD GLASS REPAIR SHOP?

WATCH OUT FOR FALLING COCONUTS

WHO NEEDS A PICKUP WHEN YOU HAVE A GOOD TRAILER HITCH?

A TYPICAL CAR WITH A NOT SO UNIQUE FEATURE IN TONGA.  NOTICE THE WINDSHIELD.  THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH A FALLING COCONUT.  A LITTLE DUCT TAPE FIXES ANYTHING!

WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR LICENSE PLATE, NO WORRY! YOU JUST MAKE A NEW ONE EVEN IF IT IS MADE OUT OF A CARDBOARD BOX!

THIS IS OUR BEATER - A 2014 HYUNDAI TUCSON

OUCH!!! ANOTHER VICTIM TO A FALLING COCONUT.

LIAHONA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION 2013

Heading off to graduation in our Tongan National Dress

Stand and Remember - Class of 2013 Theme   

Everyone wears sandals

I can't move my arms!!!

I feel special

Bowing before accepting their diploma