Still haven't been to the beach

This week included many meetings. We met each of the amazing office staff: The Hoffmans...she is the administrator and he takes care of the cars and anything else needed. The Lucas...in charge of the housing and general fix it stuff for the missionaries. Sister Hunter...the financial person, also taking care of the medical calls for now while I figure out the ropes. The office Elders...Heckman and McGrevy. And the Assistants to the President (APs)...Elders Piazza and Crandall. I cannot say enough about how amazing all of these people are! We have been so well taken care of and instructed.

We had a Meet the New President and Companion meeting on Tuesday so we could meet our new missionaries. All except those serving on the outer islands were able to be there. It was wonderful to walk in and see so many excited faces. We shook each hand (over 100), and tried to remember their names, but felt each of their spirits.

Wednesday was meet all of the other support staff...technical, facilities management, service, etc.

Thursday we had a Conseil des Dirigeants...missionary leadership council. 30 of the missionaries who are Zone leaders, Sister Training leaders, and  the APs. Lunch was made by Julie, our Tahitian home help. It was a great day getting to know what these leaders think and how they envision the mission going forward.

We spent Friday, all day, and Saturday morning with the Lucas' going around the whole island seeing all of the homes and apartments that the missionaries are living in. It was great to see where they all live, the conditions, and the different areas of the island of Tahiti. It takes about two hours to drive around the island...and that's only going 30+ MPH for the most part. The main road is the life blood of this island. There are no freeways. Most of the population lives within a half mile of the main road. But there are some beautiful areas for sure. We are definitely not in the USA anymore, though.

Finally went grocery shopping and found more than just survival food! Starting to be able to see beyond the foreign-ness of everything!

It is definitely work everyday to communicate. And there is so much to accomplish each day, especially for Steven. But we are getting better. Well, at least we figured out how to put gas in the car and actually pay for it; we found our own way to the chapel where the baptism was on Saturday; and we used an ATM :) But truly, I think between all of the office staff they are wondering when we will be able to survive on our own and they will get to stop babysitting President and Soeur Fox and get on with their own work! The missionaries and staff are the best! We truly have grown to love them so quickly.

We are still exhausted. I think that will be the case for a long time...maybe even three years...

Love you all!

Lunch with Elder and Soeur Lucas

View from lunch on Friday.