After a near heart-break on the 23rd (Elder Mafi's Christmas Eve.) when we got cut off just 5 minutes into face time, we were ecstatic on the 26th when Estheanna said, "he's calling in 15 min!"
We put all our Christmas clean-up on hold and savored those precious minutes to reconnect and have some "family time" with Kalisi. (Man, I love that face)!
We learned that you have to purchase wi-fi credits in Tonga to do facetime. That calling on the phone is actually more expensive - thank you digicell:) We all learned the hard way that you have to have plenty of credits to make that face time last. But we're thankful for a kind church member who lent Elder his phone for our Christmas present.
It was also transfer day (our Monday is Tonga's Tuesday) so Elder Mafi got a new companion while we were talking, his first Utah comp since the MTC.
Work on Vava'u is difficult and slow. Folks like the missionaries to come by, because they like the spirit they bring, but do not want to hear a message and often expect the Elders to sit and watch movies, this proves a difficult challenge as respect is huge and just leaving shows bad taste. Elder Mafi is learning to assert himself in righteous, gentle ways.
There is quite a bit of part member and less active work, though. In particular, a family where all go to church except the mom. Elder Mafi and his comp. serve the family in a number of ways to show support and encouragement for the family as they strive to create bonds of love and trust.
He and his former companion were able to use their talents for Pangai Motu (the town he's in) Days! The townspeople gave them old, used x-ray plastic to cut templates to make t-shirts for this special day. Elder Mafi said it was weird cutting into these used x-ray sheets as he looked at bone tumors and such, but they got the job done and made some nice shirts for folks. It brings a whole new dimension to reduce-reuse-recycle! No Michael's or Daniel Smith Art supplies on Tonga! Haha
The temperature is in the 80's on Vava'u right now, and humid, but as Elder took us on a little tour of his MQ (mission quarters) he was pleased to show us a decent shower and place to hang laundry when they're done washing it in a bucket. He says he tries to appreciate the good things that he has and not look at what he's missing-despite bed springs poking his back, at least he HAS a bed to sleep on.
They heat makes proselyting hard as people don't want to hear gospel messages or talk to missionaries in the middle of the day. They are often told by members and even the Bishop to go home and come back later when it cools down. This is a bit disheartening but as those of you who have served missions know, there's a huge adjustment to the ideals of the MTC and the reality of the work. Elder Mafi is working on finding that balance of remaining true to himself, The Lord and loving the people. I have full confidence in him. I see the struggle as he strives to stay soft hearted yet assertive in ways he may not have been before...I think it's called growing up:) I love that he's thinking about it and working at being better every day as he gains more of a hold on the language and culture.
What's nice too, is to hear him ask for advice and want to apply it. To thank us for teaching him how to work and stick with something, to pray and struggle, to do the will of Heavenly Father, despite what others think - all things we put as a high priority.
We learned that some special promises were made in a blessing to Elder Mafi and we look forward, in hope and in faith, that those blessings will come to pass.
He wants to thank each of you for praying for him, he needs it and feels your strength.
THANK YOU!
We as a family also appreciate your love, interest and tender words about our son when we see you.
Bless you and may God bless this work and all the missionaries! Carry On! Carry On!
Ofa Lahi Atu & Happy New Year!
Elder Kalisi Mandemark Mafi - and fam.
