Term 1 Comes to an End

 The last two weeks have been a race to finish! Term 1 came to an end on Thursday, July 7.  Technically it finished Wednesday as far as classes go.  There were no classes Thursday, but there was Parent Teacher Conferences, so the students had to return with a parent and meet with each of their teachers.  We were asked if we could help take some of the class 11 Dorm students to their teachers, since their parents are not here.  We started with 4 girls and then soon we were getting mixed and exchanged with other girls who were going with either their dorm mom or with Elder and Sister Patton.  We waited in some long lines and got a different perspective as we met as parents with these students.  There were a few tears from a couple of the girls in a couple of classes where they were disappointed with the grade they had received.  The teachers were positive with them that they can always do better in term 2.  One girl that I was with has Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Accounting. When you only have 7 classes and one of the 7 is Seminary, this is a pretty heavy load.  She was one that was in tears.  I felt bad for her.  I don't know too many people that can succeed with that many hard courses.  Hopefully she'll make it through, somehow.  

Here are some pictures from PTC.  It looks pretty much the same as parent-teacher conferences in the states. 

Right after Parent-Teacher Conferences we held my last literacy class.  The teachers had to make a 5 minute presentation of how they can implement the things they have learned into their classrooms.  I have 2 first grade teachers and the rest are teachers at the high school.  We talked often of how each of them is a reading & writing teacher.  I think they really got it!  It doesn't matter if they're teaching drafting, or economics or social science or English or maths, (yes that's what they call it here in Fiji-maths) they are all responsible to help their students read and write.  I absolutely loved their presentations.  They learned so much and I am so proud of them.  Holding their presentations to only 5 minutes didn't happen.  And our class went 30 minutes overtime.  We finished at 6:30 and the teachers had to attend a school dance which started at 7:00.  They had so much on their plate on Thursday but I couldn't have been prouder.  They learned and I think they really will use their new knowledge to be more rounded teachers. I love each one of these teachers.  

Ifa Konataci is the cookery teacher. (home economics).  She doesn't need the ITEP courses but wanted to take the class.  She begged to be the first presenter.  I was so happy with everything she did throughout the class to implement the things she was learning.

Meli Racava-teaches English-is a full time sub.  He's never taught before and is doing such a fabulous job.

Kara Tili, just got engaged last weekend!!! Yahoo!  She teaches seminary.  She is a spark of joy.

 

Oere Timoteo is "the teacher's pet".  (haha!  inside joke) She teaches economics and is so open to new things!  Don't you love the quote she used here!  So good.

Qoli Cama is a maths teacher.  She knows her stuff.  She'll admit she's never been a reader but has taken on the challenge to become one.  So proud of her.

Livia Dulaki doesn't need to be taking the course but just wanted to refresh and learn.  She is the music and art teacher.  She is full of life.

Peniette Vulaca teaches computers and technology.  She is new this year but is a very seasoned and experienced teacher.  She is a sponge and has found so many ways to implement literacy into her curriculum.

Ivamere Dulaki is Livia's sister-in-law.  She is a substitute teacher.  She doesn't qualify for ITEP classes but decided to take the class in hopes that she'll be hired and they'll accept her attendance.  If not, she has acquired  some new and great knowledge. It was a challenge to implement her learning since she doesn't always have a class to teach.  She found a way though.

Mereoni (Onnie) Sovasova is the college counselor.  She just lives 2 houses down from us.  She also is not required to take the course but thought it would be good stuff for her to know.  She really enjoyed expanding her mind.

Kristina Buinimasi is a first grade teacher.  This is her first year in first grade.  She has taught 2 years in 3rd grade.  She blew me away with her presentation. I was so impressed with what she is doing with literacy.

Daniel Kissun teaches carpentry.  I was so impressed how he was able to take what I have taught and implement it into all his classes.  This is his last ITEP class and he will be able to start his student teaching this month.  Which is weird to say since he teaches every day full time and has for the past 3-4 years.  But student teaching is the last ITEP course that the teachers have to take.  He's so excited to almost be done and to receive his ITEP Teaching Certificate.

Eseta Rabuka is the other first grade teacher.  She has many years of experience and didn't need to take the course either but wanted the help.  She is fabulous.

HAHA!  Livia is not sleeping in class. She is only ducking so I can take a better picture.

Viliame Vesikula starting teaching during covid.  He is the social science teacher.  He never expected or planned to be a teacher.  He really struggled with phonemic awareness--he has a hard time hearing the individual sounds in words. This class completely blew his mind.  I'm so proud of the work he put into the class and everything he learned.  YAY Bill!

 

I sure was nervous to teach this group of teachers. But they were absolutely astounding.  I came away with new knowledge, more respect for each of them and so much love for them and their efforts. 

 

On top of everything else that was happening on Thursday, it was transfer day in the mission.  Wednesday night the APs (assistants to the president) called and asked if we could help take missionaries to their new flats.  We have helped once before and it is a fun day to be involved in. There is just a buzz of excitement as missionaries get new assignments and new companions and this week they met 6-8 new missionaries from the US and Australia.  It's so great to see the enthusiasm of the elders and sisters. We met most of the new missionaries and some of the "old" missionaries for the first time and saw some familiar faces.  We are so glad to be a part of things going on in the mission.  

This is Sister Meek from Lehi, Utah.  She attended school at North Point Elementary while Kim was the principal.  What a happy and surprised reunion this was!

I am embarrassed to say I don't remember this elder's name.  He is from Sugar City, Idaho.  I have a niece in Sugar City and I know her husband works with technology in the school district.  I asked him if he knew Miriam and Spencer Cook.  He didn't know the name but when I showed him their picture, he remember having Spencer help him multiple times with his computer! So fun to make connections.

Sister Rabuka was in the office on a transfer.  Her mother is Sister Eseta Rabuka, the first grade teacher who took the literacy class.  I had to take a picture to show her mom.  Eseta was thrilled to see her.  She didn't know her daughter was being transferred--and she'll be quite close to home. 

Jiovi was a dorm student when we were here in 2020.  He was being transferred to Nadi, 3 1/2 hours from Suva.  It was fun to see him again.  He wanted us to take a picture and share it with the dorm students the next time we'll go.  I'm sure they will all be excited to see his glowing smile!

A couple of weeks ago we had a baptism, three children from one of the neighboring villages.  It was fun to see and witness that.  The week before was a baptism of Salote Turavu in our branch as well.  Her father is in the branch presidency and her mother is the YW president.  I've been called to be her counselor so we know the family well.  I was sick that Sunday and missed her baptism.  Made me sad. I don't even have a picture.  But here's a couple from the other baptism.

After this baptism, Kim decided to take the village road back through the jungle and around to Korovou and King's Road that takes us back to Suva.  It was about. 30 minute drive but well worth the extra time.  We had Jerry Turavu in the car with us so he was telling us a few things as we went.  It was so beautiful.  

Look how lush and beautiful this foliage is!  Sister Johnson called it fluffy. Pictures just don't do justice.

This dropped down into a big valley.  I should have gotten out of the car because you just can't see it in the picture.

                                                    Look at the bananas on that tree!  Wow!

                    One of the villages we went through.  It was so pretty and well taken care of. 

And last but not least, last week we went on a field trip with Brother Vesikula's class. He's one of our ITEP teachers.  They toured the Parliament Building. It was cool to go with them.  Afterwards we went across the street to Albert's Field and Stadium to have our devotional.  We were missing it at school so we had our own in the stadium.  That day just happened to have the Fiji National Rugby team there practicing as well as the Australian and Tongan Teams.  It was difficult to keep the students attention during devotional as you would expect.  They divided the class up by genders as that day was gender devotionals at the school. The sister in charge asked me to speak to the girls about what manner of girls they should be--as what I would want for my own daughters or granddaughters.  I am NOT good as spur of the moment comments or talks.  BUT I do have to say that the Lord has really blessed me when I've need Him.  I was able to speak to them without shaking in my boots and bear my testimony of how important it is for them to realize that they are beloved daughters of Heavenly Father.  At the end I read them the words to the YW song, "Walk Tall", my favorite.  (It made me sad to know they don't know that song and they have never gone to girl's camp!  Broke my heart!). Anyway, Sister Tilley, who is one of our ITEP teachers, (the one that just got engaged that I mentioned earlier) actually knew the song.  So she asked me to sing it with her to the girls.  What a beautiful blessing to be able to sing that song and not be so nervous that my voice shakes.  I could never do that at home.  I'm grateful for the confidence Heavenly Father blessed me with that day and the words to say to these fabulous young women.  They are special and truly loved of God.  

1. Right now I have a prayer deep with in my heart.

A prayer for each of you there is a special part.

That you remember who you are and Him who lives above.

Please seek for Him and live His way;

You’ll feel His love.

Chorus

Walk tall, you’re a daughter, a child of God.

Be strong please remember who you are.

Try to understand,

You’re part of His great plan.

He’s closer than you know

Reach up, he’ll take your hand.

2. Long before the time you can remember,

Our Father held you in His arms so tender,

Those loving arms released you as He sent you down to earth.

He said, “My child, I love you.  Don’t forget your great worth”

3. This life on earth we knew would not be easy.

At times we lose our way

His path we may not see.

But please remember always- please-that you are not alone.

He’ll take your hand.

He loves you!

He will guide you home

Text: Jamie Glenn

Music: Jamie Glenn

When we finished our devotional, one of the 7-team member that won Gold at the Olympics came up into the stand and had his picture taken with the group.  Then some of the students got brave and went down on the field and  took selfies with many of the team members.  It was a great day and a dream come true for most of these kids. 

Albert Stadium...Blue is Fiji, Red and Yellow is Australia.

Elder Roper getting his moment of fame!

                                                    Sister Tilley with us in the Parliament!  :)

 

Sorry this post got really long!  But the next week is a break so maybe it won't be quite as wordy as this post!  But you never know......😅