As I believe I told you, I left Honolulu on Sep. 17 and arrived here 5 hours later on Sep 18th. Britt met me at the dinky airport, and later that evening, no less than 30 Relief Society sisters from the church Britt's Uliga Branch came to her apartment bearing food and gifts in honor of my birthday (really a tribute to Britt). They sang several songs to me and each presented me with a flower or piece of jewelry they had crafted from shells and palm fiber. I was quite overwhelmed and humbled. Generally, they are quite a shy people, but in this setting they laughed and giggled and we had such fun. Britt had invited them for birthday cake, but they made something of a feast of the occasion. Most had to sit on the floor, as you can imagine.
Today I sat in on one of Britt's math classes and wished you could have joined me to gaze out the window at the palms bending in the wind and the gentle ocean waves rolling in. The young people are so sweet and well-behaved. They are responsive to a kind math teacher.
Hello Dear Ones,
Then, that evening, thirty-two Relief Society sisters crowded into Britt's apt. to honor me on my birthday! They brought food and gifts and sang to me. I shall never forget! I'll have much to tell when I get home. It hasn't been too hot, but it is quite humid. Has rained and shone. The ocean is literally right outside Britt's bedroom window. It is definitely a Third World country. I'm so humbled--and so in awe of your sister who has come here to serve in so many ways. We just talked and talked and talked last night.
Much love to all!
