A Joyful Start to a New Year in Palau

Happy New Year to all our friends and family!

As we look back on 2025, our hearts are full. We have felt so many blessings this past year and are excited—and curious—to see what 2026 has in store for us. J.D. and I rang in the new year with a rousing game of Skip-Bo before counting down to midnight (yes, we did stay up that late!). Even better, we received the sweetest New Year’s wishes from home—there’s nothing quite like hearing from loved ones when you’re far away.





This week we also hosted another successful radio show, focusing on the parables of the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and the Goats from Matthew chapter 25. We truly hope these messages bring a bit of light and joy to the people of Palau. We especially enjoy preparing for the broadcasts with the young missionaries—it’s a fun mix of learning, practicing, and lots of laughter along the way. Here is the link to this week's show.  

Yesterday we attended a wonderful island conference with President and Sister Williams. Unfortunately, I completely forgot to take any pictures—but I did come away with a great island story! Lunch was scheduled after the conference, so J.D. and I volunteered to find a place that could accommodate all 11 of us. We went in person the day before, talked with the restaurant staff, made a reservation, and even saw where they planned to push tables together. We confidently left with a friendly, “See you tomorrow at 1.”

Fast forward to 1:00 the next day…when we arrived to find the restaurant completely locked up. Welcome to island life! We’re learning that we won’t be true islanders until we stop feeling the need to plan ahead quite so carefully. 😂 Thankfully, another nearby restaurant welcomed us with no problem and fed all 11 of us without a hitch.

Today was a beautiful Sunday at church. I had the joy of leading singing time in Primary, a place I feel very much in my element!   J.D. taught Sunday School, and afterward we enjoyed a brunch potluck where we were able to meet and visit with several new friends who joined us for church. The day was made even more special when our pickleball friend, Lik, was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so happy for him and his decision to follow Christ. When he came up out of the water, he lifted his hands in the air and let out a shout of pure joy—it was a moment we will never forget.






What a wonderful way to begin a new year. 💛  As we close out 2025 and step into 2026, we look ahead with gratitude and anticipation—finishing our time in Palau this April and then returning to Mongolia. May the Lord’s blessings be poured out upon each of you, our dear family and friends, in the year ahead.

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