A One-in-a-Million Week in Chuuk

Sometimes the very best moments of a mission are the ones you never see coming.  This week was one of them and will go down as one of the highlights of our mission-- one of many!

Let me set the stage. Just over two years ago, our nephew Rylan received his call to serve in the Micronesia Guam Mission and began his service in June 2024. A few months later, in November of that same year, we received our own call to serve in the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission. From the beginning, we knew our assignment would include a transfer after six months to another mission in the area for an additional six months. One of those missions was the Micronesia Guam Mission, and we remember commenting how incredible—and unlikely—it would be if we were ever assigned to the same mission as Rylan.

As our six-month mark approached, we received the news: we would indeed be transferred to the Micronesia Guam Mission. We were assigned to Palau, and by then we knew Rylan would most likely be serving in Chuuk, part of the Federated States of Micronesia. The chances of actually seeing him felt very slim. We were grateful just to catch glimpses of him during mission-wide Zoom meetings and assumed that would be the closest we would get.

But the Lord had something better in mind.

A few months later, Sister Williams, our mission leader, asked if I could create a resource to help Chuukese Primary leaders implement Primary in their branches. One thing led to another, and it was soon decided that it would be beneficial for us to travel to Chuuk to provide a district training and teach leaders how to use the resource.

And just like that—what felt like a one-in-a-million chance became reality.

This week, we found ourselves in Chuuk, celebrating Elder Harwood’s birthday together. It was an unforgettable experience.

Chuuk International Airport

The 5-Story building is the Hotel we stayed at, L-5.  We were actually quite pleasantly surprised with the clean, comfortable room and friendly staff.

We were especially impressed with the wiring job for the hair dryer!  I always hate that the large hair dryer plug takes up so much room on the plug...problem solved! 

Chuuk is well known in the mission as the most challenging area to serve—often referred to as the “Wild Wild West.” We had heard many stories from Rylan: fishing for food, collecting rainwater for daily use, and the many unique challenges of island life. Seeing it firsthand was an adventure in every sense of the word.  Although it is difficult for the pictures to tell the full story, here are a few to try.  

They don't have cemeteries, but rather just bury their family members in their yards. 

An elementary school

There are abandoned cars everywhere!

There is a stretch of main road that is paved and not too bad, but when you get off of that stretch the roads are narrow and full of very deep potholes.  

I bought a Chukeese Skirt!

This isn't the best picture but I had to document the Snyders!  They are the newest missionary couple on Chuuk and are just perfect for the job!  We loved spending time with them and appreciated all they did to help us while we were there!

Our first day coincided with zone conference. I had the opportunity to train the District Primary President and later that evening worked with the missionaries, teaching them how to use the binder I created so they could better support the Primary leaders. It was a joy to be with them—they were so appreciative and eager to have tools to help teach the children.

 

Many of the missionaries (including Elder Harwood at times) serve on outer islands (some of which don't have electricity). After zone conference, several of them boarded boats to return to their areas. They make this journey every three weeks, gathering all the food and supplies they’ll need before heading back out. Watching them load everything onto the boats was incredible. What a mission!

Friday brought our district training for branch leaders. Some live on the main island, but many arrived by boat from the outer islands, docking right by the church. I shared the vision for the singing time binder, and their excitement was contagious. They were so grateful for the training and thrilled to receive the resource.

Afterward, we gathered a group of children—an easy task, as there are always children near the church—and held a mock Primary. The leaders observed as I demonstrated the principles we had discussed. It was such a joyful experience. The children were absolutely beautiful, and their enthusiasm filled the room.

Saturday began with a funeral held at the church for a prominent member who owned the boat company that transports the missionaries. It was a deeply meaningful and culturally rich experience—one we felt privileged to witness.

They decorated the church for the viewing

They made matching dresses for family members and close friends.

The parking lot had seating and an arch for guests to walk through.

Carrying in the casket.  There was lots of cultural wailing.

They walk through the viewing, drop a dollar in can and then come out and get
food and drink provided by the family.  

They made 1500 of these dinners with chicken, fish (head and all), a hot dog, rice, and 
other unfamiliar things.  

The men working at keeping the drinks cold.

Later that afternoon, we traveled to Wichap, where Elder Harwood serves. We saw where he lives, the areas he teaches, and the people he loves. One of the Primary leaders in his branch couldn’t attend the training because she had just had a baby, so we walked to her home to bring the training to her. While we were there, her husband slipped away and soon returned with fresh coconuts he had gathered for us from the forest. Moments like that are hard to put into words. 

He has become an expert with his machete and coconuts! 

This kid was in awe at the size of J.D.'s hand!

Walking to the Primary President's house....there is no keeping your shoes clean here! 

What a beautiful and kind family!

We found out baby Moses was only 5 days old! 

It was a hike up the hill to get to their house. 

Elder Harwood with his companion, Elder Mayne.

The Wichap church and the missionaries' house on the right. 

Teaching about the binder. 

Seeing Elder Harwood in his element—speaking the language, connecting with the people, and serving with love—was something we will never forget. This week was filled with tender mercies.

He gave us each some traditional attire for us to remember Chuuk by.  

On Sunday, we attended another branch where I had the opportunity to help in Primary once again. The children were sweet and reverent, and it was pure joy to teach them to sing “We Thank Thee Dear Father" (in Chuukese).  The building was up on a hill in the middle of the forest and was so peaceful.  

The little primary house.

We returned to Guam today. It feels good to be back, but our time in Chuuk is something we will always treasure.

More than anything, this experience has reaffirmed to me that we are exactly where we are meant to be, doing exactly what we are meant to do. When we began our mission, I never imagined that my background in elementary education would be used in such a meaningful and impactful way.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband once invited senior couples to serve, saying: “I now invite you to take your know-how, coupled with your time-honored testimonies, and go on a mission.” I have felt the truth of that invitation. Between J.D. and me, our “know-how” has truly been put to use—and we have seen how the Lord magnifies it to bless others.

I am deeply grateful for the experiences that have shaped us, for the opportunity to serve, and for the chance to share what we have learned in ways that truly matter.

What a blessing this mission is.