Packing Up a Piece of Our Hearts

 This week started with a bang.

On Monday, we had the opportunity to participate in the President of Palau’s weekly devotional. It was an honor to share music and spoken words with the Honorable Surangel Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau. The young missionaries worked hard to learn hymns in Palauan and did a beautiful job singing in their native tongue. J.D. shared thoughts from the Sermon on the Mount, connecting its message to the responsibility of public servants to be the salt of the earth and a light to the people. It was an inspiring experience and a special opportunity to share both our beliefs and our talents with the president.  We were honored that he took video of the entire devotional and then posted it on his personal Facebook page! CLICK HERE to watch the full devotional.    We wrote a story for the Micronesia/Guam Newsroom (Click Here to Read) about the unique experience and have since seen it circulating on Social Media on various channels such as The Moroni Times (Click Here) 

Later in the week, we finally stopped at a place we had passed countless times—the Palau Aquarium. Curious after so many drive-bys, we decided it was time to go in. It turned out to be a great little adventure. We learned about native vegetation and saw a wide variety of fish unique to these islands, giving us an even deeper appreciation for the beauty of Palau.

But alongside these memorable experiences came the reality that our time here, like the setting sun, is coming to a close.

We had the young missionaries over for one final district lunch and distributed all our leftover food and perishable supplies.  We will miss working alongside these valiant young men and women!  

Elder Estoy, Elder Myers, Elder Mangubat, Sister Barker, Sister Liutai and Elder Bellamy

Since there isn’t a senior couple arriving to replace us just yet (a heartfelt shout-out to any seniors considering a mission—the need is real!), the lease on our apartment wasn’t renewed. That meant much of this week was spent packing, cleaning, and preparing to close things up. We stored the apartment supplies at the sisters’ apartment, hopeful they’ll soon be put to good use when another couple arrives.

It’s hard to believe it has been six months since we stepped off the plane in Guam, not fully knowing what lay ahead. We could never have imagined the adventures we would experience or the ways our lives would be changed by serving among the people of the “isles of the sea.” It truly has been the opportunity of a lifetime.

As we reflect on these past months—meeting with the president of Palau, serving among the wonderful people here, visiting government leaders on Pohnpei, helping create a primary binder and train leaders in Chuuk—we feel deeply that this is exactly where the Lord needed us to be. Our skills, our experience, and our efforts were used in ways we couldn’t have planned, but are grateful to have offered.

Today, after speaking in church and finishing our meetings, we looked at each other and quietly felt the same thing: our work here is done.

We will deeply miss the dear friends we have made. But now, it’s time—Mongolia needs us again. 

(Even if we aren't sure we are ready for the drastic temperature change!!🤣🤣)