Public Affairs Training in Suva, Fiji

The blessing of being in Public Affairs is meeting new people. We were privileged to attend a Public Affairs Training in Suva, Fiji.  Joining us there were our Director, Richard Hunter; Assistant Director Robert Dudfield, from Australia; Manager of Public Affairs Kim Woodbury, from Salt Lake; along with Directors of Public Affairs (DPA) from the New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

We had two days of training.  Wednesday morning started off with guest speaker S. Gifford Nielson of the Pacific Area Presidency. He talked about the importance of having a PLAN: Pray, Learn, Assess, and Navigate.

Kim Woodbury addressed us the first morning too. Each DPA participated on a panel discussion ranging from Government and Strategic Relations, to Media, to How to Build a Self-Reliant PA Council. A breakout session was also held to address issues concerning the different areas. Success stories of projects and events were shared by the DPA's.  Dinner was served that evening at Tikos Floating Seafood Restaurant. A game of "I have never, ever, ever" was played with lots of enthusiasm.

The following morning we all drove to the newly renovated Suva, Fiji Temple.  Kim Woodbury took us on a tour of the Temple.  The Open House was to begin that day for dignitaries and special guests, with the official Open House beginning the following week. The Temple is beautiful inside and out. The Temple would be rededicated in February by President Henry B. Eyring.

After the tour, we gathered with all the Sister missionaries from the outlying islands to meet with their respective DPA from their country.  Photos were taken and hugs were exchanged.

A little tender mercy. A teacher from Sunset Elementary in St. George, Utah who worked with Talia was serving in the Fiji Mission Office. We were able to meet her and give her a hug from Talia. Sister Gerri Alldredge was busy helping with the Sister missionaries.

Yummy wraps were served in a sack lunch. We returned to the hotel to be taught by President Kevin Pearson of the Pacific Area Presidency. The message of his presentation was that it is crucial that each of us align our will to the Savior's will. When we are in alignment we will be able to accomplish great things.

Dinner that evening was at the Governor's Restaurant. It was very historical, with pictures and memorabilia from generations past. It was interesting. It was especially exciting to see how the group had bonded over the two days we were together. Each person sharing ideas and just good old getting acquainted. It was a great experience.

Friday morning we all headed our separate ways. Leaving with a greater understanding of who we were working with and some ideas of how we could be more helpful.

Jeff and I were able to spend the rest of the weekend in Nadi. Jeff had made arrangements for us at the Hilton. It was right on the beach with a gorgeous view looking out to sea from the pool. The weather could not have been better. We spent that whole day relaxing and enjoying the beauty around us.

Saturday we went on an excursion. Took a boat ride out to a private island. You could walk around it in 10 minutes. Just before docking we were able to go snorkeling.  I haven't been for such a long time and it was very interesting. Then to the island for lunch, tanning, swimming and kayaking. We also got to feed the baby sharks. The boat ride home was an adventure.  A wind had picked up and the sea was quite wavy. I do love a good boat ride.

Sunday we went to church. We went to one closest to the hotel. We realized that the one we were at was all Fijian speaking. The one most people go to is a little farther away but English speaking. We stayed anyway. We were able to share our testimonies during Sacrament meeting. I went to Relief Society, and one hour of Primary. The Primary teacher drew pictures on the board so I knew the lesson was about Lehi's dream of the tree of life. After primary, I took selfies with the children. They showed me how to pull the stamen out of a flower and suck the nectar.

Monday we returned to Auckland. It was a great weekend. We were rejuvenated and ready to get to work.