THE GREAT PLAN OF HAPPINESS

February 14, 2016

JACOB KAWAA FREEBAIRN
1977 - 2016

We are so blessed to have a clear understanding of the plan of salvation, or as Alma calls it, the Great Plan of Happiness. On Wednesday, as we were traveling to visit the Angeles family and teach them about this wonderful plan, Robyn's cell phone rang.  It was her sister Becky with the tragic news that their son, Jacob, had been struck by a drunk driver and killed on the Big Island of Hawaii. The lesson that we were about to teach suddenly took on more meaning as we mourned the loss of our wonderful nephew. But at the same time, we were comforted by the knowledge that we will see Jacob again and that through the atonement of the Savior, families can be together forever. Robyn was overcome with emotion as her sister shared the news. I wondered if she would be able to go through with her part of the lesson we were to give.  As we sat down with the Angeles family, Robyn shared the sad news of Jacob's passing. But then bore her strong witness that she knew that Jacob was with his Father in Heaven and that through the Plan of Happiness, we can all be with our loved ones again. It made a very powerful impact on the Angeles family, and I know that the Holy Ghost conveyed the truthfulness of Robyn's testimony to them.

JACOB & MATTHEW

Jacob was close in age to our son, Matthew. Although Jacob grew up in Hawaii with his family, Matthew and Jacob were very close. We got to see Jacob a little more as he was called to serve in the California Los Angeles Mission. He even served in our stake for a few months and we were able to have Jake and his companion over for a Thanksgiving dinner. He will be missed.

 SOFIA

Sofia's baptism is scheduled for the 27th. We have found that often the key to success with an investigator is to find the right member to be their friend. Someone with whom they can relate to, and that will fellowship and encourage them. Since Sofia is 9, we felt that our grandsons, Luke and Josh, who were baptized just last year, would be a good match. We asked the twins to write a letter to Sofia, encouraging her to be baptized.  They did their very missionary best as you can see. They will be great missionaries someday just like their folks. Sofia was so happy to receive the notes. She was smiling from ear to ear as her dad translated the notes into Spanish.  Hopefully Luke and Josh will be able to attend her baptism in a couple of weeks.

Kelehua did not want to be left out.

Sofia's response to the kids

Dear Kelehua, Josh and Luke

Thank you so much for your letters and sharing with me how you felt when you were baptized. I also know that I will feel very happy when I am baptized.

I know that Heavenly Father will be happy with my decision to be baptized because I will be a little bit closer to be able to return to His presence.

With love, Sofia

Dinner Appointment

We had our first official dinner appointment with a member family this week. We as senior missionaries are not on the official ward 'dinner calendar', so the invite was unexpected but very much appreciated. Sister Balza is from Venezuela and cooked a very delicious traditional meal. She even taught Robyn how to make and prepare arepas. What a treat! Our son, Matthew, served his mission in Venezuela. When he heard about what was on the menu, he asked if we could send him some of the arepas and the traditional drink, Malta. We told him that he is just going to have to come visit us so we can take him over to visit the Balzas.

Healthy food and exercise

Robyn is determined to keep us healthy. Every morning she drags me over to the weight room here at the apartment to exercise. On top of that, our refrigerator is beginning to look like the produce department at the local organic market. Her juicer is really getting a work out - almost as much as I am. I am feeling soooooo much better already. At least that is what I tell her every day.

After only 2 hours on the treadmill  :)

 District meeting surprise

Sister Vest, the wife of our mission president made a surprise visit to our district meeting. I think her husband had an interview with another missionary in the building and so she decided to drop in on us. All the elders and sisters just love her. She really brightens up the room when she comes in.