Yesterday, our home evening group went to the home of Tomosia and Irene Tukuafu. They live in Nauvoo in a round house next to the Mississippi River. They are from Hawaii; he is Tongan and she has a diverse heritage. They are ordinance workers, and she builds and play harps, dulcimers, psaltries, and banjos. They are the parents of 14 children and 56 grandchildren. Sister Tukuafu demonstrated some of the instruments she has built. They then played and sang for us. They served us fresh homemade herbal bread, and slices of watermelon. It was an enjoyable evening.

This bed is made from Mississippi River drift wood.

Loft

View from the loft.

As a young father, Brother Tukuafu speared fish in the ocean surrounding the island of Oahu, and fed his family.

Next to their home is Sister Tukuafu's workshop.

"The Music Maker"

Today I spent some time in the Baptistry as a recorder. A family from Utah came to do baptisms with their teenage children. One son was severally physically handicapped, though mentally normal. The father carried his disabled son into the font. Another son helped support his brother while the father stated the prayer. As the father immersed his disabled son, his other son supported the head of his brother and held his nose closed. I was mesmerized and emotional as I watched this example of faith and love. This is one of the highlights from serving in the Nauvoo Temple.