What Happens in Pocatello...Something Happened in Pocatello?

The graduation season is underway and already we've had our fill of pomp and circumstance! Last weekend we traveled to the mysterious, exotic locale of Pocatello, Idaho to witness and congratulate our niece (also known as our Starter Daughter) Emma Filiaga, who graduated from Highland High School.

Emma is the second of many who will graduate from the Matua clan, following in the footsteps of her sister Amanda who graduated last year and is now attending the College of Southern Idaho on a volleyball scholarship. Emma has accepted a scholarship of her own from Dodge City Community College and will enroll in the Fall.

We had an absolute wonderful time while in Pocatello with family and friends. At a luau in Emma's honor (along with two fellow graduates Hailey Hanohano and Cassie Valai), Kingston, Chase, Mica and Kenyon all joined their cousins in a special dance to show their respect and love for Emma.

We're so grateful for examples like Amanda, Emma and all the young people in our lives who have committed themselves to their education, family, friends and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A side note: This is the second year in a row that Seti has celebrated his birthday in Idaho (haha!) What does it feel like to be 40? According to the "Great and Wise One" (that would be Seti), "I've waited my whole life to feel this sexy!" Only time will tell how much longer the body and the mind remain intact but the soul is truly ecstatic for the next 40 years!

Heath Wedding
We pulled off the Heath wedding in our backyard and by all accounts it was a huge success. Karen and her helpers did a wonderful job to get everything done in time and the result was a gorgeous backyard that we will enjoy for the rest of the year. Congratulations again to the newlyweds.

Abarca's
Jose, Kassie and their two little ones are now settled into a new rhythm here in Lehi. Jose is working in Salt Lake and it appears that he is enjoying his new learning environment while Kassie and the little ones get reacquainted with siblings and cousins. We have enjoyed having them around and look forward to a Summer filled with fun.

Japan
Ah the life of a stand-by passenger is never aligned with the universe! Our last post indicated that we would be off to visit the Holy Land. Unfortunately for us, hundreds of other people wanted to be there the same time the Pope visited...Go figure! So it was a quick change of plans and suddenly we were in the land of the Rising Sun. What a total surprise and a memorable adventure. We have a new found respect and admiration for Japan, its people and culture. We totally missed out on Israel, but we really enjoyed our stay in Tokyo!