There Is No Land Atoll

The last week and home!

2011-03-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Inez (a Filipina seamstress) finished my dress just in time. She took the pattern from Juana Bellu's dress that she had made in Hawaii. The occasion? A iakwe-iakwe at the Levai's.

Rosa and Karen with their Sister Lytle hats for the girls!

The Tibons and I at the BYU-H workshops led by Sister Cummings mother.

Sister Shaw, Sister Lei Cummings, Sister Teichert - a sweet meeting...

...during the larger meeting.

Sue and Jiki - learning more entreprenurial avenues at the workshop - they are a great couple from Ejit.

That same day Sister Ruiz and Sister Howard invited me to be with them to introduce some investigators to the chapel at Long Island...

...a wonderful hour.
Knowing that I was leaving soon, I took pictures I normally wouldn't, like the view of the one road on island.

Here's Sister Howard and Sister Ruiz at the Angel Store and Laundry near their home, buying a dozen eggs for $2.75.

March 5, 2011 - Jiki and Sue's two sons, 9 and 11, were baptized by Elder Waqatairewa in Rita.

So much happiness...

My translators while I played the organ at the baptism - Elder Moimoi and Elder Fa'alogo

March 6 - Chlora and BJ in church

My last Primary Meeting in Long Island...

My last Relief Society - Sister Anien writing the agenda for the meeting on the board.

My Primary friends, saying good by after church. Rosemillie (in blue in the back) slipped me the most beautiful note.

A great young woman, my friend, Jownie.

Monday, March 7 - Elder Taylor and Elder Rareba at their home in Ajeltake.

Visiting Sister Reiher in the hospital...my last week was about seeing the people I love.

A chance meeting with Elder Steele and Elder Teriba in the Payless parking lot...

Wohoo! More chance meetings! The Sisters!

Goodby to these fine Elders - Edwards, Taylor, Christensen, Rareba.
Elder Edwards confided "I can't imagine a Teichertless mission." Well, I can't imagine a missionless Teichert.

One more chance to say goodby to my fine District Leader, Elder Steele, and his companion Elder Teriba.

Later that night, a wonderful last FHE with Jorau and Nettie's family. "Sister Teichert, tonight you are our family."

Tuesday, March 8 - my last office staff meeting

Saying goodby to the Enos family...

and to Rena's

Elder Humrich, Elder Fa'alogo, Sister Teichert, Elder Rigby, Elder Rix - Elder Rix and I leave in 3 days.

My last District meeting March 8 - they are planning a great Fireside that I will miss...what great young missionaries...

My car that has served me faithfully

The Delap Chapel courtyard

Saying goodby to Akneti and her family and Marie...

Thursday, March 9 - saying goodby to Elder Bulloch and Elder Cherrington in Arrok...

Saying goodby to the children at Laura Beach...

Saying goodby to the missionaries at the Rongalap house in Laura...

Elder Christensen, Elder Pritchard, Elder Abakite, Elder Edwards (my Farnsworth cousin)

Saying goodby to Brother Rakinmento in Laura who was baptized in the lagoon...

I took this for you, Kyle - the highest point in Majuro - 16 feet above sea level...right across from the Rakinmentos' home.

The coconut tree canopy on the ride home from Laura...

Saying goodby to the Sisters at our Sisters' luncheon at the mission home - as usual, no electricity at this one either :) Sister Ruiz had to cook her fantastic enchiladas in Delap...

The last piano lesson with Namiko - lots of tears shed after this one...

Karen and her mother found me late at night and presented me with this jaki - aibuijuij!

Friday March 11th - it's here - block the way, Elders, don't let us go.

Elder Fu'e, Elder Fa'alogo, Elder Afioga

Elder Rigby and Elder Humrich getting all my food, and cleaning cupboards and more in return.

It's time to go - my Relief Society Sisters...

Elder Rix, Sister Teichert, Meetu and children and the girls...

We are sad...

but we will be happy at the tree.

The army made a presence on island for a few days - we are so grateful for these young men.

Saying goodby to Lora...

Three great friends - Lora, Diane, and Brooke (plus Ati)

John and Lora, Elder and Sister Christensen, Sister Shaw

Elder Rix and I and the Assistants, Elder Fa'alogo and Elder Afioga

Reminds me of when Elder Gllbert left, only this time I was leaving...

After all the goodbyes, our flight was cancelled becauase of the tsunami warning from the devastating Japan earthquake. Elder Humrich and Elder Rigby had been instructed by the President to get me at the airport and bring me to the new addition above the mission office with every Elder and Sister on island. I got to see everyone one last time.

The Shaws invited Elder Rix and I to stay at the Mission Home before our flight out on March 12th. Luckily there was a Saturday flight that Continental had just added, or we would have been on island a few more days. Me just outside of my room on the second floor with the ocean in the background.

Ed and Lee Anne Kinghorn surprised Elder Rix and I at the Hawaii airport with their wonderful presence and leis!

They took us to the airport hotel that the church had booked for me, and as they did, surprised Elder Rix by buying him the last room availble. It was an incredible blessing for him and for me the next morning when Elder Rix was there to help me with my luggage. We love you, Ed and Lee Anne - komoltata!

Goodby, Elder Rix - see you at a mission reunion...

I wasn't able to take pictures at the airport when I saw my family waiting at the bottom of the escalator for me, but I took pictures with my heart... here are Kraig and Collette and I the next morning in my new home...I was overewhelmed. I went from love in the Marshall Islands to love at home.

How could I be any more blessed?

February Catch-up

2011-03-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

A day of celebration when Yvonne sent a new camera and some of her favorite treats with it - this calls for a branch of meria!

Elder Steele and Elder Kalua'u in front of the mission office at Lojkar, Long Island, Majuro MH 96960. I wanted to remember my great District Leader, Elder Steele - he is also training Elder Kalua'u and is doing a bang-up job.

Our great Long Island District - Elder Steele, Elder Kalua'u, Elder Rix, Elder Stoker, Elder Afioga, Sister Howard, Sister Ruiz, Elder Humrich - bless Elder Humrich, the computer genius. They are all fantastic missionaries - they are the reason for all the good changes happening in so many people's lives in this mission and in Long Island, specifically. My respect and love for them is off the charts.

Going out to Laura the second Saturday in February (the 12th), Laurie and I were right at the swimming hole at the end of the runway, when we saw the President's Continental flight approach for a landing. I quickly stopped the car and began taking pictures - Laurie took video - hers is a whole lot more exciting!

Here we are in Ajeltake, getting ready to set up to teach the Primary children in that branch the new Primary song, "If I Listen With My Heart."

Below, the Ajeltake Primary president with Laurie and the Stake Primary President with me, surrounding the children with love, and feeling the love so spontaneously back:

Ajeltake is a beautiful place. I want to remember...

Also on the 12th was a Long Island Ward Party at the swimming hole

Brother Tima and Bishop Anien
The Sisters barbequing the meat...

Laurie and I stopped for a moment, then ran back to change into our Guam dresses...

I will always remember Sister Kaminaga - sisters forever...

World War II wreck on the lik (ocean) side of the swimming hole

The amazing natural swimming hole, where the coral reef drops off in a protected area from the ocean...

After swimming, everybody's hungry.

That night, one picture with some members of Malelupe Samifua's Marshall Island HS Gospel Choir at their concert - then my battery went out in my camera.

Feb 13, 2011 - had Elder Taylor and Elder Rareba over for Sunday dinner and presented Elder Rareba his repaired slacks that he had given me a year earlier - I had pronounced them unfixable. A year later my perspective had changed - the patch job in 6 different places gave him his favorite pair of pants back.

Amazing - sherbet in the Marshall Islands!

This is the day I began realizing that instead of experiencing a bunch of 'firsts', it was a bunch of 'lasts'. This was actually the first and the last time to have these two fine Elders for dinner in my apartment.

My apartment complex at sunrise...

Rena and Bransen as we pass each other on our morning exercise.

The man-made sea-wall at Lojkar that I pass by and climb over sometimes to watch the waves...

Paeter and Linda whom I greet every morning...

The pastor who is also out every morning...(looking towards the Mission Home with the sea wall on the left)

The Assistants, Elder Rix and Elder Fa'alogo at the end of their exercise time...the end is closing in.

The lagoon in Delap, looking towards Uliga, Jenrok and Rita...

It's high tide...

Another District Meeting - Elder Steele, Elder Stoker, Elder Kalua'u, Elder Pritchard, Elder Humrich, Elder Edwards, Sister Ruj, Sister Howard. I love these Elders and Sisters.

The last intake of new Elders and my sister who got to stay in my apartment - Sister Terebwena is from Kiribati, with an amazing story. She learned her testimony in Marshallese so fast that night! Elder Tarobwa, Elder Emmett, Elder Jensen stayed in the Mission Home.

Opening up a new apartment in Uliga for Elder Tingey and Elder Emmett.

The water filtration system worked on the Korean faucet!

Elder Emmett and Elder Tingey, backed up by the three Assistants (Elder Rix, Elder Afioga, and Elder Fa'alogo) and Sister Teichert, Housing Coordinator. The Assistants found the apartment in Uliga, and Sister Teichert made all the arrangements for contracts and furnishings and appliances.

YSA gathering at Long Island with English muffin do-it-yourself pizzas -

It turned into a surpise iakwe-iakwe for Sister Teichert - they stood in a semi-circle with me in a chair and began the wonderful Marshallese iakwe celebration song:

The next Saturday, Feb. 19th, we taught the Uliga-Delap Ward primaries...

They also gave me a surprise iakwe-iakwe

It was hard to hold back the tears.

Later on that evening, Lora and John had a goodby party, and we feasted and enjoyed each other's company - it was hard to comprehend that it was me that was going to be leaving.

Ati, Brooke, and Elder Fa'alogo

Three great friends...forever.

Elder Humrich, Elder Rigby, and John.

Long Island Ward Young Women Choir rehearsal of "A Virtuous Mind"

One last Sunday dinner with Zone Leaders Elder Moimoi and Elder Fu'e, and Assistants Elder Afioga, Elder Rix, and Elder Fa'alogo.

A new camera sent by Yvonne!

2011-02-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

So many thanks, my sister - the last month and a half of this mission will now be remembered...

Here are the two assistants that were last on my old camera - now they are first on Yvonne's new one - Elder Rix and Elder Afioga.

Some catch-up pictures - 27 December 2010

Sorting donations of white shirts...

(Elder Taylor, Elder Fu'e, Elder Fa'alogo)

and sorting ties.

JoJo leaves the island - a fond farewell - sisters in our red again.

Big day - 31 Dec 2010 - Elder Taylor got his bike fixed (Ajeltake is a big area - celebrations are in order when bikes work!); Terisha is baptized!; President Shaw barbeques out in the heat for our New Year's Eve party for senior missionaries at the Mission Home:

Long Island Ward's New Year's Day party to welcome the New Year 2011, and to celebrate the building of the Stake Center 6 years ago. The Elders organized a game of dancing - whoever moved when the music stopped got to sit down - last man standing won. Barry Bellu was terrific, but the young boy won.

My dear friend, Bertine, and her special New Year's gift to me - 2011 is the year I am supposed to go home - what? Already?

Rosemillie and Jownie Bellu do a Hawaiian floor show for the ward New Year's Day party. Dancing runs in the Bellu family...

Now jump to February, after the Bednars visit to the Marshall Islands in January 2011...playing with the new smile feature on my new camera - Sister Hansen discovered it when I went out to help the Sisters with some apartment issues and checked our keys:

The camera takes a picture automatically if you smile, and doesn't if you don't. Here's some fun with that feature at our girl's night out on Feb 25th:

Rosa, Julian, Marie, and Karen at the Pattersons

Two out of three smiling manages to click the shutter - Sister Davidson, Laurie, and Sister Christensen.

Happy birthday to Marie and Karen and iakwe iakwe for Sister Teichert at our girls night out:

Brian and Sam's baptism by Elder Steele and Elder Teriba. Elder Blacker and Elder Kalua'u were able to attend after having been able to teach them as well.

My wonderful Filipino neighbors had a good-by party; we had wonderful Filipino food and sang Kareoke til midnight!

Myriam singing away...!

Young Women in Excellence March 2011 Long Island Ward

Faith, Divine nature, Individual worth, Knowledge, Choice & accountability, Good works, Integrity, Virtue

Refreshments after in the courtyard - Bishop Anien, Gary, Pres. Enos, Bro. Levai

January Jitters

2011-02-03T01:03:00.000-08:00

January may have started out a bit slowly, as Elder Nawahine demonstrates after a nice dinner...

but it quickly picked up speed...
We received two new missionaries, Sister Howard and Elder Randall from the States who arrived January 6th. Elder Afioga also came in from Ebeye to be trained as the new Assistant.

That afternoon I went out to Rita as usual for piano lessons, and had a wonderful choral conducting lesson instead with Elder Cherrington, Elder Christensen, Elder Raremba and Eldon.

Two days later January 8, Elder Nawahine, Elder Randall, and Sister Vuikadavu left for Ebeye, the most populous atoll in the Pacific - thousands of people live on a square mile of atoll.

Elder Fa'alogo received a new companion Zone Leader, Elder Fu'e.

Just as the Ebeye Elders and one Sister were jetting off to Ebeye, the President and Sister Shaw and the Senior missionaries and the Pattersons were posing before getting on the boat that took us to Eneko, a little islet on the other side of the lagoon.

Because we have been working so hard through the holidays, as well as gearing up for Elder Bednar's visit January 22-24, our President wanted all of us to take a little break together on our P-day.
Since the Bells are no longer on island, having finished their mission over 6 months ago, it was left to me (an old timer here on Majuro) to arrange for the trip to Eneko Island. Of all of us, the Hewstones and I were the only ones who went a year ago when the Bells planned a smashingly great Eneko P-day. As I was recreating it, even down to Sister Bell's scrumptious pulled pork sandwiches, I kept wondering when the Bells were going to step in and rescue me. They never did, and everyone kept looking to me as the leader or something. It was a great thing that I had great role models a year ago: we had a great day.

The soothing 40 minute ride back to civilization...some cute little greeters were at the dock to welcome us home.

Sunday dinner: Elder Taylor, Sister Ruiz, Elder Kalua'u, Sister Teichert, Sister Howard

Neighborhood children who play in the church parking lot every week when I come to teach piano lessons - the board with wheels and a pull string was made for them by Elder Hewstone. Every day they wait for him as he opens up his shop. He has them pick up all the trash and then they get to play with the scooter - a win/win.

Deborah...

...and Corina. Corina played in church for the first time and nailed it!

The Sisters in Long Island called me to help them take water to a family of two sisters and three children who had been without water for a few days...

Sister Enos showing the children how the scriptures (represented by the string) can get us quickly to Christ - otherwise, we wander around trying to find Him.

Laurie teaching the Relief Society the Primary song, "If I Listen With My Heart". Elder Bednar will be here the next Saturday - he is a prophet and a seer and a revelator.
The second verse says 'I hear a living prophet speak the things that Christ would say if He were here upon the earth to talk with me today. The prophet teaches how to live in righteousness and peace.

And if I listen with my heart I hear the Savior's voice."

Getting everything ship-shape for Elder Bednar's visit...

Pres. Shaw, Elder Afioga, Elder Rix.

We had a last minute meeting at the mission home to tighten up all the details about Elder Bednar's visit - it looks like it was a lot of fun and that we just may be ready.

Outer Island Elders in from Ebon for Elder Bednar's visit: Elder Gulbransen and Elder Aisake - Tuesday, January 18th, 2011.

Three Marshall Islands missioanaries who have been to Madrid, Spain...

Gifts from Ebon - lobster and coconut crab and Ebon limes, the best in the world.

It's great to see these Elders again and know we are all still strong in the Lord.

Here's my coconut crab - what do I do with it?

My wonderful Filipina neighbor Myriam came to my rescue with a shell cracker...

That night I ate one of the best meals of my life - Ebon coconut crab cooked in butter and garlic, washed down with Lime juice, the best in the world.

Oh, we forget the taro bread for dessert, Sister Teichert - terrific Ebon baskets!

I don't want to ever forget this amazing District Meeting the next day in Laura - Wed. January 19th - they mixed up companionships and had me be the investigator in the role playing. These are some of the finest Elders anywhere.

Elder Taylor, Elder Moimoi

Elder Christensen, Elder Cherrington

Elder Abakite, Elder Rareba

This is one of the last pictures I was able to take before my camera died: proof that Assistants must be resourceful. Someone had the van when they were supposed to get the trailer from the church over to the office, a distance of about a quarter of a mile. Elder Rix and Elder Afioga were pretty good at it by the time they got there. The next day Apostle Bednar was coming.

They only want one official photographer - the Christensens - so my camera obliged.

Notice the striations in the picture - I got a picture of a brother and sister, Gordon and Lily (who had come to the church to help put the newborn kits together that Sister Bednar, Sister Callister, and Sister Wokolo would present to the Hospital on the 22nd) before the camera was going, going...

Gone.

Mej.

December 2010 memories

2011-01-05T01:11:00.000-08:00

Elder Hill's two fine "sons" that he trained - Elder Fu'e (just freshly returned from Lae) and Elder Fa'alogo who returned from Ebon a few months ago. Elder Hill just came back from the outer island of Jaluit one week before he was to return home after serving 2 great years in the Marshall Islands.

An Advent refreshment table at the Patterson's (Dec. 12th).

Elder Hill lighting the candles on December 19th.

JoJo and I wanted our picture taken - this was the second attempt, because after Elder Fa'alogo took the first one, he very quietly said, "I think we should take another." So we posed for this one above.
When he handed us the camera back, we asked him why he had to take another. He didn't answer, so we looked at the first photo:

Oh, my. We burst out laughing.

The last Sunday before Christmas, December 19th, at the Patterson's.

Sister Tuimoala, Sister Shaw, Sister Hansen, Sister Teichert, Sister Sahm anticipating Christmas - the Shaws will be in Kiribati.

Elder Hill will be in Washington with his family for Christmas - you gave a lot of love - take some home with you.

The Jepta practice for the Long Island Primary - Laurie taught them the descant part for "Christmas Bells" - they picked it up SO quickly.

Another rehearsal - all the children did exceptionally well, but my favorites were the two little boys who played the first notes and the last notes:

They played exactly in rhythm and were intent the whole song, starting everyone off and bringing it to a close.

December 24th was a day to practice our mission Jepta dance at the Stake Center, then go over to the Mission Home for dinner, watch the President and Sister Shaw's video of "The Forgotten Carols", have a tie and necklace exchange, and depart back to work with new crockpots, crockpot recipes, leftover rolls and meat, and a bag of treats from the Shaws (who spent Christmas in Kiribati).

I ended up being in charge the whole day (I kept wondering how I was in charge with all the Senior missionaries and Assistants and Zone Leaders around), so there aren't a lot of pictures. Sister Hewstone and I were in charge of the dinner, I was in charge of the Jepta practice, but I finally got smart and delegated the tie and necklace exchange to the Elders since I had no idea how to play it.

More candid shots after we are all full of good food, a thoughtful video, a promise of good crockpot meals and of talking to our families and of Jepta tomorrow on Christmas Day.

Back out into the bright equatorial sunshine and heat...

Elder Sanchez, Elder Moimoi, Elder Edwards, Elder Fu'e, Elder Bulloch, Elder Taylor

THE BEAT: JEPTA! Christmas 2010

Here they come!

Ward by Ward there are dances and songs all day long and into the night...

Here's a sampling:

And so ends Jepta, 2010, at the Majuro Stake Center - the epitome of wholesome family recreational activity - read Hymn # 51, the first three verses, and you will see that the Marshallese have it right...

Amima Alik, a respected priesthood leader in the Marshall Islands. A great celebration draws to a close.

Susan

2011-01-03T01:50:00.000-08:00

Susan. Her obituary is a masterpiece - her life a treasure for all who came under her influence. I will always be grateful to have shared much of what was important to her. She is my special friend.
My daughter expressed her feelings for Susan - "When Susan left us, she left such a big hole." I've been contemplating that truth. Susan filled our lives with so much joy and laughter and love and food and wisdom and dancing and companionship and reverence for the worth of a soul, how can we not help but feel the absence of her presence?

As I look back on the last few days, I was prepared for her passing. The morning before she passed away,
I was out doing my morning laps.
The flame trees on the island are not blooming yet. When they do they are dramatically beautiful, with gorgeous large red blossoms that carpet the green. As I passed by our flame tree here in Lojkar, Long Island on Majuro, nothing appeared different as I passed by it the first time.
On the second lap, a huge seed pod broke off and crashed to the pavement. While turning my head to look at it, my eye caught something I hadn't seen before: a single red blossom.

During that walk there were 7 frigate birds that flew overheard - more than I have seen on any morning workout.

A few butterflies flew in my path a while later in the day. When all three come in one day (flowers, birds, and butterflies), something special is usually going to happen - Conrad has been very consistent on this mission with his messages.

The next day on January 31st (we live in the future here - it was January 30th back in the States), the red blossom was vivid. Susan loves red.

17 frigate birds. Seventeen. Wow - whatever it is, it's going to be important to me and to our family, and Conrad knows what it is.

Later that morning at the office, someone asked me to look up something on email.

The shock of seeing the news of Susan's passing in the subject of a few emails tore at my heart.

No...we had plans when I came home in a few months.

As I left the office a beautiful little black butterfly accompanied me all the way to my apartment. Thank you, Conrad. You know how I love her with all my heart. The tears won't stop.

Later they stopped enough for me to go looking for an apartment to open for a new batch of missionaries.

They stopped long enough for me to talk to Merril when he called. My prayers will be for Merril and the children and the grandchildren, for her family and for all who love her. We will all need prayers for the Lord to strengthen us.

That night the Senior couples and I had a New Year's party at the Mission Home.

I stared at the napkin on the table...

A darkhaired dancing angel.

When Susan emailed me about the return of the cancer 8 months ago, we shot emails back and forth. Moroni chapter 7 was important to us.

":29 - And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.

:30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness."

I love you, my precious friend.

I will try to add to the love and joy in this world that you left for all of us with your goodness, and to which you quite likely can still add.

No one can ever be quite like you.

It's always about the people....

2010-12-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

Pres. Shaw is obviously rooting for the Blue - Elder Taylor is a Ute fan and Elder Pritchard is a BYU football player. The rivalry made me feel right at home, except that there was no serious attention paid to who won and who lost. I like it on a mission when in the Lord's game plan everybody can win.

December 1, 2010 - Zone Conference! They only happen once a quarter now instead of every 6 weeks, so they are a great occasion to meet together and to be instructed and to find the strength that comes from just being together and united in our purpose as missionaries - to bring others to
Christ, and often that is ourselves.

Sister Ve'e, Sister Sahm, (Elder Moimoi), Sister Shaw, Sister Tuimoala, Sister Hansen

Elder Blacker, Elder Waqatairewa, Elder Rix, Elder Stoker, Elder Edwards, Elder Christensen

Elder Cherrington, Elder Fa'alogo, Elder Moimoi, Elder Pritchard, Elder Taylor, Elder Kalua'u, Elder Rigby

Elder Abakite, Elder Amram, Elder Dinteru, Elder Kimbar, Elder Sanchez, Elder Teriba

Not enough tables - Elder Nawahine, Elder Bulloch, Elder Steele

Elder Moimoi insisted that the photographer/historian get in the picture...my children and grandchildren thank you and so do I...sometimes I still have to pinch myself to make sure it is me that gets to be with all these great missionaries.

Right after Zone Conference ended at 3:00 I ran home to Skype my daughter and her husband to find out how the delivery of their new baby went, and it was good for both Mom and baby - little Karen Diane, born on Nov. 30th in Las Vegas and on Dec. 1st in the Marshall Islands. Beautiful Mom Corinne, beautiful 'KD', proud Dad Jeremy. KD is #7 for Corinne and Jeremy. My gratitude to Heavenly Father that Mom and baby are well is off the charts. I can't measure it.

December 4th we had a Primary party behind the Marshall Island Resort (MIR). Acronyms are big here in Majuro. The little coral "rock" wall looking out over the lagoon surrounds a barbeque pit.

Wija and her daughter, Bertine the cook, and two other Primary sisters looking out after the coals before roasting all the meat. The children were all at the pool.

Rena, the counselor, and Sister Enos, the Primary president.

Arlita and two other Primary girls enjoying the pool that MIR has available for anyone to use.

Laurie taught the kids a fun game - she had the kids hold hands facing each other in two rows. At first the swimmers swam under their hands, until she was able to get them to go on top of the arms that propelled them forward.

Later there was a great lunch for everyone...check out this fish (kwi, or lined surgeonfish)

It was delicious! It has little bitty lips and really cool orange fins on its belly.

This is the Kajidrik family - Jinen, the grandma, and Wiltinia and Nani. They are from Aelonlaplap and are trying to get back to that island after coming here to Majuro to be baptized. My goodness - I am so Ri-belle. I keep thinking I am bronzed and brown like my precious Marshallese friends, and pictures like this are a surprise to me. Look at this precious little brown-eyed boy...

Here's a primary boy in an old pandanus (or walking) tree by the lagoon behind MIR - the roots make it look like it is walking. The branches are really good for perching, sleeping, or resting while people talk. Around the island I've seen pandanus trees used for all three.

At the end of Stake Conference, Mary Swain (the Stake Primary President) and I pose for a picture.

Elder Christensen and Elder Pritchard, both back on Majuro after serving together on the outer island of Aelonlaplap, pose with Nani and Wiltinia and a family from that island, Stake Conference is a wonderful place to be instructed and to find joy in seeing beloved friends. Here are more beloved friends...there's that Ri-belle again. :)

Julien, Karen, Sister Domnick, Rosa, Jojo, Marie, me, and a Domnick relative with children. The boy in the white shirt is Pres and Sister Tibon's son.

Sister missionaries at Stake Conference - December 5th - Sister Hansen, Sister Sahm, Sister Tuimoala. Sister Teichert, Sister Ve'e.
Later that day there was a Stake Youth Fireside - our Long Island Young Women sang "A Virtuous Mind". Abrn was there - I hadn't seen him in 9 months. Even later in the evening there was the second Sunday of Advent at the Pattersons.

Me, Abrn, Jojo, Sister Ve'e

Johnny Latrik leaving for the MTC in Provo prior to his mission in Oklahoma - nice smile! Family and friends came to see him off...

Sister Ve'e left the same day for home - ouch. But we will carry on, even with the strength that leaves with her.

This is how we carry on - Elder Fa'alogo and Elder Edwards with a wonderful family and Brother Livai with his nephew. This work brings light and truth to families here, and the gospel becomes an anchor in a shifting world.

Elder Edwards lighting the third candle of Advent at the Patterson's December 12th.

The Kajidrik family - with Elder Fa'alogo's and my planning, they will be going home to Aelonlaplap Tuesday, December 14th, on the next Air Marshall flight.

The whole third week Advent group.

Another joyous event...Chris's baptism December 18th. He and Otintaii were married in September.

Otintaii came home from a mission a little after I arrived here.
Elder Rix and Elder Nawahine, Assistants extraordinaire, found Chris and brought the light of the Gospel to a believing heart, and great strength to a marriage.

This is the joy of missionary work, to see the change and love and light in already remarkable people.

Ij monono bwe im juon mijinede. Ij kamol gospel eo an Jesus Kraist ej mol.

November racing by

2010-11-26T02:08:00.000-08:00

November 6th, 2010

Migel Latrick's baptism in the Marshall Islands - 18 hours later my Indy was baptized in Texas on her birthday, November 6th.

Migel was baptized by his brother, Johnny, who is leaving on a mission in December. Behind Migel is his mom and then his sister Corina and brother Ali. I teach Corina and Ali piano. Elder Corry completes the picture - he and Elder Dew taught Migel to prepare him for baptism - a blessing to the whole family.

Two pictures before the power went out:
Elder Fa'alogo and Elder Gulbransen, Zone Leaders
Corina and I - she is one of my dedicated students.

November 11th - JoJo's birthday. Karen and I went to visit her at her home in Rita - she was at school, but I met JoJo's older sister and her nieces and nephews.

We met up with her and went for ice cream at Payless - Happy Birthday, JoJo!

November 12th was the Hewstones 50th wedding anniversary - they invited all of us senior missionaries to lunch at Special Restaurant to celebrate. The next day we all went for a picnic at Laura Beach to continue honoring them.

The day before Elder Gulbransen leaves for Ebon - his companion, Elder Fa'alogo, opened up Ebon with Elder Gilbert

Parting shot with Elder Gulbransen - from office Elder to Zone Leader to outer island Elder - this Elder runs with whatever assignment he has and gives it his best. Ebon is in for something great.

November 19th - Departure Day for three strong Elders - Elder Dew, Elder Corry, Elder Isom.

Sister Christensen getting last minute instructions from Elder Dew.

From the confidence in the air-conditioned office, wearing those long-sleeved shirts and suitcoats that haven't been donned for 2 years....

...to the overwhelming heat of the airport - all good Marshall Islands' Elders and Sisters own fans.

Bar lo komijil...

...see you three Utah Elders in not too many months when I make a departure day of my own.

November 20th-21st

Laura District Ward Activity and Fireside

The eight Elders and Sisters in the Laura District (which covers Laura, Arrok, Woje, and Ajeltake) designed a two day event for the Laura Ward and Ajeltake Branch, They invited the Senior couples to join them. Boy, are we glad we did.

First we gathered in teams around a flag according to a colored wrist string.

Let the games begin.

Elder Swain getting a little help from his friend Elder Pritchard for his game.

When we began switching chairs in Elder Moimoi's game, this little girl didn't like it when this big Ri-belle sat next to her. Elder Davidson, the Grandpa he is, took it in stride.

Our green wristband team "Ether", named after the last Book of Mormon Jaredite prophet.

A coconut leaf basket-making class for us Ri-belles - amazing skills!

Then it was time to eat, Marshallese style, in coconut leaf plates.

Birds flew above us all day long.

The sky was overcast and threatened rain all day, but some worried Elders had their morning prayers. It rained all around us, but not on us, for the entire day. Here's some of the grateful Elders:

Elder Moimoi, Elder Sanchez, Elder Swain - serving the ward members and guests after the games...

and Elder Pritchard, District Leader responsible for the idea, and along with his remarkable District, the actualization of it.

But WAIT, that was only Saturday. For the culminating Fireside Sunday evening, the Elders and sisters made anywhere from four to nine cakes per companionship...

and they had all the Senior missionaries bring two each...

The Fireside itself was a remarkable meeting - Pres. Tibon spoke, there were three musical numbers, testimonies of recent converts telling their conversion stories, a video of Mark Mabry's "Reflections of Christ" pictures, and a slide show of the fun the day before. How these Elders and Sisters put all this together and still went to church and taught people after church is a wonder of organization. Elder Swain said that he was so grateful that so many enjoyed it - he was so busy that he missed most of it. :)

Sister Tuimoala, Sister Ve'e, Sister Christensen, Elder Pritchard, Elder Swain, Elder Christensen.

Elder Pritchard, Sister Ve'e, Elder Swain, Sister Teichert, Elder Moimoi

The Marshallese have a tradition of honoring their guests with wut (wreaths of fresh island flowers) Mine was so fragrant - my favorite: meria!

Thanksgiving - November 25, 2010 - in the Mission Home

Pres. and Sister Shaw are on island!

Elder Fa'alogo, Elder Swain, Elder Steele

The three in front: Elder Taylor, Elder Moimoi, Elder Cherrington

Elder Fa'alogo - he's a Samoan - what is some of this?

Some of these Elders can put it away.

Elder Nawahine and Sister Christensen

Elder Pritchard and Elder Fa'alogo - ready to begin. While I was still working on my first (and only) plate, they managed two easily.
After the meal, Pres. Shaw showed us "Joseph Smith: the Prophet of the Restoration". 'Shall we not go on in so great a cause?'

Two new Elders arrived that morning - Elder Kalua'u and Elder Rigby, on the ends of Elder Fa'alogo and Elder Bulloch. We received great strength when they came today. Move forward.

Random October Events

2010-11-01T03:13:00.000-07:00

RANDOM OCTOBER EVENTS

Moving from the old Mission Home...

...to the new.

OK, it was Sept 30th, but close enough to be included in October moments - the move dragged on into October for the Shaws and the assistants.

Sister Bleak's backyard plants have found a new backyard home.

How would you like to pay $4.50 for a gallon of gas? We are all cheering - there are gas wars going on with the building of this new station - $4.50 Special!

It was recess and hundreds of children were everywhere when we senior missionaries showed up to Rairok Elementary School with hundreds of books sent by the Steed's friends and family back home. Brooke is the 6th grade teacher and the man is the principal.

Posing for an official snapshot - the children were all respectful and excited. Brooke invited Sister Davidson and I to read to her sixth graders.

Our next stop was Ajeltake Elementary, where the Steeds had taught for a few months.

After presenting the books to the Principal there, he invited us to read to some classes, and they happened to give me the Steed's old third grade classroom.

When the principal showed them the picture of the Steeds he said, he said, "Who was taught by these people?" I expected them to answer "We were!" But each child jumped to his feet and said, "Na!" "Me!" I was moved - the Steeds had reached each one. A memorable day - Thursday, October 7th.

Another memorable day - Saturday October 9th - Agneti's (Agnes) baptism. Elder Nawahine and Elder Rix and Agneti's family surrounding her - she is a focal point of love in her family. Her son Gordan was baptized the week before.

I finally was able to catch three frigate birds on my camera - they are hard to see with the wires. I was in Laura waiting for the Sisters to come so that I could give Sister Ve'e her medication.

I played volleyball with some Primary children while I was waiting...

The kids all over the island are so ahtletic!

Finally, the Sisters!!

Pictures of all the mission watching General Conference at the new mission home have already been posted, but here is one that didn't make it there. At the top of the stairs leading up to the second floor is a picture of Minerva Teichert's "Esther." I want to remember years from now that I was there...October 16th, 2010.

Some pretty darling Rita Ward Primary girls...

watching me teach Darrus his piano lesson - needless to say it was not one of our more productive lessons with those girls and others staring at him - but he handled it pretty well.

Darrus's Mom, Meetu, led the children in the Primary program rehearsal... they asked me to accompany. Boy, can they sing! October 28th

October 26th - Family Home Evening with Jorau and Netti's family...

Me holding BJ - named after two special missionaries to their family - Elder Brian Gilbert and Elder Jason Woodland. I used to think my eyes were brown, but after being here, I don't anymore.

Halloween in the Marshall Islands (Saturday October 30th) Elder Corry and Elder Dew sent all the kids to my house.

This year the kids were more under control, I think because they knew me and I was firm and kind about everyone getting only 1 piece of candy, then they leave...the kids were under control, but I'm not so sure about the adults...

Halloween weekend, Sister Vuikadavu and I were companions! She had hurt her ankle and the doctor ordered her off of it for a few days. We only went out once for a baptism in Delap Saturday night and came home to all the Trick or Treaters. Sunday we stayed home and watched Conference together and found out alot about the many connections we have, one of them being rugby of all things! Her good friends from Fiji played with Danny in the championship game this year where they beat Highland! The father of the twins stayed with Yvonne and Wayne...amazing. Her foot is healing, so our long vigil and her obedience to the doctor's orders is paying off. And our paths will cross again in the States - we're already planning...(I'm sure wearing that outfit alot - I must be getting to the end of this mission because I must be kind of sick of my clothes.)

This is what I woke up to one October morning as I stepped outside to go for a walk - my knee and foot are healing, and my spirit soared at the beauty of the morning.

But this is why I am here - to keep Elders (and Sisters) like these healthy and ready to go out teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that people can change and come to the Savior for healing and help, to make it back home. I am so blessed. (Elder Ralpho and Elder Swain - lunch before Elder Ralpho goes off to the Provo MTC for his training to be a missionary in Papua New Guinea.)

Grateful Elders

2010-10-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

One of the Moms of one of our missionaries determined that there were some clothing needs in our mission. A box arrived in the mail with shirts, pants, belts, ties, socks (which her own son needed desperately - how do Moms know?), and two pairs of great sandal shoes. One just happened to fit Elder Sanchez, who has been seeking a good pair of shoes for a few months after his own wore out.

Elder Ralpho's new pants and belt. Thanks, Mom.

Two other Elders benefited from the box on Saturday, October 16th, after we had all assembled at the new Mission Home to watch the last two sessions of General Conference.

Four of our five Marshallese Elders now serving in our mission - Elder Amram, Elder Dinteru, Elder Ralpho, and Elder Kimbar. Elder D and Elder R are still trying to get to the Provo MTC for the training for their missions in Papua New Guinea, and we get them until they leave. They are fine young men. With this picture you also get a peek at the inside of the new Mission Home.

A larger peek at the new mission home filled with Elders...(and Sister Christensen :-)...

...and Sisters.

These two pictures were taken October 13th: in place of District Meetings, we met all together for the first time in the new Home - the anticipation was high for the first two sessions of Conference.

You can see the corner of the screen that the Davidsons had set up in front, you can see Sister Shaw (who has worked so tirelessly to prepare the mission home), and you can see a half-hearted effort of the Marshallese habit to have their arms around each other as they walk or wait - it would be true Marshallese style if all 4 had their arms outstretched around each other. It is amazing how many customs we have picked up. Just ask us a question that has a YES answer, and all you will get sometimes is a raise of the eyebrows.

In between watching Conference we sent off three great Elders for their homes after they had served for two years in the Marshall Islands - Elder Parco, Elder Wright, and Elder Enlow.

It's always hard to leave...

and to let them leave...

Sister Hasu left for home one hour after the last session of conference ended for us on October 16th - what a way for these three Elders and one Sister to end their missions - spending time all together as a mission with the prophets' current teachings ringing in our ears and fresh in our hearts.

Bar lo komiean

September continues on...

2010-09-27T02:54:00.000-07:00

September 9th we welcomed President and Sister Hamula from the Pacific Area Presidency to our island - that evening we hosted a dinner for them and for the Stake Presidency and their wives and for our honored guest, His Excellency, the President of the Marshall Islands, President Jurlang Zedkaia.

It was the first time that a General Authority from our Church and the President of the Marshall Islands had met together in one of our buildings. It was hosted in the High Council Room and we serve the meal from the Stake President's office.

President Hamula presented President Zedkaia with a Family Values statuette, a copy of Baamle Eo (the Proclamation on the Family), the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet, and...

...a DVD of one of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas programs on Temple Square, to which the president replied, "Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Number One!"

His gracious acceptance talk was at first begun in Marshallese, and then delivered in perfect English, stating that the Mormon Church's presence in the Marshall Islands has lifted the people and has wonderfully helped the families of the islands with their teachings on family values. Elder Hamula then invited President Zedkaia to visit Salt Lake City and church headquarters when he is in the States, and to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Here are the Elders who planned the meal and made it happen with the help they enlisted from the Senior missionaries - a huge feather in your cap, Elder Nawahine and Elder Lasky. They are shown taking the leftovers to the outer island Elders who are all staying in Botkan at the Lucy apartments, preparing for Zone Conference the next day.

Zone Conferenc on the 10th was incredible - incredible to be all together again (except for the Lae and Ebeye Elders and Sisters), incredible to be taught by each other and by our new President and his wife and by Elder Hamula and his wife, who have also been a Mission President and Companion.

Here the Shaw's (after lunch) catch up on all the birthdays since June.

The Hamulas were only here for a short 48 hours, but they brought a lot of strength and love with them that will last us a lifetime - Elder Dew, Elder Gulbransen, Elder Hamula, Elder Waqatairewa, Elder Christensen.
Forty-eight hours earlier, as our president came back to the office after picking up the Hamulas at the airport, he commented "He's a tall drink of water..." Our Elders are all trying to stand taller, in more ways than the obvious, after his visit.

A sweet parting - Elder and Sister Hamula, Sister Teichert, Sister Shaw and President Shaw. From the looks of it, Sister Teichert is the shortest - either I have a longer way to go to stand tall like the Hamulas, or, isn't there something about a lot of good coming in smaller packages? Perhaps both have merit.:) There is one thing I have learned from this mission: we are all a work in progress and the Lord loves to see us work and progress, repent and change, and move closer to Him and to our Father.

The outer island Elders at dinner (above) and in Primary (below) - they are most comfortable sitting on the floor. I am confident that the Elders on the couches would love to be where Elder Amram is, on the floor sitting cross-legged, to eat their dinner. (Elder Amram, Waqatairewa, Kimbar, Christensen, Bulloch, Fa'alogo)

Elder Fa'alogo and Elder Bulloch visited the Long Island Ward Primary on Sunday, the 12th of September. The next Tuesday Elder Bulloch returned with a new companion, Elder Aisake, to Ebon, and Elder Fa'alogo went to Jenrok here in Majuro.

Preparation Day at the Weather Station once again! 9/13/10. It will happen quarterly now. Elder Swain, Sister Tuimoala, Sister Fanga'iuiha, Elder Pritchard, Sister Anterea having a great time at volleyball until the ball burst on the jagged coral - I forgot to take a picture of the Rugby game going on in the field...

Sister Sahm and Sister Hasu getting mail! A little of the rugby field is in the background...Sister Hasu goes home in 2 weeks from this picture, on Sept 30th. So many are missed when they leave, but it is the Lord's work we are doing, and the work moves forward to bless so many.

A little refuge in the shade from the intense heat - someone forgot to fill up the water jug and bring the glasses - they are a little out of practice. The next day, everyone was really sore... Elder Hill, Elder Humrich, Elder Horan, Elder Blacker.

On September 16th, our new Senior couple arrived! Here they are 5 days later with Elder Taylor and Elder Fa'alogo in Jenrok.

Sister Teichert and Karen with historic second pineapple (peinabol) grown behind the mission home, planted by Sister Bleak a year and a half ago - very sweet and delicious, says Karen!

Elder Amohanga, Sister Hasu, Elder Horan, Elder Abakite, Sister Sahm, Elder Stoker - rehearsal for musical number at baptism in Delap 9/18/10 -they sang "As Sisters in Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth" - they asked me to accompany them - that arrangement has never meant so much to me as when they sang it: "we have been taught and we understand and we will do as the Lord commands."

The Elders immaculate apartment in Arrak - to my granddaughters - does this remind you of Sleeping Beauty?...Make it blue...Make it pink!

For the Marshall Islands Cultural Week there was a Marshallese Weaving Cultural Restoration Auction that Sister Christensen and the Davidsons and I attended. I came away with this wonderful mat done by a student of this master weaver from Ailinglaplap.

The woman in the green dress made a mat that was judged #1 by the Marshallese judges for her skill in this Marshallese art form. The mats made hundreds of years ago were as fine as fabric, and were worn by the Marshallese as clothing. The auction was formed 4 years ago to encourage young Marshallese to continue to learn and preserve this art form of their native atoll.
9/24-25 - Humanitarian Service Project spearheaded by the Davidsons: paint the entrance foyer of the Majuro Hospital - missionaries and YSA's were the helping hands.

September Gone Already?

2010-09-26T01:20:00.000-07:00

Missionaries do all sorts of service that they never would think to do themselves - their nurse tried to think of a way to utilize a goof purchase made by another Elder when purchasing supplies for outer islands - 2000 packets of sugar. We did some figuring and 20 packets equals 1/4 cup of sugar - enough to make a 4 cup supply of rehydration fluid along with the added 1/2 tsp. salt.

Notice how they have figured out how to make the assembly line work - just keep moving around the room...ingenious, Elder Hill and Elder Blacker.

One counts, the other packages, and who should show up but the 'originator' of the project. Luckily he pitched in to help it go a little faster. Thanks, Elder Isom. The things we do to support the outer islands - if it helps them, we go for it!

The pictures got a little out of order - but you get the idea. This blog stuff - they keep changing how it operates...

September 6th - FHE at the Davidsons - after a great soup dinner, a lesson out on the deck overlooking the lagoon: the Davidsons, the Hewstones, the Shaws.

Same group, but Pres. Shaw insisted that I get in the picture, for my kids.

For Zone Conference and for Elder Hamula's visit to the Marshall Islands, our outer island Elders were brought in...the first group, from Ebon and Jaluit. Elder Fa'alogo (Ebon), Elder Wright (Jaluit), Elder Bulloch (Ebon), Elder Corry (Jaluit) - they are the greatest of brothers. Don't they look terrific, Moms and Dads and families? They are.

More great brothers...Elders Wright, Nawahine, Gulbransen, Corry, Bulloch, Lasky, Fa'alogo, Dew.

Two of our four Elders from Ailinglaplap, home to Majuro - Elder Christensen and Elder Waqatairewa - great Elders! (For those of you who know him, Elder Jake Thomson's wedding announcement is on the bulletin board..)

I pulled up one morning to Do It Best Hardware store, and got a little reminder that your Dad is ever-present.

Back at the office, viewing Elder Dew's unique office style.

When all the available office chairs were taken by the Assistants for a meeting with visiting General Authority Elder Hamula (Sept 9th)...

Elder Gulbransen showed true grit in his determination to keep working.

The close of another beautiful day in Majuro...

Hopefully chronological this time - the first part of August

2010-08-30T01:56:00.000-07:00

Sister Mills (Farnsworth cousin) and Sister Teichert at Laura Beach 8/7/10

Returning from our successful shell hunting for Sister Mills - met some great children. Elder Mills patiently waited for us under the tree - reminded me of my brother when Debbie and I would go hunting for treasures in Madrid.

At dusk, wating for others to arrive for Family Home Evening by the lagoon...

...and it was a great Family Home Evening!

Newest member of the family - 2 days old.

Elder and Sister Mills...
and our jumbo at amimono shops

I taught piano the day that my newest granddaughter was born, little Reese Madeline! This lesson turned into a conducting session when some teenage boys came to request being taught. Reese was born on Aug 10th, but this was Aug. 11th here in Majuro - being over the international dateline makes for interesting histories, and being on the Equator (where there are no changes of seasons) makes time all run together for me.

It was Elder Hill's birthday on Saturday, so after District Meeting on Friday, Aug 13th, we made a quick birthday cake, rice, and the Office Elders brought in Chinese food to celebrate...

Elder Hill brought his lucky horseshoe for Friday the 13th - I hope he carried it with him the next day because our 14th (his birthday) was the 13th back home...it was a triple ott, Kraig.

Baptism on Elder Hill's birthday - 8/14/2010 -a wonderful day of rebirth for her.

After the baptism, our Long Island Elders with our great Bishop.

The Office Elders anticipating a change in the Assistants - Elder Mackey leaving for home in two days will be replaced by Elder Nawahine. (8/14/2010)

Crazy Days of August

2010-08-29T02:19:00.000-07:00

The second Sunday (8/22) that Laurie and I went out to teach the second verse of "I Know That My Savior Loves Me", there were over 50 children and teachers packed into the little Rita Primary room - as Mark Mabry's stunning images came onto the screen, the children were so quiet and focused. When we sang and signed again "I Know That My Savior Loves Me", there was real understanding (melele) and testimony in their voices.Later that afternoon, Laurie is preparing the Jenrok Primary children to experience 'Another Testament.'

Aha - so the blog people have changed the format and this entry will be chronologically backwards - 8/21 now - Sister Hewstone's birthday party at Laura Beach

This remarkable couple is the reason that the Marshall Islands Majuro Stake buildings (5 of them) are being renovated to pristine condition - Australia should be proud.

Traveled to Laura to inspect apartments (8/17) - the gas pump was down in Woje...

but it was still possible to buy gas.

D-Day (8/16) - Elder Mackey's goodby luncheon.

Elder Mackey, Elder Nawahine, Elder Lasky - the three assistants about to go down to two.

Under Elder Mackey's lead, we are District 3!

Putting on the suitcoat that hasn't been worn for two years while on the Equator...

Parting shot of the three Assistants (8/16/2010) - Elder Lasky, Elder Mackey (as Elder Nawahine would say, "The Bomb"), and Elder Nawahine.

Laura Primary (8/15) - our first Primary to teach the second verse and sign language of "I Know That My Savior Loves Me," for the Primary program coming up - Elder Rareba and Elder Enlow translated for us.

Laurie preparing the computer for the DVD showing of 'Another Tesatment' to the Ajeltake Primary

The children riveted on Mark Mabrey's images of the Savior with the Nephites.

Elder Humrich and Elder Swain at the outside baptismal font in Ajeltake (8/15/2010)

July 17-August 1, 2010 - Snapshots

2010-08-13T03:51:00.000-07:00

There is a tree of life outside my apartment window, and one afternoon a praying mantis perched itself in its branches.

July 20th - two happy adoptive families.

District Meeting role plays - Elder Blacker, Elder Hill, Elder Mackey - July 23.

Elder Gulbransen, Elder Dew, Elder Nawahine, Elder Isom.

My shell collection grows, Nancy! Still no seahorse...

On July 24th there was a Stake YMYW Pioneer trek - 15.2 miles from Ajeltake chapel to the Laura chapel. Laurie made 18 bonnets for the Long Island Ward YW and their leaders. Rutha and Juana modeling...

July 26th - Elder Wright and Elder Lasky building bikes for the Sisters in Laura - Elder Lasky just happens to be a cycling pro. It was kind of like Christmas Eve, only the bikes went together really fast because of the expertise.

Also that night the Davidsons returned from a trip to Ebeye, and brought back Subway sandwiches from Kwajalein! Wonders never cease here in Majuro...

Just a reminder of the July 27th office disaster diverted by Elder Gulbransen...

and Elder Dew. Our heroes...

July 29th - while waiting at the airport for Sister Fanga'iuiha's arrival, I ran into Samson, my singing student, and his mother, who works in this amimono shop at the airport.

President Shaw, Sister Shaw, and newly- arrived Sister Fanga'iuiha. She became my second companion after Sister Hansen. What a remarkable opportunity I have to welcome and orient new Sister missionaries when they come by themselves to our mission. I get to be their companion for a day or two, have them in my home to feed them, and give them a place to rest and freshen up. I get to teach them their first Marshallese lessons and how to survive on the Equator, as well as to have them teach me what it is like to have a companion and plan and pray together. And this time the Shaw's took us both out to lunch!

July 31st - Sister Ve'e and Sister Tuimoala adjusting well at their Rongelap house in Laura.

Some children I met at Laura Beach that day - they are standing in front of an ancient Marshallese coral fish trap that is exposed when the tide is low. The fish become trapped inside of the coral 'corral' when the tide goes out, and it is easy to just gather them in for dinner.

A close-up of my little friends, who helped me hunt for shells.

July 31st - vegetables and fruits again! Bless the ships when they come in from the States!

August 1st - What a way to begin a new month - family comes to Majuro! Ed Kinghorn is a visiting professor from BYU-Hawaii - he just happens to be married to the cousin of my son-in-law. Over here, that is family! Anywhere, that is family when he has played with my grandchildren and loved my daughter at Jeremy's family reunions...

July 2-July 16, 2010 - Snapshots

2010-08-12T03:18:00.000-07:00

July 2nd was the 28th annual Fisherman's Day - there were some great fish caught from the ocean - the 335 lb. marlin was thought to be the winner until another boat came in the next day with a 337 lb marlin!

The US Embassy invited me as a warden for our mission to the July 4th party to honor the birth of our country. It was in the Melele Room of the Marshall Island Resort. Tanintoa's band played during the gathering time.

Both national anthems were sung by Malaelupe Samifua and our Ambassador Martha Campbell and the Marshall Island Minister symbolically cut a cake to celebrate. It was an inspiring gathering with so many good people from both countries. It is a 4th of July celebration that I will treasure, being far from home and proud to be an American where liberty is treasured .

A few days later I was just arriving at the Delap chapel to teach piano, and these children greeted me with their arms around each other. This is how one sees children all over the island, walking down the road with their arms around each other. They let me take their picture for a memory...

July 7th Sister Ruiz was brought into the office early from Rita by the Assistants to catch the plane for her transfer to Ebeye -

Long live the Marshall Islands!

July 10th was the Stake Young Women's Fashion Show...

Great decorations, appropriate Sunday dress (Deborah), athletic wear (Julinta), evening wear (Julian),

Wedding day attire modeled with the help of YSA men, one being our mission's own returned missionary Elder Samson.

President and Sister Tibon, Sister Teichert and Maria, and the Long Island Young Women and some fun with the decorations afterwards...

July 14th - A Departure Dinner at the Tide Table for the Office Staff

Elder Gulbransen, Elder Lasky, Elder Mackey, Elder Gilbert,

(There next two are out of order ) July 15th, welcoming the Shaws, our new President and Companion.

(continued from July 14th Departure Dinner...)

Elder Dew. Sister Teichert's chair, Sister Hopoate, President Hopoate...

AND, taking Sister Tuimoala and Sister Ve'e to their new home and assignment in Laura.

The Davidsons, Elder Tingey (District Leader), Elder Sanchez, Sister Tuimoala, Sister Ve'e

July 16th - Departure of President and Sister Hopoate...

and Sister Cummings and Elder Gilbert.

A chance meeting at Rob Reimer Hotel

2010-08-12T01:47:00.000-07:00

Two days before Laurie and her brother left for their home in the States with Laurie's newly adopted little boy, I dropped in to their hotel to see how the adoption proceedings were going. It looked hopeful that all the papers would be in order and she would be able to fly home with her brother - would I like to hold the baby? My own daughter is expecting soon...boy, would I! The Elders showed up just a little before I did and were surpised to find Alena there - Elder Moimoi had baptized her not too many months before

It was an incredible snapshot in time...a chance meeting worthy of lots of pictures and smiles.

He wants me to be his best friend...

2010-08-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

One morning I discovered that someone was bringing me thoughtful little gifts - an empty can of corned beef, a coconut shell, a styrofoam container and a fork...a few days before that, someone had dragged Vic and Miriam's blue towel over to my welcome mat in front of my door. The next day, an empty bottle of water to complete my meal of the day before.

Then a T-shirt, in case I needed a change of clothes...

Then a few days later, as I was stretching to go on my run, something was thump, thump, thumping rhythmically on my door, so I got my camera, quietly unlocked the door and quickly pulled it open...

My little friend, who sleeps in the stairwell as I have passed by him for a month now, was wagging his tail. I have not fed him, or petted him, or made any overtures except to sometimes say hi.

He doesn't realize that missionaries are not allowed pets of any kind. But I have seen a Marshallese grounds worker befriend him and feed him, and I think the Hewstones do. We like each other, but he has to know that there can't be a future for us...:) I've lost two dogs on our highway at home - no more dogs to wrap my heart around...no matter how cute their little puppy face is. :)

Making Music in Majuro

2010-08-10T02:05:00.000-07:00

After church and before our YMYW choir practice, Corina and some young women sat down at the piano bench and sang "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet" as Corina played hands together - woohoo! Go, Corina! Batteries in the keyboard were the key to give her more time at home practicing when the adapter was on the blink.

On Thursday afternoons I travel out to Rita to teach 3 or 4 piano lesson at the Rita chapel. Sometimes students don't show, but someone always seems to be around - on July 8th these Young Women were at the chapel early for a meeting, and when they heard me playing in the chapel they came in. I played while they sang from the hymnbook - the Marshallese have music all through them, and these girls loved singing the English hymns.

August 5th when some piano students didn't come in Rita, I played some Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy. Soon I had a rapt audience of neighborhood children, and when they came into the building for more, I taught them some Primary songs - "The Wise Man and the Foolish Man", "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" "I Know That My Savior Loves Me." The Marshallese children startle me with their capacity to learn, their desire to learn, their almost photographic musical memories. What began as a solitary musical experience ended up as a sharing time full of laughter, fun and joy...

Disaster Diverted

2010-08-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

July 27th I came back to the office from an errand and Elder Dew and Elder Gulbransen were running around gathering all the waste baskets up and running to the back of the office. I followed them and saw water raining from the light fixtures in the Assistants' office. The Elders were unplugging the computers and printers and moving them out, and I started gathering up books and papers. We then proceeded to rescue the President's office as the water rained down. The carpenters upstairs had broken a water pipe and didn't know how to turn it off. Water started running down the walls and we moved pictures to the front office. We emptied many garbage cans and saved all of our electronic equipment and furniture from water damage.

The 8 light fixtures omniously sat there full of water once the water upstairs had been turned off. It was surprising how heavy those garbage bags became when the light fixtures yielded up their water.

The Office Team - with a deserved moment of rest the day of the disaster and a banana cream pie the day after. I almost created a mini-disaster holding the pie the Elders had made for me, slanting it for the picture. But good communication and quick-thinking quickly righted the pie. It was delicious!
And we have new-found respect for each other - as The Office Team.

July 12-16, 2010 - Remember!

2010-07-18T01:11:00.000-07:00

The day before the 14th Annual Mayors' Conference, Sister Tibon asked Akamra and Samson and I to perform the musical number. We practiced Sunday night in this beautiful conference center - that's our little keyboard off to the far right off the platform. The kids had two handheld microphones and sang just to the right of the head table on the platform.

Sister Tibon works in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and organized many of the events in the 14th Annual Mayors Conference for the Marshall Islands held July 12-13, 2010.

Akamra and Samson pose in the conference room before everyone enters on July 12 - they sang the musical number "How Great Shall Be Your Joy", broadcast to the Marshall Islands by radio, 95.5 FM.

The leader of the Marshall Islands High School Choir, Malaelupe Samifua, and Julian, a member of the church and of the choir - the choir sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the annual welcome meeting for the Council of Mayors. They were dynamite!

Before all the mayors of the different islands came into the room, Akamra and Samson and I met the Honorable Mayor of Ailuk, Mrs. Jack. She is the only woman mayor and is so warm and personable and doing so much good for her island.

Akamra and Sampson sang right before the keynote address to the Council of Mayors by the president of the Marshall Islands, His Excellency Juralang Zedkiah. It was a wonderful experience.

July 15th, 2010 - President and Sister Shaw made it! The pilot landed safely on what looks like (from the approach) a tiny strip of runway. Elder Mackey and Elder Lasky, the two Assistants to the two Presidents - the Hopoates and the Shaws.

July 16th finally came - all day there were pictures with the departing Hopoates - this is Elder Hill, who has a Cokeville connection to the Teicherts. His Aunt Chris married Matthew Teichert (see you at the Teichert Reunions in Cokeville, Elder Hill!)

Sister Cummings and Sister Teichert - we kept her healthy and going through the end of her mission. The flower in my hair was chosen by her and given to me last Christmas by her companion Sister Kitiona - wonderful memories.

Elder Gilbert and Sister Teichert - Farnsworth cousins forever..

A parting shot with President and Sister Hopoate - smiling through our tears.

President and Sister Tibon made it to the airport just before the final boarding call...

A fond island farewell to dear friends.

It's time - all four are about ready to go through the boarding door. This is a Sister Cummings and an Elder Gilbert shot if there ever was one - I will remember...no one ever dies...

As great as the South Pacific is, it's all about the people...

2010-06-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

The Liveighs provided all the food for the 3 1/2 day Young Single Adult Conference. I was able to be there for some of the conference when the night before Laurie and Gary invited me to teach a class on Healthy Living - bless them for giving me the opportunity to get to know these Marshallese YSA's! They are terrific!

A gingerly beginning to an increasingly daring water balloon toss out at Mile 17 Park on the last day of the YSA conference.

On the beach at Mile 17 Park, Jojo and I spy a challenge and an adventure...!

Jojo.

Me. In all fairness, she caught me coming back in, minus a shoe that was lost on the take-off.

Here's some local children showing us how it is really done.

Most of the Young Single Adults out at Mile 17, the last day of the YSA Conference. Great young men and women! That's Laurie and Gary bookending the first row in case you can't tell that they are the older ones.

Back at my apartment, Elder Gilbert trying on his suit before the departure date to see if it fits now that he has been on an outer island where the weight loss is inevitable. Notice the nametag on his sleeve, Sister Lytle. Back at the office, Elder Lasky trying to find the best place to store the orange cooler now that there is no P-day sports activity - I don't think it is under my desk, even if you try to match the orange by placing the sunscreen on my computer...

Wednesday June 23 we had a fun goodbye party for Rosa who is leaving for the summer for Guam - while we sisters watched a movie at the Pattersons, Gary made us cookies!

June 25 was the Stake Relief Society Fashion and Talent Show. There were traditional Marshall Island dances...

A mother-daughter cooking demonstration for coconut jam - Yummmmm...

Handicraft and jewelry-making displays...And at the end they invited all the Sisters to come onto the floor and dance the last dance...

Jojo caught me dancing with a young girl who came out on the floor to dance with me.

That last dance was so fun and joyous - sisters loving life and being together!

On Saturday June 26, the tide was low at 10:30, so the Davidsons invited me on an adventure on our P-day - a walk from Rita past the first two islets over to the third islet, Ejit, where we would visit some members of the church. The beaten path to the first islet is the straight line right above Elder Davidson's head. There are no rocks - only coral.

Sister Davidson and I are trying to adjust our red flame tree flowers in our hair for the picture - we both have capris under our skirts in the event that we don't get back before the tide comes back in. There are some pictures I've seen of Elders up to their waists in water where we are standing.

The Davidsons walk on the Lagoon side around the uninhabited islet #2.
With the tide out it was a pretty easy walk past the two small islets over to Ejit. We only had to walk through water a few times. When we stepped up onto Ejit, one of the first people we encountered was this little boy who had a prize from the morning fishing - an octopus tentacle.

Here's our great guide whom we met as we entered his peaceful islet and his Protestant Church on the lagoon side - he volunteered to take us to our members homes because he knew where all our church members lived.

The Davidsons meeting Ejit children who are wondering who these Ri-belle people are who have wandered out to their islet, their aelon aibuijuij (their island beautiful). The peaceful sounds of water and gently stirring air and no roads with cars were like music - even the people were quiet. When we returned to Rita a few hours later, just barely beating the tide, Rita sounded cacophonous. Thanks, Davidsons. Let's do it again - we met some great people.

There is poetry in Majuro

2010-06-21T01:25:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would wax poetic about food, but after I sanitize the fresh produce in a clorox solution, rinse it and let it dry, it is a thing of beauty...especially when we have gone without for a few weeks.

A gentle moonrise as the sunset colors paint the clouds, framed in island palms...sigh...

The height of twilight beauty - moonlight dancing on the softly undulating lagoon.

All senses need expression here - fragrant meria to bring the island enchantment indoors...

Four red flowers on a morning run - just for me - Father, let Conrad be with our children today.

June 9th had us coming and going...

2010-06-10T02:45:00.000-07:00

June 9th and Air Marshall brought a leaner and stronger Elder Gilbert back from the outer island of Ebon - he's in culture shock - running water back at the mission office!

Three strong missionaries preparing to leave the mission - Sister Santos, Elder Jaksina, Elder Ahlstrom.

Elder Ahlstrom brought in a wut (flower wreath) from a family in Laura for me - it was an honor to wear it.

A picture says a thousand words at the Majuro Airport - we will miss them - we'll all move forward.

A friend telling Elder Ahlstrom good-bye...

Elder Jaksina saying his last goodbyes to Stake members who came to see their missionaries.

Sister Santos saying her last goodbyes...Elder Jaksina knowing it is about time.

On the drive home from the airport, it was back to normal as I passed by someone's food storage. I wonder what culture shock we will all experience when it's our time to go home.

May 2010, the month of celebrating good friends and good food

2010-05-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

Starting off the May birthdays: Sister Bell on May 5th! We celebrated together by going to lunch at La Bogie with Linda - great time.

Elder and Sister Steed's last full day on Majuro. We will miss them - lucky Kiribati...

Two flowers from Conrad - one for me and one for Susan - May 6th.

District Meeting May 7th - front row: Elder Bulloch, Elder Jaksina, Elder Hill, Sister Teichert, Elder Ahlstrom Back row: Elder Waqateirawa, Elder Isom, Elder Taylor, Elder Blacker.

Uliga Ward YM/YW choir rehearsal where they asked me to help them - this is why I am here.

Six missionaries leaving for Ebeye, May 8th - Elder Adams, Elder Taylor, Sister Hansen, Elder Mackey, Sister Hopoate, President Hopoate. Lucky Ebeye. Lucky missionaries.

On Mother's Day, May 9th, Laurie and I went to two more Primaries to teach the sign language to "I Know That My Savior Loves Me." How special is that - to be with the children on Mother's Day and share this song with them and FEEL the Savior's love for them and for us. Rita Ward Primary (Sister Davidson in the back:))

Jenrok Primary signing 'Love'

A great surprise has happened to this side of the mission - Sister Lata and Sister Toki came to Majuro for a stopover from Christmas Island to Kiribati - they speak Gilbertese, and due to Air Marshall's cancelations of flights, they are working here temporarily - what a dynamite companionship!

May 13th came quickly - the departure day for my Filipino neighbors to their homeland for a vacation - we're sure hoping for a reunion in a few months.

My wonderful neighbors - Antonio, me, Sarah, Esther, Papa Joe. Sarah will have a little brother for AJ soon.

My last conversation with AJ.

One last parting shot of AJ....til we meet again, little friend... Pizza lunch at Sister Teichert's after District Meeting May 14th - those Kiribati sisters spread good cheer - they organized this feast.

Eating a rainbow of colors in Majuro...as long as the ships come in...

JoJo and I singing our hymns together (in English) in the Saturday night session of Stake Conference - she went on a mission to Australia, so singing in English is special for both of us - we got the memo about red, Elder Lytle.

Sister's lunch after Stake Conference: quesadillas! - Sister Ve'e, Sister Toki, Sister Lata, Sister Kitiona.

On the morning of my birthday I opened the package from Kim and Wyck's family - thank you for some wonderful gifts! The card from my parents and the card from Kim's family were filled with so much love - Indy's P.S. on her card said, "Are you coming back?" YES, Indy, in 10 months!

The Senior missionaries took me to lunch at MIR and I had a fresh fish sandwich to die for...then the missionaries surprised me with a special tribute - a homemade cake made by Elder Fu'e and a mural birthday card signed with pictures,when I delivered the mail to the rugby field - I took a picture of the semi-circle of missionaries with my heart. On the mural card they had printed "48th!" Your idea is working, Timmy!

The end of a wonderful day - the homemade cake, the flowers, the cards of love, the mural card of love from the missionaries - thank you forever, Mom, for having me and giving me life here.

Our beautiful JoJo graduating with her GED - so many were to be congratulated that evening.

The graduating class assembled in front of the canopy - it threatened to rain, but never did.

Lydia, JoJo's counselor in the Stake YW Presidency, and Jojo, so happy for her accomplishment.

My neighbors, Vic and Miriam, gave me a fresh lobster that had come in from Kili with some friends - my first lobster ever.

Here's looking at you, merry month of May...this lobster tasted sooo good cooked in butter and garlic...ummmm!

More Mother's Day sightings...

2010-05-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Perhaps Moms of new missionaries are wondering how their missionaries are - here's a lunch break during the eight hours of orientation the day after they arrived (4/30/2010). Four Elders back in from outer islands for our May 1, 2010 Zone Conference - ElderPritchard (Ailinglapap), Elder Moimoi (Jaluit), Elder Christensen (Ailinglaplap), Elder Tingey (Jaluit). It's like having the sons of Mosiah get back together...

Sisters at Zone Conference - Sister Ruiz,Ve'e,Kitiona, Cummings, Teichert, Anterrea, Santos, Hansen

Elder Christensen taking more dessert - they don't have Rice Krispy squares on Ailinglaplap...

Our newest missionaries - Elder Amram, Elder Kimbar, Sister Hansen, Elder Sippy.

Sisters after Zone Conference. Laurie and I have been going around to the 6 other Primaries on island to help teach Pirmary music after teaching in our own ward (Long Island) - by far the favorite is "I Know That My Savior Loves Me." I wish this blog had sound so that you could hear them. Most all the children on this island look to the Elders and Sisters with respect and joy and love - many have taught them and their families and have changed their lives.

Ajeltake Branch Primary signing "LOVE".

Laurie at entrance to the Ajeltake Branch building - if you have a son who is or has worked here, it is one of the most beautiful LDS Meetinghouses on island and definitely has the most beautiful setting on the lagoon side.

Laurie teaching primary music at Laura Ward. - 5/2/2010

Laura Ward Primary signing "LOVE".

Elder Ahlstrom and Elder Christiansen at Laura Ward May 2, 2010 - Laurie and I ran into Elder Christensen there and he was able to video us doing the sign language to "I Know That My Savior Loves Me." He is going to teach that Primary Song and the sign language to the children of Ailinglaplap - he and three other Elders went back to that outer island two days later.

Elder Isom and Elder Ahlstrom at the Laura Church. It won't be much longer that Elder Ahlstrom is here - he has been an outstanding Zone Leader, Mom.

Moms, if you have ever had a son in Arrok, this is the Elders' apartment there in this pictoresque setting on the ocean side.

Elder Enlow and Elder Rareba at their home in Arrok - home for more water as they walk the miles to their appointments. They are doing well in their big assignment out in "the country."

(For my Mom) Mom, Laurie and I took each other's pictures at the palm tree Canopy out in Arrok - we had to hurry - see the car in the background?

Sister Hansen, Sister Santos, Sister Ruiz at the entrance to their home in Rita - they were able to get a ride with me from Payless after grocery shopping on their P-day - they were grateful for an air-conditioned car ride instead of a taxi...I'm taking care of them when I can, Moms!

Three sisters at the Purple Turtle on P-day - Sister Hansen, Sister Teichert, Sister Ruiz

Sister Ruiz from Pleasant Grove - living and working by the Marshallese Purple Turtle. The children adore her - thanks, Mom Ruiz, for sending her here to the Pacific.

For some Moms back home - Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T03:33:00.000-07:00

Elder Chef Enlow beginning his gourmet brunch of omelets and pancakes in between sessions of the Conference of Easter Sunday as we watched the DVDs as a District. It was an unexpected blessing to have two Easters this month. Moms, thought you would like to see how these sons are spending some of their training time - this was a District Conference to write home about.

Elder Blacker grating cheese - the other Elders wondering what to do while the seven omelets are being made...

Elder Jaksina found Sister Lytle's "Apples to Apples" game.

Elder Enlow's omelets and pancakes were to die for! Your sons ate well in between the last two sessions of Conference. It was a feast for body and spirit all morning long, for two days. I wish you could have been with us to hear your sons sing with everyone in the Conference Center "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". I wish you could have seen them reverently and solemnly sustain the Prophets. I wish you could have seen them taking notes and listening intently for hours.

Elder Waqatairewa, Elder Hill, Elder Blacker, Elder Jaksina - departing after 2 wonderful days as a District watching Conference (4/23-24/2010) Moms, thought you might like to see the light in your son's eyes...

Some flowers and a song for you, Mom...Elder Fu'e...

...Elder Rareba.... Elder Gardner. On their P-day, they each took a lot of thought about which flowers would be best for his Mom - hope you get them. Happy Mother's Day!

Elder Christiansen and Elder Pritchard, on island from Ailinglaplap for Zone Conference (4/26/10) - they look terrific and are on fire to go back with new companions each. Hi, Mom - we're doing great!

My first real companion, Sister Hansen, and her first day in the mission field (29 April 2010) - watching me teach piano lessons and meeting her first Marshallese. Mom Hansen, you have sent a remarkable daughter - she has already made a difference here, and our companionship that lasted two days will bless our lives forever. Happy Mother's Day!

Each missionary in our mission deserves time on this blog, but some are on outer islands and others have not been in front of my camera - you have sent remarkable sons and daughters. It is my privilege to serve them and to try to keep them healthy. Today is our Mother's Day in the Marshall Islands. I will add more pictures tomorrow, on your Mother's Day. How great is that, to have two Mother's Days!

Snapshots of time

2010-05-03T01:15:00.000-07:00

On the morning of our Sisters' Luncheon April 12, the power was out in Rita and Laura, but was on in Long Island - the chicken salad would be fine because Sister Steed had cooked the chicken already. Sister Davidson could not make her rolls without power, but Sister Hopoate had already made sticky buns and offered those instead. Let's roll!

Anticipating a great lunch and the YW General Broadcast.

Here we all are, finished with eating and unable to watch the YW General Braodcast because the power went out at 11:30...ah, the consistency with which the power goes out - we just never know when.

Our 6 beautiful Sisters - Sister Cummings, Sister Santos, Sister Ruiz, Sister Kitiona, Sister Anterrea, Sister Ve'e.

When I run in the morning, I round the first bend and see this view of the new mission home that is being constructed.

From the mission home to the flame tree...

I want to remember the flame tree in our complex as it looks in March and April and May.

On April 15, while I taught piano at the church, there were some neighborhood children playing with a treasure they found.

Saturday April 17 I met the Steeds in Ajeltake - we took care of some nursing business together because they are heading over to Kiribati as soon as the planes are flying. The wind always seems to blow in Ajeltake. Then, since I was so close to Laura Beach, I went there after going to their apartment at Laddie Jack's.

I had the beach all to myself - shell hunting while combing the beach and soaking up some rays.

Coming home from Laura Beach a plane nearly took my car off the road with its jetstream - who would have thought I would see this in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in the Marshall Islands? The namesake of my old home town - Norfolk!

People and places to remember...

2010-04-14T01:17:00.000-07:00

I work with Otintaai on distribution - don't those earrings look darling against her beautiful brown skin?

29 March 2010 - P-day basketball - see if you can find your son. There's some pretty tall drinks of water out there.

April 3, 2010 - Abrn, Gary, Maal and Laurie practicing for a musical number right before the baptism. They sang "Ye Elders of Israel" in three part harmony.

Our Long Island Ward Relief Society made it possible for the Pacific Islands Extension Agency to come and teach 4 consecutive nights of cooking classes - we had no idea what great things were in store for us - cooking class #1 on April 6, 2010.

The first really yummy dinner - Marshallese pumpkin and corned beef skillet!

Nellie, our Marshallese extension agent in the colorful Fijian dress, helping us to prepare for the demonstration of Class #2

Me, Rutha, and Sister Hopoate - notice our gloved hands. Our teacher taught us "First prepare yourselves, then the food."

Cooking class #2 Bean Stew - it was great, with green beans subbing for the hard red and pinto beans.

In between cooking class #2 and 3, Sister Cummings and I went to the ER with the Bells and the Zone Leaders (Elders Dew and Wright) and Sister Santos - it is a happening place in Majuro at 11:00 at night. She then spent the night in my apartment after seeing the doctor, and by the morning we both had had a great night's sleep! Whew! We dodged that bullet...

Three sisters from cooking class #3 - Sister Ladrick, Rutha, and Sister Levigh making crab salad.

The taro already cut up and the chicken waiting to be cut up for taro chicken vegetable stew.

Sister Enos, our teacher Nellie, and Sister Tima - we had a great time...

Yummy crab salad from cooking class #3!

Everywhere in the Marshall Islands can be seen Dads walking with their babies - these two proudly consented to let me take their picture in front of our mission office - the 'track' I run on is in the background as well as our apartment complex and the ocean wall out there by the farthest palm trees. My neighbor's laundry can be seen drying on the railing on the second floor of my building on the left.

Johnny's mission application picture - 11 April 2010. Nice smile, Johnny!

Here's the picture you requested, Corinne - the back of my hair. Now remember: this has two months worth of growth - I was scalped, right Elder & Sister Bell and Elder Keeley?

My little friend...

2010-04-14T01:04:00.000-07:00

AJ is my next door neighbor - he and I love to meet each other - we have our own language that only he and I understand - it is somewhere between English and Filipino, but it is a very exciting language and we get a lot communicated. He LOVES books, and we sit on the porch swing of his grandparents and read - thank you, Kim for sending the latest Dr. Seuss books! His imagination is amazing.

Nearly everyday AJ's grandpa is is out on the porch - it is a joy to have them as neighbors.

THE BIG WEEK - 13 March-20 MARCH 2010

2010-03-21T02:29:00.000-07:00

Our big week began with the visit of Elder Wakolo, who came on island to teach two great firesides and to help the Translation Department. He is the uncle of one of our missionaries, Elder Moimoi,who is on an outer island. On his last day here he came out to the Rugby field to say goodby to the Elders and Sisters - Sister Cummings and Elder Wakolo.

The waves crashing against the pier next to the one bridge on island - high tide the next day (3/16/2010) as we welcomed the Davidsons from Wyoming, our new CES and Humanitarian senior couple...taking them shopping at their new shopping mecca, Payless!

Sister Davidson and Sister Bell, her mentor - if you need it, just get it - don't look at the price!

The Davidsons in front of their new home.

3/17/2010 - The day of exchange finally arrived - President Smith welcomes President and Sister Hopoate to the mission home...

The Hopoates meet a few of the Elders at the mission office.

The Long Island Ward Yokwe Yokwe for departing Elders usually always begins with a wonderful hymn and a prayer; then we eat...with the honored guests starting off the line...

The yokwe yokwe - giving love and gratitude to the missionaries who gave two years. (3/13/2010)

Speaking one last time to their Long Island Family - Elder Knecht...

Elder Keeley...

Elder Heimuli.

Elder Haddock and Elder Dew - the departure look and the island look.

Elder Haddock using the shoehorn he has kept for two years just for this moment...

President Smith - where are those missionaries?

Elder Keeley.

Elder Heimuli.

Brother Ottoafie and Elder Knecht.

President Smith with an island tribute from Brother Ottowafie - a lei of fragrant meria.

Elder Keeley and Sister Teichert.

Elder Hewstone, Elder Haddock, Elder Knecht, Elder Heimuli, Sister Hewstone.

After leaving the airport, I went straight to the Stake Center for the Stake Relief Society Birthday Celebration. They had asked me to teach a class on nutrition, and my message was simple, right from Dr. and Sister Fuller: eat a rainbow of colors. If the Sisters will prepare meals as colorfully as they dress, their families will be in good hands.

Our amazing Zone Conference was on Friday, March 19, 2010. The day before, on the 18th, we had five new Elders and Sisters join us: Sister Anterea, Sister Ruiz, Elder Horan, Elder Blacker, and Elder Taylor. Elder Taylor is from my home town and just one month ago he was in my sister's home, being with his best friend, my nephew, Danny. He is going to be a wonderful asset to the mission. All five new Elders and Sisters will be - what strength we received that day.

Prelude week to the week of major changes (3/5-3/12/2010

2010-03-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

March 5, 2010 - Long Island District with West Zone Leaders, Elder Haddock and Elder Ahlstrom (back left and right) District leader Elder Isom in middle of back row. Front row: E;der Jaksina, Elder Abakite, Elder Rareba, Elder Enlow, Elder Waqatairewa.

Beautiful, sweet-smelling meria from the Church tree for the office workers...

Sister Bell doesn't think she can wear flowers because of her short hair - you be the judge...

Julien, Sister Teichert, Akamra: on Fridays Julien teaches Marshallese to Sister Teichert and Sister Teichert teaches singing to Akamra. (Namiko also gets a piano lesson, but she was gone by this picture and was featured earlier in this blog). Great times for sharing what we know.

The three Assistants sending off Elder Christensen (in glasses) to Ailinglaplap - Elder Adams (Kiribati), Elder Mackey, Elder Keeley (3/5/2010) Elder Christensen is obviously up for the adventure and work of an outer island.

At the Rugby field on P-Day (3/8/2010) our President had an announcement for us all - he would be leaving the mission to help his wife and his daughter in Megan's recovery. Depending on her progress, there is a great chance that they will be back. We will have an interim President chosen by the Twelve.

The President's amazing words of encouragement and direction to his missionaries. Reactions? Stunned but supportive...amazing young Elders and Sisters.

On the 9th of March I was surprised at work when Karen gave me a beautiful tote scripture purse made by her mother's friend. The ammimono handiwork here is made by gifted artisans.

On Corinne's Marshallese birthday (3/10) I had the 4 Assistants over for a good old fashioned homemade hamburger and french fry dinner, and Elder Keeley took on making the shakes.

Elder Heimuli, Elder Mackey, and Elder Adams encouraging Elder Keeley in his shake making.

Got milkshake anyone?

Meria flower on Corinne's US birthday (11 March 2010)

Last Long Island District Meeting for Elder Haddock and Elder Knecht (12 March 2010)

For entertainment this week, I went to the first Act of Hamlet on Tuesday and the Second Act on Friday. Here are the Marshall Islands High School Gospel Singers who provided entertainment before each Act of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" - what a privilege it was to see this great production - so many see the talent that is here and are working to help bring opportunities to the people of this atoll.

The tragedy of course ends with everyone dying - this is Hamlet in death as he is carried away (for a curtain call...)

Curtain call for for the remarkable Marshall Islands High School production of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" (80% in Marshallese, the famous soliloquies in English, costuming and setting in the Marshall Islands - really fantastic and vogue ideas by the Dartmouth college innovators who gave these high school kids this experience!)

Some important island landmarks and people

2010-03-06T23:03:00.000-08:00

An important landmark on Majuro is the place where the atoll bends north from its east to west southern leg. In this larger area, there are many buildings, like Payless, a theatre, the Bank of Guam and many other small businesses. But for our missionaries on Pday afternoon the field in the elbow is the happening place!

Just as the road bends North there is a large government building that looks impressive - it is where the Nitejela (parliment) meets. Unfortunately the interior of the building does not match the standards of the outside. Some great action on the field...Elder Afioga, Elder Gulbrandsen, Elder Hill, Elder Mackey, Elder Keeley, Elder Christensen

Sister Kitiona, Sister Teichert, Sister Ve'e standing in the antecubital fossa of the elbow at Delap with the lagoon in the background - the elbow bends around the lagoon (yar)...

Three Samoan Rugby players - Elder Amohanga, Elder Fa'alogo, Elder Afioga

Here's a parting view of the lagoon in the elbow at Delap....

The morning finally came for Elder Gilbert and Elder Fa'alogo - Tuesday 9 February 2010 at the airport with preparations complete and tickets in hand (barely) to fly out to open Ebon to the preaching of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ebon was the first in the Marshall Island chain to have Christian missionaries - now these Elders will be the first to see if they can add to what they already have.

Our 4 Elders ran into Brother William Swain, who has translated the Book of Mormon into Marshallese and is now working on translating the Doctrine and Covenants - he is their hero - so manyof their investigators have been brought to a knowledge of the truth because of his efforts.

The obvious respect and love the Elders have for Brother Swain.

The miraacle meeting of the Ebon Elders and their mission Mom at the Majuro airport - her plane from Hawaii had to be on time and the Elders plane to Ebon had to be late for them to be able to see each other - this is a mission of miracles. I'll bet every mission in the world could say that.

Majuro revisited with you in mind (continued)...

2010-03-05T23:43:00.000-08:00

This is the Phillipine restaurant - La Bodgie - where I meet with my dear friend, Linda, every Wednesday for lunch. Sister Lytle started this tradition and we love it! Thanks, Sandy! JoJo and I were on a mission - we pulled up to this home...

The Steeds had brought in from Laura a yummy pandanus to share - JoJo and I took it to this sweet widow sister in the ward

How would you like to have an ocean pool in your back yard like she does?

Granddaughters in the backyard.

Backyard visit... Cistern to catch the precious rainwater.

A typical sight from my car - missionaries out among the people - in this case, Elder Isom and Elder Rareba.

JoJo and I went on the new section of road that goes around the airport hangers - a little bit of high tide made it exciting!

Watch out for speed bumps - they can slow you down....

Look at the size of this new speed bump - that car nearly high-centered on it :)

Maria - a fragrant flowering tree in the Marshalls whose flowers are perfect for putting in your hair - this tree is by the airport...

JoJo wanted me to give them to you, my daughters!

JoJo's father's land in Long Island....

"Please save it for me, Dad...I'll live in that house :)"

Someone's food storage in Long Island protected by a watch dog.

Our mission office in Long Island (just the teeny door and window on the bottom right)...

Connected to a branch of Payless.

When the garbage needs to be tossed, we haul it to the dump - someone is usually there to get it out of the trunk. If not, we toss it ourselves.

My favorite Filipino cookie - peanut butter filling - at the Formosa store across from the dump - one for me, one for JoJo - moderation in all things.

Welcome to our friendly Long Island Formosa Store! Majuro has everything we need - if the boats keep coming!