Sending a new Missionary out From Santo

Had such a sweet experience picking up Jackie Joseph, age 18 and first born son, to fly out of Santo and head to the MTC.    He lives in the Palon Branch about 45 minutes from our home.   As we approached the village we saw most of the branch was still there waiting since church to send this young man off to serve The Lord.    It was so quiet and reverent, as I approached the group that  was surrounding him, I could only whisper.  There was a special reverence.   Lovely.   They all waited while the Branch President and elder Williams had a meeting.   I had a sweet experience talking with many of the branch and family.    Many tears and hugs.    Most of these women are family members in some way.

Sister Kelly cooked breadfruit over the fire while we waited to feed the group.   Good, tastes like bread dough.

Elder Williams led the group in "god be with you till we meet again" as tears fell.    Then we took Jackie to his home to get his bag and say goodbye to his mom and dad.    Younger brothers trailing behind, so we put them in the back of the truck.    Mom had a very hard time saying goodbye.    Last thing Jackie said was....    Keep going to church.    He said it over and over.   "Bae yu go long jos ol taem".  

Those were the only words I heard him say.    He had a hard time speaking.    

Mama sobbed and sobbed.  His father brought out two baskets of manioc for us.    It was his contribution to his sons keep on his mission.   He placed them before Mike and  Mike  bowed back to him with a thank you gesture.   

I went up to her and told her I knew how hard it was to have a son go away, but Papa God would watch over him and he would be blessed for serving The Lord.    

Journey to Tasiriki.....

After  a two and a half hour drive, crossing five rivers and shifting between first and second gear I finally made it to the village of Tasariki.  It s in a beautiful setting.  Hardly anyone was around.  I guess they were all out in the bush working in their plantations and gardens.  we did talk to a couple very friendly men and left each of them with a Book of Mormon and a pamphlet on the restoration.  The place is too remote to consider sending missionaries here now but we planted some seeds.    

How to build a church

Members of the Fanafo branch gathered to put up walls on their bush chapel.  They split bamboo into strips and then weave them into a panel making a wall.

Gathering coral

Gathering coral to fill in those soggy muddy roads or spots in members yards.  Taking this haul to President Anderson's house.    

President Hingai's children helping...

Homemade catamaran!    

Seminary YSA party at the Blue Hole

Spent the day with the Seminary and YSA from Luganiville branch.    We helped transport over 50 student to a day of games, kakae, and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Santos amazing blue holes!    Naturally filtered water rises to provide a perfect place to swim.      We had rice, kumala, island cabbage and chicken legs.     They played scripture treasure hunt among other games.   

My little friend,  Nanci..  

Noodle eating contest!!!   No pie or not dogs for these kids....   Give them NOODLES!

Playing a form of Scripture Bowl

Blessing a boat

Elder Williams was out working in the yard one morning around 6:30 and a man we knew from another island came in the yard and asked him to give his new cargo boat a blessing.    It was going to be its first voyage from santo to Malekula carrying passengers and whatever people want sent...

So we went down to one of the wharfs and found Brother Patrick Ishmael (the one with the big smile) and his new boat, the Kiangah!     All the crew was very respectful and shook our hands after.

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Forgot to out the picture of our apartment I mentioned at the end of the last posting!

Third house up from water.   Big white roof.   We live in one half of basement....   Nicest views!