Arrival of August

Not a great way to start August, but it is getting better.  I was hit with the intestinal flu and then unfortunately shared it with Elder Preston.  We have not stopped progress.  Just moving at a slower speed.

I did help with the health screening on Friday, but I didn't stay for the exercise, health lesson, or cooking demonstration.  I returned home to rest.

Before it started, I sat in the car and was somewhat fascinated by the homes surrounding the basketball court where the health screening was to take place. I was able to get a couple of quick pictures without intruding into the people's lives.

No windows.

Son being sent to the store by dad.

MI basketball player.
True - mumps hit hard.

On Saturday during the Farmer's Market where we cook and serve food samples twice a month, we prepared parrot fish and vegetable stir-fry.  Another vendor was selling whole Parrot Fish.  Look at the beautiful turquoise color.  

Our parrot fish.

Fish/vegetable stir fry.

Parrot fish sold at market.

Hirobo, manager of the Marshall Islands Resort, invited Craig to participate in the strong man canoe race today at 3:00PM. Craig/Elder Preston would be in the lead motored boat, which would watch out for the sailing canoes. Unfortunately, he was too sick to go.  I am so sad for him.  I know how much he would have loved it.  The sailing canoes left Delap and headed for an outer island.  Before they left shore, one member of the two man team husked six coconuts, made a basket from a pandanus tree frond, and sailed to a selected outer island to deliver the basket. The men in the first sailing canoe to return to the Delap Shore would win $2000. 

Make a basket!

Fronds ready to be cut and woven.

First man done with basket.
Oldest man participating.

Coconuts in basket.
Done with machete.

Ready to go with grandson.

Still in front of the rest.

There were exciting things happening at the resort, for they were celebration 21 years of success.  There were good Marshallese people presenting crafts that have been passed down through centuries of time: wood carving; weaving of baskets, belts, and head pieces; handmade furniture; handmade tools to cut fronds, husk coconuts, etc.

Sister Swain from our ward on the far left sitting next to
Sister Doig, senior missionary in a cast with
young Marshallese and guests learning the crafts.

Start with a pandanus frond.

Sister Swain knows how it happens.

Delightful good example to all.

Sister Preston wants to learn, too.

Sister Preston making a belts as many senior
missionaries supervise.
I, now, have a new belt.

Good News!  The CMI kitchen is ready for the last appliances to be delivered and we, LDS Charities, will buy all the cooking  pans & dishes on Monday.  We will plan a big celebration for the students, staff, community, and church members after everything is up and running.  The college is hiring a cook and an assistant soon.  College students will actually have a cafeteria where nutritional food is served. The nutrition teacher will have a classroom for his students during the day.  The cafeteria will serve breakfast and lunch.

 

Appliances donated by LDS
Charities.

New slide window to order.
Sink was a challenge to ship here.
Cost many times more than in the states.

Storage room behind the kitchen.
It will also house two big freezers
and a commercial frig.

This is an e-mail that we received from the president of the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI), concerning the new nutritional kitchen/cafeteria. We have been so blessed to meet many incredible people here. Dr. Theresa, which she likes to be called, because Dr. Koroivulaono is a challenge for most of us, is a devoted Catholic who has relatives and friends who are LDS.  She has great respect for our church.  We appreciate her friendship.

Iokwe Brother and Sister Preston,

I take this opportunity to thank you both on behalf of CMI for the completion of the renovation of the Uliga dorm kitchen. Please also convey our sincere gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints for helping CMI improve our services to our students in a meaningful and sustainable way. We would not have been able to do this without your generosity and consideration. I am sure that Rachel will be writing to you shortly to confirm a meeting time for the discussions on purchasing kitchen utensils.

Sincerely and with thanks,

Theresa.

Theresa Koroivulaono (PhD)| President, College of the Marshall Islands|

The 2 mile walking trail has been approved.  Russell got financing from Minister of Public Works.  Hopefully people will take advantage of it. Very few adults in the MI walk or do any type of exercise. 

The pontoon project that will consume thousands of dollars is moving forward.  Elder Preston has done illustrations, taken pictures, made critical sketches, and done research to get it presented to the committee for review in New Zealand.  It looks as though it will actual happen during the first part of 2018.  Hopefully we will be here to celebrate the occasion.  We, LDS Charities, are adding water storage units, pontoons, to all of our five chapels, to supply more water to our members and the communities surrounding our chapels during the drought season.  We are working with Melgov, local government led by Russell, to make this happen.

When you have moments in your life that are completely overwhelming remember this true statement: 

“Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” D&C 19:23:

We feel your love. Please feel ours.

Love always,

Elder & Sister Preston