Manit

Dear family and friends,

Hopefully you have been able to watch conference.  Something that is challenging for us, but we will get to see reruns in the evenings when time permits.  Please enjoy it first hand for us.

We had a 70th birthday party for Sister Doig for FHE at our flat. I made a strawberry cake with strawberry frosting, which we topped with ice cream, after pizza and salad.  A good American treat!  The evening didn't go completely as planned - for we were ready to play games and have an evening away from talking shop, but it didn't quite happen.  Sister Coombs and I tried.

Sister Doig.
One of our favorite senior missionaries.
Happy 70th.

We are continuing to do the data collection at the public elementary schools.  Two interesting items:  One of the sixth grade teachers smelled very strong of alcohol.  It saddened me to think that this man, who is supposed to be a positive example to these young students, arrived to work already slurring his words.  I wanted to fire him on the spot. Second:  We were doing some of Tanner and Anne's 2nd grade classes, because our team had finished 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Long Island Elementary.  The 2nd grade teacher could not even read the names on the roster for her class.  She could not see the words even after she found her glasses.  Finally I found a name that she recognized, and we were able to progress. Education here is challenging for us to observe in some incidents.

We enjoyed meeting over 1200 students during the past two weeks.  We did measurements on all those who were in attendance.  Their bell system is unique. 

Ajeltake school bell.

Ajeltake actually had a bell that was hit with a bar.  The others schools used oxygen or gas tanks which they hit with a hammer.  Trust me - the noise travels well.

Schools furniture in some schools is sparse and the windows have no glass.  The wooden doors are closed at the end of the day and/or when it is rain is entering the classroom.

Classrooms are painted all the
same inside  and outside.
Student uniforms match the color.
Note the fans and unique student chairs.

Tomomi, Tanner, and I are waiting
for recess to end.

Heavy curriculum.  

Another classroom with wooden window
coverings.

We went to the airport to say good-bye to four of our missionaries, who have served wonderfully.  They will be missed.  They have served under very difficult circumstances.  We are so proud of them.

 

Four amazing missionaries
 returning to
home.

Nasko with her family.

Bishop Ned, Nasko, Sister Ned &
daughter, and Edward (return
missionary who served in NZ.)

Also, Nasko, from one of our wards, was going on the same flight to Honolulu.  She is leaving for her mission to the Philippines.  She works for her uncle at Marshall Island Resort; was one of our institute students; and is in the YW presidency.  She will be an amazing missionary. We are so proud of her. Her English communication is very good.  Now she will be learning a third language.

We were told by our supervisors in NZ that we needed to check the generators and the chainsaw in our emergency container.  The cyclone season arrives in November.  We are very grateful that we did.  There were problems:

1.    We had a very difficult time unlocking the two paddle locks to enter the emergency container, which we had completely stocked in February.  Had to buy more WD-40 and another lock.

2.    We brought the chainsaw home because we needed to buy gas/oil mix to start it. The primer button disintegrated when pushed.  We took it to DO IT BEST.  The men said they could replace the parts, but also the tubing inside the unit was cracked and useless, too.

3.    Saturday, we returned to the emergency container; removed the two generators; poured gas into both; one started immediately; the second one - wouldn't start. 

4.    Elder Doig returned with Elder Preston with the truck to get the generator and take it to DO IT BEST, too.

We were personally invited to the Manit (Cultural)Day 2017 celebration at Arrak Campus of CMI from 4:00-8:00.  We invited all the senior couples, plus the Winchesters.  We decided to leave our apartments at five, which would put us there around 6:00.  Our ward activities usually start late, so we unfortunately misjudged when this would really start. The event started on time. The food was gone.  We missed the Program. 

The event shirt.

Bego, who invited us, weaving a canoe for one
of the dances. With Seagers and Doigs watching.

We were fortunate to be in attendance for the singing and dancing performances, which were very cultural and delightful. 

The videos:  1. When a group is singing, it is not uncommon for one or two to jump forward with a solo. 2. CMI teacher throwing water at the performers. 3. entrance dance 4. men and women in singing/dancing communications.

Night has arrived.  Last number!

The theme was "Lokmeitit," which means "A True Leader," in English.

We are blessed to have our lives filled with people, activities, projects, spiritual opportunities, and challenges. Hopefully your challenges do not overwhelm the rest of your world this week.

We feel your support every day.  It is one of our greatest blessings!

We love you,

Elder and Sister Preston