September

Another productive week in the Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission for Elder and Sister Preston.

We spent three days this week and will add one day next week delivering books sent to our mission from Deseret Books in the states to distribute to those who would benefit. The books were modern science fiction, a few literature books, and some DK books that were probably the best. (The books for the younger children are being used in the pre-school and after school program created by Elder and Sister Doig, who are the Self-reliant/Education missionaries.)

Before Sister Goodsell left, she and I categorized the books according to reading ability. Since Elder Preston and I had already made connections with the schools, I made the appointments with the principals to deliver the books. 

Students admiring the books at
CO OP Middle School.
Mr. Sidal, 6th grade advisor, is
in our ward.

Mr. Eric Hester, Librarian, from
San Bernadino, CA in the back
of the COOP Library.

      It was an exciting day for educators and students. Elder and Sister Doig were floating with delight as they presented the books to each of the schools.  Elder Preston captured some good moments.

E/S Doig with Assumption High School Librarian,
Erica Block, from Fortworth, Texas.

Sister Preston, Principal Biram Stege,
Sister Doig, & Elder Doig
Assumption HS

The Doigs plus Librarian and Assistant,
Merring Aine & Angeline Derum.

We were invited to Marshall Island
High School's weekly assembly
to gift the books.

Sister Doig presenting books,
while Sister Preston & Elder Doig
hold their favorites.

Vice-Principal, Rubida,  LDS
member, YW President, and our
friend bringing the 1100 students
to order.

I wish that you could have really seen the joy on the faces of these
teachers as they picked up the books.  The math teacher,
left front, let out a cheer.

Group photo with students.

Laura High School students examining the goods.

Laura HS Library.
L/S Doig.  In the back Sister Preston
found another friend, Mr. Tibon.

 It was Labor Day Holiday in the MI on September 1st.  Good news for us!  Our 4 1/2 hour health screening was canceled for Friday.  To celebrate, our CLP group went to the atoll/island of Calalen where we enjoyed snorkeling, eating, enjoying clean ocean water, and visiting with good people of MI, Japan, and the states.

     

It is always great to have more senior missionaries around us.  E/S Belshe, visiting our part of the mission on a special assignement from Tarawa, Kiribati,  joined us at a little eatery called Yummys.  

Sister Belshe, Sister Preston, Sister & Elder Doig,
Elder Preston.  Elder Belshe took the picture.

           Senior missionaries enjoy the hamburgers, fries, shakes.  (I like the quesadas.) It was only 89 degrees, which was great, because there is only outside seating.  Nice part - look at the view!

View from our table.

Minutes later - Sun is lower.

 As we continue to serve, come away from different situations, celebrate positive moments, and encounter bumps in the road, we often ask ourselves this question.  What did I learn from this experience, and what will I do different in the future?  Hopefully you have the opportunity to ask yourself the same question. 

Please remember how much we appreciate your goodness, support, and love.

Love always,

Elder and Sister Preston

Missionaries in the Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission for 11 months:):)