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Excitement has plummeted the people on our atoll.  The President of Taiwan will be here for a quick visit.  The last two days have been declared "National Clean-Up Day."  It is amazing to see so many people raking, cutting trees, building new fences, collecting trash, painting, and practicing the driving route the dignitaries travel.  The people have come to life.  

After the last week of heavy rain and our apartment being inundated with water, our landlord sent a group of men to paint the wall on the ocean side where we get flooded with each storm.

Painting to stop rain.  Not sure how that works.

In three days they finished the paint sealer.  Didn't stop the rain!  We just plan to keep soaking up water for five more months.  hahaha

Having a P-day free from the Farmer's Market gave us a chance for a drive to Ajeltake to walk along the ocean with E/S Doig. It was refreshing to observe the movement of the great sea; have the cooling waves hit our legs; and feel the breeze against our faces.  The most enjoyable part was watching Elder Preston become rejuvenated as he walked back and forth in the water.

Just let me walk in the water.

Having fun.

Good balancing.

Great land.

Roll those pants.

Nice coral beach.

Seniors know how to have fun, too.

We saw a home that was really well built and must have been beautiful.  After the home was finished, the landowner kicked the home owners off his property and let the house become trash.  So sad! This is no unusual.  The homeowner will give permission to let a person build a home at this own expense and pay rent to the landowner.  The the landowner changes his mind.

New home - #1.

Picture #2.

We spotted two cement markers stating miles on the way home from Ajeltake.  Picture moment. 

Later we arrived at Bishop and Sister Ned's home to complete part 2 of their planting event.  Eight of the original women brought their new seedlings that they planted in egg cartons during part 1.  There was a wide range of success:  plants so large that Rubida went on Google and her husband made her garden buckets to transplant her seedlings before we were to gather; one sister had two small plants - one growing - the other - not sure it was still living;and those proudly bringing their plants to be celebrated.

 

Ready to unload the grow boxes and soil from the truck.

First excited arrival.

Proudly sharing her success.

Two small sprouts but still happy.

Neighbors joined, too.

Our RS President, Assistant Attorney General,
and wife of the Bishop.

Planting directions given by Elder Preston.

Two of the boxes and seven happy people.
The eighth was attending a funeral.

Home delivery.

Made her own grow boxes
from Google directions.
Very good plants.

They were excited as we drove some of them with their new little garden boxes to their homes.

Our Friday 4 hours of health screening took an unplanned turn.  For the third Friday in a row, it was pouring rain, so our area in Rita was cancelled and five of us headed to Laura, which was previously handled by Team 2.  After a late start we finally arrived at the Salvation Army church.  The pastor said that someone called and said the screening, cooking, exercise, and health education presentation were cancelled.  

Sometimes Tanner's employees misunderstand his directions.  He had told one employee to call Joni (cook on Team 2) and tell her to come into the Wellness Center to work instead of going to Laura, because Anne from Team 1 would be doing the cooking in Laura - the Rita area for Team 1 was cancelled.  The employee did call Joni, but then she also called the Pastor in Laura and told him that we had cancelled and would arrive the following week.  We already had other areas scheduled for the following four weeks.  That would not work.

Enjoying the stirfry that they made.

Happy chefs.

 

Most of our attendees at the Health Screening in Ajeltake.

When the pastor realized this, he called and collected some of the people again. So the health screening dragged forward for an extra hour. We didn't have time for exercise, but did make time for education and cooking/eating.  We did not leave Laura until 2:00 for our hour trip back.  This was a 6 1/2 hour adventure.

We have been asked to speak at a Stake Youth Fireside this evening.  The theme is "ASK."  It is always rewarding when we need to study, prepare, and then share.  

Please remember how important that you are in our lives.

Love is sent your way.

Elder & Sister Preston

ronoul juon

Invitation, lollies, pin, and the history
of Taiwan.

Living in a very small country, actually on an atoll has its benefits.  We have been invited to events that we would have never had the opportunityto attend in our great USA.  This Monday evening we were able to participate in the celebration of the 106th national Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). We received a beautiful hand delivered invitation from the Ambassador and Mrs. Daniel D. W. Tang. 

It was a delightful evening filled with timely speeches and talented performances.  Nicki, one of our favorite co-workers, sang a traditional Taiwanese song.  It is an story about an earthquake destroyed many area and families.  The theme of the song is "cherish what you have and cherish what you love." She was amazing. 

We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Taiwanese people.  They are dedicated hard-working people with creative ideas and without a moment of hesitation or complaint when asked to help or try something new.  

There are good reason for having a companion when serving a mission.  It just makes life better.  Senior missionary couples are fortunate to have a prechosen companion.  I'm happy to have my companion with me again, even though he was only off island a short period of time.

Can you find Elder Preston?

Welcome back!

Our week has been lighter than normal, but good movement with our projects.

We attended a baptism for a twelve year old boy, who gave a sweet testimony after his baptism.  It was actually his birthday today, October 21, 2017.  The sisters have been teaching him for quite awhile and he seemed to be ready for this important moment in his life.

A wonderful event!

Friday our outreach was quite different.  The landowner left the island and no people showed for the health screening.  Leilani went knocking on doors.  It seems that most of the people were at work, which is a good thing, or just not answering their doors.  She went to a house where there were some construction workers and found one young man, whom she knew, so she told them to come.  So we had mostly men, but altogether we only had 8 people.  Elder Preston enjoyed giving them cooking tips as they were making cabbage/onion pancakes.  We were huddled under a canopy in the landowners backyard, because of the heavy downpour.

Health education on exercise before the rain.

Elder Preston giving cooking pointers.

It has been pouring rain most of this week, so our apartment office had water 3/4 across the carpet and along 1/4 of the wall in our bedroom, plus a small area of plaster has fallen on the floor.  They have fixed the outside wall that faces the ocean where the wind blows and the rain plummets 14 times.   Guess what?  Hasn't worked yet.  Maybe 15 will be the charm.

Mike Lloyd, who works for the American Embassy has finished his four week job in the Marshall Islands. He gets to go home for a month before returning to Bangkok.  A couple of Sundays ago, he asked us if we ever received care packages.  We said that we did.  He asked if we liked Stephens' hot chocolate.  Of course, I do.  His last Sunday here, he brought me a new container of Raspberry Chocolate. He said that he will get a new supply when he returns to Utah.  Then he said, "Just turn your AC on high and enjoy it."

Mike Lloyd and us outside of the Uliga/Delap Ward Building.

We now have the opportunity to trade police patches with a variety of police officers here.  Why?  Elder and Sister Coombs have a son, who is a police officer in Australia.  Since we know the head of MalGov, he is helping us make this happen.  Just in case you have a friend who is an officer and would like to trade patches from across the sea, let us know.

Australian Police Patch

Today attending church had added blessings.  We had the opportunity to meet Torlick (Tory) Tima, who came and sat by us before Sunday School started and asked us a few of the typical questions:  Where is your home? How long do you have before returning home? 

E/S Preston & Bro. Tima

Our turn in asking questions produced a higher level of interest.  
1. We found out that he and his wife had recently moved to North Salt Lake - not far from our home.
2.  He was the first Marshellese person to join the church.  He was living in Colorado at the time. Moving there when he was 16 years old.
3. He was the sixth missionary to serve in the Marshall Islands and the first Marshallese to serve here.  When he arrived in 1977, there were six missionaries in the entire area, where 45 missionaries are serving now.
4.  He and his companion were serving in Ebeye after opening the island of Chuuk, when they received a message from the mission president in the Honolulu Mission that they were needed in Majuro.
5.  He grew up on the mainland and speaks perfect English.

Bro. Tima with five of our young missionaries
serving in the Delap Ward.

6.  He is a relative of Edward Peterson: who was one of our institute students; YM president; today became the ward clerk, too; served a two year mission in New Zealand; and is only 24 years old.

Edward and his uncle, Bro. Tima

Delap Bishopric with
Bro. Tima, 2nd from the right.

Delap Ward Priesthood
Can you find Elder Preston and Bro. Tima?

We have thoroughly been blessed as we continue to meet people passing through our little part of the world and the good people who live here. Recognizing goodness is much easier because of the part that you play in our lives.

Thank you for your continued support and love.

Elder & Sister Preston

Oktoba

Dear family and friends,

"All missionaries... serve with the sole hope of making life better for other people." - Elder Russell M. Nelson (Thank you to Polly for this great reminder.)

Since Elder Preston is off island for the week, I have been attempting to handle our projects in a timely manner.  To be honest, I do miss my companion and look forward to his return.

We have started the data collection in the private schools.  I realize that these pictures are from our public school collection last week, but Elder Preston and I are seldom in the same groups, so I wanted to share them. Tanner took this pictures and air dropped into my IPAD.  I love technology even though I have no idea how it really works.

Weight is important.

Waiting children - Is it my turn yet?

Checking height.

Yes, this is the lunch that children buy from
the vendors. We are working to make this better.

Since I needed a new partner for Farmer's Market this week, I asked Tomomi, who is here under JICA to help me.  She is a very bright capable young dietician from Japan and will be working in the hospital for two years.  She has become a valuable member of CLP, and we have partnered previously in collecting data. She quit her good job in a major hospital in Japan to come to the Marshall Islands.

Sister Preston & Tomomi.

Elder Coombs took our pictures in front
of the new Farmer's Market signs.

Papaya Soup.
Yes papaya is a fruit and yes it
can be cooked. :)

So if you are bored with your regular meals, please try Papaya & Fish Soup.  It was actually quite popular, even though I was unable to add fish.  The local markets were sold out, so extra vegetables and our home grown New Zealand spinach were added along with fresh grated ginger and garlic that enhance many dishes.

It is true that we serve the people in the Marshall Islands, whom we love and appreciate more each day.  Your support shown through calls, e-mails, notes, and care packages continue to bless our lives.  Most of all we feel your love and prayers.  Great blessings arrive constantly from the prayers of our grandchildren.

We love you and miss you,
Elder & Sister Preston