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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