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