Nobomba

Becca, Colin, and E/S Doig set up a table by the security shed at the front of our complex to hand out treats for the children on Halloween.  It was certainly great for all of us who live in the three large apartment buildings.  No children were pounding on our doors screaming/singing - Happy Happy Halloween - over and over and over again.

We went with E/S Coombs to dinner at the Special Restaurant to celebrate Halloween.  Good Chinese food which was fresh and hot out of the kitchen.  We had a very pleasant time with great conversation. 

We are part of a Steering Committe led by Tanner.  The goals:  Change the City Ordinance to prohibit little shops close to the elementary schools from selling betel nut, tobacco, alcohol beverages, and foods that have no nutritional content during school hours; establish school lunch regulations so vendors cannot sell food to the children that is unclean and have no nutritional content; and involve the school principals and public as stakeholders.

We are making progress.  Now, if those officials who are to implement the penalities will do so.

Tanner leading the discussion
using projector.

Do you think the people look enthused?

Margie, speech therapist, Brenda
(dietitian) from Washington state and Dr. Briand from MOH.

Margie and Brenda in the picture at the left will be here for one month, helping Tanner go to all the schools to help support needs. Brenda comes for one month every year.

Margie does looked shocked.  The little shops by the schools that she thought were "mom & pop" store are actually owned by one Chinese man.  Convincing him to go along with the hopefully new city ordinances will be a challenge.

Dr. Briand to the right was the Minister of Health Secretary.  Now no one really knows what he does, except get a pay check. He does an enormous amount of talking at each event.  In our year here, we have never seen him actually do or promote anything.  It is sad.





A great moment in time - The CMI kitchen is finally being used for the nursing nutritional class.  Here are a few of the students.  We were excited to open the kitchen door, not only find nursing students learning to prepare healthy cooking recipes, but Connie, one of our Outreach Team members attending the class.

A few of the nursing students.

Connie on the far right.

The President of Taiwan has come and gone. Forty journalists traveled with her.  Many of her co-travelers stayed in the apartment complex across from us.  The Taiwanese people who work here were exhausted from her visit as were many of our Marshellese people, who were charge of her housing, food, safety, speeches, etc.

President Tsai from Taiwan & President Heine from
the Marshall Islands.

The island is much cleaner than it was. It would be so wonderful if it could stay that way.

We had prepared for weeks to go to Rong Rong on Saturday, our P-day.  Elder Preston had contacted the mayor, to request that we could use the MalGov boat for the trip.  Russell, who is over MalGov, said that he would drive the boat, which was an advantage, because he has ongoing permission to enter any of the islands.  Even up until we saw Russell at the Outreach on Friday, everything was set.

The senior couples prepared all kinds of yummy food.

We borrowed two 5 gallon gas cans from Bishop Ned and got them filled.  We made arrangements to use the mission truck.  At 8:45AM, we were already and headed to Laura to meet Russell to enter the boat.  Russell never arrived.  Elder Preston texted him, called, him, and went to the police station in Laura, and they tried to find him.  His phone was turned off and we were stood up.

It was evident that Elder Preston was so disappointed.  He loves trips like this and had put a lot of energy into the event for all ten of us.

When reality hit that our trip to the island was not going to happen after waiting 1 1/2 hours, the ten of us, got in our cars and went to the beach at the end of Laura. Elders Preston, Coombs & Seager did a lot of swimming.  Their wives, me included, did a lot of walking in the water.  The food and conversation was good and no one felt that it wasn't a good day. 

Our own - Elder Preston

He doesn't know that I was taking these
pictures way back
on shore.

We are only having one team for outreach clinics for the month of November instead of two.  There are so many people who cannot attend or are off island.  Glorina is an Alap (landowner) and lives in Jenrok, so we went to her yard to set up our tent.  She works in the same office as Russell Languine, who is over MalGov in this country.  Unfortunately, she was not a happy person.  Even though we have known that we going to this site for three weeks, Russell, who said he would tell her, forgot to call her until she was on her way to work on the day it was to happen.

We were supposed to go to her area a month ago.  She had a large crowd ready for Team 2, and for some reason, it was cancelled.  I think because of the downpour of rain.  Consequently, she told Russell, "you cancelled on me - I'm cancelling you.  Go somewhere else."  She had been very offended.  I'm not sure how Russell talked into our being able to come, but he did.

Health Screening

Exercise in action.
Nicki & Sister Preston inputting data.

Our cute additions seem to be
concentrating.

Glorina - Alap (landowner) on the right with friend
making breadfruit & fish soup.

It was a successful turnout even without prior knowledge.  We had 24 show.  Six of these people have high blood pressure and/or high blood sugar.  25% - lower than normal, though. 75% of the people ranged from 30 - 50 years old. Rather high percentage of health issues for being in such a young age bracket.

We continue to worked with good people from all religion and some who have no religion.  There support and what we learn about their lives, traditions, and living conditions will stay with us forever.  We are truly blessed in so many ways.

Just in case you might forget - 
We love and miss you and continue to appreciate your love and support.

                                                                                        Elder & Sister Preston