Arrival of August

Not a great way to start August, but it is getting better.  I was hit with the intestinal flu and then unfortunately shared it with Elder Preston.  We have not stopped progress.  Just moving at a slower speed.

I did help with the health screening on Friday, but I didn't stay for the exercise, health lesson, or cooking demonstration.  I returned home to rest.

Before it started, I sat in the car and was somewhat fascinated by the homes surrounding the basketball court where the health screening was to take place. I was able to get a couple of quick pictures without intruding into the people's lives.

No windows.

Son being sent to the store by dad.

MI basketball player.
True - mumps hit hard.

On Saturday during the Farmer's Market where we cook and serve food samples twice a month, we prepared parrot fish and vegetable stir-fry.  Another vendor was selling whole Parrot Fish.  Look at the beautiful turquoise color.  

Our parrot fish.

Fish/vegetable stir fry.

Parrot fish sold at market.

Hirobo, manager of the Marshall Islands Resort, invited Craig to participate in the strong man canoe race today at 3:00PM. Craig/Elder Preston would be in the lead motored boat, which would watch out for the sailing canoes. Unfortunately, he was too sick to go.  I am so sad for him.  I know how much he would have loved it.  The sailing canoes left Delap and headed for an outer island.  Before they left shore, one member of the two man team husked six coconuts, made a basket from a pandanus tree frond, and sailed to a selected outer island to deliver the basket. The men in the first sailing canoe to return to the Delap Shore would win $2000. 

Make a basket!

Fronds ready to be cut and woven.

First man done with basket.
Oldest man participating.

Coconuts in basket.
Done with machete.

Ready to go with grandson.

Still in front of the rest.

There were exciting things happening at the resort, for they were celebration 21 years of success.  There were good Marshallese people presenting crafts that have been passed down through centuries of time: wood carving; weaving of baskets, belts, and head pieces; handmade furniture; handmade tools to cut fronds, husk coconuts, etc.

Sister Swain from our ward on the far left sitting next to
Sister Doig, senior missionary in a cast with
young Marshallese and guests learning the crafts.

Start with a pandanus frond.

Sister Swain knows how it happens.

Delightful good example to all.

Sister Preston wants to learn, too.

Sister Preston making a belts as many senior
missionaries supervise.
I, now, have a new belt.

Good News!  The CMI kitchen is ready for the last appliances to be delivered and we, LDS Charities, will buy all the cooking  pans & dishes on Monday.  We will plan a big celebration for the students, staff, community, and church members after everything is up and running.  The college is hiring a cook and an assistant soon.  College students will actually have a cafeteria where nutritional food is served. The nutrition teacher will have a classroom for his students during the day.  The cafeteria will serve breakfast and lunch.

 

Appliances donated by LDS
Charities.

New slide window to order.
Sink was a challenge to ship here.
Cost many times more than in the states.

Storage room behind the kitchen.
It will also house two big freezers
and a commercial frig.

This is an e-mail that we received from the president of the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI), concerning the new nutritional kitchen/cafeteria. We have been so blessed to meet many incredible people here. Dr. Theresa, which she likes to be called, because Dr. Koroivulaono is a challenge for most of us, is a devoted Catholic who has relatives and friends who are LDS.  She has great respect for our church.  We appreciate her friendship.

Iokwe Brother and Sister Preston,

I take this opportunity to thank you both on behalf of CMI for the completion of the renovation of the Uliga dorm kitchen. Please also convey our sincere gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints for helping CMI improve our services to our students in a meaningful and sustainable way. We would not have been able to do this without your generosity and consideration. I am sure that Rachel will be writing to you shortly to confirm a meeting time for the discussions on purchasing kitchen utensils.

Sincerely and with thanks,

Theresa.

Theresa Koroivulaono (PhD)| President, College of the Marshall Islands|

The 2 mile walking trail has been approved.  Russell got financing from Minister of Public Works.  Hopefully people will take advantage of it. Very few adults in the MI walk or do any type of exercise. 

The pontoon project that will consume thousands of dollars is moving forward.  Elder Preston has done illustrations, taken pictures, made critical sketches, and done research to get it presented to the committee for review in New Zealand.  It looks as though it will actual happen during the first part of 2018.  Hopefully we will be here to celebrate the occasion.  We, LDS Charities, are adding water storage units, pontoons, to all of our five chapels, to supply more water to our members and the communities surrounding our chapels during the drought season.  We are working with Melgov, local government led by Russell, to make this happen.

When you have moments in your life that are completely overwhelming remember this true statement: 

“Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” D&C 19:23:

We feel your love. Please feel ours.

Love always,

Elder & Sister Preston

Change is good!

We celebrated Elder Coombs 81st birthday.  We had a party at their apartment with pizza, salad, and homemade lemon cheesecake.  We played games that I have never played, but they reminded me of games from my youth, where money was absent and friendships were strong.

We played one particular game, where we were each given a piece of blank computer paper and a pencil.  We were given assignments, to draw a picture that starts with a chosen letter.  How do we know the letter?  One participant drew a number from a basket.  The number tells us the letter - number 8 would be H.  You get the drill.

The number 14 was drawn, which of course would be the letter "N." Each participant had to draw a small picture that started with the letter "N."  (Some pictures you had to draw with your non-dominate hand or with your eyes closed, etc.) If any other person drew the same picture as another participant, those pictures were disqualified.  You only received a point, if you were the only one who drew the picture and it started with the correct letter.

One by one, people said what they drew for the letter "n":  nut, nail, necklace, etc.  When it was Sister Doig's turn she said, "I drew "knickers."  Laughter was produced as another person said, "Knickers starts with a "K."  Sister Doig had a puzzled look on her face, and said "K-nickers."  Then it was Elder Doig's turn.  He announced, " first I drew a picture of a knot in a piece of wood, but then I thought that it might start with a "K.," so I changed my picture to a "knot" in a rope.  We all laughed again as he was told that that "knot" started with a "k," too.  Laughter just kept going.  I know that you had to be there to get the real humor.

Then Sister Doig said, "I bet it kind of scares you that we are teaching English to the Marshallese."  Another round of laughter rippled through the room.

It was a delightful evening.  

Elder & Sister Coombs
Two of our favorite people.

Elder Coombs with the support of Sister Coombs & Colin,
blowing out candles on two lemon cheesecakes.

Previous to this event, we went to take some pictures of Tanner's staff who were having a celebration party for Brianna Peterson, who has been working as an intern for him for two months.  She served her mission among the Marshallese people in Seattle Washington and has a great love for the Marshallese people.

Brianna's going away party!

Brianna with all her going-away crowns
and Elder Preston

The next day, we went to the airport to say good-bye to Brianna Peterson.  Now, she has just been accepted into the nursing program at the "U" and says that she wants to return after she becomes a RN.  We'll see.  She loved being here, made many friends, and was an outstanding example of being a good person.  

We had an enjoyable FHE at the Winchester home on Monday.  

The lesson was good and the conversation was enjoyable.  Plus, we got to start our celebration for Elder Coombs 81st birthday.  Why did I enjoy the lesson?  The theme was integrity - A topic that never ages and is so valuable, particularly in a world where it is not popular.  I remember learning about John Francis Bacon years ago in a history class.  I can't say that I relished everything about his life, but I still recognize the good.

His quotes remain a part of the good!

“It is not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity.” ―Francis Bacon

Wednesday, July 26th, in between meetings, we took Elder McFall to the Airport, to send him to Ebeye.  After we checked him in, we took him to the airport cafe for a last Majuro meal for awhile.  I told him to pick anything on the menu.  They have breakfast, hamburgers, sandwiches, meals -- all the normal foods.  What did he pick?  Sushi and a bottle of water!  I thought that he picked it, because it cost less.  No - it was the same or a little more for two sushi packages.  What kind of fish you ask?  A rectangular block of rice topped with spam.  That was his choice.  He enjoyed it and life is good.

Elder Preston & Elder McFall

HURRAY!

We were finally able to finish planting the last of the seedlings in President Zedikiah's keyhole garden.  It is evident that the timeline of growth is not what we have been told.  Hopefully the vegetables will produce, so that we can return to build a second garden surrounded by community members in hopes that they will desire to do the same.

x

Sis vegetable plants ready for success

 On our P-day, we walked out and around/through six islands during low tide.  Since there were just the two of us, we had more opportunity to talk to people during our travels.  We did meet some interesting people, who were all so generous.

 

Beautiful pictures captured by Elder Preston as
we walked.

Typical outer island home.

As we were rounding the last island and were walking along the shoreline, we noticed a young boy paddling a long wooden surfboard with a young girl perched on the back end.  Craig took some pictures.  Since the water sparkled in hues of dark blue, light blue and different colors of turquoise and the sun was bright and beautiful, the children looked picturesque.  

Cement locks across the ocean.

Cement with children on surfboard.

Darling children

Then we heard, "Hello" from the shore.  There was a lady calling to us, so we replied and then a man appeared by her side.  We asked questions about the large containers out in the ocean and asked if they were the fish farms.  They explained that the fish were started in Laura and then transferred to this area when they were bigger.  The next thing we knew is that we were invited to their deck to have fresh coconut milk from coconuts picked after we arrived by a local boy.

One of the Fish Farms

We sat with them on their deck that had a spectacular view of the ocean and other islands. Her name was Mio and her father owns most of the island where she lives.  He owns the DAR store, apartment buildings, and many other businesses in Majuro.  Mio and her husband/companion are leaving to go to Ebeye for two years to oversee construction for her father, who owns a lot there, too.  Mio's oldest sister is in charge of United Airlines in Majuro and her middle sister manages the DAR store, restaurant, and the apartments. They also treated us to pandanas, which we found out the real way to get the fruit.  As Mio's husband watched us struggle with the fruit, he kindly said this is the way you eat it.  So much easier.  He probably thought that we were a little short on brain cells.

Friend, Mio, Sister Preston
View from their deck.

Leaving with my coconut milk.

Elder Preston with coconut and please note the hat.

 As we left they gave us two more coconuts and showed us the easiest way to exit the island to head back to our destination. I feel as though we have two more good friends.

Two of our young missionaries live in one of the DAR apartments.  Craig mentioned some needs for it, and Mio immediately told us to talk to her sister, Marian, for she would get things done.

We are grateful for good people who continue to bless our lives.  Tanner and Kristen, owners of the Wellness Center and leaders of the CLP, share their three beautiful children with us, since we are so far away from our own dear grandchildren.

Most of all we are grateful for you.  Thank you for making our lives so good through your support, prayers and love.

Forever we love you,

E/S Preston

News from Tarawa, Kiribati

We were given the opportunity to fly to Tarawa, Kiribati, another country in our mission, to offer support to the senior couples who are serving in a new mission office by President Larkin.  We have been so fortunate to serve with such incredible senior missionaries in Majuro, so we are hoping to share the planning and unity that keeps us working toward the same goal - supporting the Mission President and the young missionaries, so that they can be successful as possible.

After we landed in Tarawa, Kiribati on Sunday around 11:00AM.  Checked in our hotel, dropped our luggage in our ****Star Hotel and went to ward/church on Moroni High School campus with President Larkin.  Who came to say "hello" when we sat down? Our own Elder Peterson from Majuro.  He and five other young elders were transferred here from Majuro, MI in April.  He is the most exceptional missionary that I have met anywhere in our mission.  He translated for us in Kiribati, even though the first year of his mission was spent speaking Marshallese. He also translated for President Larkin as he was the final of three speakers during Sacrament Meeting.  What an amazing young man! The counselors in the Bishopric spoke first, and the depth of their talks was a couple of steps more involved than I have heard in awhile.

We are living this week in a motel that is actually a few buildings behind the mission office. Not quite as elaborate as a Motel 6 built in the 1950's, but we have a bed and a shower that works.  When we wash our hands in the bathroom sink, our feet also get showered by the leaking pipe.  Very efficient.

Modern bathroom
in our hotel.

Our double bed is our desk and chair.

Hotel is built on a swamp.
Fish swimming.

Back of our hotel next
to restaurant.

We are in #12.

Our place for five nights.

President Larkin took the time to take us for a tour of the island, took us to a local store to buy a few groceries, and then took us to a very good small Chinese restaurant for dinner.  We saw some beautiful sites.

Can you see the pigs?

Lots of green!

This island actually has water inland.

This is a very nice home.

We have thoroughly enjoyed being able to walk along the one main road, which has real sidewalks and few dogs.  The views are new and enjoyable to see.  There seems to be much less trash all around; people are very friendly; the economy is humble and basic.  People bath in the ocean where they fish and use it as a latrine.  Many people are walking away from the sea wrapped in towels from having their morning bath. 

There is more soil; so there are wells, which are contaminated - but regularly used; many people plant gardens and use the food; a large percentage of the homes are made of pieces of metal, coconut tree products, and maybe some cloth or towels.  Some of these little shanties have one source of electricity so there is one light bulb working. Few have any type of plumbing facilities. 

Many of the churches and/or community centers are called maneabas. This an imposing structure, with slabs of coral supporting a huge roof formed from coconut wood, held together with coconut string and thatched with pandanus leaves. The whole community is involved in its construction, and every aspect of the maneaba has a symbolic as well as a practical function. Some of the LDS chapels are built in this style.  When a large group of members arrive from the outer islands for a conference, the community maneaba is rented.  All the members sleep, eat, etc there. 

The chapel - maneba style -has a regular roof -
not made of coconut trees.

We were fortunate to be able to have dinner with all the senior couples serving in Tarawa and President Larkin before we left for Majuro.  Good People!

Good people. Last meal in Tarawa, Kiribati.

We were ready to leave for the airport at 5:20AM for our 7:14 flight.  After arrival, the flight was delayed for 3 hours. We waited on cement benches without anyway to contact either office in Kiribati or Majuro.  Our cell phones do not work in another country and the one pay phone had the receiver ripped off.

So happy that the plane really did show.

Waiting at the Bonriki International Airport in Tarawa, Kiribati.

Comfy cement benches.

Elder Preston - not really sleeping.
Just resting his eyes!!!!

Life before Tarawa:

We had a busy week doing humanitarian projects:  It is great being back into this area:

It is worth our time here just by observing that the grow boxes are being used; people are attending the cooking demonstrations in the neighborhoods where the grow boxes have been delivered; the new tent/canopy (20x20) that we were able to purchase is being put to good use (even though it takes a village to set it up); new people are attending our outreach clinics ( unfortunately 37% of this week's group are diabetic (hopefully they will be able to follow through with the great information that is being presented); we were finally able to cook and share a local food soup, created by our dietitian from Japan during our bimonthly Farmers' Market - , who is an RN working here for two years - the people loved it (breadfruit fish soup with vegetables).

Cooking demo - using grow box vegetables.

LDS Charities' donated grow box.

Drying clothes on the ground.

Trying to put the Outreach canopy/tent for Friday Outreach Clinc.

Still going!

Health Screening in action.

Summer is here.  Children have nothing to do.
So our Health Clinic is their entertainment.

I do weight, height, and record keeping.

People just keep coming.

Life after Tarawa:

We jumped back into our Humanitarian Roll and are busy closing projects, working through the process of others, and hopefully arranging new ones.

We had a delightful P-day going on a second trip to Eneko Island.  A day spent with other senior couples, enjoying the water, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and meeting new people is always an enticing adventure. Watching Craig enjoy the day is part of my greatest pleasure.  He loves water and being in it. Unfortunately, he didn't get captured in any of the pictures.  He was our photographer.

Waiting for the boat.

Still waiting with Sisters Seager & Shumway, Elder Coombs.

Boat ride to island.

Water fun.

I love to Kayak.

Senior missionaries are allowed to do things that our young missionaries are not allowed.  So this a plea to all senior couples!  Mission fields all around the world need you.

Love, Elder & Sister Preston