Independence Day

Friday night we attended a ward party in celebration of Vanuatu's independance.  The cultural hall, where the party was held, was decorated with Vanuatu flags.  Their colors are black, green, yellow and red.  We were all suppose to wear "island wear," which means "mama dresses."  Greg is after me to get one of those things.  I guess I need  be a good sport!   He said he would even get a matching island shirt.  If that happens, I'll send a picture!  They had a disc jockey playing their fun music, he also played guitar and sang.  He was really good.  These activities are attended by  mostly  women and children, the husbands don't like to participate. The women, old, and young were dancing their hearts out.  We even joined in the fun.  They had a little program with groups performing different island dances.  The young missionaries were there joining in the fun too.   Sandwiches were served for refreshment.  Everyone had a great time.  

Saturday was a GREAT day, it was stake baptism day.  Seven were baptized Saturday morning, and 20 more were baptized that afternoon.  Greg and I attended the 3:00 baptism that started at 4:15.  We witnessed 20 baptisms that day.  What an amazing thing to see.  Both young and old were baptized.

That night the senior couples got together as we usually do.  We had a potato bar with all the good stuff that goes on the potato.  We all pitch in on potluck night.  After we ate, we played pictionary, which was hilarious.  It was a toss up on who was the most artistically challenged, Elda Sackley or Elda Robison!  Soooooo funny!!!!  

Sunday, 30 July 2017 was Independance Day for Vanuatu.  It is celebrated like our 4th of July in America.  Here is just a short history.   In 1774 the islands were visited by Captain James Cook who named the islands, the New Hebrides.  French explorers also came.

In 1906, France and the UK reached an agreement and began to administer the New Hebrides jointly, both nations were interested in colonizing the islands.  To make a long story short, the people didn't like how things were going so there was an uprising.  The process of decolonization began in the 1960s.  Independance of the New Hebrides was proclaimed on July 30, 1980.  The new republic was named Vanuatu.

That Sunday we had sacrament meeting and was the only meeting held. It was held at that time so the people could go to the festivities.  Many wore their nations colors which are red, green, yellow and black.  Ward's and branch's all over Port Vila started at (approximately) 7:30 am ending at 8:30 am.  There was a flag raising ceremony in the town park that they all wanted to attend, as well as other things going on all over Port Vila.  I'm sure lots of kava was consumed as well.  Those that have a job, got Monday off.

Monday night was family home evening at our apartment.  Greg gave the lesson from a talk given by President Monson entitled, "Finishers Wanted."It was given in conference in 1974.  He found it in a book of published talks by President Monson. If you get a chance, look it up.  It's a great talk.   After the lesson, I served a fruit cocktail cake with whipping cream.  I remember making one with my mother so many years ago, when I was a little girl.  I think of her often and sure miss her.  We have to make simple recipes here because there are things that you can't get.  We've learned to make do.  

We're off traveling again this weekend.  This time we're going to the island of Espiritu Santo,  which is another one of the islands in Vanuatu.  We will be there for a week.  They have 1 district and 12 branches to be audited.  So, if you don't here from us for a while, that's why!  We'll be sure to be back in touch when we get back.  We love and miss you all very much!  Take good care.  Love Elda and Sista Robison XO