Starting to Travel

Hello everyone,  it's been a while since we've written hasn't it?  It's been a little quiet here, but things will soon be picking up because the audit season is upon us.  We got the news of President Monson's passing soon after he passed away.  The first thing I thought of was, " now he's with his beautiful Francis." Isn't it wonderful to know that we will see our families again when we leave our earthly experience?  My cousin, Sherrie Anthony, wrote a book about angels that really caused me to ponder about life after death.  By the way Sherrie, it was a beautiful book.   I miss my mother so much and can't wait to see her again. 

Last week we all went to a beach restaurant called The Hide Away.    If you have dinner there you get to enjoy a fire show.   We enjoyed a fun evening of pretty good food, a fun show, and an amazing sunset.  The sunset that night made it all worth while.  It's especially beautiful to watch as the sun sets over the ocean.   I've included several pictures of some beautiful sunsets in past letters, but you just have to be here to  get the full effect.  So let us know when you plan to come!  We have a room waiting for you:)

Tuesday evening we had a special dinner for the Sackley's.  They will be heading home to Arizona on Friday morning.  We have all become such good friends and it's hard when we have to say good bye.  We all made "pinky promises" that we will keep in touch.  We are all planning to meet for the April 2019 General Conference.   

Wednesday morning we all met at the airport to greet Elder and Sister Roundy.  They will be replacing the Sackley's as the humanitarian couple.  They have spent the last five years in China teaching english classes.  They were able to go home for a few weeks here and there during that time, but wow, what an accomplishment.  They just returned home from China in December and here they are!!  They are from Idaho.  It was fun to welcome them.  That night we had a farewell/welcome dinner at the mission home.  Sister Granger is a wonderful host.  It's a chance to get to know the new couples when they come, it was a nice evening. The Roundy's will be living next door to us, so we look forward to getting to know them.

The humidity is really starting to get uncomfy!  We play pickball at 5:30 in the morning before it becomes  unbearable.  It starts out fairly comfortable, but after about two hours we're all ready to quit.  Our hair and clothes are soaking wet.  This morning we played our last round with the Sackley's.  They are always the first one's to the church to set up the nets, so it will be weird to show up tomorrow and them not be there.  We'll be playing pickleball when they take off from the airport, we told them to look down and we would all waive as they fly by. 

As I said at the being, things are starting to pick up for us.  Those of you priesthood holders that have had anything to do with auditing in your wards, know that it's that time again.  We've  been contacting the District Presidents on the different Islands and making arrangements for their audit visit.  Last month, here in Port Vila, Greg attended a Coordinating Council Meeting.  The Presidents were all there to that meeting, so Greg was able to talk to them about putting together an audit committee so that when we come for the audit he can train the auditors, and hopefully they will be able to do the audits with a little supervision.   Here in Port Vila, the chairman of the audit committee has things moving.  We are really exited and very hopeful.   The people just aren't used to the structure of the church, so things aren't aren't always accomplished  "in a timely manner."  It's what we call "island time."  We've learned to have a lot of patience with the people.  They are so sweet and are doing the best they can.  We do see progress being made.

We attended a meeting today at the mission office.  When we arrived, we were given a large envelope.  Inside was a huge banner with signatures and well wishes for a Merry Christmas from our Garden Park Ward.  We also recieved a card signed by our VA Branch family along with cards from nieces.  I was in tears as I read each message.  Thank you so much, it means alot to be  remembered.  

We will be leaving on Friday, headed for the island of Tanna.  We've already been to these places once.  It will be fun to go again.  We're taking suckers and balls for the little kids that we see hanging around.  They have so little going for them.  Many of the children don't even go to school.  You might remember the picture of me showing the little boys how to play the computer game called Angry Birds.  I hope I see them again, they had alot of fun.  We hope the New Year finds you all well and happy.  I will report back upon our return from Tanna.  We won't have access to the internet.  Know that we love and miss you all very much.   As I was finishing this letter, we had a knock at the door.   It was the Sackley's coming to say their final good bye.  She gave me a couple of her exercise shirts and guaranteed they would make me a pro player!!! har hardy har!   

We'll say good bye for now.  We love and miss you all very much.  LOVE, Greg and Ann