Earthquake

Last Friday morning we had a VERY noticeable earth quake!   It was a 6.1, and only  21 Km (13 miles) under the ocean.  Yikes!!  We had just returned from pickleball, Greg was outside, and I had just walked in our apartment.   All of the sudden I heard what sounded like a loud, rumbling train, and then the apartment started shaking!  Sister Roundy started yelling for everyone to get out of the building.   It seemed like it shook for 10 minutes, in reality it was probably 10 seconds.  What's scary about earth quakes here is the threat of a possible tsunami because we are only about a mile away from the ocean.  We have a swimming pool at our complex and the water was just sloshing back and forth.  I've felt a few tremors at home, but this was way different.  Some of the grocery stores had things falling off the shelves, there was a big crack in the mission office, but there didn't seem to be too much damage damage around town.  All of these islands are volcanic, so it does make sense.

Monday evening,  the Granger's finished their last zone conference with the missionaries here in Efate.  It was hard for them, they love the mission and the missionaries so much.  That evening after they finished the training, the missionaries put on a little program for them.  They dressed up in island wear and proceeded to do a version of island dance.   Though they lacked rhythm, it was a fun show to watch!  Afterward, we all lined up to shake the Grangers  hands and give gifts of appreciation.  We seniors pooled our money together and got them a beautiful carving that is carved from a nut.  They are pricey, but it was well worth it.   Many pictures were taken that night.  They will be leaving the mission on 2 July.  The Duquette's will be arriving next Saturday, the 30th.  Then, on the 7th of July, the new office come from American Somoa.  They will replace the Davidson's.

Last night (Saturday), we attended the adult session of stake conference.  Elder Cardon, a member of the Pacific Area Presidency, talked to the people about the adjustments made in the priesthood organization, what ministering is, and how we go about doing it.  Clips were shown of some of the Apostles and President Nelson explaining how we should care for, and be aware of one anothers needs.  It was done very well, I just hope the people understood.  We use such big words in American, so it's hard for these people to understand sometimes, you have to choose words they know.  It will take them two or three words to describe one of our big words.  Greg, a young man from the stake, translated for Elder Cardon and had a bit of a hard time trying to translate a word or two at times, because there wasn't a word in Bislama.  He did a great job!  He is a real sweetheart.  After the meeting all the couples went to dinner and enjoyed a good meal and visit. 

When we got to conference on Sunday morning, we decided to sit outside with the people to watch conference on a television they had setup outside.  It was a really nice day and it felt good to be outside.  The Grangers gave their  farewell address to the people.    There were many tears shed because they love the Grangers.  They gave 100% at all times!  They were a great help to us as we traveled the islands for the audits.  They introduced us to the branch presidents, told us the best places to stay, and were just plain good to us.  We will really miss them. 

We're getting ready for family home evening at out apartment and I just wanted to get this post off.  I'll close for now, but know how much we love you.  Love, Greg and Ann