A Few More Things

A few weeks ago, the Roundy's (Humanitarian) received a container loaded down with desks and chairs from some New Zealand schools.  When Australia and New Zealand replace their school desks and chairs, they send their old stuff to the islands all over the Pacific.  It happened to be Port Vila's turn for the much needed furniture.  It was all in pretty good shape, not junky stuff.  Elder and Sister Roundy called around and got the missionaries to take our trucks to the Black Sands ward, where the stash was located.  We drive an SUV, so we couldn't take any desks, but we did load it up with chairs.  There were several little bush schools in dire need of desks, so it was fun to deliver to them.  We got to take one of the loads to sister Veronica's school.  When we drove in to the village where her school was located, the pikininis came runnin!  Soon, another truck drove in loaded down with desks!  The people in the village were right there helping to unload.  They are so appreciative of the help they receive from religious groups, and the different countries that try to help them.  There was a group of little boys that loved having their picture taken.  They ran up to me and said, "photo, photo", and then posed.  So adorable!!  Greg was really cute with them, he was putting them in a head lock and wrestling around with them, they loved it.   I wish we could scoop them up and take them out of their poverty.  We've had such humbling experiences these past months, it's been hard to process some of the things we see, we just have to remember that it will all be fair one day.  That's how we are able to make it through.  We are all children of a loving Father in heaven. 

A few weeks ago, we went to dinner at the Ramada Inn.   In American, it's not one of the swanky hotels, but they've built a really nice one here.  The hotels and resorts here on the island, pretty much cater to the Australians and New Zealanders coming for holiday. There is a couple in our ward, Daniel and Juliette Ringou who regularly take members out for dinner.  They have a travel/tourism business, and do quite well for here.  They don't take people to cheap places either.  Since sister Tucker and Greg and I are about to return home, they invited us to dinner. They also brought a dear couple from the ward, Harry and Fiona Harry.  Yes, Harry's last name is also Harry!  The Nivans don't have money to do anything like this, so it was such a joy to see them enjoy a nice meal.  They seemed to feel comfortable with the surroundings, I think that was because they were among friends who love them.  We also enjoyed a show with Polynesian dancers.  They invited people to join them, and learn how to dance, if they chose to.  We encouraged Harry and Fiona into giving it a go, and they did.  It was fun to see them having a good time.  The meal was okay, but not like the meals in the good ole USA.  They don't use alot of seasoning or sauces in their dishes, so the food can be a little bland.  We also got to take a group picture with the polynesian dancers.  It was a fun evening.

The other night, I walked into the kitchen and saw, out of the corner of my eye, this black thing scrambling to get off the counter.   I about had a heartattack, it startled me!   I thought it was a gecko, and I thought I saw it go out the window, but it was moving too fast for me to tell.  They come in and out of the windows all the time, as a matter of fact, we have a tenant living in our air conditioner.  Greg just laughs, he calls them his "little buddies."  But they are not my little buddies! After a while, I saw it again out of the corner of my eye.  This time it  run under the refrigerator, now that isn't normal behavior for a gecko, they usually just run around on the walls.   There are two reasons I don't get rid of them; "numba 1) because they eat other insects, like mosquitos, and numba 2) Greg wouldn't let me!    All the other couples take their shoe off and smack them, which stuns them, then they throw it outside.   Anyway,  it then ran across the floor into the spare bedroom.  It was a mouse!!  We tried to buy a mouse trap like we use at home, but they use glue traps here.  It's a plastic tray with really sticky glue on it. The critter just walks up on to it and  sticks there.  It's kinda sad, because then it just waits to die.  So, we put  one on the counter and put a piece of apple on it. Within a day, we heard this commotion in the kitchen and here was a RAT (at least 4 inches long), flipping around on the glue trap, trying to get loose.  We just took it out and put it in the garbage.  I felt really bad about it. I wondered if we could do something to help it, but we didn't want to get bit trying to help it out of the trap.

The other day we went to the Vanuatu National Museum with the Lindeman's.   We all decided we needed to make the trip before we go home.  We were quite impressed, it had many interesting displays about their culture and customs such as war masks and all kinds of relics. Our guide was from the island of Pentecost,  he showed us sand art, and how it was used to tell stories.  He had a box with a small amount of sand, and drew in it with his finger, as he told a story.  The picture he drew was so cool, I'll attach a picture.   They also had replicas of instruments that were played at tribal ceremonies in the day, and he could play those too.  They used to beat a "tam tam," a wooden totem pole type drum, to call everyone in the village together, if the Chief wanted to talk with them.  They were also used to send messages to each other on different islands.  These islands were a harsh place to live back then.  Survival of the fittest was the name of the game.  We read a little bit about cannibalism here in the islands, it was pretty widespread. It's enough to give you nightmares, that's for sure! The first two Christian ministers to step on  Malakula were promptly eaten.  EEYikes! There are islands who don't have outside visitors, and still practice alot of the customs except for cannibalism.  I read that the last person eaten was in 1969.  Their ancestors were a little different than ours wouldn't you say?? Okay, enough of that. 

Last Saturday, we went to a sea turtle sanctuary.  There is a protected inlet from the ocean, where they had about 10 large turtles.  Two of them must have been 2X3 feet in diameter.  They were referred to as "big mamas."  We were told that one of them was 260 years old and the other 200, seems hard to believe, but that's what they said. They were so amazing!  There was cut up papaya there for you to feed them.  You had to pay attention, because they really snapped at it.  They got your attention that's for sure! They advertised that you could swim with the turtles, but we didn't, the water was a little too murkey looking.  This place also had two pools with a pretty good size shark (4 feet or so), and several smaller ones, along with all kinds of interesting fish.  It really bothered me, because you could see that the sharks were agitated, it was too small of an area, plus they should be in the ocean, along with the turtles.  We continue to have amazing experiences here in Vanuatu.  Our time here is short, with less than three weeks to go,  we want to get in as many of these experiences as we can.  I'll close for now, we'll be home before you know it!  Yu mi lovem yu ol tumas!  Ale lukim yu, Elda and Sista Robison

Lelepa Island

Last Saturday, 1 Sep, two truck loads of us senior missionaries, along with three visitors of the Roundy's, from China, headed for the island of Lelepa.  Those of you who were fans of the TV program Survivor, may or may not know that this was one of the islands they filmed the series on.  It is a beautiful, secluded, island, off of Efate where we live.  The plan was to drive to the other side of our island, park our vehicles, and catch a little boat over to Lelepa.   Greg and I rode with the Lindeman's, the Roundy's took their guests, and off we went.  On the way, we asked Lindeman's if they wanted to take a little detour and drive out through a rough, bumpy area, to see where alot of the members of our Black Sands ward lives.  They wanted to do that, so we took the ten minute detour.  It's good we did, because as we approached this really steep hill that would take us up and over to the other side of the island, we saw Roundy's truck pulled off to the side of the road.  As we got closer, we could see that the back tire had dropped off into a deep crevice off the side of the road.  We found that Elder Roundy was having a hard time getting up the hill, so he tried to back down, and dropped into the hole.  There was no way you could put it into four wheel drive and drive it out.  Soon, others started to pull over and direct traffic.  Pretty quick, about six, big, nivans (locals) came along, got to the side of the truck and lifted it out of the hole, while Greg drove it out.  We were all cheering and thanking the everyone for helping us! Once you start up what is called snake hill, you must keep the momentum going.  Elder Roundy got in our truck, and Greg got in his truck to drive it on up.  We drove out ahead of Greg, and soon could see that he wasn't behind us.  We turned around and went back to see where he was, he ended up backing the truck about 1/2 mile down the hill, and parking it in the Mele Cascade Falls parking lot.  The clutch was toast, it needed to cool down.  There wasn't anyway that truck would make that hill, so Roundy's just stayed and took their guests to the falls.  The rest of us headed on our way.  When we got in the boat, I noticed there were no life jackets, and about a 20 minute ride across the ocean to Lelepa! EEK!  One of the main reasons we were going to the island was to snorkel out to see some giant clams.  WOW! they were amazing.  They looked to be about three feet in diameter, and yes, they were alive.  They looked like they were pretty old too.  There was probably about fifty of them.  One of them had a  blue star fish stretched on top of it, just incredible.  After we were done snorkeling, the second reason we went there for (at least the sistas), was to walk into their little village, to the handicraft market.  As we walked along the paths through their villages, the people waved and said, "gud moning."  There were also cute little pikininis riding their bikes having fun.  We were soon met by a man that told us that the mother of the Chief of the village, had just past away.  That meant that everyone was now in mourning, and that the village, along with the handicraft shop, was closed.  Soon we saw the women of the village walking up a path, and you could hear their sorrowful mourning, so, we turned around and went back to the beach area where we could catch a boat back.  It was interesting to see that part of their culture. 

When we got back across the ocean, we could see some of the locals waiting on the shore to catch a boat back to Lelepa.  When we got off the boat, there on the shore, was a dead, bloody cow!  We asked what happened?!  One of the girls standing there, may have been the bride, told us that it was part of the bride price.  They were headed to the island for a wedding.  The groom was probably taking over to give her father as part of his payment for her.  Not sure how that was going to work with the funeral service!!???  All I knew, is that they better get that cow on the coals!  After our excursion, we went down the road a little way, to of all places, an Italian restaurant.  The food was pretty good, a little pricey though.  All in all, it was a fun and eventful day.  Like they they always say, "you just had to be there"!

Trip to Malekula

"Halo evriwan," we're back from our last audit in Malekula, and our last traveling audit to the other islands.  Our flight over, was changed at the last minute, no surprise to us.  We ended up flying to Santo and sitting at the airport for two hours before flying fifteen minutes to Malekula.  It was fun though, there's a handicraft shop there at the airport, so I went over to see what they had, and to visit the cute gals that work there.  I was going to buy a shell from them, and they ended up giving me three.  They said, they had plenty at home, all they have to do is pull them out of the ocean!  The people are sooo sweet, you would love them.   It's so hard to say "tata" (goodbye).  We've been going to the different islands in Vanuatu and the country of Solomon, for almost a year and half, so we've formed dear friendships with some of them.

We stayed at a bungalow called Holiday Villas, the same place we stayed our first time to the island.  It has a little kitchette, separate bedroom, living area, bathroom.  Breakfast is provided,  there is a local restaurant that is open, but you have to make arrangements to eat there. We just brought ramen noodles and a few canned goods to make our own meals.  We like to stay there because we can walk to the district office where the audits are done.  You might remember the last time we were in Malekula, we got to ride out cyclone Hola, on the floor of a little restaurant, at the Almeltoro bungalow.  Can you believe that was six months ago?  We decided not to stay by the water this time!   Just kidding, it's not cyclone season, but we just wanted to be able to walk to the district office, and it's close staying at Holiday Villas.   It's so fun to meet with the same district presidents, branch presidents, and their clerks, time after time.  It's like seeing old friends. When we got checked in, we hurried and ate crackers, fruit and some eggs I had boiled and brought with us, then walked to the district office.  When we got there, three of the branch presidents and their clerks, and President Vanu were waiting for us.  Again, it was like greeting old friends.  I decided to go back to the bungalow and hang our clothes up, and set things up.  As I left to go back to the office, the little lady that checked us in told me to make sure we boiled the water before we drank it!!!  TOOO LATE.  I just prayed that I didn't get sick, luckily I haven't had any problems.  We've never had to boil it in the past.   We just bought our drinking water from the little store while we were there.   When I got back to the office,  I was hoping to find my friend, Floret, the district clerks wife, and sure enough here she came.  I all of the sudden heard this high pitch, funny, hollar they do.  We gave each other a big hug, she then put three shell necklaces she had made for me, around my neck, and gave me a bag of shells (nothing for Greg) Wah!   She doesn't know English and I only know "smol" Bislama, but we were able to communicate in our own awkward way.  I wanted to go to the handicraft market, so we  headed down the road.  When I was there six months ago,  I ordered a small, woven, mat (1'x2') with VANUATU woven in the middle.  These particular weavings are done on the island of Ambrym.  I was hoping I had given the weaver enough time, and sure enough it was there.  It is so beautiful, it's woven in natural and colored grasses.  The shop is cute, and has a good little business going.  I think there is a picture of it from the post in March.  They do special orders for people, and businesses around the islands.  I've seen things from Malekula in shops on the different islands.   There are ladies that weave bags, mats, fans, all kinds of things to sell.   It was fun to visit the ladies in the shop, they remembered me from the time before.   We visited for about an hour as they asked questions about America, and my family.  A fair amount of the younger generation know pretty good English, if they've had a chance to go to school.  It was sad to say good bye to them, I doubt we'll ever go back for a visit, it's too expensive, and too hard to get to.  When we got back to the office, all the men were getting ready to go to lunch.  We went to a little local restaurant that was just across the street.  Lunch consisted of a piece of fish, boiled veggies and a big pile of white rice.  It was pretty good, just a little too much rice.  Before we began to eat lunch, President Vanu thanked Greg and I for our service in Malekula.  Everyone knows an auditor is not the most favorite person anyone ever wants to see, but Greg always helped them to feel at ease, as he looked at their books, and gave them training and guidance.   We've grown to love the people so much.   Elder Johannson, an area seventy, here in the Pacific, gave the definition of an assistant area auditor as someone who comes in and shoots the wounded!  So funny!!  As we left the restaurant, I could see some activity a short distance away.  One of the guys told me they were processing kava.  He asked if I wanted to see what they were doing and take some pictures, of course I did!  There was a guy putting the kava root through a meat grinder.  It looked like cement coming through the grinder, all gray and gross looking.  I'm not sure what they do with it after that.  I think they just mix it with water and drink it, soon making them numb and high.  It's a nasty habit there in the islands. 

Floret had to get home, so we said good bye one last time.  She is such a character, I will never forget her.  After the three audits, we went back to the bungalow for the evening.  I'm so glad they have mosquito netting over and around the bed, not only for mosquitos, but for the gecko poop that drops from the roof!  So funny!    We also killed about three cockroaches before going to bed.  Yuck!  I must say,  island life is quite interesting.  Those things don't bother me like they used to.  When we woke up the next morning, a banana that was on the counter, was partially eaten.  We're pretty sure it was a rat because we found rat traps, unfortunately they weren't set. 

Two more audits were done that day, before lunch came.  They all planned to go to lunch again that afternoon at the same little restaurant, but we decided to pass on the rice, so we walked into their little town to look around.  There was this old building with a sign on it that said "nuts and oils."  There were trays of nuts drying in the sun.  We walked over to see what it was all about. There was a man from England there, that owned the business processing the oil from the nangai nut, which grows wild out in the bush.  The oil is used in cosmetics as a carrier (Estee Lauder company buys from him).  Back in the day, it was used to relieve arthritis and also as an antibiotic. It's used as a carrier in cosmetics these days.  He says it's starting to come back into use.  He gave me a good size bottle of it,  it's nice, not greasey.    I just mix a little with my moisturizer.  I'll be "glad tomus" to have it when I get home, and my face dries up!  He produces quite a bit, it was so interesting to learn about.  He pays the mamas and pikininis 395 vatu per kilo (2.3 lbs) for them, about $3.95 American.  The nuts are all over in their villages and out in the bush.  It's nice that the people have a way to get a little money.    When we finished visiting with him, we went back to the audits.   There was only one audit left, so it was done the next morning before we left to go back to Port Vila.  That morning we said good bye to President Vanu.  He speaks so fast, and it's hard to understand him sometimes, but it was a sweet farewell.  Like I say, we've become attached to these dear people. 

I have this little video on my phone that I took the winter before we came here that shows it snowing, with dogs playing in it, and my neighbor showeling it.  I show it to the people that have never seen snow before, and it's hard for them to comprehend.  I showed it to President Vanu, he was so amazed.  He asked me to email it to him.  I told him about our blog, and he wanted to be read it, so I got him all set up.  He is very curious and loves to learn about things.  We will never forget the sweet people on these islands.  We lovem tomus!  

We called Air Vanuatu to see if our flight was on time, of course it wasn't.  It was suppose to leave Malekula at 1:30, they moved it to 2:30.  We got to the airport at 1:00, the plane showed up and we left at 1:45.  Oh boy!  On the way back, we landed on another little island to pick a few more passengers up.  It's fun to land on grass runways!  We soon made it back to Port Vila.  It was nice to be back home in our little apartment.  We hope all is well at home, it won't belong before we're home again.  We lovem yu tomas!  Greg and Ann XO

Back from Santo

On Friday, August 17, we flew to the island of Santo.  It was once again, our last time there.  Every audit now, is the last one in that particular place.   President and Sister Duquette were also going to Santo for a zone conference with the missionaries.  There was also suppose to be a District conference that weekend, which is why we were going at that time to do the audits.  As I've mentioned before, we do audits during a district conference because the branch president from the other islands come in for conference and we do the audits at that time.    President Duquette informed us that he had cancelled district conference because of the volcano in Ambae.  He felt bad for not telling us, he didn't think to ask.   It wasn't a problem though because the members that were on Ambae, about 300 of them, have all moved to Santo.  When we got there, we were met by brother Toa, a member of the district presidency.  He took us to our hotel, and then to the audits that he had set up for that afternoon.  He is such a good man, he made appointments and had everything set up for the audits with the different branches for the four days we were there.   Greg was always hopeful that they would have an audit committee selected so that he could train them, but it never happened on his watch, so he ended up doing most of the audits.   The district presidents make the committment to do it, but they have a hard time following through, and when you are working with different islands and countries, you can't just drop in and see how it's going because there isn't the budget to make extra trips.  Technology is a very hard concept for these third world countries.  The younger generation is starting to get it, but it's harder trying to teach the 50 or 60 year old branch presidents how to use the computer, and how to even operate a mouse.  Imagine someone living in the bush, using a computer!  Progress is slow, but it's coming along.

The government planned for the people of Ambae to move to the island of Maewo, at the expense of the government.  Most all of our church members moved to Santo because many have family there, plus there are better resources there.  The government told them if they moved to Santo, it would be at their own expense.   I talked to a man from Ambae, and he told me the island of Maewo was getting ash from the volcano too, and that it wasn't that much better.  Santo is farther away, and just a better place to be.  You might remember me telling about the volcano in a previous post.  They evacuated  people in September of last year, when they had a big eruption.  Some of the families went  back after a while, but now it looks like it will be a final move.   By the time they do this final evacuation, they will have evacuated 10,000 people.  I've asked some of the people, if they had the chance, would they like to go back, and they all would if they could.  Most of the island is covered in smoke and ash, which makes it so they can't grow their food, and they're water supply is contaminated.  I can't tell you what an amazing experience this has been for us.  It's like being in the middle of a National Geographic documentary.

Vanuatu sits on the Pacific's "ring of fire," the arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes, cyclones and volcanoes are common.  The other day, I felt a slight jolt, and found out later in the day that it was from a 6.5 earthquake in Fiji.  Yikes!

I've mentioned the senior couple in Santo, elder and sister Ipson.  It was good to see them again.  She told me that they were going to a baptism on Saturday, and wondered if I would like to go with them.  Greg was auditing all day, so I was happy to go.  They picked me up on Saturday morning, and we headed to a baptism that would be done in the ocean.  We traveled for about an hour on really icky roads, way out in the bush before we finally got there.  We first stopped at a small water hole that they were planning to use, but there wasn't quite enough water.  It is spot of water that they normally use as a font if there's enough water, but since that wasn't going to work, we headed for the ocean.  When we  got there, we pulled off to the side of the road and walked about 1/2 mile through jungle terrain before we  got to the ocean.  It was so pretty to step out of the amazing jungle on to a beautiful beach!!  WOW!   We walked with the missionaries about a half mile down the beach to where a few members of the Jarailan branch were waiting, along with two adults that were to be baptized.  We had a quiet little service, with the ocean waves lapping at the shore in the background.  The baptism was sweet to witness as you watched the missionaries walk out into the beautiful ocean with each member.  There was a group of younger women there that were so fun to visit with too.  We took a bunch of pictures of all of us together.  They wanted us to some how get copies of the pictures to them.   I wish we could, they always want to see the picture after you took it.  Sooo sweet!

After the baptisms, we went to a village where some members of the Lolotinge branch were building a new bush chapel.  We watched women making sections of the the roof.  I'll attach a picture.  I sat down and attempted to help with the "pinning" of the leaves to the section that was being worked on.  It was facinating to watch the process, and see how it would be attached to the roof.  The people are always happy to see you when you come into their villages, as long as you have a purpose. It's funny, you will drive or walk by a pretty tough looking man with a serious face, but all you have to do is smile and say, "gud moning, or halo," and you get this big smile and a sweet response right back.  We will miss these sweet people "tumas".

When we got back from the baptism, alot of the young missionaries were there, so I got to see them and visit for a while.  Many of us have been here long enough that we're happy to see each other from time to time. I left Greg at the church and walked back to the hotel.  On my way back, I stopped by a handicraft shop to see what they had.  I had been there four months prior, and the same ladies were there.   They remembered me from the time before, so it was fun to visit with them again.  It was sad though to tell them good bye for the last time.

I'm tearful as I sit here writing about our experiences in Santo, it was such a sweet time to be there.  After sacrament meeting on Sunday, these two little boys came over to us and sat down between us, so Greg started talking to them, they were so curious.  Pretty soon, four, darling little girls that were about eight or nine years old, came right over to me.  I shook there little hands and said to each of them, "nem blo yu"  (what is your name?)  They told me their names, and huddled close to me.  I put my arms around them and told them how beautiful they were.  At that moment, I thought, these are my little sisters here in the pacific islands.  I asked them if they enjoyed primary, they said they did, so off they went to primary.   After sunday school, I was kicking myself for not going into primary to see how they were doing in the reverence department, hopefully better than in our ward!  ha ha!

Monday was zone conference.  Greg had audits for part of the day, so I went to zone conference without him, he came when he could.  Each mission president has their own style of teaching the missionaries.  President Granger had a little different style than President Duquette, but both are great mission presidents.  Greg got finished with the audits that day so we were able to catch a late flight that night and get home a day early.  While we were waiting for our 10:00pm flight, this group of native musicians came to the airport and set up these bamboo instruments and started to play.  They were amazing!  I think they were there to play for a plane load of people coming in from New Caledonia.  We all enjoyed listening to them.  I hope a little video I took can be attached.  Anyway, all in all, it was a great last trip to Santo. 

 The other day, Greg trained a new stake auditor  here in Port Vila by the name of  Nu Nu Mahit, a brother of our bishop.  He said he showed a real desire to fulfill his new calling as a stake auditor.  He was excited to see the progress.   Tuesday, we are off to Malekula for the last time there.  I hope it's somewhat uneventful compared to six months ago.  We don't want to experience anymore cyclones!  Our time is getting short in the mission field. We will never forget the experiences we've had with the wonderful people here in Vanuatu!  I'll get back to you when we get back from Malekula!  Ale Lukim yu (Good bye, see you later).  Love Greg and Ann

Saturday Senior Activity

Last Saturday, we all went on a tour of the Aelan Chocolate Factory, located here in Port Vila.  The tour only took about 10 minutes, and then we got to taste all the different types of chocolate they make.  YUM! They make their chocolate from the cocoa beans from three islands here in Vanuatu; Santo, Malekula, and Epi.  We've been to Santa and Malekula, but not Epi.  It's all dark chocolate, 70 percent cocoa.  They add crystalized ginger, tumeric, chili pepper and kava into chocolate.  Sooo good!  (we did not taste the kava chocolate). They won international recognition at the International Chocolate Salon Competition - Artisan Chocolate Awards 2018.   They were up against chocolate makers from around the world.   GO VANUATU!!!!  They were so excited to tell us all about it.  We'll bring plenty home for tasting. 

After our chocolate adventure, we drove just down the road to a custom village, what a riot, we had so much fun!  There are a few villages on the islands that will put on a custom production so that you can see what it was like back in the day, it also provides a little money for the village.  This particular village we went to, was evacuated from the island of Ambae.  The volcano on their island keeps erupting and causing the people to have to leave.  Since leaving the island, they are just trying to make a little money to live on.  When we walked in, we were greated by a serious warrior.  He was all "undressed up."  We all gathered around him as he welcomed us to his village, when all of the sudden, we were charged by warriors with spears!  It was very real, and scared us purple for a second, then we all started laughing.  They were so fun and funny.  They put a flower in our hair, and handed Elder Collette a big palm leaf.  You would present the palm, if you wanted to go into a village, in peace.  He talked to us about their ancestors who were cannibals.  He took us to a hut that had custom artifacts used during the day.  We saw woven mats used in custom marriages, clubs for killing pigs for ceremony, a conch shell for calling village members together, and more, and explained what everything was used for.  They dressed us up in the fun ceremonial attire so that we could take pictures.  They did several ceremonial dances for us, it was sooo interesting and fun!  It really has been fun to learn about the customs and culture in the islands. 

Last Wednesday, we all got tickets to a Chinese dance program.  It was held in a big conference center that the Chinese built.  Not much ever goes on there, but it has a stage for productions, and they put on a fun program.  They did balancing acts, dancing, kung fu fighting moves... We all thought it was going to be more elaborate than it was, but it was okay for the 800 vatu we paid ($8.00).  There is a chinese man, Robert, that plays pickle ball with us now, and is really good.  We found out that he is a pro ping pong player, that explains why he can give us a run for our money in pickleball, it's played much the same way.   There is a real language barrier, but we understand enough to help him with the rules of play.  He picked it up quick!  He's ordering all kinds of paddles and balls from China, so that they can keep the fun going even after we've all gone home.  We're giving all of our stuff to the Nivan's, hoping someone will take care of it.  Those that have played with us, love it! 

Next Thursday, we are headed for the island of Santo for our last audit there.  The volcano on the island of Ambae has caused many people to evacuate to Santo.  It will be interesting to see how things will be as far as the audits go.  Lots of members are there, but are the records there with anyone??? We're not sure what we'll find.  You can be sure I'll write and tell you all about it!  I'll close for now, we hope all is well with you and your families.   Take care and we'll write again soon.   Love, Greg and Ann

This chicken was in someone's baggage in Tanna!

South Pacific Pizza Party

Last Friday night, we had a pizza party at the Collette's apartment.  We were all to make a home made pizza.  I made a vegetarian pizza that had pizza sauce, cheese, tomatoes and basil.  Greg is a meat eater, so he protested a bit, but thought it was pretty good after all.  When I made the pizza crust, I added about a tablespoon of crushed rosemary to the dough. After rolling it out, I brushed the dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 mashed, roasted, garlic cloves mixed together.   I then baked the crust for about 8 minutes, before adding the toppings to finish baking for 20 minute or so.   Adding the rosemary to the dough was a winner, it was really good.   While we ate our pizza, we watched the musical, South Pacific.  I remember watching it many years ago, though I didn't remember anything about it.  It was so fun for us to watch becauses the story takes place during WWII, here in the islands.  It was filmed on the Hawiian island of Kawaii, but that part of the war took place on the island of Espiritu Santo.  We will be leaving Friday to go do audits there one last time.   We were looking at a map, and there were huge bases located here on Efate, where we live, and on Santo during the war.  Of course, the war was fought all over the Pacific.  So amazing!  We've been to many of the war sights as we've traveled the islands.  In the movie, there is a character by the name of bloody Mary.  They nick named her that because she would chew "betlenut", that gross nut I told you about that people chew in the Solomon islands that makes their mouths look bloody.  It is a nasty habit for sure.  We had a great time that night.

Monday evening was family home evening.  Greg and I were in charge of the lesson, so we decided to celebrate Pioneer Day, which of course they don't celebrate here.  We downloaded the Pioneer Day concert that the Tabernacle Choir performed this year.  We showed the two pioneer songs that were sang, along with the video of Come, Come ye Saints.  Then we all shared stories about our pioneer ancestors, it was really a nice evening.  Since there are several of us leaving the mission soon, we also talked about some of the things we want to do before we leave.  It's so weird to be so close to going home, we're the next ones to go.  The Lindeman's will have been here two years by the time they leave in October, the rest of us 18 months. 

We just got a phone call from Air Vanuatu, changing our flight time tomorrow to Santo.  Oh boy, here we go again with the flights!  This will be our final trip to Santo for audits there.  We are doing them in conjunction with district conference,  because that's when all the branch presidents should be in from the other islands.   We've been told that most of the church members have been evaculated from the island of Ambae to Santo because of the Volcano.  We're anxious to see if the records to be audited made it over with them.  President and sister Duquette will be there also.  They will also have a zone conference while they are there.  I will have the chance to go to it, it will be interesting to see the differences between the Grangers and the Duquettes training styles.  I'll close for now, but will be back with more when we return from Santo.  Take care everyone.  Love, Greg and Ann