Bruce Yerman Visit

On April 1, Bruce Yerman, the director of the Church schools, made his annual visit to Moroni High School. The students love singing and dancing for anyone who comes.

Welcome Feast

On 4 April 2014, was the welcome feast for all of the new students.  They cooked two pigs. We sat out on the basketball court in the rain with our umbrellas watching the program and were thankful to move into a classroom when it was time to eat. 

Wedding Witnesses

We had the opportunity to attend a small wedding in the Bishop’s office in the Teaoreke Ward on Friday evening, 28 Feb. The girl, Teeba, is Marinoa’s (the librarian) niece.  Teeba is a member but her friend, Taike, is not. He has been taking the lessons and will be baptized next week, but since they have been living together, they needed to get married first. Marinoa had asked Sister Youngberg if she could make a wedding cake but she couldn’t and asked if I could.  I haven’t decorated a cake in years but I did the best I could.  I used what tips Sister Youngberg had which weren’t much but it turned out OK.  The ceremony was small only the couple, Marinoa, the missionaries, and us.  We ended up being the witnesses and had to sign several forms.  Weddings are always special no matter the circumstance.  There was such a sweet spirit in the Bishop’s office, although we didn’t understand a word that was said.  Of course afterwards there was lots of food, a few more guests a lot of fun and laughter sharing advice with the newlyweds. They made sure to speak in English which always helps to enjoy whatever the event is.

Sunrise

We love our morning sunrise walks, but this morning was especially beautiful.  Alma 30:44 "all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth; and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets, which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.

A New School Year

 I love the beginning of a new school year.  This will probably be my last "First Day of School."

Before school training: Fatele and Mary

Gathering for beginning assembly

First Day: Instructional Assembly

Teachers at first assembly

Lita, principal, addressing students

Tipo Solomone, Vice Principal

Banririe, Vice Principal

Moving into the dorm

Temwaiku Chapel Dedication

Temwaiku Chapel

Sat. Jan. 18 was a full day as we attended the dedication of the Temwaiku chapel. It is a beautiful building right next to the ocean. There were a few government invited guests and some from Taiwan who work here as well.  It was a wonderful service and I loved the choir.  After the program, the guests were taken on a tour of the building with four short presentations: Missionary work, Saving the Rising Generation, Strengthening the Family, and Helping the Poor and Needy.  That was followed by a cultural program by the       youth and of course a HUGE feast.  They roasted four pigs. 

Lita's presentation on 'Strengthening the Family'

Banririe's presentation on 'Self Reliance'

Babai, Elder Rasmussen, Titeebwa

Choir

Preparing the feast

Sister return missionaries were our Ushers for the day

, Sister Cassita, 

Children waiting for the program to begin

Enjoying the feast

Buying Eggs

It has been raining for two days now and it’s our turn to go buy eggs.  We borrowed Elder Youngberg’s truck and made our way to the “Egg Lady.” When the kids are here on campus she comes and delivers eggs to the school cafeteria and to us, but with no kids we have to go get them. The rain was coming in buckets and they were still gathering eggs, so I waited in the truck while Rich stood in the rain with an umbrella waiting.  I felt sorry for the poor chickens.  They had tried to cover their cages but they were getting soaked. The eggs are now $.60 each or $7.20 a doz.  Some are very small and some are huge.  We even had a double yolk once. 

We are grateful for the rain since we depend on it for all of our water needs.  But without sunshine our solar powered hot water heater doesn’t work.  Our water hasn’t totally turned cold but is now barely warm. It’s been nice to have cooler days, but I also like my warm showers.  Americans – we are never satisfied.