July 5, 2016

Today we helped 5 students print up their registrations for the University of the South Pacific. The forms and money need to be in by this Friday, July 8 and July 7 is their independence day so most of them were not waiting for the last day. The students said the lines are soooo long if they wait until the last day. Daniel Dafolo (who came home the day we arrived) was at our house by 9 a.m. to get his paper printed, which we were able to do. He returned later asking about the Returned Missionary Scholarship money to pay for his fees. Lynn and I just looked at each other because we had no idea what to do for it. So we called Renee in New Zealand and she email us the form, which we helped Daniel fill it. (This should be at least 8 weeks before school registration but he hasn't had that much time.) There is a place where it asks for an amount of money the family will contribute. (The church wants them to realize that this not something for nothing.) He said $100. After 45 min. we had everything done except the Branch President's signature. He asked us if we could drive him to where the branch president worked. We agreed (which Sampson's have told us not to do too much for them because then they won't want to do it themselves and they expect it.) When we found the business, the Branch President came out and talked with Daniel and us. He said that Elder Nish expected every family to pay at least half of the fees. Daniel did change his family's amount to $500. And Lynn gave him notice that next time it should be half. I wish we knew this kind of stuff before hand.

Church

Our first Sunday here we attended the Honiara Branch, which is just across the street from our compound. There is a nice building and it was a functioning branch.

Last Sunday, we attended the White River Branch, where we will be going from now on. It is a small branch, that is just learning how meetings run and using agendas. There were about 60 people there, with quite a few children. The primary had about 31 children and the Relief Society had 11 women. The music was a keyboard that played the hymns but the young man in charge stopped it 10 minutes before the meeting. I really wanted to get up and play it myself. But I don't want to seem too pushy. And the whiteboards were anything but white. I hope to find some cleaner and get over there before Sunday (it must be the teacher in me when I see such a dirty whiteboard to want it cleaned). Talk about the emerging church. There is so much to teach and instruct on.

We had tacos for dinner and we used a taco seasoning packet that was made in Australia! What would the Mexicans think?

We have had several little lizards get in our flat. Lynn has been able to chase them out through the louvered windows. None of the windows shut real tight. Sister Granger emphasized the use of mosquito repellent and repellent spray for clothes and that we need to check and make sure our window netting doesn't have any openings. With lizards getting in, we must have a hole somewhere.

Sister Sampson had us drive to two villages, the first one is “Green Valley”. Definitely not similar to St. George's Green Valley. All of the areas are built on hillsides and these people walk everywhere. So the steep hills are nothing to them. We took a few pictures of the “gated” community.

We then drove to Neho village, which is right next to Green Valley. The dirt roads are narrow and rutted with houses built on poles, also.

gated community

dogs are everywhere

This has been a good time to arrive here. It is their winter here so it hasn't been as hot and humid yet. It will give us time to get acclimated. It has rained almost every day this week. Early this morning it poured for several hours. One lesson I learned the first week, always go slow down the outside steps. They paint the steps and when they get wet, they are very slippery. So I was holding the hand rail but slipped and fell down several steps. I wasn't too hurt (big bruise on my hip and sore on my leg, scraped arm but nothing too serious) but my pride was gone because it happened in front of the two women who do the yard work here. Now I take all steps slow and one at a time.

June 30, 2016

Today we went with the Sampson's to visit the first person who was baptized here. We climbed into the truck and headed to his house. I had never been into the villages. It's hard to describe how these people live, just tiny little shacks with tin roofs, built on hillsides. They walk everywhere and are able to haul a lot of things; one women was carrying bottled water in a bag that fit on her forehead and then went down her back! So amazing. We crossed a small river, where women were washing and bathing and saw people just hanging out everywhere. We finally arrived at the member's shack only to find him not there. But his daughter and her family were there and they let me take a picture of them. The children are pretty shy of white people but agreed to have their picture taken. A family just next to them had a pet cockatoo. It was a very humbling experience.  

We ran a few errands with the Sampson's and then went to a food court in the Panatina Mall to have lunch. There were three different food vendors to pick from, sandwiches, pizza, and Chinese, similar to Panda Express. We chose the Chinese place and ordered lemon fish. We shared a plate of noodles with the lemon fish. It was so good. We will definitely eat there again.

At this same mall, there is a food store that imports from New Zealand. Things are pretty expensive but we are happy to pay for it. We found mayo and tortilla chips there. The chips aren't like Los Hermanos but they taste pretty good. We have also found butter, cheese (not like Tillamook but pretty good), chicken, mince (hamburger) and most everything. So we know we won't starve. The problem is it takes several stops to get things.

We were able to talk to Chris and Amy over google hangouts today. Boy, that seemed so fun. The internet did cut out on us once but we just tried again. I love this modern technology.  I took some pictures of our new flat.

kitchen, dining, living area

bananas outside our flat

the office

The most comfortable chairs...to the right of the table

June 24-30

Smoke Gets in My Eyes

The first smell that I encountered was smoke. It seemed to be everywhere. And I soon discovered why. Most of the people burn their garbage and there are no restrictions as to when and where. So we see little fires burning by the houses. Hence the reason for the smoke everywhere.

Betel Nut

As we were walking down the street, I noticed a lot of red spatters and wondered why there was so much of it everywhere. Sister Sampson told me that many sidewalk vendors sold a nut that looks similar to a lime and the people chew it, causing them to have red mouths and tongues. It gives them a slight “buzz”. What a mess it causes. There are many signs that say “no spitting betel juice” on their property. Many of the people's teeth are rotten or missing, due to their chewing habit.

Trash

I was pretty dumbfounded that there was so much trash everywhere. People just throw their garbage anywhere. And it seems like the plastic bags are all over. The rivers are filled with plastic bags and trash. There are piles of garbage everywhere. I just don't understand the mentality of the people in not taking care of their garbage.

Solar Water

Our first shower was kind of chilly. There didn't seem to be any hot water. I admit that a cool shower on a hot day is the best but a first thing, get ready for the day shower needs just a little hot water. As we were talking to the Sampson's about it we found out that the water is solar so it won't be like a water heater. Then the men went downstairs, under our flat and found the temperature control and turned it way up. Lynn showered first the next day and was surprised that he had hot water and needed to add some cold. So I get in and feel lukewarm water, then it became pretty hot, and then it was gone. So I had a few minutes of a warm shower.

Chilly nights

Thank goodness for our two little air-conditioners. They and the fans make this flat livable. We have left the air-conditioner on in the bedroom all night but it gets a little chilly about 3 am. And we don't have a blanket. So last night, I turned off the bedroom air-conditioner. It didn't get too hot by the time we got up.  

Washing

We hadn't done any laundry since we left the MTC, so we were pretty desperate to wash. But before we did the wash, we had to figure out how to dry it. We decided to string some line in the extra bedroom. We had to wait for the Sampson's to take us into town and find the wire and screws. By Friday June 24, Lynn strung the line and we started the wash. The machine is in the kitchen and after 5 minutes, the machine stopped and it said error. I opened it up and realized that there was no water coming in. So Lynn went looking under the house and found what he thought was the water for the washer. He opened the faucet and then we went upstairs and started the wash again. It worked this time. YEA!!! A little later Elder Sampson came down and wanted to hunt for the thermostat for the water. He noticed that the washer was leaking and there was water all over. Lynn came back up and tightened the water hose. That seemed to do the trick. We did 2 loads of wash and hung them up to dry in our spare room.  

Wrinkles

I was worried about Lynn's shirts and wrinkles. So I thought I would iron them before they got too dry. But alas, I was too late. Besides the shirt looking so wrinkled, it still felt too damp. But I got out the iron that we had just found, plugged it in and started ironing the damp shirt. After doing two shirts, I gave up. There were still wrinkles in them. I was pretty frustrated. And the ironing board had holes in the cover and the wood underneath was peeling off so there wasn't a good surface. The Sampson's heard my frustrations and today (june 25) we went and got a microwave, iron and ironing board. I just ironed Lynn's shirt and they looked so much better. (I really enjoy ironing don't ask me why...I love the smell and the finished product.)

Transports

Transports are the public transportation system. They are just vans that people ride in. It costs $3 SD to ride it. Sister Sampson and I rode them. She doesn't mind using them to get around. I might do it if it is absolutely necessary. Hopefully, Lynn and I will be able to drive to wherever we need to go.

Bush Broom

One of the sisters that works here on the compound was sweeping the SR center with her broom. I asked her about it and how they make them. Several minutes later, she demonstrated how she takes coconut leaves and strips off the green leaf which leaves the center stem. She does about 50 of them and ties them together for her broom. It requires her to bend over when she sweeps but likes it better than the brooms we use.

 

The People

Every day we meet new people here on the compound. I can't remember too many names yet. All of the people are very anxious to say “Hello” and shake our hands. Most of them are a little shy but very happy to help in any way. Many of the older ones have missing teeth.

YSA

We attended a YSA activity last night (Sat. Jun 25). There were about 15 YSA's there. They had several activities and games that helped them review their seminary/institute lessons. Everything that was said was Pidgin English so we didn't understand much. And at the end, they had sandwiches.

Passwords

Can I say how much I dislike passwords. I call them a necessary evil. So we went to our SR Office to see about information for Daniel and looked at the computers. There were no “towers”. There were 2 monitors, 2 keyboards, a laptop, and two printers but no computers. We finally found one computer in a locked filing cabinet drawer. So I plugged it in and turned on the computer. It was up and running but it needed the password for the Nish's (the couple we replaced). I emailed Renee and she said Sister Nish put a paper in the locked drawer with the passwords. But we never found it. Thank goodness, we had brought our laptop, so we could at least communicate with Renee.  

Driving

We have a Toyota truck to drive but it is a stick shift, on the left, and driving is on the left. So Lynn got his Solomon Driver's license and decided to brave the situation. He drove Elder Sampson around and just had trouble with one thing...the flasher and the wipers. He would turn on the wipers instead of the flashers. Not too bad, I'd say. We went driving the main road today and he did really well.

Driving

 (Lynn)                                                                                                                            June 26, 2016

Another great day in Honiara. Just got through getting cleaned up. The joy of the plumbing in our little abode. The toilet won't flush completely. Yuck. The hot water is come and go to shower in. Takes a couple of minutes to get any hot water, then when it comes, it about burns you. Keeps it interesting. I still think back to when our boys were on their missions and things weren't consistent. Even with below zero temps outside, Chris had only cold water for showers. Even though it's not as good as at home, I'm trying not to complain. I don't know how the people here even shower, etc., without running water or electricity in most of their houses. We have so much more, even in our flat.

I feel like we're making pretty good progress. We didn't get here in Honiara until Wednesday, June 22, 2016. On Thursday, 6-23-16, Elder Sampson helped me try to get my drivers license. We get ready to turn in paper to get my license and their system crashes. “Come back tomorrow”. So we went in Friday and got my drivers license.' It seemed like they put me ahead in the process before some others waiting in line. Elder Sampson said that happens frequently, because we look more professional with our slacks, white shirt, tie, and Church name tag. They just move you ahead. Another tender mercy.

I'm quite nervous about driving in a totally different setting. I've been praying for divine help to be calm and have things work out with driving here. It's a new experience.They drive on the other side of the street, the steering wheel is on the other side of the vehicle, and you shift with the opposite hand. The turn signal and wipers are switched. This old man is having to learn some new tricks very quickly. I've only been here 3 days and it's time to drive. I had Elder Sampson go with me the first time, so I didn't have to worry about directions, just driving. Even going out of our compound through the gate, I nicked the lock hanging on the gate. With the steering on the right side, I tend to hug the left side of the road too much. Every time I'd go to signal, I turned on the wiper blades; but, I made it back safely to our place. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!! Later, Sandy & I went alone for a ride into town. On the way back, we stopped at the open market and bought some veggies on our own. We made it back safely. Wow. What an accomplishment. We have so many things to learn and do in a short period of time that I'm really having to stretch out of my comfort zone. On my first day of driving, I feel that The Lord heard and answered my prayers and helped me get off to a great start. Now, practice and time will help, too.

Honiera

Thurs June 16 we flew out of SLC to San Francisco, which was a quick flight.  We had several hours layover and then boarded the plane for our 12 1/2 hour flight to New Zealand.  Thank goodness it was during the night.  I was able to sleep somewhat but Lynn couldn't sleep much at all.  When we landed, it was Saturday because we crossed the international date line.  We again had several hours to wait for our next leg of the journey, our flight to Vanuatu.  We arrived in Vanuatu and were met by Sis. Granger, mission president's wife, and Elder & Sister Stevens, the mission office couple.  We were taken to our motel room and then that night all of the mission couples went to dinner where we could start getting acquainted with them.  Sunday we went to Stake Conference for the Vanuatu Stake and then had some down time to relax and walk the town with Elder and Sister Sampson.  Monday we had a senior missionary conference at the mission president's home.  Wow, what an amazing home and location.  The home had a great view of a bay.  It was a great day being taught and working with the senior missionaries.  Vanuatu was such a great time. I can see why people want to stay there.  On Tuesday we hiked up to a beautiful waterfall and then had lunch at a restaurant on the beach.  It was very relaxing.  I felt like I was on vacation.  But all good things have to end.  We left Wednesday morning early and landed in Honiera about 10 a.m.  Walking off the plane, we learned that it is HOT here, so much more than Vanuatu.  The Sampson's drove us to our new home and we started unpacking.

June 19-23

Us with Pres & Sis Granger...their backyard

Here are a few pictures while we were at Vanuatu.  It was a nice little vacation before we headed to the Solomon's.

from our hotel balcony

Our hiking group...Sis Stevens, E & S Glade (New Caldonia), E & S Stoddard (Vanuatu)

Lime Juice

While on Vanuatu, we went out to eat and were introduced to a drink called lime juice. It was so refreshing and served everywhere. It is just lime juice and sugar in water. I tried making some at our flat but didn't quite have the magic recipe. I am going to try harder to find the recipe because limes are sold everywhere and so refreshing.

Obadiah

As we were waiting in the New Zealand airport, a gentleman came an introduced himself to us. He was a member of the church, had noticed our name tags and came over to us. His name was Obadiah. He worked for the church in Vanuatu as assistant physical facilities manager and had just finished some training in New Zealand and was heading back to Vanuatu. He told us a little bit about himself and the area but best of all, he helped navigate us to the plane and then through customs when we landed. It was great to have made our first friend. When we attended stake conference there in Vanuatu, Obadiah was made a high councilman! We made sure we found him and congratulated him. He had his 2 year old son with him. What a great man he is.

Daniel

As we were waiting for our plane to Honiara, the Sampson's noticed an Elder there in line. He was returning home from his mission in Vanuatu and would ride the plane with us. He was so full of confidence. As we got off the plane, some of his family were there to meet him. It was a great reunion. We met his mother and ended up taking her and Daniel home. Home consisted of a small tin roof house with four walls. That afternoon, Daniel came to the Self Reliance Center and was asking about the returned missionary scholarship form. I felt the responsibility to take care of him but had no clue what to do. I remembered hearing about the scholarship but not what had to be done. Thank goodness for internet. I emailed Renee Solomon and she gave us some guidance. We needed to interview Daniel and find out about his mission and any leadership positions he had. Daniel had 14 companions and he was able to name them and where they were from. He had been a zone and district leader. We then asked about his previous schooling. (I am so foggy about the grades and ages here, I had no clue if that was good or bad.) We counseled him that he needed to attend institute, stay active in the church and do 6 lessons in My Foundation. He has been to the SR Center almost everyday, asking us about it.

Our new “flat”

We live on the church compound, which consists of the MLS flat, go down some stairs, the activity area (used to be the church and is open air) and then down more stairs to our flat. It had been painted before we came. Everything had been packed away...all of the kitchen stuff and the windows were bare. So when night came, Lynn and I just hung a few rods (pvc pipe) and threw some sheets over them for drapes in the bedroom. It worked pretty slick. Friday, we were shopping with the Sampson's and Sister Sampson took me to a fabric store to pick out material for new drapes. Later that afternoon, I found a box labeled “flat curtains”, opened it up and there were the curtains for the whole apartment. I felt so bad. If I had opened all of the boxes, then I would have found the curtains before buying new material.

Food Shopping

Wow what an experience this is. The Sampson's took us the first day. We went to the open market to get fresh produce. We bought a coconut, some strange looking green beans, limes, pineapple, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and green peppers. And then we went to another store and picked up some bread, and another store for a few things...cold cereal, hot dogs, etc. Then the next day, Sister Sampson and I went to the “bulk” store to buy flour, sugar, salt and pepper, juice. So shopping takes many stops to buy what you need.

 

June 13-15

We spent three days in Salt Lake City, getting training for the self-reliance initiative.  The meetings were held at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.  We had a van from SLC come to pick us up Monday by 7:45.  Our driver was the new manager of this program.  He lived in Roy so he was up by 5:30, drove to SLC to pick up the van and then came to Provo.  What a lot of driving.  But he wanted to get a feel for what it involves getting missionaries from Provo to SLC.  We had pretty bad traffic and were a little late for the meeting.  The first day we had someone explain the programs of self-reliance.  He had helped write the manuals.  It was so eye opening to hear about the change that is taking place in the self-reliance initiative, which is taking Pres. Hinckley's vision and moving forward and refining it.  The presenter talked about the spiritual side and the temporal side of self-reliance and how the gospel doctrines can help with the temporal.  He is teaching the lessons from My Foundation to his family and talks about how much is has helped them.  So each lesson starts with a spiritual doctrine and then proceeds to a temporal element.

Tuesday our meetings were about the Perpetual Education Fund doctrine behind the program and the shift in the teaching and requirements for it.  There is no PEF on the Solomon Islands but was good to get a background for the program.  In the past, a lot of missionaries were spending time trying to track down people who had taken out a loan and hadn't repaid it yet.  The point was made that the church isn't in the loan collection business so they are emphasizing how to help those people with loans.

Wednesday we were taught the different organizational structures of the program and how everything seems to flow and work.  We were given ideas as to how to approach a stake president or bishop and not belittle them but ask "How can we help?"  As missionaries, we have more spiritual power than realize.  We need to look at the doctrine and teach that before we try the practical.  Meetings should have a doctrinal discussion instead of a spiritual thought to help internalize the doctrine.

Thursday we are leaving the MTC and finally starting our journey to our mission.  We fly from SLC to San Francisco, then to Auckland, New Zealand, and then to Vanuatu.  We will stay there a few days because they are having a senior missionary conference while we are there.  And then we fly to the Solomon Islands.  We should be there by Tuesday, June 22.  Lynn and I just spent time packing and weighing our luggage.  On the New Zealand Air, our carry-ons can only be 15 lbs.  so we had to rearrange some stuff.  I'm sure I have packed stuff that won't be necessary and will find there will be stuff that I wish I had.  Oh well, too late now.

Door knob hanger at MTC