tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30679213013937363192024-03-19T01:09:59.765-07:00Our Micronesia AdventuresElder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-22973451464396757552012-06-25T05:14:00.002-07:002012-06-25T05:20:42.719-07:00Farewell to ParadiseIt is hard to believe that 18 months have come and gone so quickly. What a great experience this has been to live on this beautiful island paradise of Kosrae. Because of the Gospel, we have had the opportunity of a lifetime being among these wonderful, kind, and loving people here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Wright on his coconut hammock</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjOSOnVpp7bpS-ydm7VpiwEw7AztoN2k4Q07L3pCnH4GvZ8INdu2OezEkIaweLRxaqXiFSLG8HP_lR3T-eXTiHq_pwegmxhyHj9w4PrL2VRrLgNqCFoV7ruetjH5F2qsd-eqlb1PXXPaf/s1600/rs+scenery+behind+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjOSOnVpp7bpS-ydm7VpiwEw7AztoN2k4Q07L3pCnH4GvZ8INdu2OezEkIaweLRxaqXiFSLG8HP_lR3T-eXTiHq_pwegmxhyHj9w4PrL2VRrLgNqCFoV7ruetjH5F2qsd-eqlb1PXXPaf/s320/rs+scenery+behind+house.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a> We have learned so many things from the members here. Patience being the top of the list. They do things at their own timing and leisure with no hurrys or worrys. They do not stress over little or big things, and everything will usually work out in the end. You just need to be adaptable to this slower pace of living. </div>
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Beautiful views from behind our house.<br />
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We both agree that we will definitely not miss the humidity and being wet much of the time. Elder Wright will not miss having to carry a sweat wrag with him everywhere, wearing shirts with wet collars, bug bites, heat rashes, and always having sand in his shoes. Sister Wright will not miss cleaning mold and algae from windows, mini blinds, and bathroom tile. Nor will she miss rust on fans and appliances, or rats crossing the roadways.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our final sunrise</td></tr>
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We will miss the beautiful sunrises we experience each and every day, living on beach front property with an awesome ocean view, tropical greenery along the roadways, and lush rainforests. Mostly we will miss the association with the people we have grown to know and love who are some of Heavenly Father's choice children. We will also miss the tremendous young Elders who serve here as missionaries teaching and preaching the gospel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many beautiful sunsets we have witnessed</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We were honored with a going away party by the district. It was an extraordinary evening with delicious local food including fish, bbq ribs and chicken, taro, bananas, rice and banana pie. Of course there was singing and dancing and some words of farewell by us. Our lives will never be the same. Being together 24/7 has been a rewarding time for us. This truly has been a Micronesian Adventure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwXvGXoLvBwQqifPloiakch9EJEKJO7HM5VsnD6bDswb0Z3AOiUBWBf4s-mH6NmxE3CG2E8-kirXvZ-jyGp-yxCaqJgaOiOuHKDtChDqoEdo0LPro-8GLOqgbQCHPL13PZxONRvepZTnu/s1600/The+Wrights+name+badges+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwXvGXoLvBwQqifPloiakch9EJEKJO7HM5VsnD6bDswb0Z3AOiUBWBf4s-mH6NmxE3CG2E8-kirXvZ-jyGp-yxCaqJgaOiOuHKDtChDqoEdo0LPro-8GLOqgbQCHPL13PZxONRvepZTnu/s320/The+Wrights+name+badges+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-75090037883010466152012-06-14T02:15:00.001-07:002012-06-14T02:15:38.070-07:00Temple Blessings in Manila<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVvw5O1D1qIyuBLoUHfTGraS-0DfdZokTDfQf3mIXxze9lVvATPbcCvwypmxmwVpbmakb7XQugy5NYK530zw-Sqtte9omPam004cXFfByBRvy57U1dU_AYdcVrxmHO260yjYl-T2iZnkq/s1600/Manila+temple+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVvw5O1D1qIyuBLoUHfTGraS-0DfdZokTDfQf3mIXxze9lVvATPbcCvwypmxmwVpbmakb7XQugy5NYK530zw-Sqtte9omPam004cXFfByBRvy57U1dU_AYdcVrxmHO260yjYl-T2iZnkq/s320/Manila+temple+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you live on a small island in the Pacific Ocean where you are far from a temple, it takes lots of preparation and time to get a trip organized for families to attend the temple. The closest temple to us is in Manila, Philippines. It is more than 2,000 miles from here. We are so grateful for the Temple Patron Fund of the Church that helps families and individuals who are attending the temple for the first time. </div>
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The cost is very prohibitive for any of the members to ever be able to afford to go. None of us realize how fortunate we are to live in a close proximity of a temple. Especially those of us who only live about 5-10 minutes from the nearest temple. It was last summer that we first started to plan for a trip to the temple. We had the privilege of teaching a temple preparation class with members of the branch. As we got further into our class one of our members did not have a birth certificate and it took us months to get one for him so that he could get a passport. Unfortunately it took too long and he and his family will go on the next trip as the request to the Temple fund had to be submitted to the Asia North Area for approval for the financing before he had his certificate. There have been many stumbling blocks along the way as we have tried to help the George family who would be our only family going on this temple trip. The original plan was for the family to leave in March, but the first hurdle was finding out that the temple was closed for maintenance at the time they were to leave. Fortunately the flight was sold out when they went to purchase tickets. That was our first tender mercy. Each time trickets were reserved we would contact the temple with the dates only to find out they were extending their closure time for maintenance repairs. The temple actually ended up being closed for 3 months. Then the price of tickets increased significantly and it was above the approved budget. By changing the date to a later time the price for tickets were reduce to something more reasonable, so tickets were reserved again, but when they went to purchase them it was discovered that Sister George's passport only had 5 months before renewal and the policy here in the FSM is that there must be 6 months or more left when you travel from to and from the FSM. So the next morning off to the immigration she went to fill out renewal papers and send them off to the capitol on the Island of Pohnpei. She was told that they would be back just one day before departure. There was also a problem with the check that was being written to purchase the tickets and they had to have the Church finance center in Guam actually do the purchasing. The next tender mercy occured when the passport was returned in just 6 days. Tickets were purchased and we thought all was well but one day before they were to leave as we printed the itinerary for them it was discovered that they had the wrong return date. It was actually 4 days later than we had scheduled. So with some quick emails to Manila asking for additional days at temple housing they were on their way. This is another tender mercy as they get to spend extra days at the temple as this may be a once in a lifetime trip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1BSSqyKYeUdfa3E-p0pF0VWfbZJBGirvlDN2GDtyd_LdaCjT_WTTaolxaIz3OvnpBvgNHX7TKIeLCN4nnUge4F6il3-vEmIcbdIcvtN-uEn6pevv2B16w1SOKK2lEdQsCDVuIEXMlyBl/s1600/rs+george+family+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1BSSqyKYeUdfa3E-p0pF0VWfbZJBGirvlDN2GDtyd_LdaCjT_WTTaolxaIz3OvnpBvgNHX7TKIeLCN4nnUge4F6il3-vEmIcbdIcvtN-uEn6pevv2B16w1SOKK2lEdQsCDVuIEXMlyBl/s400/rs+george+family+2.jpg" width="360" /></a>This is our wonderful George Family who are now in the Philippines attending the temple. President George is a Branch President here in Utwe. They were able to take four of their children with them. </div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-58684710210151304352012-06-07T16:02:00.000-07:002012-06-07T16:02:51.029-07:00Closing Social on the Beach<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXXjkiIl839s-dhWaXy66BOOgEz5jmYrcGYVyKNm2kikC_zFIk9dat5XcXBNgXkbbLtRaaGbHVV0s1kEcnBga0W5YQ7mqt9vs2_yuTBz6KybTyCeXDZkWgCHT7KfyTQx10QDyDrk0lYbC/s1600/rs+bbq+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXXjkiIl839s-dhWaXy66BOOgEz5jmYrcGYVyKNm2kikC_zFIk9dat5XcXBNgXkbbLtRaaGbHVV0s1kEcnBga0W5YQ7mqt9vs2_yuTBz6KybTyCeXDZkWgCHT7KfyTQx10QDyDrk0lYbC/s320/rs+bbq+chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Everyone likes a party, especially when it is held at the beach. This year to end our seminary and institute program we held a closing social at our home, you know the one with the beach front property. Some of the young men and our teacher Brother Nena built a firepit using coral rocks from the ocean and putting a wire screen on top. We even collected wood from along the beach for the fire. Many students came early to help with getting things ready. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCpVrMLixTl2pzsWZjgckv694C0IzoIbsgACOL9SQ-MAibnG5QQebCgDmZunRLFByzUubn7q2fQNwd7Szj3vEYmDml_SNCKnDQXCWWzTROx8iBxV5FRA_awq17AtMppbbmEHXQy87o6Xx/s1600/rs+weaving+trays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCpVrMLixTl2pzsWZjgckv694C0IzoIbsgACOL9SQ-MAibnG5QQebCgDmZunRLFByzUubn7q2fQNwd7Szj3vEYmDml_SNCKnDQXCWWzTROx8iBxV5FRA_awq17AtMppbbmEHXQy87o6Xx/s320/rs+weaving+trays.jpg" width="320" /></a>They made local woven trays to put the food on and then some enjoyed sitting around and talking. We had delicious marinated chicken cooked to perfection, except for the few pieces that got some sand on them when the wind began to whip up. Of course we had to have rice, which I cooked. and many brought local dishes such as taro, breadfruit, bananas (cooked 3 different ways) and naturally it wouldn't be a party without ice cream.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNg8gH7yEXA5skCkNQKyu9YVOwhswWBnUlzTBnCdQ7sgPl8Ct1avthjq795vlaS-W_XlJsQMOOxO6CSlulGZ3fNGXrVSyZdEZAeydxFaaHP7v0x-MWL32c9lzzxi3aviMt-U3X_gYc3cd/s1600/rs+Selyn+and+Diovil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNg8gH7yEXA5skCkNQKyu9YVOwhswWBnUlzTBnCdQ7sgPl8Ct1avthjq795vlaS-W_XlJsQMOOxO6CSlulGZ3fNGXrVSyZdEZAeydxFaaHP7v0x-MWL32c9lzzxi3aviMt-U3X_gYc3cd/s320/rs+Selyn+and+Diovil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Seminary students -- Diovil and Selyn</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQX5KEsRzaw_nxnOCUpsnVFcqKHTThYqCQ4XFBkFapS0SdDIl5sHxSImdRlsv8a51bwLnQwog5KEG9hBFdBfUq-ex6MENLc21CoQIpT7mPmYu0d6ZKEMXffgzRAZLr3dBl93d8jscg-Od/s1600/rs+water+balloons+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQX5KEsRzaw_nxnOCUpsnVFcqKHTThYqCQ4XFBkFapS0SdDIl5sHxSImdRlsv8a51bwLnQwog5KEG9hBFdBfUq-ex6MENLc21CoQIpT7mPmYu0d6ZKEMXffgzRAZLr3dBl93d8jscg-Od/s320/rs+water+balloons+1.jpg" width="320" /></a>We played some games on the beach with water balloons and had so much fun doing it. After we ate, the wind kept getting stronger and stronger so we were unable to play the game with the new frisbees that we bought. But it was great to be outdoors and eat before we had to come inside. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQc3yfWhp0bUivrEdnsbLFkGrbptruhais1DL6AQgGiYpXHrYA6CTVLjNxBnKWzE275LS-6nznqQPteZuninJUMTC9ZsqZxTxHUUGFjPTsSoB2bAVN7GJZ7eW_drpsJlV70BSompwmMC1l/s1600/rs+group+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQc3yfWhp0bUivrEdnsbLFkGrbptruhais1DL6AQgGiYpXHrYA6CTVLjNxBnKWzE275LS-6nznqQPteZuninJUMTC9ZsqZxTxHUUGFjPTsSoB2bAVN7GJZ7eW_drpsJlV70BSompwmMC1l/s400/rs+group+picture.jpg" width="400" /></a>We played a fun end of the year game of Jeopardy with questions from the Old Testament. Following the game we watched the movie "Plates of Gold." There were about 30 in attendance including both students and teachers. What a great way to end a successful year for both seminary and institute.</div>
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</div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-85976443515956729812012-06-07T02:49:00.002-07:002012-06-07T15:16:06.132-07:00Graduation and a Wedding<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp343otYnVVzGv-C_aynO4ljNrSMHpiV5MEQrvLRaDNoTCfwfKP7JjWW-2_gGIq8tXTOjQRauZqncB7rWaK8A-1BO9hTq1tduKe9bu7Hj6frARKXqYZS_uBgW2jC_OVQV3ljZ4aS-kUZiw/s1600/rs+seminary+grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp343otYnVVzGv-C_aynO4ljNrSMHpiV5MEQrvLRaDNoTCfwfKP7JjWW-2_gGIq8tXTOjQRauZqncB7rWaK8A-1BO9hTq1tduKe9bu7Hj6frARKXqYZS_uBgW2jC_OVQV3ljZ4aS-kUZiw/s320/rs+seminary+grad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seminary girls</td></tr>
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We held our seminary and institute graduation on the last weekend in May. We had some great youth who were getting credit for completing this years course of study. We couldn't be prouder of them, as all those in seminary who completed the year, also memorized all of the 25 scripture mastery verses in the Old Testament. No one graduated this year, but look out for next year as we will have some graduating from high school and also getting a diploma for completing four years of seminary. Tulpe was our only institute student who received a Certificate of Advanced Achievement. She completed eight credit hours after already graduating from institute two years ago. With all the problems we had with transportation in getting everyone to class each time, we ended up with one student, Jason Linus, who got 100% attendance.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i6wn8jM9AH0W394lSYBMlGskgB65IjlGaUy0AMaesylNdAbo1lq-cw06Lkf6SJMrw2RjftN6t64NjncNFA0gmgxrd3n_3YO3xDzMiPz8imSF6BzrMVqiENRiT9NY4seLmEqg1wp6LP-A/s1600/rs+institute+grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i6wn8jM9AH0W394lSYBMlGskgB65IjlGaUy0AMaesylNdAbo1lq-cw06Lkf6SJMrw2RjftN6t64NjncNFA0gmgxrd3n_3YO3xDzMiPz8imSF6BzrMVqiENRiT9NY4seLmEqg1wp6LP-A/s320/rs+institute+grad.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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This is only a portion of our institute students as some of them did not want to get their picture taken. <br />
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Our theme for this year comes from<br />
Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Teachers, leaders, students and some future students.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Many of our students participated in giving talks about their reflections of Old Testament stories that had meaning in their lives. All of our students came to the graduation, but we did not have too many that came to support our students. Would you believe that they scheduled a wedding for the same day and just two hours before our graduation program. The great thing about it was that all the people were at the Church for the wedding and so that made our graduation start on time, although many left to go to the reception that was held at a home about a mile away. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NDxWh8bfwczBtdmXhyxoBPzgClzuMzzozZcAWyqXlwPALYalXgxBKWUQFf7cDgfCQYx2QcKflM9ooO4tGO6BX0ilg6Gd2bxnlDW54hhvqyrtemLda_0s33GcajH_ZBDcn_ooE1eL8-w/s1600/rs+IMG_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NDxWh8bfwczBtdmXhyxoBPzgClzuMzzozZcAWyqXlwPALYalXgxBKWUQFf7cDgfCQYx2QcKflM9ooO4tGO6BX0ilg6Gd2bxnlDW54hhvqyrtemLda_0s33GcajH_ZBDcn_ooE1eL8-w/s320/rs+IMG_0162.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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This was our first wedding to attend since coming to Kosrae. What a great event to witness. It was the wedding of our Branch President's daughter, Kenye, who married a young man, Jared Albert, from the Branch. The bride was lovely and the ceremony was somewhat different from those we have attended at home. They did not play any wedding music as such. The bride and groom sat in chairs at the front of the Chapel and were rather serious looking as President </div>
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George officiated at the ceremony. </div>
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After he gave a wedding talk they stood up for the saying of their vows. Everyone was able to greet them afterwards before they left for the reception. The Chapel was filled with many friends and family who came to support and wish the new couple well. The graduation program kept us from attending the reception, but we heard it was fabulous. </div>
<br />Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-52595438199378846042012-05-19T22:52:00.002-07:002012-05-19T22:59:30.964-07:00Year End Activities<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
The school year is now officially over and that means we have come to an end with our institute and seminary classes. Studying the Old Testament has been a rewarding experience and both the students and teachers have learned a multitude of things about the house of Israel. Hopefully this will always be beneficial in the lives of our students as we tried to apply the teachings to their lives now. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President George was our biggest winner here</td></tr>
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We thought it would be fun to have one extra week in institute and do some activities with them. Before we got started on the activities we showed a DVD presentation to each of the classes. One class was able to view the last CES Fireside broadcast and the other one watched "Only a Stone Cutter" as they had already seen the broadcast earlier. Our Utwe Branch had not played the M&M game so we brought plenty of M&Ms and straws. They quite enjoyed doing this game.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHFOa0Jxf8LoSvGAJFDNfaJwQnkOFf7aN72htIb37aAFBxK4KM-QOZlimbjpKF5iH9LAnYKjRjep_OJKl8ZPh-qA2jOpR0b9X_CnLEYU9r1xGYACywUnj6R6SSVbNnmLa5kBs0Z2aJZSO/s1600/rs+utwe+games+2%252B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHFOa0Jxf8LoSvGAJFDNfaJwQnkOFf7aN72htIb37aAFBxK4KM-QOZlimbjpKF5iH9LAnYKjRjep_OJKl8ZPh-qA2jOpR0b9X_CnLEYU9r1xGYACywUnj6R6SSVbNnmLa5kBs0Z2aJZSO/s320/rs+utwe+games+2%252B.jpg" width="320" /></a>We tried some of the "Minute to Win It" games also. We did not actually do the entire group of activities, but chose 4 diffferent ones to do. We did the one where you had to build a pyramid with plastic cups and return them to a single stack, they they had to blow up a ballon and try and blow off the cups from a table. We tried the activity where you have to keep three blown up balloons in the air for at least 1 minute. </div>
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We got such a good laugh from everyone playing these games. Our only problem was that the balloons available here were not very good and kept popping on us. Our teacher, Sister Jonathan, really got into these games and had fun doing each activity. </div>
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The last minute activity was to put the latter-day prophets in the correct order. <em> </em>I was impressed on how well they knew all of these. </div>
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Next we played a dice and number card game. We brought 2 or 3 different kinds of cookies for treats afterwards. But we also had suckers for those winning in the other games. Everyone likes suckers here from the youngest to the oldest you can see them enjoying their suckers.</div>
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It was two great nights of fun in our institute classes. How we will miss doing this next year.<br />
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We also had a scripture mastery challenge between our Lelu seminary class and the zone leaders, Elders Madsen and Agalzoff.<br />
The Elders ended up winning by one point. They were the fastest in giving scripture references to clue words, but the class was tops in finding it in the scriptures and quoting the verse from memory. We forgot our to take our camera that day. So sad. What a great way to end our S & I year.Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-60746256218390430642012-05-06T02:22:00.000-07:002012-05-06T02:25:55.523-07:00Happenings on KosraeThe last couple of weeks have been rather eventful here on Kosrae. We had the baptism on Jan Kilafwakun. He had been taught by Elders Madsen and Agalzoff. His brother Elmer and his wife joined the Church about 16 months ago and it is wonderful to have some of the other members of that family come unto Christ and make some great changes in their lives. He is a very enthusiastic young man and will be a welcome addition to our Branch in Lelu. <br />
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We had our Zone Conference on April 30th. These are always a much anticipated occurrence. The Zone leaders are in charge of the meeting and they put in a good amount of effort in the planning, conducting, giving a presentation of their accountability, and teaching. These conferences are held once each quarter. Elder Madsen and Agalzoff are the zone leaders here now. I am so impressed by the quality and the ability that these two Elders have in carrying forth with this responsibility. The lesson that they taught was about having charity in our lives and why we need it. When we have this pure love of Christ and let it guide our actions then many great things will happen. Our relationships with others will be enhanced and we will only want what is right and best for them. You can't preach the gospel and be effective without charity. We are always uplifted and inspired by having President and Sister Mecham teach us in these conferences. Being 1500 miles from the mission home we only get to see them on a quarterly basis at these zone conferences. President Mecham pointed out from the Book of Mormon, some of the qualities that Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah possessed that enabled them to preach and convert many people to the gospel of Christ. This was the last zone conference for us and Elder Madsen. We were given the opportunity to bear our testimonies. It was a little emotional for all of us. So many great experiences to reflect upon for all of us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-w56wML-SPFKOtK1Y7RQLGPOsy6d6zFL5GhDVvEguPjOzM5_ItQyACmP_BOkOtCscgtslPm3by4ChyphenhyphenotMK1IIvvpyP4yj5sFfOMqYOFBLe6iRS8PisNRhA6LwhU4JtyKi90dAaizB4hyphenhyphenq/s1600/rs+tafunsak+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-w56wML-SPFKOtK1Y7RQLGPOsy6d6zFL5GhDVvEguPjOzM5_ItQyACmP_BOkOtCscgtslPm3by4ChyphenhyphenotMK1IIvvpyP4yj5sFfOMqYOFBLe6iRS8PisNRhA6LwhU4JtyKi90dAaizB4hyphenhyphenq/s320/rs+tafunsak+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On Sunday we were able to hold our first group meeting. A small group can be started for members who live far from the Church. This was held in Tafunsak at one of the members homes which is 9 miles from the Church house. President Mecham has been encouraging the different islands to look for opportunities to have a smaller group who are part of the regular branch. In order to have a group there has to be a priest to conduct the meeting and a member of the branch presidency attends regularly. All of this was approved through the Area Presidency for the Asia North Area. This is the first time small groups have been held here on Kosrae. Other islands have tried small groups and one of them grew so much in numbers that it was turned into a regular branch. We are hoping that the same thing may happen here.Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-15073839939398105692012-04-19T22:39:00.000-07:002012-04-19T22:39:37.211-07:00Termites on the Rampage<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We are all aware of the destructive forces in nature such as tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanos, etc. But there is also a very tiny insect that can cause some serious damage. Here in the islands there is the termite that destroys anything in its path that is made out of wood. It does not take long for this little insect to bring about its nasty destructive efforts. We have learned that there are termites that come up from the ground as well as termites that have wings and can fly. There are many homes here with a flat cement room because the pitched roofs have all been destroyed by this insect. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnd28e0HmHRx0XabQ0Svn_JSTtO2Pa7rP8FXuoMp4B25HaS5BpnnHc_2ZImzELRP0kYo7A8FkA_lu1XfRXeysJSFBBp8BQfZgB1IA0s5o69EUqJpV28y5B_qW3zpamO2-zMF6sVsV2aRfZ/s1600/lelu+library+4+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnd28e0HmHRx0XabQ0Svn_JSTtO2Pa7rP8FXuoMp4B25HaS5BpnnHc_2ZImzELRP0kYo7A8FkA_lu1XfRXeysJSFBBp8BQfZgB1IA0s5o69EUqJpV28y5B_qW3zpamO2-zMF6sVsV2aRfZ/s400/lelu+library+4+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our beautiful Chapel here in Lelu was built and dedicated just 4 years ago in 2008. It is a lovely building, probably the nicest one here on the island. One day as we were helping set up chairs in the Chapel we noticed that the wood used to decorate the front of the choir loft and the Sacrament table had some water stains on it. Later we were informed that it was not water damage but the beginning of termite damage. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSrxqEezHh-jzOjHMVQ637bMEJM_fDmiIQZjaEB99tRGzXYFm1HiQ35cfv6YOk97FGVLQO7JVi3ph7V7MJu-3mNeT8QUOEvsYtiRWp1n_brHptLmSAirWWn2c-j2dCm6UwHnhxYv2fm2q/s1600/lelu+library+6+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSrxqEezHh-jzOjHMVQ637bMEJM_fDmiIQZjaEB99tRGzXYFm1HiQ35cfv6YOk97FGVLQO7JVi3ph7V7MJu-3mNeT8QUOEvsYtiRWp1n_brHptLmSAirWWn2c-j2dCm6UwHnhxYv2fm2q/s320/lelu+library+6+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A few months later we got a called from our facilities manager asking us to come and take some pictures at the church for him. It turned out that during the night the cabinets in the library had fallen off the wall. Now what could possibly have caused this---TERMITES!! The cabinets were disintegrating from the inside out. Some of the doors only had the laminate facing left on them and all the wood was gone. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rwvMCoJ7ljsS43hv3zpp-0lvbjVs86unpAOmanIP-DxxqveEfMDtiBtplAeyUTuQVHOSU0TlnVg78s_1CLKLIvGIqtQI-pMcK_FGBUtW6fIs77_BvkyAwdRdCfnXMV6KeKVWxghLXENV/s1600/lelu+library+2+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rwvMCoJ7ljsS43hv3zpp-0lvbjVs86unpAOmanIP-DxxqveEfMDtiBtplAeyUTuQVHOSU0TlnVg78s_1CLKLIvGIqtQI-pMcK_FGBUtW6fIs77_BvkyAwdRdCfnXMV6KeKVWxghLXENV/s320/lelu+library+2+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a>The termites had even started eating the books that were on the shelves. The entire library was a loss except that the family history computer that was housed there was spared. When the upper shelves fell they did not hit the computer and it was then rescued and removed to a safer spot. They thought that the wood they used was supposed to be protected from termites, but not in this building. Such a tragedy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-1921464611059007062012-04-13T02:54:00.001-07:002012-04-13T14:17:37.830-07:00A Dip in the OceanWe have the most beautiful crystal clear water here in this part of the ocean. You can actually see through the waves when they come in, many times they look transparent. Now you are probably wondering if maybe we have broken mission rules and took a swim in the ocean. We have not--- although we sure would like to do as the locals, and ride on a styrofoam raft and let the waves float us in to shore. This is a different sort of a dip.<br />
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</a></div>The water we use in our house comes from the rain barrels except for our toilet which has city water piped into it. When it rains very often the city plumbing backs up and we have a bucket which we fill and dump into the toilet tank so it will flush; we get that water from the bathtub. Usually within in a short time, less than a day, it works again even though the water is a little brown for the next few times that we flush. A few days ago we found that there was no water in the toilet so we started our procedure of filling up the tank. We were somewhat surprised as it has not been raining for a few days, but we took our buckets and filled that tank and it went on for 2 or 3 days. We were finally able to get a member to talk to the local water office and see what the problem was and then learned that there was something wrong with the pipes. They were aware of the problem and said they were working on it.<br />
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By this time we realized that we had not had any significant rainfall and looked in our barrels to discover that they were exceptionally low and we could not use that water to fill the toilet or we would run out for our other needs. We took one look around and said now what will we do. It didn't take long to realize that we had this huge ocean right in our backyard with all the water you would ever need. So this morning, I rolled up my pants and waded out to get some water in the ocean.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuVf51X4nq2_wxwI-mzLrzGWwgPkmixqFrI4IC_xoMavNXwsSXL89HU1SG3DUf0pY3tPIdxeVxl22qJ9vB7cXOaWH2cu3sWRME2afQNrGwEcZyis6pyhCVvJia2eZwvbPtXZlNb4Q0ije/s1600/rs+buckets+of+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuVf51X4nq2_wxwI-mzLrzGWwgPkmixqFrI4IC_xoMavNXwsSXL89HU1SG3DUf0pY3tPIdxeVxl22qJ9vB7cXOaWH2cu3sWRME2afQNrGwEcZyis6pyhCVvJia2eZwvbPtXZlNb4Q0ije/s320/rs+buckets+of+water.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
Elder Wright thought that this was rather entertaining watching me do this. It worked well, but was sure a lot more effort and sandy to say the least, but it felt so good to walk in that ocean water and that will probably be the closest that I will come to taking my own dip in the ocean. We would never have experienced this if we were still in Mesa and not here. Later that night the city water line was fixed and we were back to our normal routine of living. Our water barrels are full again as rain descended upon us the next morning.Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-83953347301334991022012-03-30T19:01:00.003-07:002012-04-03T02:41:44.520-07:00Roofing Repairs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cFI9XtZAatVUNzaZsRAZFazD6GhtWAMutSPIyFVvsFvQ_7dkDg1Al0nUVVwnv2ZyzaJCLVdY-f0FuYGcTJ_hKNh16jfmKApHv7NMJ2qom6eETA9rg7AzwLIB-T4najKB2PLHLVbIlsl_/s1600/rs+roof+damage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cFI9XtZAatVUNzaZsRAZFazD6GhtWAMutSPIyFVvsFvQ_7dkDg1Al0nUVVwnv2ZyzaJCLVdY-f0FuYGcTJ_hKNh16jfmKApHv7NMJ2qom6eETA9rg7AzwLIB-T4najKB2PLHLVbIlsl_/s320/rs+roof+damage+1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Having a home with beach front property is an added blessing living here on Kosrae. Needless to say we have enjoyed every moment witnessing beautiful sunrises, hearing the waves lap against the shore and feeling the breeze brought by the trade winds. Along with all of this wonderfulness there is some problems that do occur which can cause damage. The main one is that things rust very easily because of the moisture and the salt air. Our roof is out of corrugated tin and one day we discovered that on the ocean side of our house some of the edges of the roof were looking a little rusty. It didn't take long before it became worse and with the wind some pieces of the tin were found lying in our driveway.<br />
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We have a facilities manager for the Church who came over and estimated what it would take to fix the roof, but before we could get the supplies we woke up the next morning to discover that water was running down the wall in our bathroom and then began dripping from the ceiling and also our light fixture. Our neighbor happened to come over shortly thereafter so he climbed on the roof to see what was the matter and found that the tin had rusted away over our bathroom and now there were two good sized holes. Naturally, all this occurred when we were having major rainstorms. Thank goodness our FM man, Kaston, was free and he came right away and went with Elder Wright to get some roofing supplies to fix that hole. The Lord was looking out for us as the rain stopped just long enough for them to pull the old tin roof off and put up the new piece in its place. Then it poured again making it difficult to totally finish the job, but it was enough until the next day when they could come and finish it up. When that hole was patched, we ordered all the supplies to fix the rest of the roof which has taken some time considering it is difficult to do it when it rains hard.<br />
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</a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThbR8jzWg2kzHVHVpACXuqnO2m0Bi44t-DfCBcHV7D-Whovaat3CqwizWYAvKR5csVu4NhB7V067_sf7AkAfeWFUORis1tobECBpmBcxk4U_i_nFlkd2zsMC4JqaJKbPobNGoKD6hKAvG/s1600/rs+kasten+cutting+tin+for+roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThbR8jzWg2kzHVHVpACXuqnO2m0Bi44t-DfCBcHV7D-Whovaat3CqwizWYAvKR5csVu4NhB7V067_sf7AkAfeWFUORis1tobECBpmBcxk4U_i_nFlkd2zsMC4JqaJKbPobNGoKD6hKAvG/s320/rs+kasten+cutting+tin+for+roof.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The tin comes in 10 and 12 foot length sections and has to be cut to fit where they need it. First the old tin is cut back to where it is no longer rusted and then a new piece is slid under it and brought out to the correct edge of the roof. It looks good now and we are getting water in our gutters. It has taken quite some time to complete this job and there are still two small pieces that need to be put up over our door and then we can say it is finished!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkwzOmrw-CaUMwBq7oz2ywE_OW5GSWQBjjI4DGrxyc8FprWEFHGVotvTKbfcNJflmit0k1ssmhWmA_rHOwT084967Tf5EPmRqha1PI52yiuO4GSsBkpLAMQ_OdgK6QRL-z6x-B8QRWhrS/s1600/rs+kasten+and+eric+fixing+roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkwzOmrw-CaUMwBq7oz2ywE_OW5GSWQBjjI4DGrxyc8FprWEFHGVotvTKbfcNJflmit0k1ssmhWmA_rHOwT084967Tf5EPmRqha1PI52yiuO4GSsBkpLAMQ_OdgK6QRL-z6x-B8QRWhrS/s320/rs+kasten+and+eric+fixing+roof.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Kaston and our neighbor Eric working on<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGq73snaouensqdz6qlbvyQEpFxEjuc7QnpGPbT99iPikh62acfbgPCk4O0hFzq7Gs998prYFWJJ6GZ7zfHEdvBQ0-mrn1hEy2lW8NNFAcfAIDm8J2WWf7ji_BFKbhlL_BEA3tljzhrnPe/s1600/fixing+roof+on+tiki+hut+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGq73snaouensqdz6qlbvyQEpFxEjuc7QnpGPbT99iPikh62acfbgPCk4O0hFzq7Gs998prYFWJJ6GZ7zfHEdvBQ0-mrn1hEy2lW8NNFAcfAIDm8J2WWf7ji_BFKbhlL_BEA3tljzhrnPe/s320/fixing+roof+on+tiki+hut+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We also did some roof repairs to our tiki hut a few months ago where parts of the thatched roof was worn out and holes were showing up. We had a man make 20, four foot sections to replace the disintegrating ones. Two local men came and did the repair. Each section is on a round pole and then tied with a nylon type cord on the inside of the roof. It took them about half a day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdI8jf2S-nDxDNMqxnQUD2bB84SdhbDr0bjvUCx6oEbanPQUIh0nNwMG1q-YQpYLWp1O68Zt7T2mCR5AWGcZ8mm9OGO1gFoq09SkdJ5MAV6bEMUwUm-z4owRhi2AHVrY5HfzyRkpUUcgQ/s1600/roof+repair+on+tiki+hut+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdI8jf2S-nDxDNMqxnQUD2bB84SdhbDr0bjvUCx6oEbanPQUIh0nNwMG1q-YQpYLWp1O68Zt7T2mCR5AWGcZ8mm9OGO1gFoq09SkdJ5MAV6bEMUwUm-z4owRhi2AHVrY5HfzyRkpUUcgQ/s400/roof+repair+on+tiki+hut+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Now all is well and we can sit again in our tiki hut in the rain and not get wet.Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-58956118669720761042012-03-19T13:58:00.002-07:002012-03-23T12:20:26.678-07:00A Relief Society Celebration<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On Saturday, March 17th we had the birthday party for the Relief Society. I thought that it was great that we had it on the very day that it was originally organized in 1842. They were able to rent a van so that sisters who lived a long distance from the church could be picked up and brought to the activity. It started at 10:00 a.m. or at least it was supposed to start then. Most of the people arrived somewhat after that time and it really got officially started closer to 11:00--Kosrae Time. A spiritual program was held in the Chapel where we heard four different talks relating to our theme "Charity Never Faileth" and some of the purposes of Relief Society. In between some of the talks each of the branches sang a hymn. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUgq3WFbAr9BePb8lDESg3F8FxDAIu9OCLJHG80hI3J0riVfRT1dYi6aWhrmCInn1ADTsbf-kZODlrqAN6A7vkJI8mJFCw8uWlJJCsRVWVXxe6sgx_mNH873yotEfek1ShUZLJoR60Va8/s1600/rs+IMG_2840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUgq3WFbAr9BePb8lDESg3F8FxDAIu9OCLJHG80hI3J0riVfRT1dYi6aWhrmCInn1ADTsbf-kZODlrqAN6A7vkJI8mJFCw8uWlJJCsRVWVXxe6sgx_mNH873yotEfek1ShUZLJoR60Va8/s320/rs+IMG_2840.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Afterwards we had lunch which included barbecued chicken and rice, along with local food which included taro, breadfruit, cooked bananas, crab, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>kool-aid to drink. All of the eating and afternoon activities were held on the grounds behind the Church. It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon with only a light rain at one point lasting for just about 8 minutes.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdux3gdk7vpGfALZzg7aKGTASjoUxjYU8jOQPrmj10WvzgPbVbV0oPMB8qhaD5xV9SwWBUa1RRBOBilZTwtDWYzXDfqPrZNOoKhoZ609qgD2F75U2aoQG4eZ_w24eVDdxhN7Ptf77QJKda/s1600/rs+IMG_2844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdux3gdk7vpGfALZzg7aKGTASjoUxjYU8jOQPrmj10WvzgPbVbV0oPMB8qhaD5xV9SwWBUa1RRBOBilZTwtDWYzXDfqPrZNOoKhoZ609qgD2F75U2aoQG4eZ_w24eVDdxhN7Ptf77QJKda/s320/rs+IMG_2844.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Many people found some shade under the trees and then there was sweet Sister Angie who sat in the Sun because she was cold and needed to get warm. I have a hard time imagining that as I have not been cold one day since we arrived here 14 months ago. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU5YCf6WpJxsOYh7gWwyFqZMhCHE77HA_WSop2iBC7Sgi6653EZhquY4ZbFrHX72dbEKosa9DqA7UJEI7Mdd8-3WLbvr1JRzJCJHg2uoMussp4mmOrFLWKPiNSpOD3ATF9KlVmoavducI/s1600/rs+IMG_2846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU5YCf6WpJxsOYh7gWwyFqZMhCHE77HA_WSop2iBC7Sgi6653EZhquY4ZbFrHX72dbEKosa9DqA7UJEI7Mdd8-3WLbvr1JRzJCJHg2uoMussp4mmOrFLWKPiNSpOD3ATF9KlVmoavducI/s320/rs+IMG_2846.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEFFskOl08U3WSqg-fUAOYvbB7qYtsBqXDuCCEcLGEw_dEVrxRO1-MWOipcJMiK3uRQvmFQLaBqYv59XBOU49ZKpzMoVGrwj9AtSCEFBwrcflWyPdI4XAHX3WwYI9YpvsLJexEGDyGm43/s1600/rs+IMG_2848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEFFskOl08U3WSqg-fUAOYvbB7qYtsBqXDuCCEcLGEw_dEVrxRO1-MWOipcJMiK3uRQvmFQLaBqYv59XBOU49ZKpzMoVGrwj9AtSCEFBwrcflWyPdI4XAHX3WwYI9YpvsLJexEGDyGm43/s320/rs+IMG_2848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapping the branches to make a tight fit<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DbvI935aiPHBpABTyHe-YGJ9P-uQPGeDXt90UxmJKh6jDrvTRvKNelSpmJyJblY2pbTrfK5jflRmKVide5tpeA6ILdPV5ayPYxceBv7CemPMdzOECV20hLtYzZMngMFOT3VDfjeDsD2n/s1600/rs+IMG_2856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DbvI935aiPHBpABTyHe-YGJ9P-uQPGeDXt90UxmJKh6jDrvTRvKNelSpmJyJblY2pbTrfK5jflRmKVide5tpeA6ILdPV5ayPYxceBv7CemPMdzOECV20hLtYzZMngMFOT3VDfjeDsD2n/s320/rs+IMG_2856.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The pattern now begins to show.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr01iEohqtD_RXmNuTzRGIso1vKTGzbJtf670ERcOhFhNnFbVJfSqiQnIZcWALIAeD37Qrn9VwYRo1epJ3JrfDAtWb_GZmtya0fngIMmeiqfWrkJdmp5FHHRFMqKSPpbN4vQsF35CF_gN/s1600/rs+IMG_2862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr01iEohqtD_RXmNuTzRGIso1vKTGzbJtf670ERcOhFhNnFbVJfSqiQnIZcWALIAeD37Qrn9VwYRo1epJ3JrfDAtWb_GZmtya0fngIMmeiqfWrkJdmp5FHHRFMqKSPpbN4vQsF35CF_gN/s320/rs+IMG_2862.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another craft was the making of a flower to be worn in the hair. It looked so easy but it took some practice to make it. What a fun day for those who came. We all enjoyed each other and spending time together just as many sisters all around to world celebrated the Relief Society's birthday.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here I am 5 hours later at the end of a fun day wearing my woven hat, a flower over my ear and my local skirt and posing with Sister Nena who was in charge of all the wonderful activities.</div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-31706165728734622622012-02-26T18:30:00.001-08:002012-02-26T18:37:23.402-08:00Baptisms for the New Year<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1-HmdxNZ0q76obgjJXBUNnTC5TAGKqV7bcUDIIc_rqdXEQiJw5VDyZ0c5uPErCW2T4O-rziUsFpvNW3pvguFCGolfaw-75Nr4PLugPTArEOa_2Lp8kwD1GDfhTy8eHHcMX-waxTDaryv/s1600/IMG_2636+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1-HmdxNZ0q76obgjJXBUNnTC5TAGKqV7bcUDIIc_rqdXEQiJw5VDyZ0c5uPErCW2T4O-rziUsFpvNW3pvguFCGolfaw-75Nr4PLugPTArEOa_2Lp8kwD1GDfhTy8eHHcMX-waxTDaryv/s320/IMG_2636+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a>In January we had the baptism of Ned Gallen Jack. He had been taught by Elders Rufus and Madsen. President Ben Alokoa baptized him. He is a young man in his twenties and will be a great addition to the Lelu Branch. He has a strong testimony and desire to do those things that are right. He now goes with the Elders as they teach others who want to hear the Gospel. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7wYb7Pml8LmasrKznubSaNlXQOzBjr8rWltTuHRpD1WQDF_rY7aonNf2GjgIE211fPW9dd9e1uNcP9W5st5vPLLYPHGcvds0OfvmraVQt3gIz_BctQlT2JEKjCRRuiMThS9RV5S8tS5N/s1600/milson+albert+baptism+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7wYb7Pml8LmasrKznubSaNlXQOzBjr8rWltTuHRpD1WQDF_rY7aonNf2GjgIE211fPW9dd9e1uNcP9W5st5vPLLYPHGcvds0OfvmraVQt3gIz_BctQlT2JEKjCRRuiMThS9RV5S8tS5N/s320/milson+albert+baptism+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">February saw the baptism of three people. We started out the month with the baptism of Milson Albert. He had been taught for quite some time by Elders Rufus and Madsen and was very excited for his baptism. His wife was already a member and now they attend each Sunday together. Milson was baptize by Brother Paul Nena.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A couple of weeks later we had the baptism of Divinson George. He is a 12 year old boy who is handicapped and does not have the use of his legs. He uses a wheelchair to get around. He is very intelligent and speaks excellent English as well as his own native language. This was the first baptism that we have been able to attend where it was held in the ocean. We held the service at the home of Divinson and then went out to the ocean that is located directly behind his house. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlEUGyamhKjpQikwoB_9kdm-8H98c2bOw43URQjq1Ox8UDAZngGm6CqlRUp7rfOfMmplo8S68evKCmdXqInhXknF5NA3LoOAzgoLLetqtWwR5hqtLsTtXiznryOoxRXJP9pE8ACvCoehe/s1600/IMG_2743+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlEUGyamhKjpQikwoB_9kdm-8H98c2bOw43URQjq1Ox8UDAZngGm6CqlRUp7rfOfMmplo8S68evKCmdXqInhXknF5NA3LoOAzgoLLetqtWwR5hqtLsTtXiznryOoxRXJP9pE8ACvCoehe/s320/IMG_2743+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Our Branch President carried him out into the water while two of the Elders, Coffey and Agalzoff, looked for a spot deep enough to immerse him. When they found it, Elder Conejero held onto Divinson and baptized him. Divinson wanted the baptism here so that his entire family could be present for it. He is the first person in his family to be baptized. It was a very special service and the family seemed to be excited for him. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPmA7y_CxsCLiMzfvbCnaYnep4kcN_l4mqnnPPX9_V66ypYj5EHU7wa9A7TqKs2QE8uBJScjrMmgZ3Y8ePmF55QqFyOIZC0q-T_YYo0Kjvej2K_82DNVaGJry6XbNB0lHyam0Lrim2pgh/s1600/IMG_2747+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPmA7y_CxsCLiMzfvbCnaYnep4kcN_l4mqnnPPX9_V66ypYj5EHU7wa9A7TqKs2QE8uBJScjrMmgZ3Y8ePmF55QqFyOIZC0q-T_YYo0Kjvej2K_82DNVaGJry6XbNB0lHyam0Lrim2pgh/s320/IMG_2747+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This was a great experience for us to witness a baptism in the ocean. Divinson was taught by Elder Coffey and Conejero.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsF4GneslhWJOw9AarEyjs2eDvMuP7Lz0Wu8i0AkJB_TGfdeVONmcju-gyvmfY-PQrDW1pFxMSDPZlllqB140MubYOSAiAuGFU1VqBSvs65xQX7aPZStPjlntK_Lmr_7-5fZgWbYnvHuG/s1600/IMG_2793+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 239px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 324px;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsF4GneslhWJOw9AarEyjs2eDvMuP7Lz0Wu8i0AkJB_TGfdeVONmcju-gyvmfY-PQrDW1pFxMSDPZlllqB140MubYOSAiAuGFU1VqBSvs65xQX7aPZStPjlntK_Lmr_7-5fZgWbYnvHuG/s320/IMG_2793+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The last weekend in the month we held the baptism of Sammy Miklos. He is an 8 year old boy in the Lelu Branch. He was baptized by his father Ken who has only been a member himself for about 18 months. This also was a very excited young boy who looked forward to his baptism. We have had the privilege of home teaching this family.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW4PklC2nFbp-_t06eUMlpEsCcqjMpIlwcznPIXqXj-Ve-8CJCACR3Ym_Tr9G_6B0UtxDtV7sbSn_TrqcKaPig3o6hvbIr9MyX5uHAm2Mk-PwuL2Xor37dfhJxGUxRRTz5FSzuXRz5lz7/s1600/IMG_2736+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-31667176170337609292012-02-11T00:53:00.000-08:002012-02-11T01:16:53.906-08:00A Month of Conferences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym5dMrKiFm4gt1G3v4zSVgmT0PfQSPRWr6R5MmpMS9JSnWEm0DQEG2v9hF_li-QLUAlBKDBvuDvRPKx7tkION-vSn2uE3jmzu8-O2hRdU53Z06GqjOQYXjzE1IFfmOvewMxlaao6Iuupt/s1600/couples+conference+jan+2012+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym5dMrKiFm4gt1G3v4zSVgmT0PfQSPRWr6R5MmpMS9JSnWEm0DQEG2v9hF_li-QLUAlBKDBvuDvRPKx7tkION-vSn2uE3jmzu8-O2hRdU53Z06GqjOQYXjzE1IFfmOvewMxlaao6Iuupt/s400/couples+conference+jan+2012+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a>It all started with a Senior Couple Conference on January 16-17th. We flew into Guam on the Saturday before the Conference and were able to attend the Barrigada Ward on Sunday. We stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Guam with 9 other senior couples. Since our last conference in July, we have had four couples return home who have been replaced and the mission has added an additional four couples, so we met 8 new couples in the mission. Three of the couples plus our nurse live in Guam. We had 25 senior missionaries to the conference. Each of the couples presented a stewardship report of what they have been doing since we last met. Some are involved in Seminary and Institute, Humanitarian--medical, family history, member support and leadership, office work, and mission nurse. They are very talented and bring many gifts with them to do the Lord's work here in Micronesia. We were were instructed by President Mecham, our Mission President. He helped us to set goals for member reactivation. He has a great vision on how to build the Church here in this mission. Each island has its own goal and ours is 17 members to be reactivated. The total for the entire mission for this year is 348. We came away inspired and ready to do all we can to move the work forward. Besides all the great instructions we also had fun eating and doing things together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYj8jOwoxInf1gCWsrqYAwsLS2w71v3nnAvy2lvbOkFD8yFr6I9DQRTOuWSKTkaIHux6zMW1sBjMkeV-_y78Bdx60eAnLY67YeQOc8SKfoV-XlaweaBtAbtPqPbwcuMetRDUFYq27qvKR/s1600/IMG_2575+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYj8jOwoxInf1gCWsrqYAwsLS2w71v3nnAvy2lvbOkFD8yFr6I9DQRTOuWSKTkaIHux6zMW1sBjMkeV-_y78Bdx60eAnLY67YeQOc8SKfoV-XlaweaBtAbtPqPbwcuMetRDUFYq27qvKR/s320/IMG_2575+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a> Here we are at the mission home enjoying a Sunday afternoon dinner together. This is a beautiful and spacious house with enough room for all of us. The President cooked a great BBQ and it was wonderful to eat all the things that we do not usually get to eat. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOesW1xNKcEAn5t4vDmOjPq7YKJVCLUUOyJzZdvYOSxj75m6zPOh-5PsnhkWbGM0YV5CBATdbBKZxNQGOVBG1CrERah5SciuvXdcePMu-gegkT7gf9fyYfNaTgQBpaFae9M0mR7Ehkr3V/s1600/zone+conference+Jan+2012+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOesW1xNKcEAn5t4vDmOjPq7YKJVCLUUOyJzZdvYOSxj75m6zPOh-5PsnhkWbGM0YV5CBATdbBKZxNQGOVBG1CrERah5SciuvXdcePMu-gegkT7gf9fyYfNaTgQBpaFae9M0mR7Ehkr3V/s400/zone+conference+Jan+2012+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>One week after we returned from Guam we held our Zone Conference under the direction of our Mission President. It was great to have him and his wife on the island. We actually were able to spend some extra time with them as the plane going back to Guam did not stop at our island the day they were scheduled to leave. The next plane was not for three more days. It was a great treat and blessing for us, but he had to cancel the zone conferences on two other islands because of this delay. We have 6 great Elders serving here with us and they each took part in the conference. We met for two hours and then had dinner, which I prepared with very limited supplies as we have not had a boat coming here for more than a month. Then we met for a couple more hours and ended up with each person having an individual interview with the President. These conferences are so great and our zone leaders do most of the work for them. We have one of them every quarter so it will be about 3 more months before we have another zone conference.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXEBfL8faPh1I0FGJ05C0Ov9hD7crqVL-EOipvxYQDPHHJ3DG93L5L6i4AsCFaHNd_lIi29v0NvCfeM9be4xWgXipPomY9XUZ-24A12fy7nZvucAYAkolV32PJHiMKlf8H-1MEEdOKzvR/s1600/Kosrae+District+mission+photo+Feb+2012+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXEBfL8faPh1I0FGJ05C0Ov9hD7crqVL-EOipvxYQDPHHJ3DG93L5L6i4AsCFaHNd_lIi29v0NvCfeM9be4xWgXipPomY9XUZ-24A12fy7nZvucAYAkolV32PJHiMKlf8H-1MEEdOKzvR/s400/Kosrae+District+mission+photo+Feb+2012+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One week later we had the Kosrae District Conference and the Mission President and his wife returned along with Elder Michael Ringwood, of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and his wife, He is 1st counselor in the Asia North Area and lives in Tokyo. Meetings were held on both Saturday and Sunday. It was somewhat warm as our air conditioning was not working in the building. Extra floor fans were purchased to help circulate and cool the air. While the men were being instructed in a Priesthood session on Saturday afternoon, the women held an auxiliary meeting. It was so great to be a part of this. Instruction was given on how to prepare physically and spiritually for your calling and how to minister to those you serve. One of the things that Elder Ringwood counseled the members on was that the Gospel is simple and we need to do three things; Believe in Heavenly Father, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and to keep the commandments.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr5JU_0Pu3dDi1EkX9G_bQT-4Ss0LvUYnR4CBeSex47OnSnHV7SrKljWZ2hysHOba0E0xKwCeJb-CmyWI1-qSczxgaGzqCbr2nRq1uTPwk4CqvSYK56yPW-8s3OVEb9Syw6aUFr36ZfbH/s1600/rin+wrights+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr5JU_0Pu3dDi1EkX9G_bQT-4Ss0LvUYnR4CBeSex47OnSnHV7SrKljWZ2hysHOba0E0xKwCeJb-CmyWI1-qSczxgaGzqCbr2nRq1uTPwk4CqvSYK56yPW-8s3OVEb9Syw6aUFr36ZfbH/s320/rin+wrights+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On Monday, we held a missionary conference in the morning with Elder Ringwood. May I say that it is such an honor and great blessing to be instructed by a General Authority. What makes it even more special is that the Church sent him to an island with only about 300 members and to meet with 6 Elders and one senior couple on a very small scale. That does not happen very often and all of us that had this privilege felt so blessed to be a recipient. We were able to ask questions of him and learned much about how the Quorum of Seventy functions. He then taught us many great principles and attributes that missionaries need. We also learned more about Nephi's faith and obedience and how we need to implement the same things in our own lives. I was able to serve dinner to Elder and Sister Ringwood and President and Sister Mecham on Sunday in our home. A never to be forgotten event.Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-69384321493722844142012-01-30T21:16:00.000-08:002012-01-30T21:20:57.908-08:00Inspections, Inspections!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9fNOsApVaKDn3W42Wa2Qv7ZohOLKyQErAZDjbwjkIdiNzjJgm6CpmuGZFXdeb5LDrzng6sUc79cvQx8AhfFb6le7Od3ftgQBYosn5Bab3LGyRqqI2NH85tRduXyV89Oo0FCby5F4S5sZ/s1600/Inspection+of+Utwe+Apt+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9fNOsApVaKDn3W42Wa2Qv7ZohOLKyQErAZDjbwjkIdiNzjJgm6CpmuGZFXdeb5LDrzng6sUc79cvQx8AhfFb6le7Od3ftgQBYosn5Bab3LGyRqqI2NH85tRduXyV89Oo0FCby5F4S5sZ/s320/Inspection+of+Utwe+Apt+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of our privileges is to help take care of the Elders here on the island. Every transfer time (6 weeks) we do apartment and vehicle inspections. On our island we have three companionships with separate living accomodations and two different vehicles. We have a form that is to be filled out each time we go to inspect their apartments. Not only do we check for neatness and cleanliness, but we also check to see if their sheets are being washed, they are spraying to keep the insect population under control, the 72 hour backpack is filled and ready for use, and the fire alarms have batteries and are working properly. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0gew97c3uUlEE3jCKAU4AOBE9_twHpoQbBAxGE7W5zs4NRLXWWNIU8rWYyu9ofJqlCtSjWdyi7Vfl-7Kf7VD1H4oIED1GFTRgosfs9c4ckKegBdCFpqfk7wvnPlVfTUeb-mVmTanQKeR/s1600/No.1Filter+overdue+for+change+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0gew97c3uUlEE3jCKAU4AOBE9_twHpoQbBAxGE7W5zs4NRLXWWNIU8rWYyu9ofJqlCtSjWdyi7Vfl-7Kf7VD1H4oIED1GFTRgosfs9c4ckKegBdCFpqfk7wvnPlVfTUeb-mVmTanQKeR/s320/No.1Filter+overdue+for+change+rs.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It started out white!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Every apartment here on the island, including our home, has a water filter system that is used for drinking water. Some of the apartments have city water (which is not fit to drink) plumbed into their apartments for use in showers and and washing machines. Some of the apartments, like ours, have rain barrel water plumbed into the house which is better, but best if not used for drinking. So we also have a water filter system to use for our drinking water. We check these filters on a regular basis and insist that everyone change the main filter each month or at least every 6 weeks. Sometimes we cannot believe how horrible the filter looks after only a month or 6 weeks of usage.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq4p3zluohdSzj_1o5EVEzAle51-8xcjIxI0SPVTY_Yimfg4GfHnnJQhs0O-XONJyhP0WbuORskK23RlFsKtnetxfIgw0rx_jyjnOrX3yxjH-gkrkzNiJTe3kviGsphHyWMNhCCQQO75I/s1600/Car+Inspection+Malem+Elders+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq4p3zluohdSzj_1o5EVEzAle51-8xcjIxI0SPVTY_Yimfg4GfHnnJQhs0O-XONJyhP0WbuORskK23RlFsKtnetxfIgw0rx_jyjnOrX3yxjH-gkrkzNiJTe3kviGsphHyWMNhCCQQO75I/s320/Car+Inspection+Malem+Elders+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Elder Wright does the vehicle inspection on the cars each time. He checks the tire pressure and treads, all fluids including oil, transmission, windshield, power steering, and brake. He makes sure all the safety features are working like the windshield wipers, since they are used everyday here, and all lights, turn signals, etc. He also checks for cleanliness which is a major issue trying to keep a car clean with the rain, mud, and sand that is constantly tracked into the interior of the car as the Elders get in and out often all day long.<br />
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We have learned much about our terrific Elders,who work hard each day to serve the Lord and teach the gospel, as we go from one apartment to the next. Each companionship is unique and special.<br />
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Which tie shall I choose today??? The Elders never seem to be in short supply of ties. Family and friends send them, and they trade with other Elders, and are the recipient of many more when they have a companion who is transferred or goes home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN6WeCUz8Quff-lAhPE9uLJYOj8UopPeR2Fm8HXPy23jC2H_blgmmiyAhmlklNKqb-uZ3sbYGp7RVxteFW1c3Rl8GPPJcsJv7q5gLVfDlTTxpdCUW2rT-6yl2t_6oCjM87r-xtP0IhyHm/s1600/Utwe+Elders+Room+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN6WeCUz8Quff-lAhPE9uLJYOj8UopPeR2Fm8HXPy23jC2H_blgmmiyAhmlklNKqb-uZ3sbYGp7RVxteFW1c3Rl8GPPJcsJv7q5gLVfDlTTxpdCUW2rT-6yl2t_6oCjM87r-xtP0IhyHm/s320/Utwe+Elders+Room+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Do you think there might be room for one more picture?? All these pictures seem to help keep them focused on the reason they are here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUwqW412HLgA3BSvnWbb6r8sql0BvDZ_oXp-1eY7AOP7kE4E80JJ18hiMU0XRvJzgSOiKSeEJsGz8HySgNlHEfXdl7Z0MgN5u2hIc6e9fzPqo9wnJgBxw2Sjxk-vreZozFUfHs5wai_Mu/s1600/Malem+Elders+Apt+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUwqW412HLgA3BSvnWbb6r8sql0BvDZ_oXp-1eY7AOP7kE4E80JJ18hiMU0XRvJzgSOiKSeEJsGz8HySgNlHEfXdl7Z0MgN5u2hIc6e9fzPqo9wnJgBxw2Sjxk-vreZozFUfHs5wai_Mu/s400/Malem+Elders+Apt+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some Elders have a parking lot view from their apartment or maybe a view of local banana trees, but then there are those who can do their daily studying on a lovely wide balcony overlooking the harbor. A marvelous way to start out each day!Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-45110769060403248482012-01-10T21:23:00.000-08:002012-01-10T21:23:00.528-08:00GPS TRACKING<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qhKBPI3Ygyi20SpOeablnJCjWkFnOmTZyQoQHZEJZzm1d9YeXx5Lps4c8D26Yy9nunKWFUavefCuiijcYxfMECK0Lu4KhqO19-dooSkuD9zrNufGTKPfVvjDGvtXrTj19bzaxQqbBp4U/s1600/gps+1++rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qhKBPI3Ygyi20SpOeablnJCjWkFnOmTZyQoQHZEJZzm1d9YeXx5Lps4c8D26Yy9nunKWFUavefCuiijcYxfMECK0Lu4KhqO19-dooSkuD9zrNufGTKPfVvjDGvtXrTj19bzaxQqbBp4U/s320/gps+1++rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our handy dandy GPS Tracker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rAtk_g9WGaQpU6L-HjUlHxF1ICbFC4i_0a4H1AMlF153459KGqbiSpFeBLCszHUiqnB4_vorczrEv4ZtxfuHLqj4vFdf820dU8D-j5MLTzqwTm-U9YgH_hWMs1HZJiK0kNZxwIH_SJRt/s1600/Road+to+a+members+house+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rAtk_g9WGaQpU6L-HjUlHxF1ICbFC4i_0a4H1AMlF153459KGqbiSpFeBLCszHUiqnB4_vorczrEv4ZtxfuHLqj4vFdf820dU8D-j5MLTzqwTm-U9YgH_hWMs1HZJiK0kNZxwIH_SJRt/s320/Road+to+a+members+house+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going up to Morsal</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Starting in October of last year we were given a GPS tracking device to locate members using North and East coordinates. Our assignment was to get a copy of the members living in each of the two different branches, find their home, and record coordinates for their location. It has taken us about 3 months to complete this for all of the members who live here on Kosrae. No one has an address here such as a house number or even a street name. There are 4 main municipalities on the island and numberous smaller areas associated with each municipality. Each smaller cluster of homes has its own name. The people living here on the island know all of these smaller groups and their names, but for us it took a lot more figuring out. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimozdRc2hOXSyh3boUvLZa331jHu7nZpWODoYiK78Drn-b3Kf5I_vPCaZ1kagq6a2gPtimD09s3SeFEOIrxjcch2Z65SQenT13VKA70Po9GbrnHKS_jAcW0fy5jFcCVY7YKHXML2G0pUk/s1600/IMG_2141+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimozdRc2hOXSyh3boUvLZa331jHu7nZpWODoYiK78Drn-b3Kf5I_vPCaZ1kagq6a2gPtimD09s3SeFEOIrxjcch2Z65SQenT13VKA70Po9GbrnHKS_jAcW0fy5jFcCVY7YKHXML2G0pUk/s320/IMG_2141+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a>We took a member of each of the different branches with us as we went out searching for homes. Without them I don't think we would have found everyone. Some of them lived off the main road and back in against the mountain. I didn't even know some of these roads existed. We traveled down some very small narrow roadways covered with lots of green over growth and when we went after rainy days it was even more muddy than usual. A nice 4 wheel drive vehicle would have been better than our Yaris that scraped bottom more than once.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8ghe66OXhRGLLXxJszWujFU5YF15pJC3OBQwvLSFvF3kA0zsOu77bwOtBaIkOxLJikw1lDZvX-xwOuy2zvNzm3w2ZwYkWDeDqiT5Q4TtATK0jKNph6QNbbg_GNGO8iWHdJtrjGUH2AtS/s1600/IMG_2532+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8ghe66OXhRGLLXxJszWujFU5YF15pJC3OBQwvLSFvF3kA0zsOu77bwOtBaIkOxLJikw1lDZvX-xwOuy2zvNzm3w2ZwYkWDeDqiT5Q4TtATK0jKNph6QNbbg_GNGO8iWHdJtrjGUH2AtS/s320/IMG_2532+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Wright recording the location of our house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We found many wonderful people as we have been doing this and everyone that we met was very friendly as are most of the people living on this island. We tracked all members; those who are very active and those who are less active. This was our first time meeting many of them. <br />
Elder Wright liked driving the car and taking pictures so there are not as many pictures of him doing this, but he was very involved also. He talked to the members as I recorded the readings.<br />
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Now that we are finished, this information will be given to our Mission President. This will be helpful as they plan for building locations and even smaller groups that can meet together more often. With transportation being one of the major challenges on the island this will allow them to start some smaller Church groups where there are a concentration of members living.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M69vaHGecuY/Tv5owyQHcGI/AAAAAAAAARU/XL1f3My0c1s/s1600/Lelu++Primary+Program+2011+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M69vaHGecuY/Tv5owyQHcGI/AAAAAAAAARU/XL1f3My0c1s/s320/Lelu++Primary+Program+2011+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold These Little Ones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As this year comes to a close and a new one is about to begin, I would like to share some year end treasures for diligence and faithfulness on the part of both missionaries and members. Both of our Branches put on a very fine Primary Sacrament meeting presentation. The children worked hard on their parts and learning the songs they would sing. Our two Primary Presidents did an outstanding job on writing the program and coordinating the music. I am sorry that I did not take the camera to church on the day of Utwe's program. The children were all dressed in white and said their parts both in Kosraen and English. Since there is no choir loft in that Branch, they used the first two rows of seats and would stand up and turn and face the congregation when they sang and came to the podium to say their parts. My part was helping them to learn the songs during primary time and they did all the rest. Not one child forgot their part. In the Lelu Branch the children did an outstanding job. I also helped with learning the songs during regular primary time, but they wanted me to conduct them during the program which I was happy to do. There were about 32 children in the Lelu Branch and 24 children in the Utwe Branch. It certainly brought tears to your eyes as the Spirit was strong.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BVqv0WMisI/Tv5paFVWsdI/AAAAAAAAARg/qpnCOlMeVlQ/s1600/Sepe+at+keyboard+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BVqv0WMisI/Tv5paFVWsdI/AAAAAAAAARg/qpnCOlMeVlQ/s320/Sepe+at+keyboard+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Utwe Branch is now seeing the fruits of keyboard instruction. Sepe Charley is here practicing for the upcoming Sunday services. She has been coming to keyboarding classes on Tuesday mornings, and along with her natural ability to play by ear and consistent practicing of reading music she is now able to play on Sundays. Each week she will accompany at least two different songs. When she can come early, then she will also do prelude music. She is so excited about doing this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hLlHxMY0UA/Tv5szOT2NQI/AAAAAAAAARs/_kNKaRYMt8A/s1600/Baptism+of+Burney+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hLlHxMY0UA/Tv5szOT2NQI/AAAAAAAAARs/_kNKaRYMt8A/s320/Baptism+of+Burney+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What better way to celebrate Christmas than to have people come unto Christ and be baptized. On Christmas Eve we had three convert baptisms due to the diligent teaching and preaching of the Elders here on Kosrae. We also had one special child of the George family baptized who had just turned eight recently. Burney Nena, Sepe Permudes, and Tadao Nena were taught by the Elders and Kimchee James was baptized by Elder Madsen.<br />
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Burney was taught by Elders Rufus and Madsen<br />
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Sepe and Tadao were taught by Elders Conejero and Coffey<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JnOrcKeiTw/Tv5vhFEkHXI/AAAAAAAAASQ/RpUI_uDKBcA/s1600/Baptism+of+Kimchee+James+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JnOrcKeiTw/Tv5vhFEkHXI/AAAAAAAAASQ/RpUI_uDKBcA/s320/Baptism+of+Kimchee+James+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and his family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-77951040368615900052011-12-29T04:27:00.000-08:002011-12-30T18:26:48.706-08:00Parties and More Parties<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kr3_SRkseDo/TvxPszzrgLI/AAAAAAAAAPc/MZTkzGTPmmM/s1600/Cleaning+up+yard+at+church+2+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kr3_SRkseDo/TvxPszzrgLI/AAAAAAAAAPc/MZTkzGTPmmM/s320/Cleaning+up+yard+at+church+2+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The children who came were put to work helping with the cleanup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>December has been a month for parties for both Branches and the District. The members really know how to have a good time with eating and programs. We started the month with a Relief Society and Young Women combined activity at the Utwe Branch. They planned on doing a deep clean of the building and church yard along with a BBQ. Of course, we had to wait for more than an hour for someone to come with the BBQ equipment. When the wood was chopped and the fire built then the food could be cooked. It had been raining so much that it took a while to get everything to burn for the fire.<br />
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When you do not have any tongs to use for cooking the chicken, you use a machete to get a branch from the tree and use it as your turner.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ld5bz8lQlJk/TvxSN4UVg9I/AAAAAAAAAPo/GX2PipxxnlE/s1600/IMG_2300+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ld5bz8lQlJk/TvxSN4UVg9I/AAAAAAAAAPo/GX2PipxxnlE/s400/IMG_2300+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The next weekend the Priesthood men had an activity where they built a covering to be used for protection from the rain whenever they would do their BBQ's. The Branch President and his sons along with Elder Wright and four of the young missionaries, Elders Coffey, Conejero, Agalzoff and Andrew came to help with this project. A little bit of a disappointment that others could not come but they got some things accomplished and had a meeting. They saved the food that they planned on cooking to use for the next weeks Christmas Party. Instead they did some physical exercises and went ahead with the program they had planned. It was successful for those that came.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C-RnuM4Y2y8/TvxTIyH0euI/AAAAAAAAAP0/8gdM8nj8Jts/s1600/IMG_2320+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C-RnuM4Y2y8/TvxTIyH0euI/AAAAAAAAAP0/8gdM8nj8Jts/s320/IMG_2320+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Lelu Branch had their Christmas Party on December 23rd. There was a good program planned and lots and lots of food. It started about 3 hours later than they told everyone but we are getting used to that now. We had a good program and then ate outside. It had been raining so much lately and this day was no exception. Canopies were brought in to put the tables with the food on dry. About the time we were to start eating we had quite the downpour.<br />
They took the left over food to those members who were unable to come.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You need a good strong fire to use in cooking your rice.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>A great Christmas party was held at the Utwe Branch. They had a tremendous turnout of about 150 people. This party started arround 10:30 a.m. gathering together and bringing food to be cooked. Most of the food preparation was done outside at the Church; cleaning fish, grilling chicken, ribs, and hot dogs, making their famous Kosraen soup and cooking the rice (3 large pots full). There was a program later in the afternoon with songs, stories, speakers, and even Santa Claus bring treats to the kids. We had such a fun time and it was 8:00 p.m. before we left for home. It was an all day party to remember!!<br />
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Here are some of the men grilling the chicken and ribs underneath the newly constructed canopy.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sister Hadley is preparing the fish for use in the soup and also for making sashimi. I learned a lot about cleaning and removing the scales from fish. The soup is made by cooking a whole fish in boiling water and then when it is cooked removing it from the pot and taking all the bones out and returning the fish in small bite size pieces to the soup pot. Rice is also added along with salt and pepper.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbl_s83Q-9Q/Tvxa7LXVTiI/AAAAAAAAAQk/qn_PbGjw2_A/s1600/IMG_2399+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbl_s83Q-9Q/Tvxa7LXVTiI/AAAAAAAAAQk/qn_PbGjw2_A/s320/IMG_2399+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a>The last ingredient to go into this soup is coconut cream (or milk). The bowl is full of freshly shredded coconut and she is putting some in a cloth and squeezing it to make the cream. When it has all been turned into cream then it will be added to the soup. This is a very YUMMY soup. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A District Party is planned to celebrate this holiday season on Friday and then a New Year's Eve party will be on Saturday to round out the month. It has been a month full of fun activities with the members here on Kosrae.</div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-56964176506394240752011-12-15T01:07:00.000-08:002011-12-15T01:09:10.402-08:00Institute Fun and Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1dKTdVg0LRuHvXSWUNCiaGc9uC_TIVqNazDDscU7l7mqnUm5tixXlG_LNt603ARLDiU840i9VSHUgwzgS77i0NRYnlcQADhxAeICtEYbIjGon8XRgnumlX39n9x7r_qmof_ZiAbP5-a4/s1600/IMG_2153+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1dKTdVg0LRuHvXSWUNCiaGc9uC_TIVqNazDDscU7l7mqnUm5tixXlG_LNt603ARLDiU840i9VSHUgwzgS77i0NRYnlcQADhxAeICtEYbIjGon8XRgnumlX39n9x7r_qmof_ZiAbP5-a4/s320/IMG_2153+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We had a great activity with the students in our Lelu Institute class. The night was actually planned for the showing of the latest CES Fireside for young adults, but due to some delays in getting the DVD ready to be sent out to our island, we had to come up with an alternative plan. Most of the activities that we have done so far usually include the seminary class also. It was pure fun to do something that only involved the institute age youth along with a couple of older members who joined with us. We started the evening off by showing the DVD of "Joy to the World." With Christmas just around the corner this was a perfect DVD to watch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5xHcR9RR4otvhqDlcdOcPq9PujZ5WcqQBFf8zeSdXwQsbRNiwOqBCsxUT07JoXzPcbOSsIbwlhQKBk5xvPt9TDHeuP5IE9Honwzd9_ek9UwcPAhQcYKP7PcHZF3ij7cOBbxHHmXT00EZ/s1600/IMG_2155+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5xHcR9RR4otvhqDlcdOcPq9PujZ5WcqQBFf8zeSdXwQsbRNiwOqBCsxUT07JoXzPcbOSsIbwlhQKBk5xvPt9TDHeuP5IE9Honwzd9_ek9UwcPAhQcYKP7PcHZF3ij7cOBbxHHmXT00EZ/s320/IMG_2155+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> When we finished watching this we taught them how to play a game that we called the "M&M game." This is a very active dice game where everyone takes turns rolling two dice and when you get a double you try to suck up m&ms from a larger bowl using a straw and putting them in your own personal container. All this is done while the dice is rolled by the other players and if anyone gets a double then whoever is in the process of sucking up m&ms has to stop and give the bowl to the person that just rolled doubles. The play continues until all the m&ms from the large bowl are gone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7y1RGOIFBvMloqurYJKbzQWNGCFVWmYLB_yFvvMWFLjwffLjcdJflu5KXPlN-qhleK7hgPfIYESMt_E6Ok-870kOOIFNK9eLJpzjMm8voQJEVECP0reZg71Mzcq8aSHo7vUSav-4DJauY/s1600/IMG_2164+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7y1RGOIFBvMloqurYJKbzQWNGCFVWmYLB_yFvvMWFLjwffLjcdJflu5KXPlN-qhleK7hgPfIYESMt_E6Ok-870kOOIFNK9eLJpzjMm8voQJEVECP0reZg71Mzcq8aSHo7vUSav-4DJauY/s320/IMG_2164+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The faster the dice are rolled the quicker doubles are found and everyone tries to prevent any one player from getting too many m&ms. They got laughing so hard that they could not suck up the m&ms at one point in the game. When we exhausted this game we then played another dice game.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdRSufOTHldGjs6YwApo1FoAB6SdXBKxJsGl_GG5FAvJXn7vSOsj9G-sZWzcpqI6NAkGrIQArrtmcoYNLKMrLC7oD2RfkPkDlosdJ_BhkyPZPo2zHwEJVqmkRs56e06buMTCd5Coo6vXk/s1600/IMG_2162+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdRSufOTHldGjs6YwApo1FoAB6SdXBKxJsGl_GG5FAvJXn7vSOsj9G-sZWzcpqI6NAkGrIQArrtmcoYNLKMrLC7oD2RfkPkDlosdJ_BhkyPZPo2zHwEJVqmkRs56e06buMTCd5Coo6vXk/s1600/IMG_2162+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdRSufOTHldGjs6YwApo1FoAB6SdXBKxJsGl_GG5FAvJXn7vSOsj9G-sZWzcpqI6NAkGrIQArrtmcoYNLKMrLC7oD2RfkPkDlosdJ_BhkyPZPo2zHwEJVqmkRs56e06buMTCd5Coo6vXk/s320/IMG_2162+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This time is was "Farkle". No one had played this before so we had to teach them and they really enjoyed playing it also. It was not quite as rowdy a game as the other one. I think everyone had a great time. We ended up eating cinnamon rolls when we were finished. What a great way to end this first semester of Institute!Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-68993138701420567962011-11-23T23:48:00.000-08:002011-11-23T23:51:05.484-08:00Another Night of Baptisms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4fj7l9AobPTBWpY5PkL54kkNv_yXJnk854RzfS9ZUNKQQbTAh1FWZFzuUSsAeK50Z7CMn4Wa1sHvVi25xqnm27dY4X2FL5dICPum8d-oxv7MV9ejscrt9al2ViZZ1inG1Yiv7U-b0p9E/s1600/IMG_1874+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4fj7l9AobPTBWpY5PkL54kkNv_yXJnk854RzfS9ZUNKQQbTAh1FWZFzuUSsAeK50Z7CMn4Wa1sHvVi25xqnm27dY4X2FL5dICPum8d-oxv7MV9ejscrt9al2ViZZ1inG1Yiv7U-b0p9E/s400/IMG_1874+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>At the end of October we had seven more baptisms. Elders Coffey and Rufus who serve in the Lelu Branch have been teaching Georgeston George family. They were all baptized into the Church, the father, mother, and 3 of their 5 children. They have a teenage daughter who will be joining with the other youth in the Young Women's program. Their other children will be a part of the Primary. It is always a wonderful thing when an entire family joins the Church. The Georgeston George family will be a great addition to the Branch. We look forward to getting to know them better. The father was recently ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood and given the office of a Priest. This will be a blessing in their lives. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdK2u_-lGaONrMMn-tHpo0WfjUs_tQag5b6jEWUIzjWcH5c6TqCInMTUikEA9_hO_zojufrmwpVhraOXYkm8CF2-DSqboXxzJJ_PUGYHG09vZLhhnWLD85zq6ghNifEQ8CbTNKKnIqwvt/s1600/IMG_1869+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdK2u_-lGaONrMMn-tHpo0WfjUs_tQag5b6jEWUIzjWcH5c6TqCInMTUikEA9_hO_zojufrmwpVhraOXYkm8CF2-DSqboXxzJJ_PUGYHG09vZLhhnWLD85zq6ghNifEQ8CbTNKKnIqwvt/s320/IMG_1869+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Elder Matthews was able to baptize two young girls from the Utwe Branch this evening. Both of them had just turned 8 years old. Michelle Charley and Cathrine C. Baluyut. Both of these girls were very excited to be baptized and had been looking forward to it for quite some time. It is wonderful to see their enthusiasm for the Gospel.Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-76114062304868036902011-10-28T23:56:00.000-07:002011-10-29T01:54:25.178-07:00Life in the Tropics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxjd7dfz1zRAVg4bEP2Ur8NPMGOZHjhgq088r0qbwa_ra5hIekCM8GNT4_hmSz9RVcyJVy5bXAnNmwl7iMOQ2ylmTj6rcnF1f6iwvkT_QsjGIlfbRh9xEGRGNj81wrcKQQ4LMWaDL2A_i/s1600/ocean+view+near+house+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxjd7dfz1zRAVg4bEP2Ur8NPMGOZHjhgq088r0qbwa_ra5hIekCM8GNT4_hmSz9RVcyJVy5bXAnNmwl7iMOQ2ylmTj6rcnF1f6iwvkT_QsjGIlfbRh9xEGRGNj81wrcKQQ4LMWaDL2A_i/s320/ocean+view+near+house+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a>After 10 months of living in this tropical paradise we have learned a few things. This is definitely the kind of place you would think of when you want to travel to a rather remote and beautiful island. The ocean water is crystal clear and changes from dark blue, to a green color, to a somewhat greyish color all depending on the color of the sky and the amount of clouds. It is picture perfect. We have a home on the most gorgeous beach front property. We spend time outside in the tiki hut that was built a few steps from the house and on the beginning of the white corral sandy beach. What's not to love about it? The trade winds blow bringing cooler air and relief from the hot humid days. When the tide is in we can hear the waves as they break upon the shore.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJaZzwU4fL8lgfUD_X6f-i5TE1y8aKiuetm7IA37Vj9O25kKUBr7yoXZIkXkpwKHa9Ed2A52DLKRqx10ivji6XMBmI3tRJP57gLFo6fbq8qA2lzMxgjzhVd3vmxB22Q4FME7QAFf-gU5b/s1600/tiki+hut+at+house+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJaZzwU4fL8lgfUD_X6f-i5TE1y8aKiuetm7IA37Vj9O25kKUBr7yoXZIkXkpwKHa9Ed2A52DLKRqx10ivji6XMBmI3tRJP57gLFo6fbq8qA2lzMxgjzhVd3vmxB22Q4FME7QAFf-gU5b/s320/tiki+hut+at+house+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We have learned that life moves at a slower pace here and for those who want to unwind and relax this would be the place to be. There are times when we can actually do that, but for most of the time we are busy with our assignments and responsibilities of being a missionary, although, we have been blessed to be here. We have passed our midway point and it is hard to think that we only have 8 months left to be here and to make a difference.<br />
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Here are some of the benefits and other conditions of island living. Realize that we are just 5 degrees north of the equator and it stays the same temp and humidity for most of the year.<br />
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*No more cracked and dry heels.<br />
*Everything grows faster here -- hair, finger and toenails, vegetation, moss, and mold<br />
*Eye make-up runs, so no need to wear it, but skin gets a glow due to the humidity<br />
*No hurry or worry among the islanders<br />
*Coconut oil is great for any skin condition and helps to heal all manner of problems with the skin, etc. The islanders even put it on their hair.<br />
*Brown sugar never gets hard, but powdered sugar and other powdered substances will get lumpy and hard.<br />
*Crackers and other crisp items become soft<br />
* Hard candy and gum will become sticky after just a few days<br />
*Ziploc bags are extremely useful to bag things in for their protection and longer life span.<br />
* Boats come bringing needed supplies, but not all things are included and when something is gone from the shelves in a store it may be months before you get it again. You can count on something being gone off island every month. Right now it is fresh eggs. So when you see something you like to eat or use, it is best to buy in quantity so that you will have it. No telling when you will see it again. The boats usually come once a month. <br />
*Rust gets on everything eventually.<br />
*Rust on white shirts can be removed with lemon juice and salt and put out in the sun to dry.<br />
*It is respectful to remove your shoes before entering someone's house no matter how humble the home may be. Many remove their shoes before entering the Church buildings. <br />
*You can have blue skies and very little clouds and it will rain suddenly and then clear up and rain again later. Torrential downpours can last for just a short time or more than an hour. We love the rain and depend on it to keep our barrels full as it is the source of the water we use in our house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2j-iVN5W6Hj4kpVgbi_h9LwSHHACSQ6enjxXrEHwdZrk3Et-ogUldhojMZZn_VanbbQsYyPiardhw5aF4w8SLZHOVbzSmUwrjQ1Z9u0ZwiweQezx_dUUTtEtCQhKmSsFE6rfV_yUxHzp/s1600/crab+at+his+hole+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2j-iVN5W6Hj4kpVgbi_h9LwSHHACSQ6enjxXrEHwdZrk3Et-ogUldhojMZZn_VanbbQsYyPiardhw5aF4w8SLZHOVbzSmUwrjQ1Z9u0ZwiweQezx_dUUTtEtCQhKmSsFE6rfV_yUxHzp/s320/crab+at+his+hole+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> *Crabs are everywhere. We love to watch the sand crabs as they make their holes in the sand and carry the sand out to be deposited in a pile they build as they make many trips in and out of their holes. Land crabs are a little larger and they make it hard to grow gardens as they eat just about anything you try to plant. On nights with a full moon they are out in abundance and it is a good night for the islanders to go out hunting and catching them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GbLqthyphenhyphenLmj6-vIAUl75uGcixgsqt1fJhY59lqexSl4181jZ6JWHcy_TE1ZaiCaKnnxTpoPUekaktvNoSYe_lAF75sb1O3cY9RFTxlUo4qsiaQ89NP31gRvbYfleVKu1wq9YyEfMKMLqO/s1600/IMG_1696+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GbLqthyphenhyphenLmj6-vIAUl75uGcixgsqt1fJhY59lqexSl4181jZ6JWHcy_TE1ZaiCaKnnxTpoPUekaktvNoSYe_lAF75sb1O3cY9RFTxlUo4qsiaQ89NP31gRvbYfleVKu1wq9YyEfMKMLqO/s320/IMG_1696+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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* fresh fruits such as papayas, coconuts, bananas, and tangerines grow plentifully and we love eating them every day. There are many types of bananas for both cooking and eating. Sooo good! I don't think we will find bananas this good when we get home. The tangerines are green but absolutely delicious and only grow on this island in Micronesia. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPLaXBP-tcCrHJLT1Q6mbcJE1-qpwOfpISh5kHxwjnorpcr1vb4Onr752kkvOAK_aFvs1LWFL1hQCm2f-x6V5n3ikZw9GegJj0ad_tVzEun_1ctYynct1s-7upg8bIvLCfi2Nx1gUAw0N/s1600/island+tangerines+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPLaXBP-tcCrHJLT1Q6mbcJE1-qpwOfpISh5kHxwjnorpcr1vb4Onr752kkvOAK_aFvs1LWFL1hQCm2f-x6V5n3ikZw9GegJj0ad_tVzEun_1ctYynct1s-7upg8bIvLCfi2Nx1gUAw0N/s320/island+tangerines+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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There is just one big negative thing about living on this island and I really hate to tell you about it but they have RATS!! We were here for 5 months before I saw one while we were driving in our car and then only saw one other a few months later still while we were driving. BUT the other day I saw three in the same day and I was not in the car when I saw two of them. My anxiety level went sky high. This would be like pure heaven and I would never want to leave if it weren't for this problem. Aside from all of this it truly is a wonderful PARADISE.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSD5N1QlWI48C2FXAQhyphenhyphenaiUBbtJyN4Q9LH_n199ZR8OaT-b1JL4uxJb-bz7Xh3sNJDKUPUcfqa_l9qpOsrvOhUj-BPhMLJ3E_AMAgy1naCrggmcjZfwdXIfN-NrzilzTDGBaN22NmL6QF/s1600/oct+sunrise+ra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSD5N1QlWI48C2FXAQhyphenhyphenaiUBbtJyN4Q9LH_n199ZR8OaT-b1JL4uxJb-bz7Xh3sNJDKUPUcfqa_l9qpOsrvOhUj-BPhMLJ3E_AMAgy1naCrggmcjZfwdXIfN-NrzilzTDGBaN22NmL6QF/s400/oct+sunrise+ra.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The sunrises are beautiful and we enjoy them each and every day.Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-30382072217165131502011-10-10T21:11:00.000-07:002011-10-10T21:14:54.203-07:00Sipyen Falls<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgQJ6yasycNMzfAovHP63aK_vBc3PH7E9ci_ivoyZEwfgA24pw9cIY_w8vrCSuaOqgnS6s1k3G2x_KG_ZjQEE4J_aav6xe5Qd1XXfmewsSgSz9auRc2zfGQZ30Lo4Dhc_sFiGZba_nxCF/s1600/Sipyen+Falls+4+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgQJ6yasycNMzfAovHP63aK_vBc3PH7E9ci_ivoyZEwfgA24pw9cIY_w8vrCSuaOqgnS6s1k3G2x_KG_ZjQEE4J_aav6xe5Qd1XXfmewsSgSz9auRc2zfGQZ30Lo4Dhc_sFiGZba_nxCF/s320/Sipyen+Falls+4+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the beautiful sites on this island is Sipyen Falls. It is a waterfall located up on the mountain on the southern end of the island. The road to get there is mostly dirt with many pot holes and covered over with jungle overgrowth. Once there the trip is well worth it. It is a picturesque place with a small trail leading up along a creek and then crossing over a wooden bridge and then following along a rocky path. As you look up you see the beautiful waterfall rolling over the edge of the mountain and dropping into a pool of clear water at the bottom. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V_J4mhi7KzpcpK2wIMBxOO9i0y1TyBoy3sxX38LGQKPYlQKkEd5qf4WZqTQt7gOWPH3BcjrulpOronWpJCI3V6136cG0aK_oaPa5APdo_o4GmttILFk33iEViueMP0T_CszebrRv1wLj/s1600/Rain+forest+3+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V_J4mhi7KzpcpK2wIMBxOO9i0y1TyBoy3sxX38LGQKPYlQKkEd5qf4WZqTQt7gOWPH3BcjrulpOronWpJCI3V6136cG0aK_oaPa5APdo_o4GmttILFk33iEViueMP0T_CszebrRv1wLj/s320/Rain+forest+3+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The ferns and all of the lush jungle covered this path that we walked along.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">All of the Elders and us went there to spend the morning holding a testimony meeting and eating lunch.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The sunlight cast a lovely glow which distorted some of the Elders in this picture.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjD_K4lqHXShjO0tJktxsqoRwAvDS0FRMCGUO_gGoljTOMSnT4XhkRj2OWHMGCqOnLkhp7TnnXKnhaahq_RQvrKrtakcLtIG0OtJhKCqjryVVMuS9Rc58Yj4iVyzXkmRmB3Bpz3aZpRUd/s1600/Lunch+at+the+falls+with+Elders+3+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjD_K4lqHXShjO0tJktxsqoRwAvDS0FRMCGUO_gGoljTOMSnT4XhkRj2OWHMGCqOnLkhp7TnnXKnhaahq_RQvrKrtakcLtIG0OtJhKCqjryVVMuS9Rc58Yj4iVyzXkmRmB3Bpz3aZpRUd/s320/Lunch+at+the+falls+with+Elders+3+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We are grateful to our District Leader, Elder Matthews for arranging this. He has been an excellent Elder who has really taken his responsibilities seriously. He will be returning home in a couple of weeks as his two years of service is coming to an end. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixl40WiAf9FrcrxOxZazRoipIDtbqFefJmR62zeoONkC3spYtxG84SViMnG0yZsjfJVzPlRIgDa0hdgaKQcgjja2mcnQimC9tQ2BPalnfEUzqp3WsoYg198OtT0A5QeWcgOSUMbWyCjar/s1600/Lunch+at+the+falls+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixl40WiAf9FrcrxOxZazRoipIDtbqFefJmR62zeoONkC3spYtxG84SViMnG0yZsjfJVzPlRIgDa0hdgaKQcgjja2mcnQimC9tQ2BPalnfEUzqp3WsoYg198OtT0A5QeWcgOSUMbWyCjar/s320/Lunch+at+the+falls+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> This has to be one of God's most beautiful creations that was just made for such a spiritual occasion. There could not have been a better setting to bear testimony of the handiwork of the Lord, the truthfulness of the Gospel, love for the Savior, and thankfulness for the opportunity to be serving on a mission. We sang some hymns, said prayers, and everyone had an opportunity to bear strong testimony. We sat along the creek on large rocks as it was harder to hear up closer with the roar of the waterfall. A day that we will never forget</div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-6292780804240025602011-09-25T01:26:00.000-07:002011-09-25T01:31:18.530-07:00Trip to PohnpeiWe had the privilege of spending one week on the island of Pohnpei which is 344 miles and just one hour flying time from our island of Kosrae. All of the missionaries along with us were attending a joint zone conference with the missionaries on Pohnpei. We never thought we would have the opportunity to visit any of the other islands in our mission. So this was a real treat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSXC3QRScLegJk3Q2ujN8cdfGOIr-5DEaPHy7frtkcpvAB4foUWX8OO6He2yxh_bX61CeLgW-XvZBXjFHzlKC2iat_Z_Z3rjdA5ToSOKFVMd8jXHWuYzJSz9-Uv93dXJSiJ9wpcui-F0v/s1600/overhead+at+chuuck+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSXC3QRScLegJk3Q2ujN8cdfGOIr-5DEaPHy7frtkcpvAB4foUWX8OO6He2yxh_bX61CeLgW-XvZBXjFHzlKC2iat_Z_Z3rjdA5ToSOKFVMd8jXHWuYzJSz9-Uv93dXJSiJ9wpcui-F0v/s320/overhead+at+chuuck+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of an atoll taken from the airplane</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Pohnpei island is the largest island in the Federated States of Micronesia with a land area of 344 km. It is a deeply indented and jagged circle that has on outer barrier reef, an intertidal lagoon, mangrove forests, and a central mountain rain forest. It is known as the "Garden Island" and is very lush and green. They have a population of around 34,000, just about 6 times as many as we have on Kosrae. There are 25 smaller widely scattered coral atolls which lie outside the barrier reef, but most of the people live on the main island. They do not have any sandy beaches on the main island only Mangrove forests.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMu8sitrOVYf5sTbnyEzzh_WA9xcrg1Ko3ZqSCUetZHA7B4WvfDxBSwm1xMbH-dkfEWrec9FaMNwKFomSTbPcswlvv3XCBVDqvt2lnZ2tjnzAtx3Tx48PL8kiuqYLgCMrqdMbF7a5bfU8/s1600/Dancers+3+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMu8sitrOVYf5sTbnyEzzh_WA9xcrg1Ko3ZqSCUetZHA7B4WvfDxBSwm1xMbH-dkfEWrec9FaMNwKFomSTbPcswlvv3XCBVDqvt2lnZ2tjnzAtx3Tx48PL8kiuqYLgCMrqdMbF7a5bfU8/s320/Dancers+3+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Because this island is so much larger it has 12<br />
missionaries serving there along with one senior<br />
couple. There are about 1600 members of the Church and 7 branches. The weekend that we were there they dedicated a new chapel in Palikir. It is very beautiful and we had Elder Gary Stevenson of the 70 there for the dedication. Termites are a major problem here on these islands and so they used a special wood brought in from New Zealand that is supposed to be termite proof. It was used inside the chapel and other parts of the church as part of the decor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXt3mG0qaSZUFk0Y1v2qldMpUcK5fJf5oFvoikZExke3B8dD29wE2vblgl5Qh7PGpUD0gZWvYHhsX4Bqn8e4kUuc7LIjBEnVwjj2-L13L52iUYlevhDqD4eNEAuAGzQaSxpVm-6gtELFE/s1600/Pohnpein+dancers+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXt3mG0qaSZUFk0Y1v2qldMpUcK5fJf5oFvoikZExke3B8dD29wE2vblgl5Qh7PGpUD0gZWvYHhsX4Bqn8e4kUuc7LIjBEnVwjj2-L13L52iUYlevhDqD4eNEAuAGzQaSxpVm-6gtELFE/s400/Pohnpein+dancers+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
On Saturday they had a celebration where each of the branches performed a local native dance and some did special singing groups. It was delightful and many people attended. After the program there was a large dinner served. All of this was done outside and they brought in huge tent type awnings for us to sit under. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-ady-BSPkO3m-y7G7DDsgUkGjuFyo2qYrfz1hqnYHhCytWC3tFtCGwhXD-MRLeDHSrMM7V58oEaWx4ygQWJVeLIbWBAbKSzYPrQhVGyC4Ap_xnBQokEYnC36cAIbQ27sS1mNs-yFrP3V/s1600/lined+up+to+eat+at+Palikir+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-ady-BSPkO3m-y7G7DDsgUkGjuFyo2qYrfz1hqnYHhCytWC3tFtCGwhXD-MRLeDHSrMM7V58oEaWx4ygQWJVeLIbWBAbKSzYPrQhVGyC4Ap_xnBQokEYnC36cAIbQ27sS1mNs-yFrP3V/s400/lined+up+to+eat+at+Palikir+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hundreds of people were in attendance and now waiting to eat. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8px6Ko5AKtMvLYYmcIujNcsD6397Jte3ulIjZbMTSzryL2UKBO4_rfivzoq3jGW9OguHD_sE_1wJ16eBXm_4a8u9dZGGlYy6Ob9Mtj0ADTbuGJuF8zef3H2Dky2HGpUtxouphArMmBP_/s1600/Kjars+and+Wrights+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8px6Ko5AKtMvLYYmcIujNcsD6397Jte3ulIjZbMTSzryL2UKBO4_rfivzoq3jGW9OguHD_sE_1wJ16eBXm_4a8u9dZGGlYy6Ob9Mtj0ADTbuGJuF8zef3H2Dky2HGpUtxouphArMmBP_/s320/Kjars+and+Wrights+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We stayed with the senior couple serving on Pohnpei. It was great to get to know them better and spend some time going around with them to their seminary and institute classes. <br />
The Kjars have been here since the beginning of May and they are from Aurora, Utah. They hold a daily early morning seminary class at the high school. Most of the students ride a bus to high school and one of the teachers lets them use her classroom before school to have seminary. Most of the time they have around 18 attending class. They hold a home-study type of program at 6 of the other branches where they meet just one day a week for two hours and then the students have some assignments that they are supposed to do for the other four days. They turn them in each week so that they can get credit. I am thinking that something like home-study would work well here in one of our branches where it is hard to get students out because of transportation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F0b65QXvcHdcvL5z9zpiRpb6Lt0YRovWdjgfk6jVqU1BljAb0CeyJNcy8VJpUFqYgn35N3QsqhmA9rtvAXv8OTY-MJgfhzz9lmNeLHXvyoeAyKWxSuYWJIXCSXWS6SezQ6BdxCnMUZx8/s1600/baptismal+font+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F0b65QXvcHdcvL5z9zpiRpb6Lt0YRovWdjgfk6jVqU1BljAb0CeyJNcy8VJpUFqYgn35N3QsqhmA9rtvAXv8OTY-MJgfhzz9lmNeLHXvyoeAyKWxSuYWJIXCSXWS6SezQ6BdxCnMUZx8/s320/baptismal+font+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Each of the branches that we attended were different in the amount of people attending and size. At one of the branches they had an outdoor baptismal font. We have never seen anything like that. After traveling to all of these different chapels we got a little bit of a feel of their island. It is a lot bigger and requires more traveling to get around than we are used to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HWKXMUr6FqiIT5RFPDEuZOpe_jWC0QfrD77yPEtx5U1LlLBuQtp_3jPOBvEoZSfXE9ZB3MbsMTHQVaK-xOrLR8DmC9aNmyukJK4AppqXrYT683qnabS5RkuDMQE6g2xs9kXP-up5J8s4/s1600/zone+picture+sept+2011+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HWKXMUr6FqiIT5RFPDEuZOpe_jWC0QfrD77yPEtx5U1LlLBuQtp_3jPOBvEoZSfXE9ZB3MbsMTHQVaK-xOrLR8DmC9aNmyukJK4AppqXrYT683qnabS5RkuDMQE6g2xs9kXP-up5J8s4/s320/zone+picture+sept+2011+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a>The main purpose for us going to Pohnpei was to participate in the zone conference. With only two flights leaving our island each week, it made it necessary to leave a few days before the conference and that is why we were there for 6 days. The conference was under the direction of Elder Stevenson with President Mecham assisting him. We had great instruction and were spiritually uplifted after two days of meetings. We spent one day going over 2 Nephi 31. We heard about ways to use the scriptures more as we teach and have a vision of what we want to achieve and then set our goals to help us achieve that vision. Great advice for no matter what you are doing and would work well with families in having a vision and setting goals. Especially eternal goals that matter the most. I helped Sister Kjar with preparing and serving lunch to all 26 missionaries and leaders. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRWTVqHsufFUwBGo9_O_AOzuDZLwo3z3hl2MWcBHGEQbXAdsnyPbhwCsM_ICJIsW4cCk4P4GIH9yNPp1B0sWhF7xtHzJwp6wW68fzG7vcSWKhqkPv-NrH1GeEz7pksMA4AfhZ764rcxYG/s1600/wood+carving+1+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRWTVqHsufFUwBGo9_O_AOzuDZLwo3z3hl2MWcBHGEQbXAdsnyPbhwCsM_ICJIsW4cCk4P4GIH9yNPp1B0sWhF7xtHzJwp6wW68fzG7vcSWKhqkPv-NrH1GeEz7pksMA4AfhZ764rcxYG/s320/wood+carving+1+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Before we left to go back to Kosrae we were able to visit some handicraft shops down in the village. We went to one place that had a number of men carving a variety of different types of fish, turtles, sharks, and other sea life. All of these carvings were done out of mangrove wood. It is a very hard wood that they use and has lots of color variations in it. We took some great pictures of the men working at their craft. We also went to some of the markets where they were selling other handcrafts. I was able to pick up a few lovely items.<br />
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As with any trip that we have been on, it is so wonderful, but then it is always good to get back home again. We were happy to return to our home on Kosrae, we really missed it.Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-707197922280863162011-09-11T22:58:00.000-07:002011-09-11T23:04:19.098-07:00A Liberation Celebration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKeig02M7_yb0V_HMb2iwiUBfoOPmULjYEWXkRllE314g_MUtgKMugfJGjCyA9Bf8NDyL9d47KYB0esH9EOjP9UeWunmsvT8FndETieoUsMiHkdihKjxWJ_Wegc2ZAsd1fFDyw57qt4tp/s1600/lib+cel+1+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The week of September 8th is a time for the people of Kosrae to celebrate their liberation from Japanese rule. It is something like our Fourth of July celebration. Kosrae has had many different countries who were in control here. After the Germans had been here for some time the Japanese took over this island during WW1 and stayed in control until the end of WWII when they surrendered to the United States. The Japanese were in the process of getting rid of all the islanders near the end of WWII and had rounded up many people to be imprisoned. In 1945, when the U.S. came and took over all of the islands that had been held by the Japanese, they freed the people and set up the Trust Treaty of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). The Japanese soldiers were removed from the island. There are still some Kosraens living who can remember what happened at this time. We have 3 members in our branch who were children at the time the U.S. came and freed them. The four different municipalities all planned many activities from sports games, canoe races, BBQs, and programs to celebrate this day. Thursday, Friday and Saturday were set aside for these activities. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKeig02M7_yb0V_HMb2iwiUBfoOPmULjYEWXkRllE314g_MUtgKMugfJGjCyA9Bf8NDyL9d47KYB0esH9EOjP9UeWunmsvT8FndETieoUsMiHkdihKjxWJ_Wegc2ZAsd1fFDyw57qt4tp/s1600/lib+cel+1+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKeig02M7_yb0V_HMb2iwiUBfoOPmULjYEWXkRllE314g_MUtgKMugfJGjCyA9Bf8NDyL9d47KYB0esH9EOjP9UeWunmsvT8FndETieoUsMiHkdihKjxWJ_Wegc2ZAsd1fFDyw57qt4tp/s320/lib+cel+1+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching activities and visiting</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our two branches decided that they wanted to also have a celebration of their own. So on Saturday everyone got together at the Lelu Church where we had a short program, games and activities and plenty of local food to eat. Pahpah Kurr, who was alive at the time of the liberation, talked about what he remembered and we were reminded that we should not forget this event in the history of Kosrae. President Jonathan called upon Elder Wright to see if he wanted to add anything that he could remember about WWII, but he informed him that he was born at the end of WII and didn't participate or remember from first hand any experiences. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women serving food in outdoor kitchen</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had a large turn out for this celebration and everyone had a great time. Many of the ladies worked in the outdoor kitchen of the family who live behind the church preparing and serving the food. We had local greens, taro, cooked bananas, rice and a vegetable chicken stir fry, and their version of banana pie(yummy).</div>It was dished up on paper plates and covered with aluminum foil and then carried to those waiting to eat. Every one here eats with their hands because they never use utensils. We are getting used to eating like the locals. All of the eating and activities were done outside in the back of the church.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBDAroV4zloU5BXpUMji6OFmcMeD9bnjsxbOPZWzFhIajR0l46cTLr0jp_pM3wZPvp4xTQ6dpZqsmiF-ozBNN38j2bI9iMJkNXGc2WF3TgNJI21baFYf3xvSSR3q_tpBSyPsF9EuTzTI1/s1600/lib+cel+3+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBDAroV4zloU5BXpUMji6OFmcMeD9bnjsxbOPZWzFhIajR0l46cTLr0jp_pM3wZPvp4xTQ6dpZqsmiF-ozBNN38j2bI9iMJkNXGc2WF3TgNJI21baFYf3xvSSR3q_tpBSyPsF9EuTzTI1/s320/lib+cel+3+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pres. Hadley and his family </td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Some of the activities that we did were a contest to see who could shell or husk a coconut the fastest. What a riot it was! Then they brought out the stools used for shredding coconut. They are about the size of the old fashioned shoe shine boxes. Then another contest was held on seeing who could shred coconut the fastest. We have one of those shredding boxes at our house, well we actually loaned it to one of the Elders, so we have not tried to shred coconut as of yet, but after watching this I think we need to try as that is the only way I will get shredded coconut because it is not sold in stores here.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molton and Sasaki husking coconuts</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Abraham shredding coconut</td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8LxUwsFvNpYmqp6PaHKvjgNr4kzI2qSIB7IunOVMwNi8aKh_prMx1rkiMu_YazXvoHXqDAEVxsURPTulhoV0dyg8gj263rvIWJG1_dteVybPkv7vB0hs9L1PLshdTzygPnrx8xV30UcB/s1600/lib+cel+7+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8LxUwsFvNpYmqp6PaHKvjgNr4kzI2qSIB7IunOVMwNi8aKh_prMx1rkiMu_YazXvoHXqDAEVxsURPTulhoV0dyg8gj263rvIWJG1_dteVybPkv7vB0hs9L1PLshdTzygPnrx8xV30UcB/s320/lib+cel+7+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Games were enjoyed by the young as well. Fun relays were held where they had to run down to where a pole was located and run around it with their head down10 times and then run back and tag the next person. They were a little dizzy and it was fun to see them try and run back and tag the next person. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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The relays were interupted by a heavy torrential downpour that lasted for about 45 minutes. We all ran to the Church for protection from the storm. Some of us were inside and others went under the roof overhangs. I imagine that we must have gotten about two inches of rain in that downpour. While we were waiting we had a great game of ping pong going. Lots of the youth and some of the adults took turns trying to beat the branch champion. As the rain let up some, many decided it would be okay to start a volleyball game. It continuted to rain for the rest of the evening but no one was going to let a little rain get in the way of having some fun. A celebration wouldn't be a celebration without a little music and singing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjmUMayRgL5qWTUsm2okxsvkCnpsbOui7OAATigATSVrXA2K2wLTk4wpG4gQ6h29BPfnNQ1amx6gc6yeraltJrAoeost1_et_YmHTD06svdLvbRU1dul5FfdITpE70TcXipBSx8WnnjFZ/s1600/lib+cel+6+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjmUMayRgL5qWTUsm2okxsvkCnpsbOui7OAATigATSVrXA2K2wLTk4wpG4gQ6h29BPfnNQ1amx6gc6yeraltJrAoeost1_et_YmHTD06svdLvbRU1dul5FfdITpE70TcXipBSx8WnnjFZ/s320/lib+cel+6+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Nena and ukulele<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-5461125043170982412011-09-04T16:01:00.000-07:002011-09-04T16:03:41.532-07:00Fun and Games . . . S & I EnjoymentWe have had a great start to the school year in our seminary and institute programs. We have actually had more young single adults attend so far this year compared with last year. After two weeks of classes we are excited for what is happening in each of our classes. Our goal is to still get more to come out in all of the different classes, especially seminary. The youth are the future of the Church and we have some very faithful and diligent youth on this island.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFhBOcVru14EA5ZGnlVJcfpt6VazmKuQVgofAaBtM-9wpWAO4lfZlh2AGeH9hQMbfmHI2qbm2yaEkiNikkBU7jk509yRpxAMv_zBhC2Y0eCLIHEsY8k-KsQb-iasflEWaEj81UxThmx6o/s1600/Op+Soc+game+2+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFhBOcVru14EA5ZGnlVJcfpt6VazmKuQVgofAaBtM-9wpWAO4lfZlh2AGeH9hQMbfmHI2qbm2yaEkiNikkBU7jk509yRpxAMv_zBhC2Y0eCLIHEsY8k-KsQb-iasflEWaEj81UxThmx6o/s320/Op+Soc+game+2+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a>We held a fun opening social for the youth and the teachers. We thought that we were going to start around 4:00 pm, but however, true to their island customs they did not show up until about 5:30. You just never know when they will come, but they do eventually come. I had a dice game set up to play as they were arriving and some did come early so that was a good thing. We laughed and enjoyed teaching how to play Farkel, or some call it Zilch. <br />
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We started out with some dancing demonstrations which were very good, although I thought that they were going to teach some of those dances to everyone so that all would be involved. We also did the limbo and musical chairs.<br />
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We got some great videos of them participating in these activities but I do not know how to put them on this blog but here are some of the pictures we took.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySiQzwSNsYaRQxSKUuBothG0wcLHLQkq1ablbyE2l0UCEK0kfBi_buiy-OIR2OsTMwuGcgk3xsQR8HSMAdG5Py_2O5ieK-Ht-E5HSF34BNMgNY4-X54sZQEyCMCbh_IYcmlrY75LRLxfY/s1600/Op+Social+icecream+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySiQzwSNsYaRQxSKUuBothG0wcLHLQkq1ablbyE2l0UCEK0kfBi_buiy-OIR2OsTMwuGcgk3xsQR8HSMAdG5Py_2O5ieK-Ht-E5HSF34BNMgNY4-X54sZQEyCMCbh_IYcmlrY75LRLxfY/s320/Op+Social+icecream+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A party would not be a party without ice cream. We just served ice cream and local donuts. Then everyone enjoy playing volleyball and ping pong. It is great that we have a volleyball court on the back property of the Church. It serves for both a volleyball and basketball court. Everyone stayed until about 9:00 pm. A GREAT TIME!!<br />
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Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-23536673287063130172011-08-18T22:52:00.000-07:002011-08-18T22:52:56.773-07:00NEW WHEELS ON THE ISLAND<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBLNT7IHvCVhGRfsLeVlQEb0wwkgTm4t6aGeTv-b7HG6R1zuWRb2raNTzI2CYq5vA6F_Sm71NBbHx5y1un7GAY0cClczS3WStDBCwCJRRtzNjlb7-c90wkUoNqY1KSG69E73CuVpJT629/s1600/storage+containers+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBLNT7IHvCVhGRfsLeVlQEb0wwkgTm4t6aGeTv-b7HG6R1zuWRb2raNTzI2CYq5vA6F_Sm71NBbHx5y1un7GAY0cClczS3WStDBCwCJRRtzNjlb7-c90wkUoNqY1KSG69E73CuVpJT629/s200/storage+containers+rs.jpg" width="200" /></a>Two brand new 2011Toyota Yaris cars arrived on Kosrae. They will replace the Corollas that are now driven by us and one of the sets of missionaries. Both cars were past the mileage that the Church sets as a standard for when to trade out the cars used by missionaries. Because of all the humidity and salt air here on Kosrae, cars don't last as long as they do in other areas of the world. We will now be involved in the process of trying to sell both of the older cars. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLfPu7OH8bacYzJ_29ef6UwqFh9zNael8eUrpnryiYxeIcuL58e6JlXKopZffoBxe0Z1EWZWKaI-XSAs5GBnP5xk8nI7TK5hOzTlQUSR5dQgguWV2ZYGXZUk6jFX7vC6KR4QV-OSpl5jv/s1600/side+view+of+container+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLfPu7OH8bacYzJ_29ef6UwqFh9zNael8eUrpnryiYxeIcuL58e6JlXKopZffoBxe0Z1EWZWKaI-XSAs5GBnP5xk8nI7TK5hOzTlQUSR5dQgguWV2ZYGXZUk6jFX7vC6KR4QV-OSpl5jv/s320/side+view+of+container+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLfPu7OH8bacYzJ_29ef6UwqFh9zNael8eUrpnryiYxeIcuL58e6JlXKopZffoBxe0Z1EWZWKaI-XSAs5GBnP5xk8nI7TK5hOzTlQUSR5dQgguWV2ZYGXZUk6jFX7vC6KR4QV-OSpl5jv/s1600/side+view+of+container+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9Cf_SbfWGSj4qqX0j2_wte9kgyOdewf8IXlPuJ923NDOHtttxGE_pJZSQyYaP63ARc8U1zD0Gq5YkYLBuepE2zRSTS3vL7Pi9LO4Ij2efatDPT9tQTZuUZEfVUgzqDR791okQlrfjqUr/s1600/container+arrives+with+new+cars+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span id="goog_1846922753"></span><span id="goog_1846922754"></span>It is always an adventure to retrieve anything that has been shipped in as we found out when he had to pick up two bikes a few months ago for one of the other sets of missionaries. First you have to get all of the paper work from the shipping agent and then go to the customs office and pay the custom taxes which are 4%. After that you go to the finance office to pay any additional charges to the government. Once that is done you take the paper work to the harbor where the dock is located and pay any dock fees. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-ElFSfyHHsyAJSPprYenSMcRILhg5mDhcAMKUsd9pW6HSgyjzC_J_Zrpe-NjioH08Y-q7qmQgy3JSSC0UsEDamhfDJo6EC7vQksjVOsy_B2YyWp5ePGzm7p8xeF4v5syE-Zbks2BL8U1/s1600/unloading+first+car+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-ElFSfyHHsyAJSPprYenSMcRILhg5mDhcAMKUsd9pW6HSgyjzC_J_Zrpe-NjioH08Y-q7qmQgy3JSSC0UsEDamhfDJo6EC7vQksjVOsy_B2YyWp5ePGzm7p8xeF4v5syE-Zbks2BL8U1/s320/unloading+first+car+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Both cars were put in the same container and so there was a dock fee, along with a container fee and also a 20 day storage fee because the shipping agent did not inform us that the cars had arrived and so they had been stored at the boat dock. After we paid all those fees we went to find someone who could get the cars for us but found out that we had to pay an additional fee for unpacking the container and taking the cars out. Finally all of that was done and we were able to get the cars.We brought along a member, Kaston Albert, to help us get the cars back to our house as we would have three cars to drive home, our original car and the two new ones. It was great to have him along as he could talk to them in their own language in case we had any problems.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo58HXDjCDnLrHcRmsw6VHmTgvRieSBXCBNK8lpL4rTFj34XEqDPMtlpjSascu4HJBPc7RHddwbVs-RGtSqn3iOWOXqfzYxaN8D9YJXo5FwZQ8lg9lPy_44WtvLOyAKi9KoIyzolAG5Dx/s1600/inspecting+cars+2+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo58HXDjCDnLrHcRmsw6VHmTgvRieSBXCBNK8lpL4rTFj34XEqDPMtlpjSascu4HJBPc7RHddwbVs-RGtSqn3iOWOXqfzYxaN8D9YJXo5FwZQ8lg9lPy_44WtvLOyAKi9KoIyzolAG5Dx/s320/inspecting+cars+2+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The Elders had a great time checking out their new car. It was almost as good as Christmas. These are great little cars. They do not have all of the conveniences that we were used to and not any bells and whistles so to speak. No power windows, no keyless entry, no power seats, no outside temperature reading, but it is great on gas mileage at 35mpg and it smells new and drives smooth and comfortable. Even though it is smaller than the Corolla that we have been driving, it will work just fine for us here on Kosrae.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvSr3mN7mANIt3ofh6WECnG7meKR-d5F-EzAw1HLo2afDzbK2SMcRMkSAn2wncKMtGcbEw0uzCRW0x47bBPazER6GNpdFHoA-SvX9dICm-EY7UuR0GhlH_klEgYLQ1Glz1AxMzFRxkl4O/s1600/Elder+Wright+and+new+car+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvSr3mN7mANIt3ofh6WECnG7meKR-d5F-EzAw1HLo2afDzbK2SMcRMkSAn2wncKMtGcbEw0uzCRW0x47bBPazER6GNpdFHoA-SvX9dICm-EY7UuR0GhlH_klEgYLQ1Glz1AxMzFRxkl4O/s320/Elder+Wright+and+new+car+rs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The other great advantage that we have with this car is that when we went to register it we only had to pay $10. They charge you by the type of car you drive and not how new it is. A sedan is only $10. We wish that those prices were available at home. Elder Wright is now ready to start driving his new car.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067921301393736319.post-85025797931082265062011-08-05T22:57:00.000-07:002011-08-05T22:57:59.808-07:00Changing of the Guard and BaptismsWe have had a change in the Branch leadership here on Kosrae. A couple of weeks ago both of the branch presidents were released and new ones called. Each of these men had served about 9 years as a Branch President. These were good men and they have worked long and hard. This is a difficult position as there are many challenges facing them in the islands, like few active priesthood holders, no phones to get easy communication with members, and lack of transportation(not many have cars). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs1d36Ol8gum2ixL9IhSNnqMK6hWbRqaj0Ao6uOjl65KNC9k4wx_PW12dwcct1Bcfo13z83-ThA2GY0m2jZl5lWlqYP1zh7wiZxm26lqPpMAFtJVUUdpfXoN3m83e2ulE5kpTYDRoXrQT/s1600/pres+george+and+pres+alocoa+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs1d36Ol8gum2ixL9IhSNnqMK6hWbRqaj0Ao6uOjl65KNC9k4wx_PW12dwcct1Bcfo13z83-ThA2GY0m2jZl5lWlqYP1zh7wiZxm26lqPpMAFtJVUUdpfXoN3m83e2ulE5kpTYDRoXrQT/s400/pres+george+and+pres+alocoa+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Two new men, Sasaki George and Ben Alokoa were called as the Branch Presidents. These men were serving as counselors in to previous presidencies. President George has been a member less than two years and is well liked and respected by the members of his branch. President Alokoa is a very humble and well like person also. Both of these men hold down full-time jobs, one as an attorney and the other as a landscaper and groundskeeper for one of the resorts on the island. We look forward to working with both of them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HLI-zQZJQVrhz905SFqSbSz-nRj0rwp4aDfb2oYd492gp_ohCfleHwv3ECavkFcnL6EjZyO5qNhU3Whi9QnNBRHxF2za_LQiVhvJzgkF_Qhreh9idB9GtxgMr7Z7w_aeyx_6Cgz4KkJ3/s1600/baptism+aug+2011+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HLI-zQZJQVrhz905SFqSbSz-nRj0rwp4aDfb2oYd492gp_ohCfleHwv3ECavkFcnL6EjZyO5qNhU3Whi9QnNBRHxF2za_LQiVhvJzgkF_Qhreh9idB9GtxgMr7Z7w_aeyx_6Cgz4KkJ3/s400/baptism+aug+2011+rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Our first baptisms for this year! It has been quite some time since we have had any baptisms here. On August 5th we had two convert baptisms and 3 child of record baptisms. It was a great day for the members on Kosrae. We thought that the baptism was going to held in the ocean but we ran out of daylight hours because of the starting time. The church has a baptismal font in the building which is very lovely. It had been filled with water from the city, but it came in somewhat dirty and we weren't sure if we wanted to use it. The baptism went off as scheduled and we used the font anyway and it turned out wonderful. This will add two new members to the Lelu Branch and three new members to the Utwe Branch. It is great to see the kingdom grow. Elder and Sister Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127356963795024194noreply@blogger.com0