A Relief Society Celebration

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. 

Afterwards we had lunch which included barbecued chicken and rice, along with local food which included taro, breadfruit, cooked bananas, crab, and  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.

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. 

The afternoon activities were learning how to make a weaving that is used in their local houses as part of a wall.  It was made from branches that were pounded with a mallet and then opened flat.  There was a definite pattern to the weaving and after it got started it took at least two or three people to do the weaving.  Some lifted up the branches while another would slide a new branch into place.  We had about three different mats being woven so that many got the opportunity to work on them.  Some of the men living in the houses nearby came out to help work on one of these mats.



Tapping the branches to make a tight fit

















The pattern now begins to show.

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.

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.