Relief Society Social

A while back the Relief Society in Kiritimati Branch had a special opportunity to learn how to make virgin coconut oil from an amazing woman visiting here from Tarawa. There was a really good attendance out back in the mwaneaba (big hut). We had lots of coconuts gathered into a pile ready to be cracked open (that is an art by the way). There were several women set to work grinding the pulp into the big clean bowls. The next step is to place the shredded pulp into the center of clean dry cloths, wrap them tight and start squeezing the oil into another big clean bowl. I'll tell you what, that squeezing is a hard job! Next they heat the oil over a slow heat, stirring the whole time. I left about that time so the secret of making virgin coconut oil is still just that.....a secret!!!  Had you going there, didn't I!! It is really great stuff.  It is used to soften skin, and condition their beautiful long hair.  Personally I think you could put a sparkling shine on shoes, fancy up the tires on your new car, polish the surface of your desk, make your pots shine, cure chapped lips, soften the bottom of your callused feet, your pointed elbows, the and those rough knees. No kidding, it is really great stuff and it smells so good. 

There are a ton of little stores in each of the five main villages.  That makes it really handy for the islanders to buy items close by their homes. There are also a couple of larger general stores that have a good selection of foods. This is what  Matientoake, one of the big stores located in London, looks like on the inside. Besides what you can see from this picture there are several containers outside where extra stock and big things are stored. Going a little further south,  around the corner heading east you will come to the mall.  Yes, we have a mall!  It is an outside mall. There are seven little stores with openings towards the road. The other main store is just outside of Banana. JMB is owned by John who is from Scotland.  His wife lives in Hawaii where she is the purchasing agent. They have several grown children who help run the business from both locations. 

Elder Falke is from northern California. He worked really hard at learning the language as well as the lessons. His companion/trailer, Elder Turner is from central Idaho.  The two of them were here on Kiritimati Island by themselves trying to run the office as  well as meeting, greeting and teaching the gospel to members and nonmembers alike. We will always think of them as our wonderful 'parents'.

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Our trip to Tarawa, Kiribati for the zone conference and the stake conference was more than amazing.  One of the really wonderful 'things' we came away with was this group of fine missionaries.  We took the flight over to Fiji on the first part of our homeward travel. The very first thing they wanted to do after we landed was find a MacDonald's and buy real American french frys and a Big Mac hamburger. The desk clerk at the hotel were we unloaded our luggage told us to catch a bus and go 'that way'.  

I thought they would want to order their meal first but NO, they wanted to take this picture. 

Sister Kimmons from Bedias, Texas is sitting next to her trainer/companion, Sister Barlow from Logan, Utah who is being pretty 'friendly' to old Mr Mac.  Elder Veikau from Nausori, Fiji is standing behind our jolly fellow along with Elder Eneri who is his trainer/companion. We were happy that Elder Eneri returned with us so he could help these three new missionaries find their way around the island.

We borrowed these lovely flowers from the pulpit to enhance this photo of these wonderful missionaries.  Elder Hosler, from Blanding, Utah and Elder Eneri from Tarawa, Kiribati are on either side of Sister Valo from Papa, New Guinea and Sister Babo from Tarawa, Kiribati. All four worked very hard as they walked/biked around their assigned areas. 

Let me introduce you to some of our missionaries. Sitting on the floor by the door is Elder Gittins, his companion, Elder Taorobaw, is sitting on the floor next to the fridge. Elder Turner is at the table with Pres. Mabey, his companion, Elder Falke, is sitting on the floor back in the corner. Mission President Shaw is sitting on a chair next to the fridge. I can't remember for sure but I think I was sitting in the kitchen sink so I could be back far enough to take this picture. Perhaps Sister Shaw is squeezed back into the bedroom or perhaps out on the porch.  There isn't much space in this kitchen/office/family room, but it works.

Our first set of sister missionaries came to Kiritimati Island to replace the elders who were here to greet us when we arrived here to start our mission.  Elder Gittins is standing next to his companion Elder Taorobaw. Sister Valo is smiling at her companion, Sister Babo. We two elderly folks are next in line. We act as support, the youngsters do all the hard work. We are so happy to be able to associate with them as they serve the Lord in this great work.

WANT A FRESH BANANA?  YES THEY ARE GREEN! 

HERE ARE A FEW OF THE ONES THAT PASSENGERS LOADED ONTO THE KWAI AS PART OF THEIR CARGO. THEY WERE COMING FROM FANNING ISLAND. 

OUR 2 MISSIONARIES ARE DOWN THERE LOCATING THEIR THINGS. 

CAN YOU SEE HOW THE CREW PILE THE ITEMS ONTO THE PALLET SITTING ON THE HEAVY NET. THE  CHAINS HOOKED AT THE CORNERS WILL BE LIFTED BY THE CRANE ON THE DOCK.  THE LOAD WILL SWING UP AND ONTO THE DOCK WHERE THE PASSENGERS WILL SORT OUT THEIR BELONGINGS. THAT IS ALSO HOW THE PASSENGERS ARE MOVED OFF THE SHIP.