Around Tarawa

August 19, 2012  

There are some beautiful flowers and trees here.  There isn't the variety of some tropical places, but these red beauties and the white plumeria provide color and fragrance all summer long.  I don't know if we have a summer that really ends, yet.

The little kids often stand on the back of the motor cycles with their arms around their parents' necks or on their shoulders.  We have seen as many as 4 people on a motorcycle, with one in front of the driver, one between the driver and the 2nd adult.

Missionaries with their van in front of our flat came on our preparation day (notice Elder Bush is not in a white shirt and tie.)  We sometimes don't get a regular preparation day, since we have to see to the young missionaries needs, deliver mail, inspect flats and order repairs.  So we take time when we can to do our washing, shop and take care of our little garden.  (We actually did get one tomato from our 8 plants and other little ones are starting.)

These two members are very nice people, who share their time and energy with the community, as well as the church.  They own several businesses and sponsor some city events, like talent shows.  They invited us to sit among the "honored guests" at a dance competition they sponsored.

Air Marshall is becoming more regular in its flights between the Marshall Islands and Kiribati.  It now flies every other Monday.  That is a 3-hour flight.  It sure beats the 3-day flight through Hawaii, Christmas Island, Fiji, Kiribati,
  When we get packages from the U.S., this is the plane that delivers them.  (Keep those packages coming.)

This lady is taking home some pandanas leaves to do some weaving, such as the girls below are showing.  Moroni HS has a class where they help the young people learn and maintain some of these cultural talents.  Learning to use the natural materials here is a real blessing to the people.

These baskets are woven from coconut palm fronds, which are coarser than the pandanas.

This girl is learning to weave a mat, used as a mattress for sleeping.

Elder Bush went outside our flat to saw some wood to make shelves for our pantry.  Just like when we were at home, young kids always want to help.  This young man did a pretty good job.

Missionaries pose for a photo at the Church information booth they are running at the Independence Day festivities July 12.