Kia orana, everyone! Our excellent adventure continues with a recap of a conversation that occurs almost everyday we are in the van.
“Ok, now let’s see…..I think to get to Tai’s house, we go past the hanging corned beef sign and turn left at the second yellows (bushes), then we go up that road (remember this is a big exaggeration) and turn left at the banana tree (do you know how many banana trees are on this island?) “
“Are you sure that it’s the corned beef sign? I thought we went past that store (another exaggeration) that sells that green drink you spent three dollars for the last time we stopped and asked for directions.”
“No, I’m sure that it’s the corned beef sign, but we may not turn at the second yellows. We mabey should watch for that sign that says Fish 4 sail (yes, this is spelled correctly), then turn right and look for the house with the antenna on the roof made out of a cinder block, a rock and two rabbit ears.”
“Well, they did say that if we passed the taro patch, we had gone too far”.
This conversation is happening at the same time that Elder Belliston is driving but, paying more attention to whether or not the mangos along the side of the road are ripe! I have also learned to keep the passenger-side window closed during these forays. Once you have been smacked in the face with a palm branch at 20 miles per hour, you learn to be more vigilant! Oh, and by the way, the speed limit here for the whole island is 30mph!
More often than not, these days, we do find the house we are looking for and once we do, we are met by sweet people who welcome us into their homes. We have been invited to family home evenings, birthday parties and dinner. Often, if we drop by, these people who have so little, share a meal or a treat with us. I have learned to be much more accepting of their hospitality and we are so grateful for the simple kindness that they offer. When I first met Ward, I noticed that he ate with his hands a lot. At first, I thought it was a case of bad manners, but now I appreciate the fact that he was used to showing respect for his hosts, by doing it their way. Many times, we have been offered no silverware with dinner, and this is something to which I am becoming accustomed. I did notice the other day though, that after a meal of delicious curry, all of my fingernails had turned yellow!
We are learning to think fast and to expect the unexpected. We have often been asked to speak with no notice. Last Sunday, we were asked to speak in Sacrament meeting and that same morning, we were handed the lesson manual and asked to teach the Sunday school class. These are sweet times and we are always amazed at what pops into our heads to say in these situations.We are grateful for the guidance of the Spirit for the help that we need. Last night, after a baptism and feast (there is always a feast), we were asked to present the FHE lesson. At first, I thought President Cummings was kidding, but he was serious. So far, so good, but we will have to come up with some new “just-in-case” talks just to be on the safe side. Speaking of the baptism, the young man who was being baptized, was well over six feet. He needed size 52 clothing, but the pants were about 8 inches too short. Luckily we found a sewing machine in the home here, and I was able to lengthen his pants! This young man has a simple, sweet testimony, but is to shy to express it, so one of his friends spoke for him. It was a wonderful evening and you have never heard singing until you have heard Polynesans sing. They put their whole hearts into it. It’s just beautiful. As that evening was ending, I noticed that the full moon was reflecting off the ocean across from the church and this scene was framed by swaying palms!
We have had a young woman approach us, simply because she saw our badges. She begins lessons at our home next week. It will be our first real chance to be on our own. We have worked with the Elders before, but it’s far more daunting when we are the ones responsible for the teaching. Wish us luck!
Speaking of luck, the weather plays a very important part in our household. We have a solar-powdered hot water heater. When it’s a sunny day, I know that we will be lucky and have a nice, hot shower. Rainy or cloudy days make for a much shorter and cooler one! I am also going to save money on hair products. Bangs are useless here as are Velcro rollers, and hairspray. I now know why most islanders wear their hair pulled back or on top of their heads. Those of you who are thinking of a visit, please be advised that every day here is a bad hair day. Leave your gels, conditioners, and hopes of elaborate hair creations home. Just come and tuck a flower behind your ear and enjoy.
Before we close, we have to give you an update on the woman who fed us the first night we were here. Remember the story of Henry coming out of the oven? Well, she drew me aside at church and said that she had another pork roast for me and we were not to share it with anyone. We were to pick it up the next day. I went to the grocery store and managed to find all the ingredients for my pork roast with plum sauce. Yum, yum! When we arrived at her home, she handed me a bag that weighed at least twenty-five pounds! The “roast” was frozen and the hind leg was sticking out of the bag! I don’t think that I can make enough plum sauce! So, again, if you visit, expect pork for dinner!
We are happy and healthy and trying to work hard. This is the perfect mission for us and I find it difficult to believe that all of the people that we love so much were friends that we did not have a month ago. We are attaching pictures, since many of you have requested that we do so. We hope that you can appreciate, even just a little, the spirit of this beautiful island and its people.
Ka kite, Ward and Susan Elder and Sister Belliston serving in the Cook Islands
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