Pizza Night

The right lighting.

Recently there was a nice going away party for everyone leaving Chuuk this month. (Cylen David & her family, Us.) About a month ago a real pizza oven was built in the back yard of the Remote Translation Office/Home. Nothing compares to pizza made in the traditional ovens. Even though it rained through most of the night we still made the best of it. We sang, played a few games and of course we ate pizza until we couldn't eat anymore. It was a great evening with friends as we get ready to move on!

Heating the oven.

Umbrella cooking.

Time to cook the pizza. 

The perfect pizza!

Branch Visit 2016

Back in the end of April we were invited to attend the Branch Visit. During which they held the School For Christian Elders. We enjoyed associating with the many Brothers and Sisters in Guam for two weeks. We had Brothers who attend the school from 5 different islands. (Yap, Palau, Guam, Ponphei, & Chuuk)

Family Portrait from Branch Visit.

During our trip not only did we thoroughly enjoy the visit of the Branch Representative. Brother Ralph Walls, we also were informed of our moving to Guam to assist with the local Chuukese Congregation. We are very excited about the new assignment, but will also miss the friends we have in Chuuk. 

Upon returning we have been busy in packing and simplifying our lives again. Each moves brings about another opportunity to reorganize. However in going through and scanning our pictures I  stumbled upon a great picture of Kathleen and her friend Gina while they were visiting the Hoover Dam. It is great going through things and coming upon some great old and new treasures.

We will be leaving for Guam on June 28th.

TRUE LUXURY

While in the ministry we came across a new definition for luxury. A bathroom with a refreshing view of the ocean in serene natural surroundings. I think we all sat there contemplating the situation and wondering if it relieved the anxious moments for many with the view of the ocean. Anyways we hope you enjoy the surroundings and view as well.

Graduation - Chuukese Style

Over the many years we have been here in Chuuk we have seen a lot of different customs and traditions. However last week we attended our first graduation here in Chuuk. For many schools they have graduation celebrations for 8th graders and seniors. For many eight grade is all the education they will receive. We understand the need to have a ceremony for the eight grade students, but not a two hour program featuring singing, speeches, and more speeches. Mostly to thank everyone for being in attendance. 

Yet we still were not prepared for what happened after the ceremony. We didn't know what to think when we saw the celebration that followed. The parents and families of the students made headdresses out of money and each one that followed was more elaborate than the first. In the meantime the students were given things from necklaces made of candy bars to balloons and whatever you can expect to find on a small island. And as if it were a political campaign some of the students were met with posters and picket board announcing their success. As we head to Guam this will be one of our last memories here in Chuuk we will be sure to cherish or one just difficult to forget. 

Close-up view:
Crown of Money

MUUMUU - The Land of

Before we were engaged to be married we had a discussion about muumuus and my complete disdain for the form of clothing. The reason for that is long and unimportant at this point. So before we married she agreed that she would never wear a muumuu. Yet what happens? We move to the land of the living muumuu! I have come to except that where we live Kathleen has to sport a muumuu from time to time, and yes she makes a muumuu look acceptable. Still not my favorite. 

But the other day walking out of the Remote Translation Office can you guess what I found? Yes a large number of muumuus hanging on the clothes line. So many I just had to take a picture as they dried in the sunlight. Still not my first choice when it comes to Women's attire. But it made for a nice picture.

Memorial 2016

We had 107 in attendance for the Memorial this year. Over the last several years we had to contend with a typhoon, a monsoon and other inclement weather. But that was not the situation this year. It was a beautiful night, even though it rained for a few minutes during the talk, with the moon shining bright.  

This year was also special with all the interested ones coming to the Memorial. One in attendance used to study with Kathleen. Kathleen was able to help her learn to read and eventually handed the study over to a local Chuukese sister. To our surprise she was in attendance with her two children. It was a beautiful night to reflect on the importance of this occasion. 

Renei, her two childre, Kathleen and Curtis 

Two brothers from Philippine and a Bible Student

 

Some of the Children in attendance.

KIJON

His name is Kijon, and is four years old. He is the son of Cylene David who attends our congregation. He was born during our time here in Chuuk and we have watched him grow over the last four years. He is such a crazy boy who has yet been unable to put a complete sentence together. It is very cute to hear him create his own language that only he is able to understand. He has been raised in a family that speaks multiple languages. He is still processing the languages of English, Tagalog, Iloko, and Chuukese. Sometimes he just smiles and give a thumbs up! These current pictures were taken during the recent eclipse and as you can see he was trying to persuade us in giving him the camera so that he could take a picture of the eclipse.