Children of Many Cultures

The first two pictures are in the parking lot of our apartment complex......the "playground" for these little Filipino children and their mothers. The place isn't beautiful, but the children are. And the mothers have become good friends to me. I love thinking of our grandchildren at home when I watch the children play and talk to them, but it makes me miss ours more!

The next picture is in a Primary class with newly wed teachers Brother and Sister Fransico (Mico and Frennie). Bishop Esplin asked us if we would help train the Primary workers and I have spent a couple of weeks with this class. Mico has been a member of the Church for less than a year, but they are such good teachers because they prepare well, and are enjoying learning with the children. The children are Eli Labana, Kiana Suda, Taylor Steadman and Jason Villegas.

We went with Elders Cook and Meldrum and ward mission leader Roy Dolon to hold a FHE for this little family in the next photo. The mother is Institute age and we invited aer to come back to church and to our class. She said she wants to but the biggest problem on the island is the lack of transportation. So we are working on that for her. She is in blue and her boys are all next to her. We think they were each a different island culture, even though one of them has a Japanese name. They really enjoyed the lesson on "Love One Another."

The next 3 pictures are from the part of the Island called Kagman, It is very "jungley" and pretty. While we waited for mom to show up for the appointment, Elder Jones showed the children scripture pictures on the iPad. When mom arrived, she had 3 or 4 more children with her. Her name is Marsha Peter and we invited her to come back to Church. Her boyfriend, the father of all these children opposes her coming. This family of many children are Chuukese.

Look at this picturesque little house. We wouldn't know how they all fit in it except for the experiences we've been having visiting many small homes for families similar to this.

 

These children represent the many cultures living on the island of Saipan. There are Chamarros and Carolinians from Saipan and Guam. There are also many Filipinos, Chuukese, Kosraens, Pohnpeins, Yapese, Palauans.

People have also settled here from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Russia. Also many Americans. Quite a mix of nationalities seeking the warm tropical weather and the laid back, simple life of the islands. 

A Missionary P Day Outing

We went to Bonsai and Suicide Cliffs and Bird Island with our young Elders and Sisters.  It was our second time to this northern-most part of the Island and we marvel at it's beauty and significance.   We really enjoyed spending time with these great missionaries  relaxing together for a few hours.  Dad loves the remarkable colors of the ocean here and I caught him in a reflective mood as he watches the waves and swirls of blues and whites.

Baptism Day for Tori Cepeda

Baptism of Tori Cepeda

Here are some pictures of the baptism of a dear girl that we have had a chance to help teach and have been close to as she made the decision to join the Church.  She is one who read the Book of Mormon and asked alot of questions to help her learn, and once she started coming to Church, she never missed anything. Tori has attended our institute each week since she has been investigating the Church so we felt we have contributed a little to her testimony and knowledge of the Gospel.  Alot of people have excuses for not coming to Church, and Tori could use anyone of them, but she does not.  And we see her growing stronger in her faith and more beautiful with the Gospel lighting her countenance every time we see her.

 As missionaries, we are all glad for new friends that come to support new members.  We will leave eventually, but ward members will stay and help newly baptized people get used to being a member of the LDS Church.

In the picture at the door we have Jie Jie Garrett, Christina Curulla and Bianca Espinosa joining the missionaries for a picture.  Little Briana Espinosa is holding Jie Jie's hand and Clark Hochhalter who's sitting at the door is here with his mother Heather who's inside playing the piano.  In the room she sits by her Dad, a member and the rest of her family who are not.
I was honored to give the talk on receiving the Holy Ghost and Elder Jones confirmed her with that gift the next day in Church.