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.