All Baptisms are very precious, as was this one....

We arrived after a 40 minute drive at the couple's home in Laura, just as ward members were arriving (Elder Gilbert).

The couple's home is right by the lagoon at the highest point on the Majuro atoll (Elder Haddock).

The husband has been a quadraplegic for many years from an accident, and Elder Haddock and Elder Ahlstrom have been the missionaries to teach him and his wife the Gospel. They have also worked out a way for him to be baptized - his courage and faith were evident the day of his baptism.

Our president came and said to start snapping pictures, as many as we could, just not during the baptism itself. Here are the events as they unfolded, in silence as we experienced them.

Waiting for the second half of the meeting and for all to get into dry clothes.

The pianist with the keyboard propped on Bibles.

The missionary singers....

Drinking ni (new coconut, a delicacy) served afterwards.

Elder Ahlstrom, Elder Haddock, and their dear friend.

A Medley of This Mission...

This picture is symbolic of the great support our missionaries give to the islanders - the two Marshallese Elders are coming to our mission soon, even though they live here.

Fri. January 29, 2010 - Long Island District Meeting (Juster, Elder Jaksina, Elder Keeley, Ring, Elder Gilbert, Sister Teichert, Elder Fa'alogo)

My wonderful piano student at the Delap chapel - Namiko.

Excited to sing for Zone Conference...

Breakfast for the 4 Elders who will sing at Zone Conference (Elder Haddock, Elder Ahlstrom, Elder Gilbert, Elder Fa'alogo) AND the very important page turner, Elder Corry (on the couch).

Sat, January 30, 2010 - Mima's baptism: Elder Keeley, Mima and Sherrol's daughter, Mima, Sherrol, Elder Gilbert

Somedays when I have some extra time before getting the mail at the post Office in Uliga, I park my car at a favorite spot across from the gas station overlooking the lagoon.

I put my feet up on the doorhandle and love to sit with the door open and the window rolled down, watching the boats in the lagoon.

On this day a boy showed up at my car door and soon brought his friends.

The one in front spoke pretty good English - he and the little girl in red got a pass along card of the Nauvoo Temple - her eyes were shining and she said, "Mormon Temple!" The sister missionaries in Delap followed up the next day.

On Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, I found a beautiful, fragrant flower - just one all by itself - lying on the side of the jogging path, and it was just for me. Then two frigate birds flew over head, and later a large yellow butterfly hung around me. Conrad is close by and aware of me and wants me to know it...

The culmination of three successive days of flowers, birds and butterflies, every day.

If I take a picture of a few kids playing at the church parking lot.....

Pretty soon the whole neighborhood wants to be in the picture. Reminds me of Macey, Indy and Ryan's picture before bedtime...:)