These pictures are of our Branch Relief Society birthday. Here it is a big deal to be asked to "cut the cake" at any function. The young women danced for us. They are so graceful and such good kids.

Our Branch Relief Society getting ready to march at the National Celebration of Woman's Day
We were here with the other "honored" guests. All of the churches were represented. We sat next to the KPC (Kitibati Protestant Church) minister. He thinks we are as he says "Sheep stealers" I say " we just want to give you a cut in pay, so you can get a real job."
Her Excellency Australian High Commissioner Anne Quinane in Christmas Island to help dedicate a branch of the ANZ bank. She came by the church the next day and we had a nice visit. The missionaries played guitar and sang and we sang the mission song for her. We also presented her with our testimony in a Book of Mormon.
These dancers are from the Catholic church here. They do a great job.

We have a washing machine and wash with cold water. We feel like we've taken a step back in time .

The missionary's aprtment (kia kia)
Primary meeting area
Mission van. I still am getting used to getting in on the right side to drive. Sister Patten drove me around today. She did a fine job.

The Nakala family invited us over to help celebrate my birthday. Since we are about the only place on this island with a stove I have no idea how she baked it.

Sister Patten showing off her new linolium floor.
Everyone wants to be assigned to ring the classroom bell.

My question when I go to the airport is always "I wonder if these fire trucks would start if they ever needed them?" The second question is "how close do you think the firemen would be able to get to the fire as they are all barefooted."
"I'm sorry mam but the fresh fish in the igloo cooler can't go with you."
This is the daughter of a counselor in the Branch Presidency. She has been educated in Fiji and speakes English fluently. Also Fijian, and of course her native Kiribati.
When you land here on Christmas they tell you that you can't get off of the airplane. They then tell you that they are going to refuel the airplane and for you not to buckle your seat belts if anythings should go wrong during the refueling. Most of our group that was going to the temple in Fiji hadn't been off of Christmas Island let alone on an airplane.

We got them there four hours early because no one on Christmas Island wears a watch.


This is the famous Christmas Island International Airport with it's security check facilities.

Ngatau Nakola a young man in the branch. Sister P asked him to get here a papaya. I told him I would climb up as soon as I took my shoes off but he didn't wait. He was up that tree in about 2 seconds flat.


The next three pictures are of the Christmas Island Branch on their way to the Fiji temple.