We have been serving 9 months now, which means we are half way through our mission. Wow, it hardly seems possible.
Kiribati was a cash only economy for a very long time. It has only started to use credit cards within the last 10 years, if that much. The accounting practices that companies use reflect this kind of economy. We have a NGO that is locally based here on Tarawa that we absolutely love to use. They are currently implementing a project that will help clean up the trash on the island. This NGO is doing a great job. I can see a big difference already. Given a little time, this island will become the beautiful island it was meant to be. We want to use them again for another project, however Keith is a little concerned about their accounting practices. So he has been working on writing a program to help them and then teaching them how to use this program.
Tiaare, Keith, and Babai going over the accounting information.
We had dinner with the second secretary of Australia and her husband. What a cute young couple. We discussed the idea of possibly collaborating on a project. I hope that happens. I forgot to take a picture, darn!
We have been working to replace items we took from the emergency container for the families who lost their homes from fire. We got all but 2 pots replaced. We are waiting for more pots to come to the island. Then we will be finished and can turn the emergency container over to the new self reliance manager here.
2 bundles of used clothing
Dr and Sister Smith, Area Dental Specialist, came to visit Tarawa. They have a couple of humanitarian dental projects they are working on. The first one is for Southern Kiribati hospital which is located on an outer island. We were hoping to travel with them to this hospital so we could meet the hospital administration and possibly get a different project started for them. But, alas, we were unable to get plane tickets, so neither the Smiths or us were able to go. The local airline that flies between islands here is very, very unreliable. There has been several missionaries who have been stranded on outer islands for weeks waiting for a flight. So, maybe it is best we didn't go.
The another project the Smith's are working on is equipment for the Dental clinic located at the hospital here. Dr. Sam, who runs this dental clinic is amazing. There are so many people who have very serious dental problems here which is why we are so grateful to have the new dental clinic that is located on Moroni High School. Elder Duke is a dentist and Sister Duke is learning to be his assistant. They have faced so many challenges opening up this clinic. There are not too many dentists who would be willing to work in the environment they are working in. They have been hand carrying the water used there. They have power outages and their air compressor just broke. Besides living with developing world standards. They have the best attitude. They see about 15+ people per day. We have been helping to get solar power to the clinic.
Men installing solar panels on the roof of the dental clinic
The ladder they had to build to reach the roof.
L-R Keith, Sister and Elder Smith, Elder and Sister Duke, Sister and Elder Stoddard and Arleen
We had tuna steaks, fried rice, and mixed vegetables for Sunday dinner.
We had zone conference this week with Elder Jaggi from the area presidency. It was a very much appreciated spiritual boost. Brother Aitu is a social worker who works with missionaries in the pacific area. I was able to attend the session he had with the young sister missionaries. He has such a fun way of presenting his message. It was very enjoyable. He gave some very wise council.
It's always a "love fest" when these sweet sister missionaries get together
We have submitted a couple more projects. Can't wait to tell you all about them, when/if they get approved.
Love you All!!
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