Saturday, August 17, 2013

 
Well it has been a while since we have had the time and energy to post photos to the blog.  Sorry for the long dry spell. Today we thought we would start with a rainy day in January and a visit to the Paul Gauguin Museum.


Great watch dog at the front gate, I'm not sure he even lifted his head to see who we were.  I am sure he is there to watch over the Tiki's. 


The grounds of the museum were nicely kept with a beautiful view of the ocean.  Unfortunately it was a bit hazy because of the weather.


The museum has several Tiki statues.  An important part of the history of the islands.
 

Another Tiki statue protected from the weather. The rainy season is nice for us, it cools things down a little, at least until the sun comes out and turns it all to steam.


The museum is part inside and part outside. And many items need some TLC.  It would be nice to see someone take care of the museum.


 This place reminds me of Macil's museum in Alabama.

 

These photos are of a replica of his home here on the Island of Tahiti.




This is our trip to Moorea when we took Sister Bangerter (Mission Nurse).  We visited the Rotui juice factory. This is the outside of the gift shop and juice sampling bar.  YUMMMMMM


We walked up the hill and looked back at the factory.  It is not a very big place for all the juice they make.  Unfortunately they were closed today so no tour for us. Maybe the next time.



The gentleman at the juice bar was very kind and let us try each one of the juices.  Mixed fruit, banana vanilla, guava mango, and of course 2 kinds of fresh pineapple juice, one is all juice and the other has water added.   Not really sure why you would want the water added but they drink a lot of it. But then again they add water to their cokes and any kind of kool-aid type drink they make here is very watered down.



Elder Hemming outside the the Rotui Juice Factory.


Moorea Juice Company. Display, Tasting and Sales.


This is the mile markers found around the island of Moorea. Cast in the shape of the island.  We started at number 2 today.


Hotel over the water.


The water is clear and the sand is almost as white as me.



Looking up the mountain at the many water falls.



Another beautiful waterfall in front of a coconut grove. 


Several waterfalls in one view.



You have to look hard but we saw several mountain goats on this mountain.


The start of the self guided tour of the Moorea agriculture research facility.


Down the steps and then you choose a long tour or a short tour, depending on how far you want to walk in the rain and mud. We took the short one today.  Down the path to who knows what.


Pineapples. Lots of beautiful fresh pineapples.  But the signs says you can't pick them.


Moorea is famous for its small sweet pineapples.




The sweet smell of pineapple.


 Elder Hemming found a nice one.


 Maybe a little while longer.


Too bad we can't pick this one.


I remember that my sister Joannah once wanted to plant bamboo in her back yard.  I think she might like the tall bamboo plants here.



Papaya trees.  For the size of the fruit you would think the trees would be a lot bigger.


 To the look out point (Belvedere) to see both Opunohu and Cook bay.



Elder Hemming being a missionary.  This guy asked about the name badge and so he was able to share some thoughts with him.




 Looking out to the ocean and seeing both bays, remember the Moorea mileage markers,  these 2 bays are the 2 indentations in the top of the marker.



 Mile marker 33, native statue.



 Famous land mark.



 Photo op for all tourist.  We had to do it.



Roulotte shaped like a banana.  Lunch anyone?



Back on the ferry, time to go home.  It was overcast all day but no rain on Moorea until we started back across the ocean.  We had to stay inside but that was OK, we all had a little nap.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013




 Only in Tahiti can you book a tour for the island on which you want to be baptized.
 

On Saturday, June 15, 2013, Elder Garrett invited us to a baptism.  He said to meet at their apartment and he would lead the way.   Off we go and then the pavement ended.


Up this bumpy little road, where we couldn't believe that President Sinjoux gave the missionaries permission to go.


And we continued up and then down into the volcano.


And yes, we had to cross the stream to get to the designated spot for the baptism.


It was a beautiful spot and a beautiful day.  With many friends and ward members there to support him.


Looking back at the group.  It was a very casual baptism but wonderful.


The members lined up and made a path for him to walk down to the water.


Elder Garrett was happy to be able to baptize him. this man haD been talking with the missionaries for about 2 years.  We had to hurry Elder Garrett off after the baptism. He was due to be transferred on Thursday but talked the President into letting him stay until Saturday. He was lucky that Elder Hemming could re-book his flight to Raiatai.


Everyone lined up after the baptism to congratulate him.


We make cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls and other treats for the missionaries.  The missionaries bring us treats as well.  Like these special book marks that Elder Bates made from his dried centipedes.


I told him I needed several more for our family and closest friends. 


After spending the day in the hills and valleys and volcano we had the opportunity to visit Zone 4 and their missionary fireside.  They put together some lessons and some videos and great singing.
Here we have a member who loves to sing and work with the missionaries, plus Elder Calves and Elder Tepa.


Soeur Mariteragi was the narrator for the evening.


Zone 4 missionaries. 
Front Row:Elder Calves, Soeur Mariteragi, Soeur Iotua, Soeur Cook, Soeur White, Elder Tepa
Middle Row: Elder Robinson, Elder Gale, Elder Watson, Member
Back Row: Elder Teniarahi, Elder Irihau, Elder Teihotu, Elder Tera and Elder Fitzsimmons


Soeur Pehrson, Soeur Outzekhovsky visiting Soeur Barker in the hospital.  Sadly, Soeur Barker will be going home soon.  She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and needs some help from mom and dad and her own doctors.  Soeur Outzekhovsky makes everyone smile (laugh).  She is great.


We thought visitors might be confused so the nurses let me add the pink sign. Actually, I waited for them to leave and I stuck it up there and took a photo.


Soeur Ference.  Sister independent. We see lots of flat tires.


Soeur Maitere helping Soeur Ference get the wheels back in place so they can get on their way to their next lesson.



Soeur Maitere's THOUGHT BUBBLE: "Don't let Elder Hemming work on your bicycle, he has no idea what he is doing, he works in the office."