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."

Watch out for that car, Don't squeeze me so tight I can't breathe Grandma. The bus the bus, oh my. Grandma you can't cover my eyes while I am driving.  I'll pick you up after I get off work so you can get your groceries.  No thanks, I'll just walk to the store.

 I love the wind in my ears.

 I have the greatest man in the world.  He lets me ride on the front of his scooter.

Swim goggles work great to hold your helmet in place.

 Make sure you keep Daddy's helmet between your feet, he will need it when we pick him up from work.

Pizza Delivery. Cooler strapped to the back of a scooter.

Beautiful Navy  - Turquoise.  Huge waves.  Anyone up for surfing.

I can't get enough photos of the crashing waves and the beautiful clear blue water.  And the black sand beaches.  We hope to be able to go to one of the islands with white sand as well.

Just one of many cruise ships that dock in Tahiti. Photo taken from the parking lot of the Post Office.

IKEA of Tahiti.  Not much bigger than the hand written sign on the window.

 This way to the ancient temple, ceremonial and burial ground.

 TIKI statues have various meanings and they are all over the island.

 

 Grotto in Maara.  With healing fresh spring water pool.

 

 Several trails to hike.  No time today.  No energy today.

 Elder Raihauti just finished baptizing a family that he and his companion had been teaching.  Elder Maples standing in the back.

 Baptismal Font outside the Vairao Chapel.

 Outside the Small Vairao Chapel.

 I think I would like to play with him.  But I'm not sure yet.

 OK, I like this Grandpa so we can play.

President Sinjoux enjoys being in the kitchen cooking.  So sometimes business happens in the kitchen.  This time we have been approved for 5 new cars. But we have to tell Salt Lake where we are going to use them.

 Shoes outside President Sinjoux's front door.  Great custom to always always remove your shoes before entering.  No matter how grand or how humble the home.

Carrots are a staple here.  People buy them in these 50 pound bags.  And of course plenty of fresh fish in the back ground.

 Island Tour board.  Spas, waterfalls, beaches, light house.....

Here little chicken here little chicken.  The stick props up the front of an old fan, the rope tied to the stick extends to the patio so one can sit out of the sun waiting for dinner to arrive.