more happy birthday, Sarah

I love the ribbon my mom sent!

Bishop's Arrival

Saturday, July 31

Marulaon's choir finally held a practice last night. They discovered that another village had backed out of providing the choir for Sunday, so our choir had to prepare for two services. Aaron didn't get home until 11:30. I love to hear them singing, but the church is too close to the house to make sleeping possible.

Since our neighbors don't follow precise clock time, I decided that the alarm could be set for 3:30 and still be okay. I woke up easily and grabbed a hand full of havu and a big glass of water before I went down. I had some leftover banana cake in a container and I tossed in some packets of coffee mix so Eileen and her girls could enjoy an early breakfast. Everything was very still and quiet, so I admired the beautiful ocean under the moonlight for a little while. Then, I decided it was foolish to wait, so I sat down by Eileens's kitchen and began to peel the obikola. I'm really slow still, and I knew it would take me a long time. After I finished my bag, there was still no noise from her house, so I went up to our house for a bathroom break and another drink. I went down and pulled Eileen's bag of obikola from her kitchen and began to peel them, too. Sarah came down after a little while and asked if I wanted coffee, so she went back to the house brought me a mug of piping hot coffee as she navigated the dark rocky hill. She stayed and helped me peel. As it began to get light (a little after six), our friends began to stir. They couldn't believe I hadn't woken them. We all began to work on the lelenga with a vengeance! Olivia and Katherine came down and began to help scrape obikola, too.

A small market gathered for our usual Saturday morning, but most people were busy getting ready for the Bishop's arrival at 3:00. Everyone from the surrounding villages had planned to show up around noon. I went up to start the fire in my outdoor kitchen while Aaron left pavillion building and Eileen left lelenga making to attend another choir practice. While I was slowly getting the kindling ready, Sarah came flying up the hill to tell me that the Bishop's boat had arrived. All of the sudden, this sleepy little village went into overdrive. Very few things were ready for the Bishop's arrival, so the pavillion was quickly finished and the news was spread to gather on the beach for a ten o'clock welcoming party. Naris said she would finish parceling the lelenga so I could go change out of my smoky clothes. Aaron and I had been specifically asked to join the select group on the beach to welcome the Bishop and his entourage.

Boats began to bring the youths from Isabel to shore, and finally the Bishop with his family and several priests came ashore and we escorted them up the hill to the pavillion and the rest of our community who welcomed them with songs and speeches. By the time all of the welcoming was finished, I was so tired I was shaking. The Bishop's early arrival turned out to be a really good thing, because Aaron fixed a quick lunch and I crashed for a nap.

The confirmation service began around five o'clock. As our family was entering the packed church, Janet (the chief's wife) came out shaking her head. Even though the choir had reserved seating, she had so many in-laws in the choir that she couldn't find a place to sit. The Lavukal (along with most Melanesian cultures) have strict rules about interacting with inlaws. Over seventy children came to be confirmed. The boys sat on the right with over fifty youths from Isabel behind them. They filled up the men's side of the church. The girls to be confirmed sat on the left with the choir behind them. Our children sat in the floor alongside the wall while Aaron and I sang in the choir. Most of the adults had to sit in the floor at the back of the church or on the ground outside.

After the two hour service, everybody went to get the food they had prepared earlier. We brought a pot of rice and some parcels of lelenga. The eating and music began around eight o'clock, followed by dancing and singing provided by a bamboo band, the women of Karumalun, and the youths from Isabel. Aaron straggled home around 10:30, but the party went on until almost midnight. Our neighbors sure know how to celebrate!

Wind and waves

Friday, July 30

I discovered that I needed to get up early and start lelenga Saturday morning instead of Saturday evening so food will be available after church on Saturday night. I asked Eileen what time we would get up, and she said three o'clock to work by the light of the almost full moon. She doesn't have a clock, but the moon will wake her up. I begged to work with her and Naris, and she finally consented. Thankfully, Grace brought a big bag of obikola by the house this afternoon, so I have everything I need to start early. The kids and I took down the obikola, coconuts, bush knife, coconut scraper, obikola scraper, bowls, and small knife that I will need so I don't have to lug everything down the hill in the morning. Sarah begged to come down with me in the morning. I told her that if she woke up on her own, then she could down and help.

Wednesday, July 28

Our guests left yesterday. Usually, the Bikoi comes late on Tuesday morning, but because the winds were so strong yesterday, the ship harbored out west to try and wait out the rough seas. Finally, a little after eight o'clock last night, the Bikoi arrived, and said goodbye to our friends and prayed that they would rest well all the way back to Honiara over the billowing waves. Travel here is so unpredictable, and even our dependable Bikoi has to submit to the wind and waves.

Happy Birthday, Sarah

Tuesday, July 27

My sweet Sarah turns eleven today.  We made a list on the board, "What we love about Sarah..."

-She celebrates life

-She is hard worker and doesn't wait to be asked before she helps out

-She is quite a giver

-She is a good friend

-She shows love to others siblings, thinking of others first

-She has a great memory and makes people and days feel special

-She is good to correspond from afar

-She is always cheerful

-She is a patient teacher and good with young children

Marulaon Woman's Daybook

For Today...Monday, July 26

 

Outside my window...a full moon trying to shine through clouds as it rises.

 

I am wearing...a blue flowery cotton nightgown that I just got in a box from my mom, it's perfect for our warm evenings

 

I am praying for...rain, rain, and more rain.  Our front two rain tanks are almost dry.

 

I am going...to transplant lots of seedlings as soon as we get some rain.

 

From the learning rooms...two days off while company is here, then beginning our study of Russia

I am remembering...being in labor eleven years ago today and the beautiful results.

 

I am thankful for...friends who are willing to hop the Bikoi, brave the rough seas, and come celebrate with us.

 

From the kitchen...tomorrow menu picked by the birthday girl – date nut ring for breakfast, chicken fettucine alfredo florentine (made with slippery cabbage from our own yard) followed by cake and ice cream mid-day, and grilled cheese to close her perfect day.

 

I am reading..."Pocket Full of Pinecones" by Karen Andreola

 

On my mind...the reconciliation service Aaron and I attended this afternoon. 

Noticing that...we have tiny bell peppers and one tiny watermelon growing!

 

Pondering these words..."All grace grows as love for the Word of God grows." –Philip Henry (Matthew Henry's father)

 

I am hearing...Olivia snoring

 

Around the house...our two big girls and our young visitor piled into a home-made "yurt" to sleep tonight

 

A few plans for the rest of the week...frequent choir practice, cooking for the many visitors we are expecting on Saturday afternoon

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...girls in the "yurt"

Hori olang fi Kati...

Sunday, July 25

We welcomed some friends from SITAG today! Company at the Choate Bed and Breakfast continues to delight us. One of the moms came and brought her eleven-year-old daughter with her to celebrate Sarah's birthday. Because they aren't new to the Solomons, they didn't get the big welcome on the beach with leis and singing. But some of the community did gather to shake hands, and I got to introduce them in Lavukaleve (while reading off my index card).

"Hori olang fi Kati. Kati otulav sie. Ovovou nikol mea feo hori. Hori olang fi Hana. Canada meaul feo. Otum na Lengo mil mar ekelavuri mem fin."

(Her name is Cathy. Cathy has five children. This is is first born. Her name is Hannah. The two of them are from Canada. Her husband translates Lengo.)

wind

Saturday, July 24

I will be writing stanzas of this poem on our bathroom chalkboard each day this week.  At least the brisk wind is keeping the house cool!

 

The Wind in a Frolic

by William Howitt

 

The wind one morning sprang up from sleep,

Saying, "Now for a frolic! now for a leap!

Now for a madcap galloping chase!

I'll make a commotion in every place!"

So it swept with a bustle right through a great town,

Cracking the signs and scattering down

Shutters; and whisking, with merciless squalls,

Old women's bonnets and gingerbread stalls.

There never was heard a lustier shout,

As the apples and oranges trundled about;

And the urchins that stand with their thievish eyes

For ever on watch, ran off each with a prize.

 

The away to the field it went, blustering and humming,

And the cattle all wondered whatever was coming;

It plucked by the tails the grave matronly cows,

And tossed the colts' manes all over their brows;

Till, offended at such an unusual salute,

They all turned their backs, and stood sulky and mute.

 

So on it went capering and playing its pranks,

Whistling with reeds on the broad river's banks,

Pulling the birds as they sat on the spray,

Or the traveler grave on the king's highway.

It was not too nice to hustle the bags

Of the beggar, and flutter his dirty rags;

 

T'was so bold that it feared not to play its joke

With the doctor's wig or the gentleman's cloak.

Through the forest it roared, and cried gaily,

"Now, You sturdy old oaks, I"ll make you bow!"

And it made them bow without more ado,

Or it cracked their great branches through and through.

 

Then it rushed like a monster on cottage and farm,

Striking their dwellers with sudden alarm;

And then ran out like bees in a midsummer swarm;

There were dames with the kerchiefs tied over their caps,

To see if their poultry were free from mishaps;

The turkeys they gobbled, the geese screamed aloud,

And the hens crept to roost in a terrified crowd;

There was rearing of ladders, and logs laying on,

Where the thatch from the roof threatened soon to be gone.

 

But the wind had swept on, and had met in a lane

With a schoolboy, who panted and struggled in vain;

For it tossed him and twirled him, then passed, and he stood

With his hat in a pool and his shoes in the mud.

Then away went the wind in its holiday glee.

And now it was far on the billowy sea,

And the lordly ships felt its staggering blow,

And the little boats darted to and fro.

But lo! it was night, and it sank to rest

On eht sea-bird's rock in the gleaming West,

Laughing to think, in its fearful fun,

How little of mischief it really had done.

 

Friday, July 23

Community Cleanup, lots of wind

Today was a big community cleanup, and the wind was fierce.  We've been told repeatedly that July and August are the time for wind.  The community gathered to make everything look nice for the ordination of a priest from Karumalun on August 1st.  People from all over the Russells will also be coming for Confirmation the night before.  So, we all weeded and raked like crazy today.  The kids came out for about an hour to work before they started school.  We decided to burn because we have a huge old tree that fell down last year to serve as a great place to contain the fire.  However, we should have checked to see what our neighbors were doing first.  After we started burning, we had some irate people come and complain about the smoke, then we noticed that nobody else was burning.  This evening, the piles were all lit and danced against the dark night sky.  I think my sides and back are going to be sore from all of the raking I did today.

Birthday girl

Marulaon Woman's Daybook

For Today...Monday, July 19

 

Outside my window...morning sunshine streaming through the leaves

 

I am thinking...about my grandmother and Aaron's dad who both have birthdays this week

 

I am wearing...work clothes, ready to get dirty today

 

I am praying for...my parents who are in the Ukraine helping missionaries there

 

I am going...to move lots of rich dirt to build a bed for transplanting my bell peppers, tomatoes, and slippery cabbage

 

From the learning rooms...studying Mongolia, Sarah finishing up Singapore Math 6B (how can she be so big?!?)

I am remembering...my wedding, thirteen years ago today, and the many people who worked so hard to give our marriage a beautiful start

 

I am thankful for...my amazing husband

 

From the kitchen...cleaning out the fridge before the leftovers go bad

 

I am reading..."Traveling Mercies" by Anne Lamott, it's so bad I probably won't finish reading it

 

I am creating...a yard full of food for my family

  

Pondering these words..."Units of prayer combined, like drops of water, make an ocean which defies resistance."  E.M. Bounds

 

Around the house...a half finished mural of our house and environment created by Sarah (to complement our study of Diego Rivera), a great National Geographic poster of Mongolia with maps and drawings, a paper skull with several overlays created by my kids

 

A few plans for the rest of the week...community cleanup on Friday, welcoming SITAG friends on Sunday

 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...our bell peppers are blooming!

Happy Birthday, Olivia

Thursday, July 15

My spunky Olivia turns seven today!

Thurday, July 15

Pictures from the farewell for the Community of the Sisters of the Church - notice that the Sisters enjoyed holding Olivia and Katherine!

 

Wednesday, July 14

The Community of the Sisters of the Church sent a representative group of almost twenty ladies to travel around the Solomons, and this week they are sharing with Marulaon.  Many of them went to Georgina's funeral in Baison yesterday, and they postponed one of their programs because of the funeral.  After each prayer service, they present a program that lasts a couple of hours, so our days have certainly been full with learning about them, providing them food, and still trying to get everything else done.  Tonight, they doubled up to make up for yesterday, so after evening prayer they presented one program, took a break for supper, then presented another program.  Aaron didn't get home until 11:30 p.m.!  Getting to know them and their Community has augmented our knowledge of the largest denomination in the Russell Islands. Tomorrow, Marulaon will hold a big farewell for them with lots of singing and dancing, and each of us will come up to shake hands and drop money in the bowl for them.  The ladies are so funny.  They are a hoot to watch when we sing and dance, and they love children.  Katherine likes to hang out with them and be passed around from Auntie to Auntie.

visitors!

Monday, July 12

Yesterday, we were delighted to have three guests arrive on the Bikoi.  A teacher from America, Jolene, came to spend several weeks in the Solomons, and she was gracious enough to come to visit Marulaon for a few days.  An Australian brother-sister pair, Phillip and Naomi, accompanied her.  Their dad is a translator in the Solomons, so they are fluent in Solomon culture and in Pijin.  We are enjoying their company so much! 

 

Early this morning, we heard the church bell ring several times.  We didn't know any reason why it should be ringing so I went down to ask Eileen.  She said that our friend, Georgina, had died, and the bell was to let everyone know.  Georgina was the nurse at the Marulaon clinic when we first came.  When she had some kidney problems, she went to the hospital in Honiara, and our clinic closed.  It has remained closed since she hasn't been well enough to come back yet.  We were so saddened to hear of her death.  She had a sweet spirit and even made house calls for our family after hours when she still lived in Marulaon.  She leaves behind a husband and two young children.  

 

Later in the morning, my friend Grace helped Olivia, Naomi, Jolene, and me take the canoe out for a little bit to give Jolene her first taste of a dugout canoe.  We paddled over to a small island, Butat, where I went diving for shellfish in April.  This was the first time I'd had only one friend from Marulaon in the big canoe with me, and my arms got tired long before we got back to shore.  I could see the current coming against us like a river, and we were going upstream.  Guess I need to spend some more time in the canoe to strengthen my arms.

 

This afternoon, we made lelenga to show Jolene how to make this special food.  I was surprised to hear recently from another translator that lelenga is only a feast food in their village since our neighbors make it every week for their Sunday dinner.  Aaron, Phillip, Jolene and the big kids went down to welcome a visiting group of Sisters of the Church, so just Naomi and I were left to scrape ten coconuts and peel and scrape two big heaps of obikola.  I was very thankful when Isabella stopped by and helped for a little bit.  Our neighbors can scrape coconut and peel obikola so quickly!  I'll make sure to take the sokata out of the kitchen this time when I put the lelenga on the motu.

Fire fighters

Saturday, July 10

As we do almost every Saturday, we made lelenga today. Olivia and Benjamin helped me put it on the hot stones tonight. They were quite proud of themselves for removing and replacing the hot stones and for covering the motu with leaves and copra sacks. Now that we know how to do everything ourselves, I miss the interaction with my neighbors. I think I may plan a language learning lesson around building the fire and record one of my friends explaining the process in Lavukaleve.

We put the kids in bed (early because of the extra early bells for Sunday morning) and had just turned out our own light when we heard loud women's voices quite close to the house. Our neighbors work hard to be extra quiet around our house at night since we go to bed early (they stay up late and take naps during the day), so we were a little surprised. Aaron got up to look out the window and came back to tell me that some of my friends were headed toward the house. I quickly got up and put on a skirt as I heard Eileen excitedly knocking on our door. She had come to tell me that our motu was on fire!

I rushed down with her to find that the neighbors behind us had seen the flames and quickly extinguished them. I borrowed two of Eileen's copra sacks (since ours were "borrowed" while we were in Honiara and not returned). When I had removed the last pieces of not-quite-burned firewood, Benjamin had moved them to the edge of the kitchen close to the fire. I didn't take the time to move them outside the kitchen, and when we placed the sacks on top of the motu they had ignited. Eileen's sacks weren't destroyed, just a little charred, and we took some new munu leaves from our trees to re-cover the motu. I'm so thankful for friends who quickly put out the fire and kept our kitchen from burning. Tomorrow, they will all get some banana cake and lelenga.

Wednesday, July 7

Aaron and I worked out an exercise schedule. The kids and I exercise on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, and he exercises on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. About 6:10, the kids and I tromp through the grass, still wet with dew, to the little soccer field behind the church at the edge of the bush. We run and walk laps around it, dodging frogs, until the morning bell for prayer rings. I'm still slowly working my way through the Couch to 5K running program, though not at their designated pace. Running here through the wet grass on a fairly flat surface in a skirt is really different from running in Honiara on rutted gravel roads up and down hills in shorts.

My friend, Grace, and her daughter, Frieda (who is in between Sarah and Benjamin in age), joined us this morning to run. We had invited them, but I was still surprised they showed up! Another SITAG mama is also running with me from her village on Malaita where her family works with the Are'Are language group. I need the accountability and the friendship that goes along with having exercise buddies!