First Week On The Phonpei

Our first week here has been incredible.  We love the island and the people.  One couple on the island (Elder and Sister LeFevre) have taken us under their wing and are showing us the island, introducing us to members, the young Elders and Sisters serving on the island, and showing us where to shop.  The experience has been wonderful and we are so grateful to them for their love and kindness.  Saturday there were 5 baptisms on the island.  The first three were in a new area they just opened up.  They are not even a branch yet.  All candidates for baptism were from one family.  We met in their tiny hut to start the meeting.  We sat on their concrete floor and just enjoyed each others company.  (They do not have furniture)
Then after the song, prayer and talk on baptism we headed through the jungle for about 7 minutes to a little stream that was deep enough in one spot for the baptisms to take place.  It was one of the most spiritual experiences of our lives.  The setting was from Heaven.  Beautiful, beautiful jungle setting with the Elders and natives dressed in white.  After the baptism we went back to the hut to finish the meeting and have fresh pineapple, fried yams and fresh coconut juice to drink.  Oh how we love these humble people.  Sunday morning we met at the Elders home and had church in the carport.  Elder Chandler bestowed the gift of the Holy Ghost upon Maria Lee with the authority he holds from God.  What a blessing to have that opportunity.  They asked us to speak in the meeting, which was such an honor.  Last night we did splits with Elder Holt and Elder Vause.  We loved the experience and the families we shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with.  What a blessing in our lives to serve our Savior Jesus Christ on the island of Pohnpei.  We love our mission!!  Enjoy the pictures below of our first week.