September breeze

WATER from the new well.

It’s been a flurry of activity, going from one big project to the next. Our assignments are interesting from the standpoint that while we are taking care of missionary housing it also enables us to do some other things that would be considered humanitarian type of projects like water wells, and helping to get bush church buildings repaired, etc.

There was this one bush chapel on the island of Malekula that was so bad, people didn’t want to go to church because there were so many holes in the natangora roof (thick durable banana leaves weaved) that the patrons would get soaked from the rain while sitting in church. Most of you reading this, would never even have the thought that you could get soaking wet in the 85-degree intense humidity during a church service. That is the reality in many places in Vanuatu.

Before the rebuild.

Joe worked with Brother Vianey, who lives on Malekula and has some skill. He wanted to get set up to work as an independent contractor for the “Facilities Management” of the church here in Vanuatu.  Joe helped him on the business end, teaching him how to prepare a quotation for approval and get the work completed. He did a beautiful job and the members there are so happy. That was a win on so many levels. Our goal is to not only help the structures be better, but also to teach self reliance so that when we leave they can do it themselves. That is probably the MOST important thing missionaries can do, especially in third world countries.

AFTER

AFTER

With a very high percentage of our young missionaries from the pacific islands, it brings with it different challenges for housing, companionships, gospel knowledge, commitment levels, and just basic ways of living that different cultures have. There are issues we never knew were a thing until being here.

Example, if you have never had indoor plumbing and a western toilet you don’t really know how to use it, let alone maintain and clean it. (Which the western elders really don’t like to do either.) 😊 On the island of Efate we have more indoor plumbing for our missionary quarters, but on the other three islands less than 50% do. Solar power can be extremely limited and most do not have washing machines. Those who do, learning to use it, not overload and break it is another issue. We have had six washing machines in the last month have problems for these reasons. About 30% of the missionary quarters do not have refrigerators either. Again, it’s a power issue. We have been able to improve some of it, but in some of the areas it’s just not possible. Some missionaries do just fine in those conditions and some do not.

A missionary digging the well.  3 meters (9 feet) deep.

The last few weeks have been focused on preparing to build a water well at the Mele Village church property where there is a church building and missionary quarters. They have been using water from a rain collection system from the roof of the church buildings. If there isn’t enough rain, then you have to pay to get the tanks filled. We were getting calls from the missionaries weekly saying they were out of water. Think… showering, cooking, toilets, etc…. Huge problem. Literally, we were having to get these 10,0000 liter tanks filled weekly because families in the community didn't have water either and people come and drain the tanks.

Many of the branch members helping to build the well at our "branch activity".

We drilled a few thousand holes in the barrel, and put the big pipe in the middle. 

After the dig, clean coral rocks go on the bottom and around the sides. The rock filters the water as it goes into the barrel. The solar pump then goes inside the white pipe and pulls the water up and fills the tanks. 

The church isn’t going to tell community members they can’t have water… So that is why we thought, if we just put in a well with a system that has a solar powered water pump then the missionaries, the church building, and community will have plenty of water. Problem solved. We quickly got the project approved and went to work.

Missionaries and Joe unloading rock from the truck.

We have been working really hard with our branch (small church congregation) on unity and coming together and this was the perfect project. It was so amazing to see them working together and Joe was also able to teach them the proper way to put in a well so that the water is clean and the system will last. They were absolutely fascinated by the process and being able to participate in solving this huge community problem.

We had to rinse the coral rock before it went into the well so that when the water filtered through the rock the water would have less fines in it.

Shoveling rock into the well. *Look at the bare feet. These are very tough people.

There were several days of preparation before the “big day” last Thursday. We were all covered in dirt and grime but feeling pretty satisfied with the progress and completed the bulk of it that day. Men and women trenching, digging, shoveling rock, mixing cement, laughing, and having an amazing time. They called it a “church activity”… They said, “This was the BEST church activity” ha ha. It was pretty cool.

Men and women mixing cement. It was a huge party.

The solar company came out and installed the pump and solar system, connecting it to the big water tanks.

Vanuatu had a visit from Camille Johnson, General Relief Society President of the church. It was really wonderful. She talked about how President Nelson specifically assigned her to come and see these women. That they are known, seen, valued, and needed. She talked about the power they have access to as they live their covenants that they have made with the Savior.

Sister Johnson, Sister Ball (Mission Leader), and Sister Jaggi (Area Presidency)

She met with many women in their homes, ministering to them one by one, giving love, and encouragement. At the women’s big devotional, it was run by the women, with only women speakers. Back in the US that is the norm, but not here. The optics gave a clear message that women have been endowed with power to act in their leadership and to exercise authority in their respective callings. It was really beautiful.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly about love and redemption. The struggles we all face are vastly different in some ways, and in other ways very much the same. I’m grateful that no matter what is happening, the Saviors love and redeeming power is real and tangible. One of my favorite conference talks is from Patrick Kearon of the twelve apostles. 

Paraphrasing, he said, “The intent of the Father’s plan of mercy is to extend mercy… and to rescue us though the redemptive power through the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is not to leave us as we are, but to heal us and bring us home." It is truly a gift that can not be overstated.

We have several more big projects to complete in the coming weeks. We are working hard. Cockroaches don’t faze me anymore, geckos like to share the shower, and I’m excited when the grocery store has grapes. We both continue to move forward despite set backs, personal or otherwise and feel good about the progress that has been made on all levels. The Savior lives….

We love and miss you all.

The Kwans

It was a great day!