Friday / Saturday

Friday

While most of the group drove up to Big Bay this morning, three of us stayed back to make some modifications to the generator power layout. We were successful in geting the power revisions completed, but ran into a brick wall when we tried to modify the 75KW generator to run on 120/208-volt 60Hz power. We could not change the factory settings and it may be that we need to have a complete instruction and setup menu available. This generator is necessary to run the 33Hp Re-Saw unit. Since Gary is heading home tomorrow it may be possible that he and Tom can communicate sometime next week via telephone to set this generator up properly.

The group that went to the Bible College at Big Bay participated in food prepared for them in this remote village on the north part of Santo.There was a special celebration for the pastor whose father passed away a year ago. The custom is for the eldest son to let his hair grow - on his head and mustache - for a year in honor of his father. The celebration consisted of the "shaving" of his hair and a feast for the village. The men hunted and killed 3 cows and 6 pigs for the feast. The women cooked taro (a root vegetable) and rice for the side dishes. The area is incredibly primitive and the village folk are equally as friendly.

The drive into the bush took us 3 1/2 hours on roads that can only be described as bumpy, pot holes, rivers, creeks, and mud... mud... mud! We had to pull the only truck out of the mud holes 3 times which added to the fun and adventure. The scenery was spectacular! More green vegetation than I've ever seen and more smiles on everyone we passed than I've ever seen. After driving - with kids and some of our team riding on the back of the trucks bouncing around like kangaroos (none here though) we hiked up a muddy hill to arrive at the "college" and village. Mike and Gene hooked up two batteries that will provide light in the kitchen and a hut that is used for teaching the Scripture. Megan told us that the students are hungry for the Word and would put us to shame in their hungry and knowledge. The village chief and landowner are both converted Christians and therefore the work of the pastor and teachers is fruitful. This village is one of the major focus points for the preparatory work that our team is doing on the ranch. The vision is to have housing and facilities for missionaries to come and go out into the bush to bring the Good News to SO many who haven' heard.

Our day ended with an enjoyable dinner at a resort that overlooks the South Pacific. What a blessing to experience both the life in a beautiful remote native village and the beauty of a nice restaurant at ocean-side.


God is good. All the time!
The pictures don't really do justice to all of it. Included is also one of the French couple that allowed us to use their Internet each night to update this blog.

Saturday
Today was Simon's 40th birthday. We celebrated together today by going swimming in one of the world's best beaches, Champagne Beach. The water was so blue it is difficult to describe. Some of us did some snorkeling, and we all got a little sunburn. Final details of the remaining electrical that needs completed were discussed. Then we took a last group photo and 3 of us were transported to the airport to begin our journey home. One who is leaving is myself, so Tom will be updating the blog after this with current information. I have truly appreciated my part in this important outreach to the people of Vanuatu. I look forward to hearing great things about the ministry here. Gary