Kumpawabi

 We had a wonderful time attending branch conference in Kumpawabi. When the meeting started, there were about six members in attendance. We ended up with about 25 counting the babies. The branch president (far left holding baby) is a wonderful young man, 26 years old, and a member of the Church less than three years. He has a tough job with this struggling little branch, but he is working hard to help it grow. We went and visited less active members with the missionaries and branch president the following Saturday. Ray loved the interaction. He is able to be much more direct in his conversation because of his age--age has some inherent credibility and respect. The young missionaries might be considered disrespectful in encouraging an older person to change his ways.

 

President Thong and his wife with their little boy, Mormon. They named him Mormon so that when people asked about his name, they could tell them about the Church. Very missionary-minded!

 

He is a cute chunk of a boy! (Just as a side note, do I look a little warm? I was! Temperatures were around 100 degrees with high humidity. Not so good for the hair! or Ray's sweat glands.)

  

There is quite a disparity in standard of living: note the beautiful, big home on the right and the shacks built over the water on the left. This is a common sight.

If you look closely, you can see the fishing net hanging over the water--just waiting for the owner to lower it for his day's catch.