We found Gilligan's Island!

"Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip..."

We now know where Gilligan, the Skipper, the millionaire, his wife, the movie star, the professor and MaryAnn ended up...the atoll of Takaroa, French Polynesia...specifically on the south shore of the island...across the lagoon from the tiny village. 



There you will find the Palmers and their home.

Brother Palmer is third from the left. This is their kitchen/dining room

Sister Palmer is on the right. This is more of the kitchen.

The Palmers have created a real home in the middle of a coconut grove on a desert island. They have electricity, a satellite dish, running water (from rain catch cisterns) and decorations! It is truly incredible to see what they have done and how they live.

This is their living room/bedroom.

This is the guest room.

And my favorite is the bathroom. Note how she decorated it!

We took a 15 minute boat ride across the lagoon to arrive at their place, completely soaked. They provided a delicious Tahitian Maa meal. We played a bit of mini golf that they had set up on their property, soaked a bit in the lagoon, and walked from the lagoon to the ocean, which is five minutes away. (see image of island)

Golfing :)

Looking west.

Looking east.

I am continuing to create my idea of what paradise truly is, though. Takaroa is very beautiful but the realities are very harsh, including making a living, only two flights on and off the island per week, and getting supplies...fresh fruits and vegetables (except coconuts of course!),etc.

(I will post pictures of our lodgings and our welcome later.)

As I sat in the solitude of Takaroa I was struck by how unbelievable it was that I was sitting on this atoll out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean... A place I had never even know existed before. But it is harder in many ways than I ever thought it could be. I know this is what we are supposed to be doing now but I still miss my home and family.

Love to you all.

Why we are doing this mission

Today was a day that causes you to truly wonder what this life is about. A 6am call woke us...a sister missionary from Madagascar had heard her father might have died. It took Steven several calls to Mada to find out the details. He had indeed died suddenly from a stroke. This sister and her companion came up to our home (an hour drive) and spent the day with us. She was able to talk to her family and cry. We cried. We hugged. And we spent a peaceful, though sad, day together... talking about her family a bit, and about the gospel, and not talking at all. She talked about the peace she felt due to the knowledge of God's plan. She wanted to attend the Temple so we did that this evening. Everything else took a back seat to her and her needs today. The whole mission prayed for her this evening at 5. It was an emotional day. One that makes you realize what is truly important in life.

And that is:
Family, God, friends. In other words...relationships.

Why are we here on earth if not to be in families? What would be the purpose for our lives if it all ends with death?

I am so grateful that I can testify that there is more to this life than this life. I know we lived before this life. I know there is a plan put in place by Heavenly Father that allows us to live with our families after this life. I know this, and am so grateful I do.

I love you all. You are all part of what is truly important in my life.