The Land Bridge

We spent a fun day with the Heiners and Zemps. (This was actually in October 2017.) On our way to the Land Bridge we stopped at Haafuoleva Beach near Veitongo. We got a little wet, only about mid-thigh, and collected some shells. This was Heiners first trip to the beach since their arrival and he wanted to get in the ocean.

Elders Thomson and Zemp

Heiners, Thomsons, Sister Zemp

Then we headed to our main destination, the Land Bridge. It can be a tricky drive here as the road becomes full of ruts and mud, but that's part of the adventure!


First we drove past the Land Bridge to see the view.  We did not walk all the way to the edge, as we were afraid it may break off and we would end up in the ocean!

Below it appears to be totally rocky, but we have heard there is a trail that leads to a sandy beach below. We will try it one day.

The below picture on the right is not the land bridge but cut-aways in the cliff.

         

We then walked back to and over the Land Bridge, exploring the vegetation along the way. The seed pods from the tree on the right is cut open and incorporated into leis. The seeds are orange and maroon in color.

                

         We walked over the land bridge and around to this side for the view through the arch.

Dennis and Linda Heiner, Monte and Rissa Thomson

Success Chicken Story in Ha'akame

The Tekilati and 'Ofa Fisi'italia family have a productive chicken project at their home in Ha'akame.

 'Ofa Fisi'italia watering the chickens

The whole family worked together to build their coop in September 2017 with wire provided by LDS Charities. They went to the bush to cut branches to use for posts, rolled out the wire and nailed the walls and roof, made a door to go in and out, and also built laying boxes and ladder up to the boxes.


The family was given New Zealand chickens by the Division of Livestock. They raised up 18 hens and 3 roosters. Each hen lays an egg a day, sometimes 2. They have left some of the eggs for new chicks to hatch. Thus, they can maintain their chicken flock.

Friend Sela Hifo gathering eggs

Moa

Teki and 'Ofa have 6 children. They are learning the value of work. The children are responsible for cleaning the coop, feeding and watering the chickens, and gathering the eggs. 

Sela and Lesley cuddle chickens and gather eggs

Of course, the kids and friends also provide a little cuddling. The chickens are easy to catch, and seem to enjoy being held. They are a part of the family.


Ten-year-old Lesley then takes the eggs to the local village store to sell. With the proceeds from the sale of the eggs, the family has purchased more feed. They have paid all their schools fees, bought all the school supplies and also school uniforms.

Lesley selling the eggs at the village "store"

Teki and Lesley with money from sale of eggs

Not only does the family have good protein for their diet, they work together, and make a profit. They also have fun doing it.