'Eueiki Island Beauty

After the painting was done and the lunch/feast eaten, we had free time to visit, walk the island, or play in the water. We were going to have conference Saturday evening, but the generator did not work so there was no light.




This is the view from the path up to the school, churches, and homes. We had landed at the ocean straight ahead in the picture.

We walked back here several times because it was so stunningly beautiful.










The ocean has always captivated me. I love the crashing of the waves, the beauty, the peace I feel when I look out across the sea.

As we look out at the ocean, we can see the varying colors. Where there is coral, it is darker. Where there are channels, it is lighter. There appears to be a kaleidescope of green/blue. I love it.






We first walked the beach around where we had landed. These children were playing together and building sand castles. When the boy saw my camera, he scuttled away.

Later as we walked back to the path, he was playing with his sister again.









We carried our gear to the LDS
Chapel where we slept. As we walked from the LDS church to the beach, we looked out at the sea. I often walked out to this spot just to enjoy the beauty.

If you look closely you can see people playing in the ocean. As the waves crashed to shore, they would time the wave and dive through the wave. What joy they were having! We wish we had remembered our towels; we would have joined them.





We walked along the beach and took pictures of the vegetation.


The island is beautiful. It is so green and lush. Lots of underbrush, palms, coconuts, and other vines.

We also enjoyed sitting on a log and watching the hermit crabs move along the shore.

The coconut tree has often been referred to as the "Tree of Life" throughout the Pacific Islands. This name was given because of the tree's many uses and flexibility within the culture. It sustains communities and helps them survive. The leaves, the bark, the husk, and the flesh all have a functional use. This tree in its various forms gives food, drink, shelter, warmth, materials and sustenance to people. Additionally, it provides a source for arts and crafts.



We made our way back to the church site and enjoyed visiting with our new friends. All who could speak English were kind to include us in the conversations. 

Left front to back: Sisters Mau, Fotu, Na'a,  ____, Nuku
Right front to back: Sister Thomson, Kolomalu, Meleseini Finau Piuleini, _____

                                                                                               For the beauty of the Earth