Sister Bird has had a hard time adjusting to the rigors of office life. She has her own PC and is looking busy here. Our most enjoyable days are those spent out in the field working on project development, inspections or ceremonies.
The large rolly polly is a good example.
Two Missionaries in their civvies, posing outside the entrance to Andasibe N.P. The trees in the background are called the Traveler's Palm. It is the official symbol of Madagascar. It gets it's name because a thirsty traveler can find water trapped inside the trunk where the stems meet the trunk. It is not really a palm, but a member of the banana family - without the bananas.
On Christmas day, we went with the Petersons to pass out rice, beans and candy to some of the poorer ward members. The rest of the villagers were interested in the free stuff and when the missionary in charge announced the left-over goodies would be given to anyone who had a container. A near riot ensued and Sister Peterson and Sister Bird were nearly crushed by the over-eager villagers. No greed here....I think they are all Democrats.
This is a ceremony in the little town of Behenjy about 45 km outside of Tana. It was held to celebrate the completion of a clean water system and a public tiolet, sponsored by the Church, both of which are new and very much appreciated by the townspeople. I, Representing the Church, and the lady representing the Ministry of Water for Madagascar, were asked make the toast and take a drink of the water, demonstrating our confidence in the cleanliness of the water. I developed a severe case of Malagasy quick step two days later.
These three missionaries are under scholarship to play football at two of the mayor universities in Utah. Elder Funga, left, is going to play DL for BYU. Elder Remi, center, is 6'6", 265 lbs. is going to play DL at Utah. Elder Mahina, right, is going to play tight end at BYU. Go Cougs!
off the pavement on some of the roughest roads we have ever been on. Upon our arrival, the people followed the truck to the far end of the village. There they just starred at us in amazement. We found that Susan and I were only the second white people they had ever seen. They just loved having their pictures taken and would laugh when shown their images on the camera.
The village let school out for the day in celebration of the arrival of white Vasah's to their village.
The tiny Bamboo Lemur is quite shy and relatively small. They feed on the leaves of bamboo, hence their name.
Beautiful Parson's Chameleon
Desi is our very knowledgeable guide and is standing beside a huge plant speciman.
You think you've got termite problems?
The beaughtiful Golden Sifaka Lemur
The extremely rare Indri-Indri Lemur is only found in this park and nowhere else in the world. They cannot be kept in captivity as they refuse to eat when captured and just die. It is the largest of the Lemur family and there is only about 160 individuals living. They live in families of up to 5 and mate for life. We were lucky to get the picture.
This little country village is one of the lucky ones to benefit from clean water provided by the Church's humanitarian aid program - Donations please!
A clean water station at the little community where a water project was recently completed. The towns people in the background are so greatful for this blessing. They have never before had access to clean water right in their village.
The day of the big celebration has come and there are four strange white people in their midst they call Vazahs. We are most welcome and are treated like rock-stars. The couple with us is John and Marsha Dow who are our trainers, temporarily stationed in South Africa. The band is in blue behind us and the school is out for the day, so the school kids join in the picture. 
