James to Malekula and Santo

James​, Titus and I returned a couple of days ago from our quick trip to the islands of Malekula and Espiritu Santo. When he first inquired about the need to come over, I jumped at the chance for several reasons, primary among them being the utilization of the cyclone relief funds and the desire to have him "survey" the people and places with whom / where we spend the bulk of our time working. This long-weekend trip served to give him a first-hand look at Lembinwen Village (Southwest Bay, Malekula Island), Brenwe and Tulwei Villages (NW Malekula Island), and the Christians who meet in Shark Bay (East Espiritu Santo Island, including some who live in Luganville Town and at Matevulu College).

We were encouraged to see leaves on the trees and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in each of these locations, as for the most part they were unscathed by Cyclone Pam. Both islands are located on the northwest side of the archipelago, and so they did not take a direct hit. While there, I suggested to each of the congregations that they consider sending some produce to Port Vila in the coming weeks and months, that can then be shared with their brethren on Efate Island. It would seem that the food rations being distributed are going to be sufficient, but the locals are already sorely missing their favorite fruits and vegetables.

I will let the pictures/captions do the talking for the rest of our trip, and our few days back in Vila. We are scheduled to do some more buying and shipping of food and supplies today (Thurs), and then fly down to Tanna early Friday morning. We've received a couple of phone calls from Tanna this week, and it seems things are progressing along, albeit slowly, there. The relief food rations are getting out to most, and it sounds like the stores in "town" are well stocked. We will be able to provide a better assessment when we return early next week.

Oh, and before I forget, what a blessing it has been to have Michael​ and Nancy Gray​ along for the ride! They've picked up more slack than we knew we had!! We've now made it almost three weeks without electricity at the house, but everyone has been a trooper! ~E

Riding from the Southwest Bay airport to Lembinwen Village in style

Helping Aiel in Lembinwen with his copra harvest (the dried meat of the coconut)

After two nights in Lembinwen, we made the voyage to the NW side of the island. Titus claimed his favorite seat, from which he saw sea snakes, flying fish and dolphins.

Laundry day in Tulwei Village, NW Malekula

Visiting with Jean Claude, Wesley and Leisande after lunch in Tulwei

Introduced to and welcomed by the church in Tulwei

Preaching (and translating) on love in action on Sunday am in Tulwei

The Tulwei and Brenwe crew after services Sunday (*photo by Titus)

Prepping the laplap sorsor lunch for the honored guest

Ready to dig in (he's done great with the local foods!)

Fun with the kids in Tulwei

Passing out sweets to the kids (and the adults who were brave enough to stick their hand out too)

Witnessing the customary pre-departure ritual in Tulwei ... the pumping of the leaky tire

After a short flight north to Santo, James felt right at home in the garden with Toara

Visiting with Joel in Shark Bay

Robina and others welcomed us to their home, island style

Visiting with Joel

Touring the area, especially the spectacular blue hole in Shark Bay

Saying goodbye in Shark Bay

Dinner and a visit with Paul and Miriam at their home on the Matevulu College campus

Local fruits haven't been on the menu in Efate due to the cyclone, but we caught up on this trip 

Accepting a gift from Hannah

We hit the ground running in Vila, going to meet Silas (left) that afternoon. He and his mother, along with all the other residents of Mataso Island just north of Efate, were recently evacuated to Vila because of the severe cyclone damage to their island. I've recently formed a relationship with his older brother, Donald (right), and we are now working together to try and get Silas a wheelchair since he is going to be in town.

Purchasing and then unloading rice, tinned meat and crackers that will be sent to Ambae with Paul Vuhu next week

Enjoying dinner out at one of the few restaurants in Vila that has reopened post-cyclone

Taking measurements and photos of Epau Village's water supply system source waters, hoping to help them with a more reliable setup in the future