Pray for Grandma

Here is a prayer for the departed: "O my God! O Thou forgiver of sins, bestower of gifts, dispeller of afflictions!
Verily, I beseech Thee to forgive the sins of such as have abandoned the physical garment and have ascended to the spiritual world.
O my Lord! Purify them from trespasses, dispel their sorrows, and change their darkness into light. Cause them to enter the garden of happiness, cleanse them with the most pure water, and grant them to behold Thy splendors on the loftiest mount."
- `Abdu'l-Baha (Baha'i Faith)

My Dad and Uncle

My Grandma's two living children, my Dad and Uncle Steve, took some time at the end, alone, at Grandma’s resting place.

Prayers for Grandma

We said a lot of prayers for Grandma. The funeral was in the morning, and it was very hot. A lot of people held umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.

Remembering Grandma

There were about 40 people at Grandma’s funeral in Fiji. Only a few of those people knew her personally since she is from Canada and she had never been to Fiji before. On September 6th there was a large memorial gathering for Grandma in Canada.

Family and Friends at Grandma's Funeral

This is Uncle Steve, Auntie Carren and my cousins. One family friend flew with his wife and children from New Zealand to be at the funeral. Most of the guests were from Fiji, and seven of us flew from Vanuatu.

Getting Ready for the Burial

Grandma's burial plot is on the slope of a hill with several terraces. We stood on one terrace above waiting for the grave diggers to finish their task, then Grandma's coffin was buried and we said prayers for her.

Grave Diggers

My Dad and Uncle hired the grave diggers to prepare for the burial. The spot for Grandma's grave had a lot of rocks so it was very hard work to dig, and it took longer than expected. The grave diggers are Fijian prisoners doing community service. They were kind and hard working. They were supervised by a Sargent from the Loutaka Prison.

Funeral for Grandma Pat - Sept. 4

Grandma had a beautiful funeral. It was Fijian style. Her coffin had a hand-made tarpa (patterned cloth) draped over it, and two hand-made mats under it. We all wore Fijian clothes (island shirts). Uncle Steve and Quentin also wore Fijian skirts for men.

Trip to Fiji - Aug. 29 to Sept. 5, 2008

We stayed in Fiji for one week at a hotel on the beach called Mammas - Tropic of Capricorn. Fiji is beautiful just like Vanuatu, but it is more developed and has a lot more people.

Grandma Pat will Rest in Fiji

On August 29th Grandma was on a flight from the United States to Fiji. She was coming to Vanuatu from Canada to visit us for three months, but on the flight she died peacefully in her sleep. Me, my parents and relatives all flew to Fiji the same day.

Happy Birthday Quentin!!!

Today is my cousin Quentin's 6th birthday (August 28th). He is ready to ride my uncle's motorbike. We all went for bike rides today with my uncle and my dad. Tonight Auntie Carren comes from Santo, and we will have a birthday party for Quentin.

Tiger had 4 kittens today (August 27, 2008)

I was at a Bislama language class this morning when Uncle Steve text messaged us at 8:52 a.m. to tell us that our pregnant cat, Tiger, was giving birth. Me and my dad ran home and saw two of the four kittens being born. Me and my cousins named the cats right away. The kitten's names are: 1st is Snowy (light brown), 2nd is Tiger Junior (calico colour like her mother), 3rd is Lucky (black with stripes, and named Lucky because we thought there were only two kittens), and 4th is Whippy (black with stripes). We are all very happy.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!

Me, my cousins (Erin and Quentin) and our parents wish Grandpa Ron a very happy birthday today (August 26, 2008). We love you!

Climbing Down on Pele Island

Most of the journey was through a jungle, down very steep hills. We had to hold on to strong plants, vines and trees, whatever we could grab.

Heading Back

Great view from the top. Nice breeze on a sunny day. Time to go back down.

Local Kids

Having some fun at the top of Pele Island.

At the top of Pele Island

We had an excellent view of many islands in Vanuatu.

Start Walking!

We walked on Pele island from the bottom to the top of the mountain, then back to the ocean on a different route. It took us half a day and was a fun adventure. We were tired at the end.

Pele Island Tour

Willy gave me and my parents a tour of the southern part of Pele Island.

Cooking Over an Open Fire

It takes a long time and a lot of effort to prepare each cooked meal in a local (rural) village.

Dinner "Island Style" on Pele Island

Making dinner at Small Chief Willy and Monique`s home. We stayed with them in their house seen in this photo (August 1-3, 2008). The small house has three bedrooms and a living room. Each room is a little bigger than the size of a double bed. The kitchen is outside.

Marine Protected Area

Several islands in Vanuatu have marine protected areas where no fishing or hunting is permitted. This sign says "Don't Kill Baby Turtles" in a local language called Bislama.

Small Chief Willy on Pele Island

Small Chief Willy [back right], my Dad, and some local kids pose for a photo.

Reception at Pele Island, Vanuatu

We stayed with a host family for three days, from August 1-3. Our host was the Small Chief of the village (his father is the Big Chief) and his family. We were warmly welcomed by the village.

Independence Day – July 30

“Happy Independence Day!” On July 30, 1980 Vanuatu formed its own government and gained independence from England and France. We attended a large celebration in Independence Park, Port Vila. The Vanuatu President and Prime Minister made speeches, there was a marching band, a military solute, raising of the flag, and celebration.