Our cargo container with all our belongings finally arrived! It did not take us more than a day to get all the many customs stamps to get it out of port and delivered to our house. Everyone was most excited to get our beds. Second on the list was sporting goods, followed by our washer. Amazingly, we were able to unload the container in about an hour with the help of all the strapping youth from our church. We just happened to call the branch president on the night the youth were looking for a service project. We were so grateful for the help (as we told the youth, it was truly charity in action.)
These are the fine youth in our branch. There are no seatbelt laws here.
After getting settled, we decided it was time to explore the island. Our new friends the Joels, have taken us around to see all the great local places. First we explored the ancient city of Nan Madol. Legend has it, it was built by magic several hundred years ago. It is located right out on the ocean on top of the coral reef. The big mystery is how all the monolithic columns the city is built of were transported, since the closest possible quarry is several miles away and the people only had small canoes for travel.
This is an underground chamber inside Nan Madol. The kids nick named it the "timeout room."
This is looking from the main temple at Nan Madol over submerged ruins toward a nearby island.
This gives a sense for the size of the stone columns used to build the city. They don't build them like they used to.
This is the start of the trailhead to Nan Madol. Cole decided he could hold it a little longer.
After our trip to Nan Madol we decided to cool off at the nearby Kapirohi waterfall. The waterfall was gorgeous, and we really enjoyed swimming right next to it. Seth and the boys had fun looking at a fresh water eel slithering through the rocks.
This is were Seth works at the FSM Supreme Court.
Here is our church building.
This is where the boys have attended school the last month or so. The Hanson brothers had to double up on a few bullies who were targeting Caleb. Cole and Caleb approached the bullies. Cole picked up Caleb and Caleb began kicking his legs as fast as he could. Then Cole began chasing the bullies saying "this is my kicking machine . . . this is my kicking machine." The bullies have left Caleb alone since then, which has made school much more enjoyable for him. 
This tank is located downtown right next to the post office. We're guessing it was the Japanese way of reminding people it is a federal offense to tamper with mail.
Here is Claire exploring more of the local animal life -- some one's pet sea turtle available for the viewing public outside their house.
This is just a random beautiful picture to entice potential visitors.
These are views from the back porch of your potential accomodations, the Hanson Hotel.
The best news we have to report this month is that Claire is officially potty trained.
We are continuing to adjust to our new world. The boys finish school this week so we are ready to start our summer break. The weather here is consistant upper 80 degrees during the day and upper 70s at night and very humid. It rains at least once per day, with frequent torrential downpours -- it seems that it will rain an inch or so in a matter of minutes.
We are truly blessed by the Lord and grateful to have each other, and to have such good friends and extended family. We love you all.
