Yumi 40! (We are 40). Vanuatu's Independence Celebrations

 I spent Vanuatu's Independence in Vila, and got to spend the day with my friend Rrut, her daughter Rrorrin, grandson Mark, and other relatives of her husband, Harre's.  Vanuatu had 10 full days of activities planned to really celebrate the milestone of 40 years.  I can't imagine how they'll top it at 50!

 

Our matching "uniforms". Mak, Rrut, Rrosina, Rrorrin.

Apparently 40,000 people were crowded in and around Independence Park for the celebrations on Independence Day.  Rrorrin and I got separated from Rrut, Rrosina, and Mak, and spent over an hour looking for them.  We thought we could easily find them based on our matching uniforms but...  We didn't end up being able to see any of the events, so ended up going home, but how fun to see the colors and the numbers of Ni-Vanuatu proud of their country!

Parade through Vila.

Meanwhile on Ambrym, Jesiah and Gwen were involved in soccer tournaments with their friends.  Houghton continues to coach.

Ambrym traditional dance.

Casey and Val and the boys went and stayed with the Richards and Casey did some showing off of the Rral language Bible materials, including the Mark video.  He drew lots of crowds!