#2 Guam blog- kayaking fun!

     Guam is surrounded by salt water but has lots of sources of fresh water, too. Angela arranged for us to take a kayaking tour down the Ugum and Talafofo Rivers, quiet, peaceful, slow-moving waterways. Our guide took this picture so he's not in it. Russ and I are in the kayak on the right, Angela and grandson Martin on the left, grandson Josh (the only one paddling alone) next to us on the right and Tanis and friend Steve on the left of center.We traveled through jungle up about as far as we could, then came back partway and stopped at the site of an ancient village for some local education and lunch.

Anciently, the natives of Guam (Chamorros) used a pillar stone topped by a more flat stone to set their houses on. At left is a picture of one of the more common styles of "latte". They would have at least 2 one each side (in each corner of the roof structure) and up to maybe 4 or more for large houses.

Here is our kayaking group staging a photo in front of a reproduction of an ancient hut along with some locals who work here, sharing island history and information with tourists.

We were introduced to several tropical plants and flowers. We learned that banana palms, like pineapple plants, only produce once then die. I am amazed that bananas and pineapples are as cheap as they are considering how long it takes to harvest the one and only crop from each growing.

We also learned about breadfruit. The plant/tree sprouts two fruits, one that is large, round, and edible and the other is oblong. If you let the insides of the oblong dry, it is used as a washcloth or scrubbie. As wonderful as man's inventions are, the Lord provided a lot of things here for us to use, if we just figure them out.

#1 photo record of our Guam visit- snorkeling

     This is to be the first of my photo record blogs of our month's visit to Guam. The island is pretty small but there is plenty of adventuring to do and the weather rarely limits plans. It is great for those who are willing to get hot, sweaty, and wet! One of the major activities is snorkeling. This is actually where I first tried snorkeling 12 years ago on my first visit here. We went to a place called Fish Eye. This picture was taken then but it still looks about the same except this time we went at high tide so we had to wade through, which doesn't work well with fins on, then make our way in shallow water out to the end of this long pier where it gets a little deeper. We also went to a place on base called Gab Gab where you could go down some concrete steps and were in over waist high almost immediately.

Fish Eye 2005

Gab Gab

Here is Russ and me heading off for our underwater adventure. The sights were similar in both places: lots of amazing colored fish, lots of coral, starfish and sea cucumbers.

Lots of fish, mostly small ones in the shallow water

Blue coral in picture above, yellow coral below

Blue starfish as well as little fish

At Gab Gab, Tanis adopted a little yellow friend who swam close to him for quite awhile.

What makes a topic "sensitive"?

     Have you ever had the experience of participating in a friendly conversation which is running along smoothly until someone mentions something that either stops the conversation cold or causes obvious irritation/anger in one or more of the participants? I recently was having a pleasant initial conversation with a man in a leadership position at church which was going along just fine until I mentioned how working as a temple missionary had made me feel and how wonderful it was. He suddenly seemed awkward and was looking around like he was hoping for a way out. I let it drop without pushing but was surprised. Why would talking about a spiritual experience make a church leader feel awkward? I wasn't gushing voo-doo stuff or anything. At least, I didn't think of it that way. I was just expressing my gratitude for having had the opportunity and trying to share my observations. After all, he had approached me first, after a meeting was over, asking me about myself. The experience caused me to wonder- what is it that causes a discussion topic to be "sensitive"? I was always under the belief that politics, religion, and sex were such topics. But, what about those things causes discomfort? It's just fine to talk about the weather, the price of gas, how many children/grandchildren you have, or where you're from. You can even talk about movies or cute memes on the internet without a problem. Why is it difficult to talk about really meaningful things?
     Of the three topics I mentioned, sex has probably lost the most reluctance for discussion. It used to be a really private issue but not anymore! We joke about lust, advertise erectile dysfunction, openly preach about transgender or homosexual issues, and have just about anything openly available to see and hear through all sorts of media. Only rarely do people feel really embarrassed by public displays of affection. Condoms are now very openly displayed in stores in LOTS of varieties with graphic descriptions of the benefits of each. So I guess we have managed to clear up the "sensitivity" of that topic.
     Politics has, of late, become really heated. It has always been a topic of heated arguments even in families among people who love each other. Everybody has an opinion on what's wrong with the city/country/world and what should be done and who should do it. There is so much guessing involved because nobody really knows what is going to happen until it happens. Nobody knows if the glaciers are all going to melt and if they do, will it change things in new ways or totally destroy the earth? Does that mean God isn't taking care of us (if you believe in Him, that is)? The economy- that is truly an un-exact science. Who knows exactly what will happen if interest rates go up or down or minimum wages are changed? The recent increase in minimum wages in California might help an employee or two but it has put several small businesses out of business entirely putting not only employees out of work but also the employer. How do you measure whether it was a good thing or bad? Anyway, what makes politics sensitive? Is it pride, thinking you're right and the other person is wrong? Is it desperation and fear that things are headed in a truly disastrous direction and you feel something needs to be done immediately, but can't agree on what? Jesus preached that we should love everyone and people often question how you can love people you don't know. It seems there isn't a problem hating people you don't know. All you need to know is their race, religion, nationality, occupation, political party, income, etc. etc.....
     Why is religion a "sensitive" topic? There are lots and lots of different religions or belief systems in the world. I guess people arrive at a choice of belief either by thinking a lot about the purpose of life, wondering about what causes things to happen, or wondering what will happen in the future, or even just by blindly following rituals established by a tradition. It can be uncomfortable to listen to someone talk about a vague, un-provable concept that borders on irrational in your own mind. It can be uncomfortable to feel that someone is embracing a belief system that could cause them to act in unexpected and even really undesirable ways- like suicide bombings or beheadings or simply shunning. You might expect that when talking to someone with whom you share membership in a church, it wouldn't be taboo to bring up something accepted within your belief system, but sometimes it happens that they are really not interested in what you have to say. It can be uncomfortable for those who have strong beliefs in a church to hear other members question commonly held beliefs. Why? I may never know.

Hero? Idol? God?

     As Russ and I went for our daily walk this morning, we talked a little about heroes. Russ explained an observation that "hero" is a title given to many people who are not really worthy of it, just as there is a tendency to give awards to everybody just so no one feels left out. It got me thinking about how to define what a hero actually is which led me to thinking about how we view each other, our actions and influences. Without a specific dictionary definition, I have decided that the label "hero" should be used for someone whose actions are out of the ordinary, brave, and worthy of emulation. It may or may not be a life or death situation. (There are lots of publicity seeking dare devils who are definitely not "heroes".) A hero may perform a one-time deed that awes us or live for an extended period doing things that seem to others to be impossible- an athlete who manages to overcome incredible odds to perform in the name of representing their country or simply overcoming pain or other obstacles, a child who lives in and out of the hospital fighting for their life with constant pain or discomfort yet manages to cheer and encourage others, someone who performs his job but goes the extra mile to accomplish something important in a situation where others would quit. Our reaction to a hero is generally an awareness that they are simply human just like we are but have managed to overcome a fear or weakness that we are too intimidated to overcome ourselves. I thought about media stars, movie or music or sports figures. Some people may refer to someone whose music they really like or who is particularly good looking or that plays a game really well as their "hero". I think a better label for them would be "idol".
     An idol is a term for something/someone you revere but, unlike a hero, you don't consider yourself capable of being like them: a pianist who plays better than you could even if you were willing to put in the 10,000 hours reported to be necessary to succeed at something, a film star that is more perfectly formed than you will ever be even with cosmetic surgery or make-up or a personal trainer, a sports hero who is stronger or faster or taller or more coordinated than you could ever hope to be. An idol is someone you look up to and admire. An idol will never give you anything, not even real motivation because you feel too inadequate. Having an idol to revere can only bring you a feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness. Revering or worshiping someone that is worthy of admiration and even emulation that can uplift or help you is more like our relationship to God.
     I believe there is one God, our Heavenly Father, who created us as His children. His Firstborn Son is Jesus Christ who fulfilled a mission to provide all of His brothers and sisters a way to return to live forever with our perfect Father. Then there is the Holy Ghost who is a personage of spirit that testifies of God and Jesus Christ and can speak directly to our spirits to give comfort, guidance, and knowledge. Jesus Christ can be a hero to us as we study the way He lived here on earth and the way He died. He suffered insults and abuse then voluntarily gave himself to be slain rather than running away to try to hide as most of us would be when faced with the threat of torture. God can be a hero because He is worthy of emulation and has even commanded that we strive to be like Him. To attempt to worship anyone or anything other than God is futile. But, we have been given the ability to weigh what we value and emulate who we choose and be grateful to whomever we like.

Thoughts on Guam

We spent time yesterday at a museum and battle sites on Guam, learning about the island's history and lots about what happened here during WWII. I have never kept it secret that I abhor war and violence. I also don't keep it a secret that I appreciate police and soldiers who endanger their lives fighting bad guys so everybody like me who doesn't want to hurt anybody can have a better chance at living safely and enjoying peace. There are and always will be bullies who endlessly seek power, glory, and wealth by abusing others. As I read about how this peaceful little island was subject first to Spanish influence (but at least they didn't seek to destroy anything) then after the Spanish American War it was part of territory ceded to the US. A year later the US actually paid Spain for it, even though it was a "spoil of war" so to speak. The Chamorros (natives of Guam) did not suffer under the US. I haven't yet figured out how much is hurting and when there is help, referring to one person or culture or society relating to another. My first visit to Guam 12 years ago, I was saddened by the litter and neon and "modern" social influence here. Without it, the island would have had only boats made out of trees, coconut litter on the ground, wild pigs and lizards. Now there is plastic litter everywhere, rusted hulks of vehicles, and noisy traffic. On the other hand, there is medical technology available as well as jobs and awareness of the rest of the world with science and technology available. Good or bad????
     In the 1940's Japan invaded Guam. Then there was suffering. I'm not sure I understand why Japan was so determined to expand. Did they feel like they should take over other small Pacific islands in the same way that early Americans felt the United States should encompass everything from sea to shining sea? Was treatment of Native Americans as bad as the way the Japanese treated the Chamorros? Guam is now a US Protectorate so it has the protection of our armed services and has a representative in our legislature but without the right to vote there. There are some on the island who would like to see Guam become another state, like Hawaii. However, there are some who, like some Hawaiians, would prefer being totally independent. Would that make life better for them? Would they thrive economically? It certainly would complicate the US efforts to have a means of reacting to any threat from an Asian nation (like North Korea) if we had less presence in the Pacific.
     At the end of WWII, the inhabitants of Guam celebrated their liberation from the Japanese. Apparently, they felt they would be better off with the Americans. I remember visiting Grenada years ago and asking a tour guide there how he felt about the American "invasion" of his country. He said, "Do you mean the liberation?" Everyone he knew was happy to have the Americans arrive. At the end of WWII, most countries in Europe celebrated the arrival of Americans. The United States didn't want to take over their countries. In fact, lots of money was spent by Americans to help re-build those countries after having spent money on warfare there although the aggression was not initiated by the USA. One of the horrible things I read about Guam during the war was the Japanese establishment of "comfort women"- basically forced prostitution. Women were imported from Korea and some from here in Guam were conscripted into full-time service to the Japanese soldiers. I know there have been atrocities performed by American soldiers but, really, it was never an literal program established by the American government. In addition, American soldiers are generally prosecuted when any atrocities or misuse are discovered. Is it a difference in cultural expectations of sexual gratification? Are "comfort women" a means of preventing soldiers from raping natives? Does it work? Is that a cultural difference we should accept?
      Mixed in here is the ongoing conversation about sexual preferences- transgender issues, homosexuality, pornography, and pedophilia. Since our culture has so little work to do for survival, we have lots of time to spend on social media and marching in protest to stir up issues of "diversity". It sure seems like we're ripening in iniquity. We are misusing the Lord's great blessings of prosperity. We are abusing our leisure time and other luxuries. Rather than building and helping, we are squabbling and focusing on self-centeredness. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." I think there's a lot more personal moral preparation that needs to happen. The Lord has set bounds for our actions and there is no way we will ever be capable of enjoying a peaceful, loving society if we use our agency to rebel rather than learn wisdom.

The good with the bad

     The primary president in the ward here was talking about her sister who reported having 40 teachers (actually 20 couples!) in her primary in Utah. According to her, none of the people wanted to commit to being "stuck" in primary every week. I hope all those people take advantage of an opportunity to learn by faithfully attending their Sunday School and other meetings on their weeks off. In many units, like the ward here, those who serve are desperately needed and are sorely missed when not here. Often those who serve in leadership positions fill more than one position. Our daughter is the young women's president and has one counselor at the moment. That counselor is the bishop's wife and also has a stake leadership calling. I have been wondering what it will be like when we are all part of the Lord's kingdom- all mingling with other devoted servants of the Lord. I have always enjoyed working alongside others who have a desire to do whatever the work may be. It's almost exhilarating to be a part of accomplishing something worthwhile. Those who have such an "easy" time living in units that can afford to have members currently refusing to do anything the least bit uncomfortable, do they feel they are following in the Savior's footsteps? Do they recognize that from those to whom much is given, much is expected? Are they growing in their easy, comfortable place? On the other hand, those who are stretched thin and may serve thanklessly may dwindle in a desire to serve especially when it seems the need will never end and they will never get a break. They may get "burned out". I know I have felt that way. I'm glad the Savior never burned out.
     I have been playing the piano for primary, happy to serve while I'm here. This morning, to say goodbye, we sang a favorite song chosen by one of the girls whose family is departing. In a ward that includes Air Force personnel, comings and goings are frequent, much as they are in university wards or any unit where people move in and out so often. The song chosen was "A Child's Prayer" and the kids sang it beautifully. There were Air Force kids and native kids and the group was small but they expressed enthusiastic love for the girl leaving. Several of the kids muttered, "Goose bumps", meaning they had felt emotional while singing due to the beauty of the music and the sadness of saying goodbye. I was very near tears as I left the room. Then I saw a large table set up outside the room, covered with bags of items the departing family could not take- everything from cleaning products to spices to candy,etc. I realized that along with the frequent sorrow the natives here must feel for the departing, strong members the Air Force and Navy bring in, they also benefit financially as well as spiritually. Without having to rely on welfare, there are often items shared that help those whose incomes are tight. Those who are "young" in the gospel are lifted, guided, and encouraged by those who come even just temporarily with firm testimonies, administrative training in the church, knowledge of the gospel, and a desire to serve.
     There is so much to learn in this life. I am so grateful that the Lord blesses us by allowing opposition in all things so we can have experience and gain wisdom.

How to be great

     Yesterday I experienced what will probably be the highlight of our visit to Guam: enjoying the privilege of sitting in on the bestowal of patriarchal blessings for two of my grandsons. It was pleasant just meeting the patriarch- a 55 year old native of Guyana (just north of Brazil and the only English speaking country in South America) who now lives in Guam and works as the captain of a large ocean-going ship. He is gentle, soft-spoken but confident, and very insightful. Our daughter's husband and 3 sons, Russ and I, and another Air Force family of parents and 4 daughters were there. The patriarch spoke to us informally for a few minutes to make sure everyone understood the sacredness and purpose of patriarchal blessings. Then he met privately for a few minutes with two young missionaries, then our family returned to the room and he proceeded to give Martin a blessing, then Josh. It was so sweetly comforting and reassuring to feel the Spirit so strongly as this good man gave each boy a unique special message from our Heavenly Father. The patriarch did not know the boys personally yet his words were well-tailored to each individual boy showing how much God is aware of each of us- our strengths, weaknesses, hopes, fears, and challenges. It was so uplifting!
     Then this morning I went for an early morning walk, hoping to beat the sun's arrival, around the housing area of the base. As I walked by houses with labels of names and ranks, I realized how little rank really means. When in the Armed Forces, rank is to be respected and ideally is earned. Although the Lord knows and cares about us, whatever rank or title you may hold is for Babylon only. In God's kingdom, the only thing that matters is your character, who you have chosen and worked hard to be. The title of doctor, admiral, general, president, or even king will not have any significance outside of mortality. Even the wonderful patriarch I met yesterday or the prophet and apostles at the head of the church have titles only related to their specific calling and are only significant in recognition by God due to their willingness to obey and serve Him and their fellow beings. Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God, a place of honor due to the completion of His great mission. God would share with ALL of His children everything that He has, which is EVERYTHING! No one will get "more" than anyone else because they achieved a rank or title during mortality. He's more interested in our humility and obedience than our accomplishments.