Sunsets on the South China Sea

Probably the most beautiful sight in Bintulu is the sunset over the South China Sea.  It is spectacular and different each evening.  Our home is about 10 minutes away.

The promenade along the sea is only about a quarter mile long, but very lovely.  They are very diligently working to beautify the ocean side.

A very large river empties into the sea right here; so it is very silty and thus muddy looking; but the sunset is astounding.

There are large, huge cargo ships passing by at all times carrying lumber (from the rain forest), and other commodities.  It is quite a sight.

Primary

These first two young girls are 15 years old, together they run the primary.  One the president, the other the activity leader.  Their names are Justina and Mazura.  They are amazing.  They are also two of my piano students.  They speak English well.  They have all the children (20-25) for 2 hours.  No teachers, no other adult to help.  The second hour becomes rather wild as you can imagine.  So we sang songs, everything I could think of.  They sing in English.  And do they SING!  I've never heard such enthusiastic singing.

We had a CD for some of the songs; but some thy did a cappella, and I was astonished at how close to the melody they were.

They are like children everywhere.  Mischievous, silly, adorable, and fun.  They can also be a trial when you are trying to engage them for 2 hours straight!!!

The Kampong

Today I went visiting teaching in the Kampong with the Relief Society President and Sister Luthi.  I think I am basically numb as to allowing myself to emotionally respond to the surroundings.  I try to keep my mind on the fact that God loves these people and the Gospel will bring them hope.

This is one of the best structures I have seen.

The Relief Society President and Sister Luthi.  The sister here has been a member about a year.  We go in and sit on the floor.  They offer us refreshments.

"The Covered Bridge" -- This is what we walk through and under.

These little ducks hung on the side of one house.

No curbs and gutters yet...

"The Path"  It is difficult to begin...  Can I really do it?  This makes startlingly vivid the temple commitment.

This little boy is about 2 years old.  He has a little girl he plays with about his age.  I could hardly bear to see them run down the paths and mud puddles through the trash.

Visiting Teaching

One of the sisters was making this: similar to cheese puffs only not cheesy.  We ate it.

There is actually a little child behind the boards at the top of the stairs.

As we left, we could choose the fresh catch of the day!

Lunch with the Elders

This is the area we ate lunch in.  It's very close to where the elders live.  

More photos of the markets

The Chapel and Environs

SINGAPORE HIGHWAYS