Christmas on Yap Island, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

On December 19th, we all headed for the island of Yap, which is about an hour and a half by jet due west of Guam. It turned out to be more like an invasion though since other folks had the same idea to visit the Zimmers and Whitmores who are missionaries there. In total there were 12 visitors; 6 Babins, 4 Morgans, Janelle Mitchell, and Christine (a Yapese girl living on Guam). With Mark Zimmer's family (6), Paul Zimmer's family (8), and the Whitmores (2), Roland and his family (3), we had a total of 14 adults and 17 children celebrating Christmas Yap style!

(In the photo above we are at the airport on the day we arrived.)

Janelle (Mitch) Mitchell with Tella at Mark's on Christmas day.

Mark and Brian built a ukulele from a kit over a weeks time and actually played it before we left.

Dave Morgan and sons with a nice "wahoo" we caught.

Robin and Mitch on the deck of a ship where we ate lunch one day.

Jay made new friends and learned how to use a wood lathe (here making a fish club!)

Never know what you'll catch on Yap! Here Alex and Art pose with a 500lb + Marlin they caught the day we all went fishing.

Jeff and Robin wearing traditional "nunu's".
An honor bestowed upon guests to the island.

The Mark Zimmer Family

Paul Zimmer
gathering coconuts

The "white people" singing at Sunday service just before Christmas. (Yes, that is Brian up there too!)

All the old people went to dinner together one evening. Thanks to Mitch and Christina who supervised our 16 kids so we could relax.

We were on Yap from the 19th until the 27th. We had an excellent time fishing, hiking, snorkling, and just relaxing with these wonderful families.

Harvest Christian Academy 2007 Staff Banquet

"Miss Robin" was invited to attend her first HCA staff Christmas banquet held last Saturday at the Guam Westin Hotel. Although not yet "officially" on staff at Harvest, Robin is already part of the family. Brian was allowed to attend by default being "Miss Robin's" husband. Robin will be finished with her teaching degree on Thursday, December 6th!!!! She will start at Harvest part time the following Monday. Brian has not been asked to teach at Harvest yet so is planning to keep his day job. That is best for everyone.

To see more pictures from the banquet follow the link below.

http://photogallery.worthwhile.com/viewalbum.php?albumid=712

Thanksgiving 2007

Thanksgiving Guam Style!


Some Guamanian "Pilgrims"





Joey is dressed up as a Pilgrim by some of Robin's kindergarten students.








A HUGE buffet lunch at the Filipiak's house included smoked, deep fried, and roasted turkey, bbq ribs (a Guam thing), and all the sides. Of course there were also many delicious pies!

Follow this link to see pictures of our Thanksgiving dinner at Filipiak's

http://kellyfilipiak.googlepages.com/thanksgivingweekend2007

Jay's String Recital

Jay had his first violin recital last night.





You can see more pictures at http://photogallery.worthwhile.com/viewalbum.php?albumid=709



Here's a short video clip of Jingle Bells

The Dark Castle and Twelve Dancing Princesses.

Joey made his theatrical debut in the HCA production of the Dark Castle. He played the character of Sir Grope. Grope is a blind peasant. You can see more photos of the cast and crew at
(http://www.hbcguam.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=202)

Happy 23rd Aniversary!

On November 16th, 1984, we were married in Lake Placid, NY. We were married by the town justice, his secretary was the witness. We spent a week touring around the Adirondacks, including a memorable night at Bob's Steakhouse and motel (distinct in that it had half an airplane sticking out the roof).

I'd marry her again today, but now that she knows me better, I'm sure Robin would think twice.

Jeff's 13th Birthday Trip to Yap

In October, Jeff and Dad spent 4 days in Yap, FSM to celebrate and commemorate Jeff's 13th birthday. In addition to kayaking, SCUBA diving, crab hunting, hiking, logging, and sport fishing, we had a great time with Mark and Paul Zimmer and their families. The Zimmers are Christian missionaries serving on Yap.




Kayaking thru the mangroves near O'Keefe Island.

Hoisting a HUGE mahogany log up thru the jungle so the Zimmers can mill it into boards.

Jeff with a 9' sailfish we caught on the Zimmer's boat. It weighed 86lbs. What a fighter!






Mark and Paul with the prize. Shortly after this photo was taken they had the fish cut up and some of it on the grill. Delicious!

(http://www.zimmerfamily.org/.zimmerfamily.org)

Piano Music Recital

Joey, Jeff, and Jay had their first 2007 piano recital Friday after school.




A small video clip of Jay playing Do Re Mi....