There is this Place
14 June 2015 | 09 01.05'S:160 07.52'E, Roderick Bay, Nggela Islands
Gina
It is in the Nggela group of the Solomon Islands (the N is silent). A safe haven is a good way to describe what is here; not only from weather, wind, and waves. We are traveling on our way to the east side (open ocean) of the large Island of Malaita to help local translator David distribute the New Testament bibles in toktok - local dialect.
This place is home of the Gela language and a very nice community that wants to have people visit. In the photo Headman John (The Chief) is bringing us a customary coconut drink ordained with hibiscus flowers and bamboo straws.
His extended family and community are building customary huts and other facilities for visitors to come and visit to learn about the local culture and enjoy the beauty surrounding this area. Later we will post more pictures on Facebook; for now you get one due to our limited satellite phone connection.
Also in the area are great snorkeling, scuba and a local ship wreck from the year 2000 named World Discoverer. See if you can find it on GOOGLE.
Later in June they are having the annual festival for culture and arts. This event began around 4 years back and has become an event from which people come from Honiara as well as sailboats from around the world.
Our time on shore yesterday was very rewarding and we hope to make is back by 27 June to participate in the event. As always our schedule is weather dependent.
Today we will depart around 2pm local in order to make the overnight run to Sinala Bay, east side Malaita Island to find David. This run is 109 NM and takes us down, err, up the windward side. It is described as UP because you must remember we are down under, so up is south. It�'s hard to figure.
It is important for us to round the north end between midnight and 2am where, hopefully, the trade winds and seas have diminished. We should be in the bay by 9am before the winds turn back on my mid-morning.
Join us in prayer for a safe journey and productive time with David. And for the community here in Roderick Bay for blessings on their effort for providing a safe and welcoming place. In Christ, Amen