What's a little Puu in Chuuk?

This is a frequent pose for our President Mecham ~  it is always such an important picture when it's time for a group shot.  No goofing off or throwing any Chuukese finger signs.  Serious stuff here.  Obedience to counsel will keep you on the safe side of life.

So everyone is trying to get ready ~ figure out where we all are going to stand.  Sister Tiffany likes to take the getting ready shots, she says these sometimes can be the best and for sure the funniest ones.

"Look how fun they are such sweet, obedient missionaries~ready for the picture"... 

Besides the local drink called sakau, the locals from the island of Chuuk State take the chewing of betel nut as another cultural practice. The locals call it “puu” (pronouced-pooh) and it is becoming a national tradition and obsession, not to mention tragedy. Similar to our modern day chewing gums, these betel nuts are cut in half and wrapped inside a pepper leaf called “gabuy”, and placed in the mouth to chew.  Similar to how people chew tobacco, betel nuts are not supposed to be swallowed.

This is what it looks like on the tree. It is chewed by both males and females. It stains their teeth and mouth red due to the chemical reaction of the nut. Needless to say, it is against the Word of Wisdom. The fact that the Word of Wisdom is a commandment is the reason we should obey it.

As everyone is already for the picture, a bird flies over us and sure enough Aim and Fire . . . right on Elder Walters back ~ puu or is it pooh. Everyone was laughing and laughing and poor President has no idea what just happened.  He is telling them to keep that smile and don't move.

Everyone is telling President Mecham to get this is in the picture, this is funny stuff, we all want copies of this one.

Poor Elder Walters, he took it very well... His brand new white shirt just got pooped on.  Oh no puu or is that pooh down the back.

 The Word of Wisdom does not promise you perfect health, but it teaches how to keep the body you were born with in the best condition and your mind alert to delicate spiritual promptings.

While the Word of Wisdom requires strict obedience, in return it promises health, great treasures of knowledge, and that redemption bought for us by the Lamb of God, who was slain that we might be redeemed.

Finally, we get the shot this is it.  What a great group!  We love each and every missionary we have the opportunity to serve here in Chuuk with.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world“  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.