We visited Port Vila two times. The first time we flew from Nadi, Fiji, and were pleasantly surprised to be greeted, with bright smiling faces, hugs and leis, from our very dear spiritual son, with whom we served at the Baha’i World center, Harrison and his three beautiful children, Samira, Salem and Shameem.

We checked in to the hotel on Vila Bay that was walking distance to everything we wanted to do.

As soon as we got up we headed out to streets filled with ladies in beautiful vibrant colored dresses and men in bright and happy shirts. Since we were coming back to Port Vila again, we decided to wait until then to check out the crafts market and a couple of other attractions that we were told about.

That evening we went out to a very nice Chinese restaurant with Harrison, his beautiful wife, Marian, the three children and the young lady, Tahereh, that is staying with them.

After dinner we strolled along the beautiful harbor. I was surprised that in-spite all of the boat and cargo ships traffic the water was very clear as evidenced by sighting of tons of fish and a blue star fish right at the edge of the water.

One of the reason for cleanliness of the water and the city is that 5 years ago the use of ALL plastic items were banned in Vanuatu. There are no plastic water bottles in the rooms and all cutlery and straws are compostable.

The next day we flew to Tanna to visit the first Local Baha’i House of Worship for the Pacific. See chapter 44.

We left Tanna after two night but we wished we had stayed two weeks and spent more time with our new found angel friends. Alas we had to head back to Port Vila, which is also a special place with many more angels.

Tanna airport is very small but efficient. There is a check in kiosk and the one room/gate for arrival and departure was filled with locals and tourists returning to the Port Vila. The short flight on Air Vanuatu was once again very comfortable.

We checked in to the same hotel, on Vila Bay, and I headed out to shop for souvenirs from the villagers crafts market.

Later we run in to dear Anthony Deamer at a seaside bistro and he shared many stories with us. The Deamer’s are well know in the area so this restaurant had named one of their menu items “Deamer Salad” (the salad that was crafted by Anthony’s wife.)

That evening we were honored to be invited to dinner at dear Baha’i World Center friends, Careen and Steven. Our dear Henderson and family gave us and John and his family a ride to C&S. – John had also served at BWC. He has three precious children, the youngest, NawRuz, stole my heart.

There is a beautiful story behind how Careen and Steven found and bought their beautiful renovated home, that is painted white with the Baha’i World Center blue. We could spot their home, across the bay from our hotel’s balcony.

Dinner-prepared by the three families – was delicious but better than food was the devotional- which always includes group singing of prayers – and the warm embrace of these loving, kind and generous friends.

We were so excited to be able to attend our second Feast in the Pacific at Port Vila’s Baha’i center. Much to our surprise there were over 60 people, two thirds of them children, jr. youth and youth. We felt very welcome and basked in the loving atmosphere of this gathering. EVERYONE, from small children to seniors was immensely reverent and participated in the group singing.

Our dear Harrison , translated the NSA’s Feast letter for us, which included the story of Tahirih – the revered Heroine of the Baha’i Faith – and I was invited to say more about her station and my experience growing up in Shiraz, Iran (the city of Blessed Báb’s birth and declaration.)

Harrison’s wife, the beautiful Marian – a teacher and ATC member lead the group on a few prayers and songs. Richard and I gleefully joined in on one of our favorite – an Oldie but Goodie – song ..”We are soldiers in God’s Army….”

This is a recording of a 4.5 minutes signing of the prayer for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, “the Dawning-place of the Praise of God”. I was brought to tears to see that everyone, old enough to speak knew the words and sang along.

After consultation we joined in on the very joyful social portion of the Feast. I don’t recall being at a more spiritual joyful Feast than this one.

On our final day in Port Vila and Vanuatu we decide to take in one of the unusual attractions. Mailing post cards from an underwater OFFICIAL Post Office. We had no idea what we – really Richard – getting ourselves in.

On our way we stopped to say good bye to dear John and family at the Baha’i center.

The taxi driver dropped us at a small one man ferry that took us a short distance to a small island called “ the Hideaway island”. We had to pay a relatively high admission fee to get on to the private island. There we purchased water proof postcard which can only be written on with pencil. Now what?

The man asked: Will you be snorkeling there?

Richard: No, I will swim.

Man: It is a long way and then you got to go down several feet.

Richard: What side is the door?

Man: The back side.

I: Did you bring your swimming trunk

Richard: No, I will go in my underwater🤓

My loving husband looks at me and smiles saying “Anything for my wife ♥️” and with postcards in hand he heads out to the buoy in the middle of the sea. A few minutes later he is at the buoy diving and looking down and up, without a mask or snorkel, and finally he gives me his two thumbs up. HE DID IT!!! Now let us see what the post cards look like when we receive them.

A few other sweet things about Vanuatu. Their thank you is TANKIU TUMAS – which is really saying: “Thank you very much.”

The fathers are very involved in raising and attentive to their children. I saw this Dad with an infant in his arm holding an umbrella only to cover the baby.

Our flight for Samoa, through Nadi, was leaving at 5am. Once again we were surprised to see Harrison and family at the departure gate, at that early hour on Holy Day, bidding us farewell.

OUR HEARTS are filled with so much love for this amazing family and we will pray that they can come for a long visit to the States when the opportunity presents itself.
GOOD BY our dear spiritual Vanuatu family!!!!!!!!

Our 12 hour layover in Nadi was spent at a very comfy and hospitable coffee shop – Coffee Hub – where we witnessed a commercial photoshoot, and at the Fiji airline lounge where we grabbed a couple of hours of sleep.

We arrived in Samoa after midnight and were at our hotel room in Apia an hour later – 2am Samoa time -, excited that soon we will be able to make our pilgrimage to the Continental House of Worship in Samoa.

And finally, WE DID! Stay tuned for the fabulous story and photo of our first visit to this most magnificent and serene Temple.

This is the link to more photos and videos taken in Port Vila:
photos.app.goo.gl/qmnsgCsQNs1ZShM49