Well, we've arrived in Saipan and spent our first day throughly enjoying ourselves. The trip over was very long but went off without a hitch. We flew from Salt Lake to Los Angeles, where we had a two hour lay over. Then it was on to Tokyo...an 11 hour flight, ugg! We had a 4 hour layover in Tokyo (That's Alan, in Narita airport) and then it was on to Saipan. We arrived on the island at 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning. We were met by Sandy, a man that works for Russ Snow. (Russ is the CEO of the company that owns the resort). He took us to the condo where we will be staying, at least for a few days. We were all exhausted after more than 24 hours of travel so we quickly went to bed. We were able to get about 4 hours of sleep before getting up and getting ready for church. We found the church without any trouble and enjoyed some great meetings. The branch seems to be relatively large with probably close to 100 people in attendance. The young women welcomed Heather with open arms and she is already looking forward to attending Mutual on Wednesday.
After church we went over to the hotel and had a delicious brunch and received a tour of the facilities and telescopes. We were able to put our feet in the ocean (the water is 80 degrees!) and then drove around the island for a quick orientation tour. What we have seen so far is absolutely beautiful. The water is amazingly blue and we can hardly wait to get out a snorkel! We are now back at the condo, although J. Ward had to go back to work some on the telescopes. The technician that is here from the telescope company leaves tomorrow morning so this is their only night to work together. We are all ready to crash and have a good, full night's sleep! Posted above are some of the pictures we've taken so far.
BWAH! It's amazing! Look at the frog, look at the ocean, look at the sand, look at the airport! Airport? Sorry I got a little carried away. I'm glad you all made it there safely and "without a hitch"! I love you!
ReplyDelete-Emily
So, when are we all going back again? I just wanted to start arranging my own travel plans. Remember, tell the hotel guy s I'll do tours in Japanese for FREE, if they'll just let me get on that stinking island!
ReplyDeleteOh, but while you all are having fun on the beach, I just want to let you know that I had an exhilarating day speaking at church, followed by a drive home in a blizzard. It was wonderful! Then, tomorrow, I get to write a 5 page report. I can't wait!
Seriously though, I'm glad to hear everyone made it safely. It looks like you are going to have a blast! I look forward to hearing more from you.
Oh my gosh!!!!!! First of all it took us forever just to try to post a comment cause this thing is retarded. We had to make an account or something. I don't know what it did.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you guys are having a lot of fun already. You left just in time because it has been snowing and raining all weekend here.
Can't wait untill you get back all of us will party like the 1980's. Just kidding but we will party.
Oh and that orange/yellow toad thing is freaky!!!! well we all miss you soooooo much Heather we seriously can't wait untill you get back!!!!
I love you!!!
~Chelsee
Becky and I are here at Grandma Moody's (driving your car - thanks!) on our way back from St. George. You guys have been holding out on us - St. George is a wonderful place! It was cold and rainy, but a lot of fun. We did not make it up to Pine Valley because of snow up there. David's girlfriend, Laurisa, has a roommate from Saipan. Her last name is Brown. Small church world.
ReplyDeleteThings look beautiful there - especially when it is white and cold here. The bathtub is 80 degrees, but the water isn't as clear as your ocean. We are feeling very envious thoughts - in a friendly, family way.
Becky wants to take up sailboating as she can't come up with the airfare.........