Tarawa, Kiribati West Stake Talent Night

Three wards participated in this talent night.  The ward members sat on the floor.  Each ward sat against  a different wall of the cultural hall.  The cultural hall was designed much like the local maniabas (maw knee ah bas). Almost everyone in the ward joined in the dance or song being performed by the ward.  Some of the costumes were quite elaborate; others consisted of a piece of fabric tied around the waist.  Many of these costumes were created while we waited for the program to begin.  These people have been dancing and singing from the time they are babes so it comes quite natual to them. The senior missionaries (us and Brother and Sister Bush) sat in chairs in the front along with the Stake Patriarch and about four sets of younger missionaries.  There was special food prepared for us "guests of honor" to eat after the program.  Performing for guest of honor seems to be an important part of their programs.  They treat us with great respect and honor but they also love to make us laugh and help us to feel a part of their culture.