This week the churches and government of the Solomon Islands presented a Pijin Bible to visiting Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. I was talking to one the aids that travels with the Duke and Duchess and mentioned that they should really take a Bible back to the Queen. Queen Elizabeth is the patron of the British Bible Society and earlier this year the society raised a lot of money to help fund the printing of the Pijin Bible so it can be sold at an affordable price here. (The Pijin Bible costs about $9.00 USD.)

Today a Pijin Bible and a letter to the Queen went on their way to London with the diplomatic mail bag. It will be exciting to receive a letter back from Buckingham Palace!

This morning we went up the American War Memorial to attend the ceremonies marking the 66th Anniversary of the Landing of the US Marines on Guadalcanal. Lots of VIP’s attended, including the Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua and his wife, Doris. They happily agreed to have their photo taken with Emily and Sarah. Mrs. Sikua noticed they were all wearing red and black!

The Sikuas are just as nice in person as they look in this photo!

This afternoon we attended the garden party for the Duke and Duchess. We even got a chance to very briefly chat with the Duchess. Later we attended a special church service where the Duke was given a Pijin Bible as a gift by the Governor General.

We are greatly encouraged that church and government leaders recognize the importance of the Pijin Bible.

The Duke and Duchess seemed genuinely interested in the Pijin Bible.

Later the General Secretary of the Solomon Islands Christian Association read a letter from Buckingham Palace with a congratulatory message from the Queen.

This afternoon we headed down to Prince Philip Highway (the main road through town) to wait for some special visitors to drive past. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have arrived for a short visit in recognition of the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Independence. The Duke and Duchess were here 30 years ago at the first Independence Day. We did get a brief glimpse of them as they drove past.

As you can see, Tim and I received this invitation to attend a special party given by the Governor General (head of state) to meet the Duke and Duchess. Now all we need is a crash course in protocol!