The Choate Bed and Breakfast is located in Marulaon, the Russell Islands. It is just a short 6 hour boat ride from Honiara. The Bikoi leaves every Sunday at 8am and Marulaon is the first stop.
The accommodations are comfortable and conveniently modern by bush standards. Solar power provides lights at night and enough power to indulge your sweaty-self by sitting in front of an oscillating fan when natures fan is not blowing. Rainwater is used for drinking, cooking and washing (heated by the power of the sun). This water is either pumped into the house by Choate children power or carried by the bucket brigade (an incorporated part of the Choate’s fitness facility). A gas stove makes delicious food without building a fire and a gas refrigerator keeps leftovers from spoiling and allows for delicious treats like ice and even ice cream. The netted windows provide mosquito net free sleeping and the front porch is a cool and comfortable place to enjoy a nice book selected from the Choate library. A nice market can be found on Wednesday and Saturday mornings down by the waterfront. The selection varies according to the season and the sellers. There is also a trade store which sells rice, bleach, soap, rubber-bands, flour, sugar and other town basics when they are in stock.
The Choate Family (residents and B&B operators).
Aaron- A true servant leader. Serving his family and the Lavukal people. Seen here enjoying his after dinner bite of kora and lelenga (not an every day occurrence but these foods taste best consumed fresh- even if you’ve already eaten dinner).
Joanna- A loving wife, mother and friend. She takes care of her family, tends her garden, cooks both local food and American favorites, goes fishing, stories with the neighbors, homeschools the children, etc. and still finds time to participate in all sorts of village activities, embracing the festive spirit (as seen here with her glittered New Years face).
Sarah- The B&B official baker. She also enjoys art projects and is an avid tree climber and book reader.
Benjamin- Takes care of the trash collection and disposal at the B&B. Enjoys reading, swimming and is quite the hand and foot player.
Olivia- The B&B resident comedian. She enjoys playing, cooking, swimming and eating with her friends, and also curling up with a good book.
Katherine- Cute as a button and adored by everyone. She enjoys singing “lala” (her own versions of the songs heard regularly) and taking care of her babies Lavukal style.
Finding Joy in Marriage 
This is Joanna’s dad. Thank you for the wonderful photos and descriptions. Joanna does an outstanding job with her blog but you have supplemented it well for us. We miss them much but rejoice with them being in the center of God’s will. Your descriptions confirm for us that our grandchildren are getting an amazingly unique education and that the whole family is both being a blessing and being blessed. Thanks again.
Dear Joy, This is Joanna’s mother. Thank you so much for visiting them on Marulaon. They enjoyed your visit so much. Thank you also for presenting their ministry from your p-o-v. You showed them in a light that Joanna’s blog cannot.
Joy,
Thanks for the brochure write up! May we have the rights to reprint your sweet words 🙂
Joy,
I am Aaron’s Mom, Joanna’s, too…and Nahna to those precious kids. They so enjoyed your visit. I know that it meant the world to them to have you share Christmas with them and just life in general.
I agree with her parent’s…your comment’s add color to the life they lead there…add a dimension for us that we do not have on their blog, which by the way, is an awesome blessing to us.
I pray that your ministry is blessed in this coming year.