The CICC was first established in the 1820's by European missionaries and religion is very prominent in the islands.   Jackie and I walked about 1/4 mile from our hotel to a local church both Sundays we were there.  The first Sunday was a special "Youth Day" with Girl Guides and Boy's Brigaide members in force.  They even had a band which played!  Most of the service was in Maori.  This is the original language of the Cook Islands, but everyone also speaks English.  The singing was specially beautiful!  After both services we were invited to cross the road to a building where refreshments were served.

During church service on the first day, I noticed a young woman who did not appear to be a Cook Island native, but who was singing in Maori.  Amazingly, I recognized her!  She is Anita Allen and she is the coordinator for volunteers in the Cook Islands through Global Volunteers.  I had read about her and her program on the Internet before we took the trip.  I guess it is truly a small world!  Anita's mother was a Cook Islander and her father was from New Zealand.  Through this program, people can volunteer to work for 1 to 3 weeks in various places around the world, including the U.S.