April 19, 2009

We approached Branch President Nicholas a while back about starting a branch family home evening once a month. He gave his approval so last Monday we held our first one and what a great success. About thirty members of the branch attended. Dora gave an excellent short lesson on loving one another using a plant, a picture of Amber;s (our granddaughter) little dog Bella Boo, and the baby daughter of one of the members as props. She also had a mystery person she read clues about; dark hair, brown eyes, nice teeth, wears glasses. You can imagine how these clues narrowed the field of candidates. The clue that gave the person away was, "this person's favorite food is noodles". It was the branch president and he knew it was him immediately. The elders then took over with a fun activity that got everyone involved to end the evening. Our concern now is to come up with another evening that will compare. We have been involved with a number of family home evenings in the time we have been here and as we have said before, "Hurrah for family home evening". On Tuesday the two elders and the senior couple, Elder and Sister Collins, came from Castries to Vieux Fort for district meeting. We have become fast friends with this good couple and look forward to being with them every opportunity we have. The big event of the week however, was Seminary Super Saturday held here in Vieux Fort on the 18th. Twenty five youth plus their leaders came from Castries came to join with twelve from here. In charge of the event was President Gamiette, 1st councilor in the mission presidency, and come 1 July will be the new mission president. It was delightful to see him interact with the students. For about a hour and one-half he had them anxiously involved in scripture study that was a sight to behold. After the class we were then served a delectable meal prepared by Sister Nicholas, our branch presidents wife, and topped off with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies from the oven of Sister Faux. Nary a one left over. After our meal we drove two miles to Sandy Beach for fun and games. As seen in the pictures almost everyone participated. As an ending for a wonderful day the elders from Castries baptized a young lady they had been teaching. By 4:00 p,m, the affair was over-at least Elder Faux thought so-but the elders had different ideas. Since they had played most of the day they needed help to see their contacts for the day so Elder Faux ended up going on a split with them returning home around 9:00 p.m. A most enjoyable evening but it was a loooooong day. It is good to be here and every day a new adventure. Say hi to all for us. We send our love, Elder and Sister, Dave and Dora