We were just about ready to go pick up the elders Monday morning for a preparation day activity when our next door neighbor, medical student Sharon, came bursting through the screen door (whenever we are in the apartment we always keep the main door open so we don’t feel so enclosed). Sharon never knocks, just shouts a hello and walks on in. This morning she was in a panic as she had missed the bus that takes her to school, the first big test of the school year starting in 10 minutes, and no way of getting there. So without waiting for her to ask we volunteered to drive her there. We were glad to help and she told us later that she being just a few minutes late they were somewhat reluctant in letting her in to take the test. So if she had been really late probably no test for her. Picking up our four elders, and cramping the four of them in the backseat, we drove to Soufriere to meet the missionaries from Castries for a preparation day activity. We were pleased to meet Elder and Sister Treseder, the new couple in Castries, who replaced Elder and Sister Collins. We were glad we could spend some of the day with them and become better acquainted. Our activity for the day was touring the Botanical Gardens and viewing the Diamond Waterfall. We have been there before but for those new to the island this is always a must see attraction. We had lunch at nearby ‘Fedo’s’. We thought everyone like to eat here but from the comments we received afterwards we may have to find another eatery. In the evening after the elders finished their e-mails we played water dominos. One person sits out a game taking the place of the loser. The penalty for losing is to drink three 8 ounce glasses of water. The tally for the night: Elders Brague and Faux-six glasses each, Elders Westover-twelve, Elder Welch-fifteen, and Elder Packer- eighteen glasses. A fun evening being with the elders. On Wednesday we drove to Castries for our district meeting. At times , as the lesson is being presented, the material well organized, pertinent scripture references provided, you just look at the district leader and wonder in your mind, “Is he really 19/20 years old?” We tend to associate such teaching skills with older more experienced members. We were happy to be able to watch both General Conference sessions on Saturday-couldn’t get the priesthood session however. Our neighbor, Sheri, invited us and the elders to her apartment as she had a better set up than us. on Sunday we held fast and testimony meeting then for the balance of the schedule watch a video of the morning session of October 2008 conference. After church we were able to watch the afternoon session.
Sister Faux—Along with watching conference, and enjoying it, comes the eating…Saturday we had tacos and I thought that was a good choice because we had them before and they (the elders) seemed to like them. I cooked the largest container of hamburger I could buy and thought that would be plenty, but they ate all of that and said that they had more hamburger at their apartment so I looked in freezer and found another package and cooked that and that disappeared too. I think they were full when they finished. It is good to feed people that like to eat. Today the menu was chicken, sour cream (funeral) potatoes, carrots, fruit salad, fresh homemade French bread and apple pie. That sounds pretty good. I tell you about my cooking and you don’t realize the kind of cooking utensils I have to deal with. Maybe I have complained about it before, but to have you sympathize with me I will tell you again. First of all I have no rolling pin, but a vinegar bottle works, no mixer, no blender, no decent place to roll my pie. I do have a cookie sheet that we bought and two pie plates, a Pyrex casserole dish, almost a 9 x 13, but not quite, just an odd size, I have four plates, 6 cheap silverware, two dull knives, not a decent spatula, like to get brownies or cake out of a pan. And a bunch of more stuff I could do with. Oh, and no bowls, except mixing bowls. We had a nice two days with the elders. We were to have zone conference last week but our mission president was sick so they cancelled it. We will have it the 13/14 October so have to start planning food for that. I have been keeping a note about things I was going to tell you but I can’t find it and my mind is blank, as usual, so this will be short tonight. One more thing- We received a letter last week that was written on Father’s Day so you can see how long it takes some mail to travel. I talk of cooking, sewing and cutting hair as if it were a mission call on its own. However I do know the reason we are here, I know we have a Heavenly Father that loves and takes care of us. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior; I know the Holy Ghost is our comforter and friend. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church, I know Joseph Smith was a prophet and the President Thomas S Monson is our president and prophet this day. That is the reason we are here and hopefully we can be an example of what we believe. Best wished to all---If you feel guilty about not writing us ---please do so. Love, Sister Faux and Elder Faux
p.s. (Elder Faux) the food was delicious and all the thanks Sister Faux really needed was to see how the elders relished their meals. They were most appreciative, and said so over and over, in addition to washing the dishes both days. Cheri joined with us for each meal as well.