30 March 2010

First we need to mention that we have a problem in sending our photos. Our computer elder expert can’t figure what has gone haywire up to now. We took our computer with to zone conference planning to have Elder Stevens, a senior missionary computer specialist assigned to St Marrten’s look at it. But he became ill at the last minute and opted not to come to zone conference so we are still at square one.

Last Monday, preparation day, at the elder’s request, we took them to see the Sulphur Springs near Soufriere. Or at least that was our plan. Branch member Renata Elliott, who lives near Soufriere as well, requested of the elders copies of pictures they had taken at the recent Relief Society Birthday social. They thought since we would be in the area they would put the pictures on a flash drive we could go to her home and download them into her computer. When we reach Soufriere it was noon so we decided we should have lunch before driving on to Renata’s. So we dined at Fedo’s, a little neighborhood eatery in Soufriere. Once at Renata’s, and as the photos were being downloaded, she asked the elders if they would like to stay and join her and her husband, Bob, for dinner when he returned from work later in the day. One elder thought it would be too long of a wait but his concern was barely noticed as the other three readily accepted the invite-Sulphur Springs suddenly forgotten about. So a little later in the day, much sooner than Elder and Sister Faux felt like eating, we sat down to eat again. We took a little portion of everything that was served but it was somewhat difficult because of our noonday meal. When we departed for Vieux Fort both Elder and Sister Faux had churning stomachs plus having to drive ‘that’ highway in the dark. Once at the apartment Elder Faux calmed his stomach with a dose of Tums while Sister Faux unloaded her stomach contents into the toilet.

Sister Faux: I spent the remainder of the week in about that same condition so I accomplished little for the week. I had invited Betherlie, Swancy, Evenella and Boom Boom for lunch on Thursday. Betherlie is having a month vacation, so I did follow through with that little social. I planned on inviting others but just was not up to it. Sister Nicholas did come so I was happy about that. We had a nice afternoon and they enjoyed the American lunch: chicken enchiladas, fruit salad and a vegetable dish, cabbage with sliced carrots cooked together. Also had homemade hot dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls. The hot rolls were the favorite. Boom Boom has been sent to live with her mother and that makes us so sad. They ask her father for some money to help with the food and etc and they never received any so they feel they cannot support her. Poor little Boom Boom will be so sad to leave this family and makes us sad as well as the elders. We always wonder what she will grow up to be as she is very smart and a darling personality. Saturday we had a cleaning day at the church to prepare for the visit of Mission President Gamiette and has wife for branch conference. We had four ladies turn out to help plus the elders and one 10 year old girl. They really cleaned the yard as it was very bad. One thing they do is if there are any green bushes or other greenery it is always cut down and piled up in a junk pile. Seems to me it would be better if it just grew and was pretty and green. Sorry I just do not understand everything. Our branch conference was very nice as we had many come that had not been there for such a long time. Sixty two in attendance-which was great-one member I had never met before. We just hope they all keep coming. President Gamiette invited seven members to the podium and share their testimonies and that was good. The primary sang a hymn that Sister Elliott had helped them with and we had a few extra kids that don’t often have a ride come and sing also. I think there were four girls (one was a baby that does not talk but she wanted to be part of it) and four boys. It turned out so nice. Sister Elliott left that Sunday to return back to Canada so we lost our song leader. Shaza, who just celebrated her 10th birthday, was asked to lead the singing. It was so cute and she did a fine job. She does not follow a pattern but beats perfect time to the music and is easy to follow. Of the thousands of sacraments services being held this Sunday, and if we would have had an option to do so, we would not have traded places with anyone. Life here is so interesting. After the Sacrament Service we had lunch prepared by Sister Nicholas, her last assignment before leaving for England later in the day. She is staying for five or six months to have her baby there. Following the meeting and many interviews President Gamiette drove our car, and us, to Castries to be there for zone conference on Monday morning. He drives much faster than Elder Faux but we arrived safe and spent the night at Treseaders. Another good zone conference and the food filled them up once again….So we are tired today. Nice week but sorry about our pictures. Have a great week. Love, Sister and Elder Faux