Dave and Dora Faux

2011-01-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

23 July 2010 Friday

2011-01-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

Going home day! Already it is here. But first some things need to be done like mailing the box full of gifts the William family gave us last Wednesday evening as we visited their home for the last time. Also, for the Augustine Family, we took the pillows we purchased from Martha yesterday when she inspected the apartment, some towels, plus two pair of shoes we hope they can use. Dora made the climb to their home which was an achievement in itself. Jane was working but we got to say goodbye to Curtis and the boys, Jamal in particular. As a farewell jester Elders Nielson, Taylor, Rosales and Bowles treated us to a Domino’s Pizza dinner. Elder Taylor told Sister Faux a couple of weeks ago he was going to cook a dinner for her before we left but it ended up this being as close as he could come. But it did hit the spot. Then it was time to load our luggage and drive to the Hewanorra International Airport located in Vieux Fort to check in. Before leaving the apartment we weighed each one of our suitcases and according to our scale they were all within the prescribed limits. However, when we put our first suitcase on the airport scale it was eight pounds over. This is when we were thankful the elders (Bowles, Nielson, Rosales, and Taylor) were with. They carried our luggage to an out-of-the place area where they began sorting though and rearranging various items within our three suitcases. With their expertise in matters such as this it wasn’t long until we were back at the ticket counter with all three suitcases within the weight limits. After handshakes and hugs our final act was to present to Elder Bowles the keys to the auto. There is always a sunny side to everything. In Atlanta we had to change aircraft and by the time we retrieved our luggage, processed through immigration, customs and security we were on a dead run. We made it OK but not with much time to spare. We arrived at the Salt Lake City International Airport at 11:50 p.m. to be greeted by our sons Craig and Jeff and his wife Kris, and their children (our grandchildren) Wesston, Ceci and Hunter; our daughter Amy and husband Raulan and their children (our grandchildren) Connor, Jenna and Riley; and our daughter Becky-and just a few minutes later grandchildren Tascha and Hannah. Needless to say it was fabulous to be greeted by so many family members at this time of night. We rode home with Craig in our nice Buick Lucerne and it seemed so good. Once at home and the visiting mostly done it was 2:00 a.m. when we said our goodnights to one another. We are most thankful for a safe day of travel and especially the opportunity and blessing it has been for us to serve in the West Indies Mission the last seventeen months. We met some wonderful people and feel that we have formed lifetime friendships even if we should never meet them again. They are a beautiful and handsome race of people that we truly learned to love. We pray the good members of the Vieux Fort Branch will stay strong in the covenants they have made so they can be a good example and further the missionary work in that area of St Lucia.
Sister Faux, Yes, we are home from serving our mission in the West Indies on the Island of St Lucia. We had a wonderful time while serving there as we met and learned to love so many great friends. We learned so many new things about the island, the people, about ourselves and the church. We are happy to be home and seeing our family and our friends. We are back in our old ways traveling to our Idaho home, racquet ball and just enjoying life. We miss our friends in St Lucia very much and pray for them each day. We pray they can continue to have a good life and realize how important the church should be with them. What a great influence they can be to others as they stay active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know the church is true and the principles that are taught are genuine and real and help us become better people. I am thankful for the opportunity to have served this mission on the Island of St Lucia of the West Indies Mission.

2010-07-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

2010-07-19T08:32:00.002-07:00

2010-07-19T08:32:00.001-07:00

Our last Sunday in Vieux Fort and needless to say one filled with much emotion. The excitement we feel as we anticipate returning home is somewhat dampened in realizing we will be saying goodbye to the many wonderful people in this area we have become good friends with. We do appreciate them as they have been so good and kind to us from day one. It has been marvelous, and to us a testimony of the gospel, to have seen a number of them baptized and now the strength they are in the branch. And in the same context we have seen some baptized then fall away despite the efforts of the missionaries and fellowshipping by branch members. Our favorite event of the week was Saturday morning as Francisca, a 40+ year old lady, was baptized. She is so excited and can’t keep from smiling. (A note of interest: you step out Francisca’s front door and not thirty feet away is the entrance to the ‘Emmanuel Community Church-but she found the true one regardless). She attended a branch family home evening a couple of weeks ago. After the closing prayer four or five of the branch sisters were sitting together visiting. They included Francisca in their visiting and when it came time to say goodnight they were all good friends. Another testimony of what an inspired program family home evening is and what it can do. Later in the day we drove to Castries to help Sister Treseder celebrate her 70th birthday. But don’t tell her we said how old she is. We had lunch at “The Edge”, a water front restaurant, our table on the patio right at the water edge providing us with a striking view of the bay and the surrounding country side. The Treseders are fun to be with and we had a delightful day with them. For Preparation Day Elder Faux took the elders to see some of the attractions in the Soufriere region. One stop was at the Ladera Resort to take in the magnificent vista of the Caribbean Ocean framed by the Petit and Gros Pitons. The rooms at this resort do not have a wall on this facing so every room has an unobstructed view of this gorgeous panorama. Once the elders have been here they immediately start to ponder the possibilities of spending their honeymoon at this resort. The main consideration is the $$$$$$$$$’s it will take. Once we returned to the apartment Sister Faux had a yummy taco soup prepared, with all the trimmings, for lunch plus ice cream and brownies with a favorite topping for dessert.
Sister Faux: As Elder Faux stated we did have our LAST Sunday service and it turned into a tear jerker. It is hard to say goodbye as we have learned to love the members very much. They are good people and sometimes life is very hard for them. I was called on to speak but Elder Faux was not- I think he worked it that way. It was a nice Sunday and we sang “Called to Serve” and also “God Be with You Till We Meet Again”, so my heart has been full today. I am sorry to leave our elders here also—they are fine young men. They make my life better each time we see them. I know I have said things like that before, but it is true. They are not invited to eat with the members; I think rarely they are offered any food… so who is going to feed them??? I don’t feed them that much so it is always fun. Thursday was our LAST Relief Society meeting. We had a great time and everyone was happy and enjoyed visiting together. I made an American picnic for them and they happily ate everything. We invited the elders and they came just as we were finishing and I told the sisters they were coming or they would have eaten everything. I made sloppy Joes, no one had eaten that before, potato salad, green salad (they eat that without any dressing) baked beans (a problem with the beans: I planned to bake them two hours or so but after they had been in the oven an hour I checked them and they were still cold, gas tank was empty) and so I improvised and set them outside in the sun. It was not quite the same but they didn’t care. We also had chips and strawberry short cake for dessert. I felt that was successful and a good time was had by all. For entertainment I took most of our missionary clothes, like 9 skirts and blouses and a dress, three pair of shoes and Dave’s 3 white shirts, shoes and stockings, 2 pair of pants. Then I had a table of elders clothes that had been left in the apartment and Sister Williamson left some of her clothes. I also had many plastic dishes from the kitchen that they snapped up. They took everything except a small shirt and one pair of white socks (threw them away). It was so successful and so we have only a few things to wear this last week. Our LAST visit tonight at the William home. These have been delightful evenings for us and they have taught us so many things about the islands. This is the home where Boom Boom lives, except she was asleep tonight. They have been very kind and helpful to us. Evans is Elders Quorum president and Beverly is Relief Society president. They have been members about 1 ½ years so they still have many things to learn but they take their callings seriously. We always enjoy our visit. One sad note, my tomato plant…It had a blossom, no tomato and it has been very sick. I had it sitting out in the sun and it rained so hard that it was about drowned. It is looking a bit better and I took it to Evans tonight and hopefully he can revive it. I really did think I would have tomatoes before we left...A little sad. Yesterday we took our LAST trip to Castries for Sister Treseder’s birthday. Very nice day with them. On the way back home I started to count the abounded cars that they park along the road or in their yard. I counted about 55 and I know there were many that I missed. If they leave them for a long enough time the vines and shrubbery will cover them and there is no way to see they are there. It looks very bad but I guess they have no way to dispose of them.
I am very anxious and happy to be returning home, but it is so hard, as I said to leave our friends. I have learned many things about this island, the people and their customs. It has been an opportunity to serve another mission. I know once again more sincerely than ever that we belong to a true church. I have received so many blessings as we have served here. It is nice to have the time to study the scriptures and be involved with new members of the church. It is wonderful to be with these elders and to watch them in action as they work hard and influence so many people. I know they are very blessed and very good young men. I will miss talking to them and watching the things they do. It has been great to serve with Elder Faux, What a good man he is and so very kind. We have been happy together. I will bid you farewell and hopefully write one more blog after we arrive home and get connected to internet. It has been a pleasure to write this blog each week. Last time I looked we had had 315 readings for the week. Thank you for your interest. Sister and Elder Faux

2010-07-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

2010-07-12T08:03:00.001-07:00

2010-07-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

11 July 2010 Sunday
Elder Brenkmann was notified Friday evening that he was being transferred to Trinidad and needed a police report prior to his leaving early Wednesday. So first thing Monday morning we were on our way to Castries so he could submit his application. As we started back for Vieux Fort we decided to stop at an internet café for a donut to eat on the way. At the entrance to the café were listed the morning breakfast specials –omelets of various makings. It was fairly obvious, once we read that menu, that the four of us (Elders Brenkmann and Bowles, Elder and Sister Faux) were all for breakfast and not just a donut. A good decision since none of us had really had breakfast. The omelets tasted as good as they sounded. Except Elder Faux had a ‘Strawberry Stack’-pancakes smothered with Strawberries. Transfer day Wednesday so we drove to Castries once again early morning for Elder Brenkmann to catch his flight to Trinidad and for us to pick up his replacement-Elder Rosales. This will be the third time Elder Rosales has served with the Vieux Fort Branch (in jest we tell him he either needs to get it right or they can’t get along without him). And as a bit of trivia: Elder Rosales was one of the elders that greeted us when we arrived and now we will tell him goodbye as we depart. The big event of the week however, was the baptism of 15 year old Jamal Joeboy Augustin. Elder Taylor baptized him with Elders Nielson and Faux as witnesses. The ocean was a little rough and we were engulfed by a couple of breakers during the ceremony-but it got done. He is one of four sons of Curtis and Jane Augustin. Elders Nielson and Taylor were hoping that he and his father, Curtis, would be baptized together but it didn’t quite work out. His mother was baptized last February and has been a stalwart ever since. One of the unique things about this family, that has thrilled us, the elders especially, is that Curtis and Jane are MARRIED. To the best of our recollection this is the first such family the elders have found since we have been here. Another thing that has been exciting to observe is the wonderful change that has taken place within this family as the elders have taught them the gospel with two of them, soon to be three, having accepted it.
Sister Faux: Yes, the baptism was exciting and was even more exciting as it was Elder Taylor’s first baptism. I am sure Elder Nielson has had many baptisms as he has been out for about 1 & ½ years, but it was still exciting for him as well. Elder Taylor has been here only one transfer and so fairly new to the mission. Both are good elders. Wednesday we had our last temple class with the three sisters and in fact had four that day. That has been a nice experience for us and I think for them. When President Nicholas comes back he can interview them for their recommend and then they must meet with President Gamiette for the final interview. They are all nice sisters and hopefully the time will come when they will have the funds to get to the temple. They will have a recommend and that should be very important to them. Wednesday night is also our Book of Mormon class and was taught by Brother Hippolyte. That leaves us only two more classes for our mission. They read every verse of the Book of Mormon and then discuss almost everyone in detail. They seem to be learning many things and is nice when the elders come as they can explain things the members do not understand. I have been packing many things in the apartment getting ready to give them away. I believe I have said no other couple is coming to take our place so we must clean all the mission belongings up and get rid of them. I am trying to use up most of our food but whatever is left either the elders or the members can use. Thursday night we are having a Relief Society meeting and I am taking most of our clothes and my neighbor’s clothes, as she is going home on Wednesday. We will have the ladies choose any that they can use. I am also taking a few kitchen things as well. I have given the towels away except two. I am going to do an American picnic for Relief Society so that should be interesting as they are big eaters. Not much news for this week. The Church is true. Sister Faux and Elder Faux

2010-07-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

2010-07-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

4 July 2010 Sunday
May you all have a joyous Fourth of July! Although it will be just another day in St Lucia we will be well aware of what it means to us.
We now have air conditioning for the chapel. As branch President Nicholas has been out of the country all the responsibility of getting it installed and running has been placed in the hands of Elder Faux. The installation was included in the purchase price except for the brackets needed to support the units on the outside wall so he had to work with the church and the installer to arrange for this extra amount. Then came the electrical part. He had so much advice on what should be done and what not to do his head was swimming. While talking with the landlord (church building) he suggested, Keith, his handy man to do the electrical. In visiting with him about the job and relating the many do and don’ts received it was soon evident Keith knew what he was doing. Elder Faux is thankful to have found him as he did a great job. Another plus with the air conditioning is with the windows and door closed it is surprising how much the noise from highway in front is reduced. Sister Faux once again prepared a Preparation Day lunch for the elders since they would be here doing their e-mails. Her menu included chicken, corn, green salad, mashed potatoes and gravy (a big hit) and cake for dessert. It delights Sister Faux to see them enjoy their meal as much as they do. Later in the afternoon we received a call from senior missionary Elder Treseder, who is in Castries, telling us a member in their branch has a sister who has been hospitalized in St Jude’s, the local hospital, for nine days with a broken neck. At his request we told him we would pay her a visit. When we arrived at the hospital the receptionist was gone for the day so we enlisted the help of a security guard to find the nurses’ station. When we told them who we were there to visit they had no idea who we were talking about. They had no one by that name and especially not for nine days with a broken neck. We related this information to Elder Treseder and in his follow up he found out t it was a totally fabricated story. So it goes.
Sister Faux: Last week I talked about things I miss and my daughter Amy wrote and ask me what things I would miss from the mission field. I have been thinking about that some and do have a few things I will miss ---these things are not in order of importance but just as I have thought about them. Some things I will miss, some things I will NOT miss.
1. I will not miss being the oldest couple in the West Indies Mission. 2. I will miss our branch members of the church. I think of them as pioneers in this country. At times it is hard for them as other people do not understand the church. They are good people and we love them. 3. I will miss our branch president and wife. He is a good man and the members and investigators love him. 4. I will miss Brother Hippolyte and his family. I will miss seeing them grow and change in the church. Miss his jokes. 5. I will miss Jeanette and Davis Thomas. Jeanette is one of the favorite people in my world. 6. I will miss the William Family. Almost every Sunday night we have spent with them having family home evening. Evans is now the elder’s quorum president and Betherlie is the Relief Society president. It is fun to see them take their responsibilities seriously. We have learned many nice things about the islands from them. They are parents of Merlisa, Evanella and Swancy . They are the family that has been raising Boom-Boom-our very favorite little person. 7. I will miss all of our members and could write a story about each of them. 8. I will miss all of our elders. We have been blessed with so many good young men, all 19 of them. Some have come out saying they have never read a book in their life but now can repeat the scriptures and information that I could never remember. They are great young men. 9. I will NOT miss my clothes I brought with me. I can’t wait to leave them behind. 10. I will miss the ocean and the beautiful parts of the island. 11. I will miss the e-mails that I have received from so many people. If everyone saw how often I check for a new message they would write me every day. 12. I will miss the interesting ways the lessons are taught. 13. I will miss seeing how clean and perfectly pressed all the people are. Their clothes are the whitest I have ever seen. 14. I will miss our three room apartment as it is fairly nice and so much easier to keep clean than the 10 rooms in our house. 15. I will miss the hugs and kisses from our member/friends at church. 16. I will miss the few senior couples that we have met. We will miss the Treseders’ and the Collins’ that have lived on St Lucia. 17. I will miss the sunrise as it comes up in the southwest each day. I know that is wrong, but that is the way it seems to me. Will miss the gorgeous sunsets, especially those out at Betherlie and Evans home on the beach. 18. I will miss the many, many beautiful babies; this is a handsome race of people. 19. I will miss understanding some of the language—English with a different slant. 20. I will miss drying my clothes our on a clothes line. They smell so good. 21. I will miss the wonderful rain showers. 22. I will NOT miss the weather report – HOT_HOT_HOT. 23. I will miss seeing the homes built on top of the mountains. How do they get there? Walk? 24. I will miss Josephine at the outdoor Saturday morning market. A very fun and nice lady. 25. I will miss seeing people carrying large packages on top of their heads. 26. I will miss the lush green country sides. 27. I will miss seeing groups of people sitting along the road doing nothing. 28. I will miss the BLUE skies and the fluffy clouds. 29. I will NOT miss the cars passing on almost every curve on the road. 30. I will NOT miss seeing trucks packed with passengers in the back, standing up or sitting on the edge of the truck. 31 I will miss seeing the fruit and vegetable stands all along the roads. 32. I will miss the beautician I found in Castries. 33. I will miss driving through the rain forest, very pretty. 34. I will miss the nice green grass in our yard that has never been sprinkled except by rain. 35. I will Not miss seeing the old junky cars all along the roads…Waiting for the green grass on trees to grow and cover them up. 36. I will NOT miss the coconut water in coconuts—instant heartburn. 37. I will NOT miss breadfruit or macaroni and cheese.38. I will miss learning things about myself. I found I can do many things I had no idea I could do. I have learned that many simple things make people happy. I have sewed and repaired many things that I had no idea I could do. 39. I have learned that it is very easy to love people. 40. I have learned the beauty of black people. 41. I have missed our family very much. At home I talk to my daughters that live in Idaho and California almost every day. Families are most important and I love and am proud of each one. Proud of the kind of people that they are. They are all different from each other and their lives are different but they are all good kind people. I am proud to be their mother. 42. I have learned once again how blessed and lucky I am to have a good husband such as Elder Faux. He is a very gentle, kind man and is absolutely the very best thing that ever happened to me. He has served a wonderful mission and I feel very proud to be his companion. I know there are other things that I will miss but this is just a start. Have a nice week. Sister and Elder Faux

2010-06-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

2010-06-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

27 June 2010 Sunday

Last week Sister Faux mentioned the birth of baby girls to Swancy and Sister Nicholas. She will relate more about this in her comments.

As a pre-arranged Preparation Day diversion in the afternoon Elder Faux drove the elders to view the Dennery Waterfall located about 5 miles west of the village of Dennery (thus the name). In the last few months we have taken other visitors to this location and have been somewhat disappointed due to the small amount of water flowing over the fall. However today it was spectacular. All the recent rain made for a good flow in the nearby river with an abundance of water coming over the fall. The rain had also washed all the surrounding foliage so it was vivid and green and the thought run through my mind that “this site could easily have been a waterfall in the Garden of Eden”. The elders were equally impressed as well and had a great time getting in the way of the mist generated by the fall so they were all soaking wet by the time we departed. When we reach our apartment we were greeted by the aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through the screen door. Sister Faux, bless her heart, while we had been having fun she stayed at the apartment to prepare a scrumptious dinner consisting of a chicken casserole, fruit salad, plus the hot rolls, as mentioned, with cinnamon rolls for dessert.

Wednesday was zone conference in Castries. President Gamiette thought it would be beneficial to have the branch and elder quorum presidents meet with us as well. Therefore he scheduled the conference for 4:00 p.m. thus enabling three out of four to be in attendance. Each time we meet with President Gamiette we are more impressed with his enthusiasm, his teaching skills, and the way he uses the scriptures in his instruction. It was a good conference, and with mixed emotions, the last one for us. By taking a break part way through to feast on Subway Sandwiches, and cookies, it was 9:20 p.m. by the time we departed for Vieux Fort. Elder Faux was not that eager about driving home in the dark, and would have preferred staying over. But Firmus Hippolyte, 1st counselor in the branch presidency, who attended in President Nicholas’s absent, needed a ride which we consented to provide. As we parked the auto at our apartment we were both thankful to have had such a fruitful and safe day.

Sister Faux: A week ago Saturday night President Nicholas wife gave birth to a baby girl in England. She seems healthy and I am sure they are happy about her. As she was born in England she will have an English citizenship and some of the privileges of being English. I am sure she must be a beautiful baby. They plan to come home in August or September. Her name is Ceci (same as our granddaughter that has visited here). I do not know the spelling but that is her name. Swancy William also had a baby girl that same night but her baby was a month early and was small- only 4 lbs. We thought she was also healthy but found out later that her lungs were not developed and her heart was on the wrong side. She died Sunday night and so that has been sad for the family. They held a simple service for her on Wednesday that we could not attend as we were in Castries for Zone Conference. We are sorry for the family.

As Elder Faux talked about the elders having a great day last Monday. We have many, many pictures of the falls with the various elders. I did fix lunch for them as I used to do all the time. I have been lazy for a few weeks so I will mend my ways. Zone conference on Wednesday was nice. The elders had been told that due to the later time they were to come feeling full of food. We were to have refreshments and so we decided to have Subway Sandwiches and cookies. They were a hit as usual. No one came to Seminary again on Thursday- that is four times no one has come. I keep thinking that if no one has any interest we should stop; Elder Faux thinks we should continue. We will see what happens this week. Today was our first Sunday with air conditioning but I was disappointed as it was not very cool??? Elder Faux ended up being the one in charge of the men that installed it and also hiring an electrician. I hope it works out okay.

Some of the things I have been thinking of this week are the things that I miss here in the West Indies Mission: I miss not seeing a good roast beef, have only seen minced beef. I miss sour cream, although we find it at times. I miss seeing a nice FAT, cow, horse, goat or a sheep. The pigs look quite fat and they wander all over the town as do the other animals. I miss a nice soft towel; our towels are stiff as they dry in the sun. I miss a nice sidewalk; they are very rough and miserable to walk on. I miss a nice smooth place to drive a car: the roads are full of chuckholes, they have been repaving the road to Castries and it is better in most places. I miss having someone play the piano at church. I miss a nice CRISP box of crackers or chips. I miss blooming flowers: We have many flowering shrubs but not many flowers. I miss nice modestly dressed women. I miss cars that drive on the right side of the road. I hear people saying “It is finished” when they don’t have what we want to buy. But now must say “It is Finished”-almost.

Sister and Elder Faux

2010-06-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

2010-06-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

2010-06-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

20 June 2010 Sunday
FIRST OF ALL: A happy Father’s Day to all. Tuesday was our district meeting, in Vieux Fort this week, and the day turned out to be a cluster of activity that just seemed to fall into place. Elder Warhurst, our district leader, once again had a well prepared lesson, and training, ready for our meeting. We have mentioned this before that we are impressed with the insight and comprehension these young elders display as they go about their missionary efforts and assignments. Skills that will be blessings to them in whatever they do following their mission. About ten minutes after our district meeting ended a crew arrived to install the air conditioners (the mission Physical Facilities people worked out a way to pay for the brackets that were needed). This timing just by pure chance. After district meeting we enjoyed the company of Elder and Sister Treseder as they awaited the arrival of Elder Treseder’s two brothers and their wives, at the Vieux Fort International Airport, as they come for a visit. While the Treseder’s were at the airport Elder and Sister Faux were back at the church giving final approval on the installation of the air conditioners. We were told the electrical system is not adequate to operate air conditioners so that is now our next project. The Treseder families decided to have lunch before driving to Castries and invited us to join with them -which we did. Have we mention Liat Caribbean Airline before? Another episode: Our plans were to pick up Elder and Sister Olliver in Castries Wednesday morning, as they were flying in from Trinidad, and then bring them to the Vieux Fort airport for their flight home, as they have completed their mission. About ten minutes into our drive we receive a call from the mission office telling us Liat went on strike this morning so the Ollivers’ would not be flying in. About the time we returned to the apartment another call asking if we could pick them up at the Vieux Fort airport at 3:30 p.m. “That would be fine, Happy to do it”. Then another telephone call a couple of hours later telling us not to bother, “The Olliver’s have found a flight from Trinidad to Dallas, Texas”. In the early afternoon yet another telephone call from the mission office, “The Ollivers’ decided against the Dallas flight; could you pick them up at 6:30 p.m. at the Vieux Fort airport and help them with accommodations for the night?” “OK, we will be glad to do that”. Plan A: we will invite them to stay with us. Therefore Sister Faux washed the sheets so all would be fresh and clean if they opted to accept our invitation. Plan B: we did find an available room in a local hotel, but had no idea what it look like, if that should be their choice. As we supposed they preferred to stay with us and we are pleased they did so. Thus we turned our bedroom, with easy access to the shower/toilet, and air conditioning, over to them while we slept in the kitchen area on the floor, using the mattresses we had borrowed from the elder’s apartment. We had a nice visit with them and happy we could accommodate them. And they seemed really appreciative of the bed and the meals Dora prepared for them. Because of Liat going on strike by the time the Ollivers’ arrive at their home in Cedar City, Utah they will have been on the road for four days.
Sister Faux: Once again it is Sunday afternoon- where did that week go, time really does fly when you are having fun. I will try to recall the things I accomplished last week. I thought I about had my sewing all finished but then I received more shirts that Elder Taylor wanted tailored. I have turned that into a speedy process and it does not take as much time as when I first became a tailor. Whoever thought I would turn into a tailor. It is fun and makes the elders happy. I finished my 29 aprons, I actually gave away 30 but one was a new one I brought with me and used for a pattern. I made eight aprons for the fathers in the branch and gave them today for Father’s Day. It was fun as they liked them and we were able to take some pictures. I also made a couple of women’s aprons for the women who work in the shop where I buy my material. The one lady asks me for a gift before I go home and the owner asked for a pattern of the apron. I wonder if she will make some aprons to sell, if so I think I need a cut of the profit. The sewing machine is all cleaned up and oiled and ready to put away until someone else comes along ready to sew. Last Sunday we had visitors in our branch, the Miller’s, they said that they had a taxi taking them around down town where we were driving and Elder Faux pulled out and they saw us and said “Oh there is another white couple on vacation”. The taxi driver said “No, he is the minister of their church here on the island”. We must be better known than we think we are and we found that interesting. Last week as we were out to the William home a man was sitting out in the ocean on a little boat of some kind. He was just sitting there and we could see some type of markings or whatever surrounding quite a large area. They told us he was a seaweed farmer and was gathering or farming his seaweed. We had never heard of such a thing before but it looked interesting. Our elders have had their washer broken for a week or two. Last Monday they were here for sometime as they did their email and did their washing. My washer is very slow and about 8 pm the last batch finished. They are getting a new washer but I do not think it is ready just yet. They were here at lunch time so I made scones for lunch. They seemed to enjoy them. Our lastest news is that Swancy William had a baby girl last night. She was born a month early and is tiny 4 lbs and? We will see her tomorrow. Sister Nicholas had her baby in England last night and was another baby girl. I think they come home in August. Our next movie at the church will be this Friday. It is always interesting to see how many turn out. Well that is it for the day, hope everyone has a good week. The Church is true. Sister and Elder Faux 20 June 2010 Sunday
FIRST OF ALL: A happy Father’s Day to all. Tuesday was our district meeting, in Vieux Fort this week, and the day turned out to be a cluster of activity that just seemed to fall into place. Elder Warhurst, our district leader, once again had a well prepared lesson, and training, ready for our meeting. We have mentioned this before that we are impressed with the insight and comprehension these young elders display as they go about their missionary efforts and assignments. Skills that will be blessings to them in whatever they do following their mission. About ten minutes after our district meeting ended a crew arrived to install the air conditioners (the mission Physical Facilities people worked out a way to pay for the brackets that were needed). This timing just by pure chance. After district meeting we enjoyed the company of Elder and Sister Treseder as they awaited the arrival of Elder Treseder’s two brothers and their wives, at the Vieux Fort International Airport, as they come for a visit. While the Treseder’s were at the airport Elder and Sister Faux were back at the church giving final approval on the installation of the air conditioners. We were told the electrical system is not adequate to operate air conditioners so that is now our next project. The Treseder families decided to have lunch before driving to Castries and invited us to join with them -which we did. Have we mention Liat Caribbean Airline before? Another episode: Our plans were to pick up Elder and Sister Olliver in Castries Wednesday morning, as they were flying in from Trinidad, and then bring them to the Vieux Fort airport for their flight home, as they have completed their mission. About ten minutes into our drive we receive a call from the mission office telling us Liat went on strike this morning so the Ollivers’ would not be flying in. About the time we returned to the apartment another call asking if we could pick them up at the Vieux Fort airport at 3:30 p.m. “That would be fine, Happy to do it”. Then another telephone call a couple of hours later telling us not to bother, “The Olliver’s have found a flight from Trinidad to Dallas, Texas”. In the early afternoon yet another telephone call from the mission office, “The Ollivers’ decided against the Dallas flight; could you pick them up at 6:30 p.m. at the Vieux Fort airport and help them with accommodations for the night?” “OK, we will be glad to do that”. Plan A: we will invite them to stay with us. Therefore Sister Faux washed the sheets so all would be fresh and clean if they opted to accept our invitation. Plan B: we did find an available room in a local hotel, but had no idea what it look like, if that should be their choice. As we supposed they preferred to stay with us and we are pleased they did so. Thus we turned our bedroom, with easy access to the shower/toilet, and air conditioning, over to them while we slept in the kitchen area on the floor, using the mattresses we had borrowed from the elder’s apartment. We had a nice visit with them and happy we could accommodate them. And they seemed really appreciative of the bed and the meals Dora prepared for them. Because of Liat going on strike by the time the Ollivers’ arrive at their home in Cedar City, Utah they will have been on the road for four days.
Sister Faux: Once again it is Sunday afternoon- where did that week go, time really does fly when you are having fun. I will try to recall the things I accomplished last week. I thought I about had my sewing all finished but then I received more shirts that Elder Taylor wanted tailored. I have turned that into a speedy process and it does not take as much time as when I first became a tailor. Whoever thought I would turn into a tailor. It is fun and makes the elders happy. I finished my 29 aprons, I actually gave away 30 but one was a new one I brought with me and used for a pattern. I made eight aprons for the fathers in the branch and gave them today for Father’s Day. It was fun as they liked them and we were able to take some pictures. I also made a couple of women’s aprons for the women who work in the shop where I buy my material. The one lady asks me for a gift before I go home and the owner asked for a pattern of the apron. I wonder if she will make some aprons to sell, if so I think I need a cut of the profit. The sewing machine is all cleaned up and oiled and ready to put away until someone else comes along ready to sew. Last Sunday we had visitors in our branch, the Miller’s, they said that they had a taxi taking them around down town where we were driving and Elder Faux pulled out and they saw us and said “Oh there is another white couple on vacation”. The taxi driver said “No, he is the minister of their church here on the island”. We must be better known than we think we are and we found that interesting. Last week as we were out to the William home a man was sitting out in the ocean on a little boat of some kind. He was just sitting there and we could see some type of markings or whatever surrounding quite a large area. They told us he was a seaweed farmer and was gathering or farming his seaweed. We had never heard of such a thing before but it looked interesting. Our elders have had their washer broken for a week or two. Last Monday they were here for sometime as they did their email and did their washing. My washer is very slow and about 8 pm the last batch finished. They are getting a new washer but I do not think it is ready just yet. They were here at lunch time so I made scones for lunch. They seemed to enjoy them. Our lastest news is that Swancy William had a baby girl last night. She was born a month early and is tiny 4 lbs and? We will see her tomorrow. Sister Nicholas had her baby in England last night and was another baby girl. I think they come home in August. Our next movie at the church will be this Friday. It is always interesting to see how many turn out. Well that is it for the day, hope everyone has a good week. The Church is true. Sister and Elder Faux

2010-06-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

2010-06-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

13 June 2010 Sunday
Weather wise, the last month seems to have been getting hotter. Just a couple of degrees on the thermometer can make quite a difference. At church, with the six windows and two doors open, and the five ceiling fans whirling full tempo it has, for the most part, been bearable. But the last three weeks something more was needed therefore a 100 horsepower floor fan was added to the inventory. Well it sounds like a 100 horsepower when it is turned on. It has made a difference although it has required turning up the volume of the microphone. Anyway this week two air conditioning units were delivered to the church –the installation cost included in the purchase price. When the installers came to put them in place they realized two pair of brackets would be required for the outside units -which were not included in the purchase price. As President Nicholas has the only access to the branch funds, and he is in England at this time, our dilemma now is trying to figure a way to obtain the money to pay for the brackets. Meanwhile, there sitting along one wall of the chapel are our air conditioning units tantalizing us. A little about our two newest elders, Elders Nielson and Taylor. Elder Nielson is from Nephi (Utah) and Pleasant Grove High School’s renowned head football coach, Dale Sampson and his wife Cindee, are his uncle and aunt. Now for Elder Taylor. He is from Loa (Utah). About three miles east of Loa is Lyman where in lives the Jeff Peterson family with twin sons, and missionaries, the same age as Elder Taylor. Their older brother, Shawn, served in the Philippines where we became well acquainted with him while serving there as well. We have even visited with him on occasions when passing though Lyman. Prior to this mission Elder Faux did quite a bit of relief work at the Wayne Community Health Center pharmacy in Bicknell (Utah) and we have established that he and Elder Taylor’s mother, because of her employment at the time, have conversed with one another in the pharmacy. Visiting in church today was the Miller Family-eight total counting son and daughter-in-laws- from Clovis, California. In conversing with Brother Miller Elder Brenkmann mentioned he at one time had companion from Clovis. When his name was mentioned Brother Miller recognized it immediately stating he not only knew him but had many interactions with his father. These comments just to show that when you are a member of the Church it really does become a small world.
Sister Faux: Greetings from the West Indies Mission---which includes St Maartin,St Lucia, St Vincent, Grenada, Trinidad Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Barbados is another island that will be included in this mission beginning in July. Some elders are hoping for a chance to serve there, another great adventure to add to their other great adventures. I don’t know how many people realize just what countries are in this mission. Can you imagine how traveling to these places would be every six weeks for zone conference? That is what our mission President Gamiette and his assistants do every six weeks. And as Elder Faux stated in a blog before, the airlines are not too dependable as far as traveling on time. The mission home is in Trinidad which makes it so most of the couple missionaries never go to the mission office or mission home. As the elders come into the mission they do travel to Trinidad and stay in a bed and breakfast that is near the mission home. When they are released they again travel to the mission home for a meeting and dinner and then travel home the next day. Most couples just leave from the country they are serving in at the close of their mission. We did travel to Trinidad with most of the couples once for a training meeting. That is a much bigger island and did not seem much like an island. The adventures are great where we are called to serve.
I know I have talked of the mosquitoes before but you would just have to be here to see how bad they are. If you are outside after sundown or just about dark they almost pack you off. I think they travel around in herds, swarms or at least in a big bunch together. They have become bad since we have had a little rain and I am told they will be that bad until the rainy season is over. Woe is me.
I have never lived where it is very humid (well it was humid when we served in the Philippines) but here it is quite humid and if ever you have had fungus you will understand what I am talking about. Fungus can start anywhere and can be so miserable—just take my word for it…. If you buy a package of gum and open it to have a piece, it is okay. But the next time you open it will feel like it has been chewed once before. It is very sticky and it is the same with candy, you soon learn to keep it in the refrigerator. I make it sound like life here is a bunch of problems, but life can be very good here.
Last week we took our four elders to Castries for district meeting. As usual we stopped at the half way point so they can get out of the car just to check and see if they could still move. Sometimes it is hard. Have you ever noticed how small an area is in the back seat of a Toyota Corolla? They are just in misery all the way. When we started again Elder Taylor ask how much farther because he could not feel his legs. When we go home Elder Brenkmann, zone leader, will have the car and life will improve for them. As we stopped at our usual place I could not help but notice how lush and pretty it is. From that spot you can see the beautiful ocean, a little town across the way and just the pretty country. As I walked over to the edge I was surprised to notice that all the vegetation had been sprayed and was all yellow and dead. It was so disappointing to see that. All around the island they are cutting down trees, especially by the road and we are told they do that before the hurricane season so trees will not fall on the road and cause problems. It is so lush and beautiful before. Well tonight I took a picture of my tomato plant---what do you think, tomatoes before we come home- or not???
Just a note, we come home July 23 and our homecoming meeting is July 25 at 1:00 pm. Anyone interested I can give you the address. Have a great week---The Church is true. Sister and Elder Faux

2010-06-07T08:42:00.002-07:00

2010-06-07T08:42:00.001-07:00

06 June 2010 Sunday
Thursday morning arrived all too soon this week as that is the day our grandchildren, Ceci, Tanner, and Connor departed for home. We really enjoyed our week with them, spending a day in Castries, part of a day at the Anse Chastanet Resort near Soufriere snorkeling, and a lot of time at Sandy Beach in Vieux Fort playing in the ocean. One evening Connor, Tanner, and Elder Faux went with Elders Brenkmann and Bowles to present a discussion to Dane who lives in Piaye-about five miles north. We had a good evening and Elder Faux was impressed with the way future missionary Connor and returned missionary Tanner participated in the discussion. It was also pleasing in that without anything being said Connor and Tanner dressed in their white shirts and ties for this visit. They looked the part. We are happy they took the time to come and visit with us and hope they enjoyed St Lucia and their stay with us. Another interesting experience this week. After district meeting on Tuesday Elder and Sister Treseder stopped at the Super J’s Market in Vieux Fort before returning to Castries. As Elder Faux said his goodbyes to them and went to exit the store he met Pastor Brock, a Baptist minister, from Georgia, whom we have become acquainted with. In the course of our visiting he mentioned his 14 year old daughter is causing the family problems with her high and low mood swings and wondering if Elder Faux had any sage advice to give. “Sounds like hormones might be starting to kick in”, was his best. For some reason Elder Faux felt inclined to introduce him to Elder Treseder-which he did. Pastor Brock in turn started to relate to Elder Treseder what he had been telling Elder Faux and Elder Tresder picked right up on it. Unbeknown to Elder Faux, Elder Treseder has a master’s degree in counseling and this was right up his alley. They visited for quite a few minutes with Elder Treseder telling him he would be willing to sit with her, or the whole family, and see if he could help with the problem if they so desired. To make a long story short Pastor Brock called Elder Treseder later in the day and made an appointment to meet with him Wednesday afternoon at the Castries church (LDS). Elder Treseder reported they had a nice visit and he felt all went convincingly well, and hopefully they may meet another time or two. Pastor and Mrs. Brock have four daughters named, fittingly enough, Charity, Faith, Hope, and Grace. Elder and Sister Treseder also said before departing they had their daughters, and a younger son, sing a song for them in beautiful four part harmony.
Sister Faux: We had a wonderful busy week until early Thursday morning when our grandchildren left to return home. After that the days became very regular-the apartment feeling a little empty after so much activity. We were busy about every minute while the grandchildren were here; no matter the plan for the day we still went to the ocean/beach each day and had a great time. You may think I am bragging but they were very kind and nice to us, each other, and everyone they met. What a great way to enjoy our family. I wish every grandchild could come to visit us. After they left, and the bucket of sand was swept out of the house, I then started once again on all the sewing I need to do. I tailored four more shirts, I think that is about 30 I have tailored, some remodeling of members clothes, and now I am sewing aprons once again for the fathers in the branch for Father’s Day gifts. I know they have never had a Father’s Day gift at the church before so it should be fun. I only need to make about seven but will make eight, as one husband wants to be a father. I think we talked about our Branch President traveling to England to be with his wife as she expects their second baby. We sort of wondered how church would go when he is not here. As is turned out Brother Hippolyte conducted today and did a very nice job and all went well. We were there a little over six hours, with correlation and training meetings after church, and so bushed by the time we returned home. This evening we went out to Evans and Betherlie’s but he was at work and she was at her cousins. When we stopped and opened the car door a zillion mosquitoes flew in the car, it was terrible. While Ceci was here she had about 29 bites in about one night. I tell you she is sweet! Mosquitoes are always on the rampage! It is trying to be the rainy season and maybe that is why they are so bad. It rains often or every few days, usually does not last long but is keeping things green. Hurricane season started the first of June and ends up in November. They have not had a real hurricane here for several years or so I am told. One thing I need to catch a picture of is natives walking around with big bundles on their heads. Big bags of coconuts and I saw a lady carrying a case of soda pop on her head, and many other things. Just need a picture.
Our elders are doing well, still finding people to teach and praying for baptisms. Tonight at 1:45 am they are all going fishing. President Nicolas left his poles for them to use, so they are excited about that. Elder Faux is the driver so he will report on how the fishing goes. Well that is about it for tonight, as I am sitting here typing there is a big jazz festival going on in the neighborhood. Very loud Caribbean music- just might put me to sleep. Our time here is getting short and we still have many things to do so will probably be rather busy. July 23 is our departure date. Our day to speak at church is July 25. Sounds exciting to me!! Sister Faux & Elder Faux

2010-05-31T14:37:00.001-07:00

2010-05-31T14:02:00.001-07:00

2010-05-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

30 May 2010

We are delighted to have visiting with us three grandchildren, Ceci, Tanner, and Connor, all from Idaho. They arrived Thursday evening and will be with us for one week. So far going to the beach and riding the zip line near Dennery have filled our days. It is fun to have them here and we hope they enjoy their visit.

Wednesday morning, 9:00 a.m., we had Elders Barker and Larson at the airport in Castries. Their missions completed they were now returning home. They have been good missionaries and we are glad for the association we have had with them. Last transfer time we mentioned ‘Liat-The Caribbean Airline’, and their consistent inconsistencies. This transfer episode: elders returning home fly to Trinidad first, then from there to home. Just as Elder Barker was about to pass through the security door his name was announced over the intercom system to report to the ticketing desk. He either didn’t hear it, or ignored it, and passed on through the security door. So Elder Treseder checked at the desk to see if it was something of concern. On the flight to Trinidad the elders have a change of aircraft in Barbados. It seems that Elder Barker’s seat from Barbados to Trinidad, even though he had had his ticket for almost two months, had been sold. Therefore he would be stranded at that airport until the next seat was available, and they couldn’t tell Elder Treseder for sure when that would be. Even though the ticketing agent offered varied excuses Elder Treseder, in his firm, yet dignified manner, expressed his displeasure to the situation. It paid off for while waiting for the 10:30 a.m. arrival of Elders Nielsen and Taylor, the ticketing agent informed Elder Treseder that there had been a cancellation and he had made sure Elder Barker was the recipient of the seat. So all ended well. To Liat’s credit, Elders Nielsen and Taylor, our new elders, did arrive right on time.

Sister Baptisite-one of two heros for the week. When we first arrived and were getting acquainted with the members we were told Sister Baptiste, the oldest member of the branch, didn’t know how to read. And that has been re-enforced in that she has never been asked, nor offered, to read in any of the classes. About two months ago we (Elder and Sister Faux) began teaching (the best we know how) the Literacy Course prepared by the Church to help members learn to read. Sister Baptiste is one of the students and to our delight we discovered she had some reading skills. She has been very faithful in doing all the lessons and homework assignments, even working ahead on her own. In last Wednesday’s night gospel study class, Elder Faux, sitting by her, volunteered her to read a verse. She was a little reluctant but did read the verse- with exactness and clarity. When she finished there was clapping of hands and shouts of approval as other class members, and President Nicholas, expressed their surprise and delight. And Sister Baptiste-she was all smiles.

Hero number two goes to Stephon who was ordained a deacon last Sunday. He arrived at church today looking splendid in his white shirt and tie-and a thrill to see him passing the sacrament. He is a handsome young man as his photo attests.

Sister Faux- As Elder Faux mentioned we do have three grandchildren visiting us for a week. Today at Sacrament Meeting Ceci played the piano, as she did on her previous visit, then she gave a talk on modesty, Connor spoke on Family Home Evening and Tanner spoke on keeping the Sabbath Day holy. They were all well done and the subjects, selected by the Branch President, were very needed in the branch. They made their grandparents proud and happy. As I have said before it is wonderful to have family to love and enjoy. We are so excited for them to be here and we are enjoying them very much.

We were sorry when Elder Larson and Barker left to return home. They are great young men and we have enjoyed them very much. We wish them health and happiness at home. We have talked about elders shoes wearing out and if you saw the miles they walk you would understand why they wear out. Elder Nielsen just arrived from Trinidad and had the opportunity to drive a car there- walking is harder and much slower but he will get used to it once again. Elder Taylor is just coming from the MTC and so has many adjustments to make. The humidity and heat are hard to get used to. I think today has been the hottest and most humid for us so far. Back to the shoes the elders always take their shoes off when entering any house. Mothers would be upset if they watched how they remove the shoes and get them back on… I can’t explain how they do it but just slip and slide, and break the backs down. They all don’t do that but most do. It sort of drives me wild!

One thing I keep thinking about is that the elders take off their watches and don’t wear them after being here for a short time. It is so hot and sticky and just too miserable. Elder Brenkmann’s family sent him a small watch that he can hook on his belt loop and is very nice and handy. That would be a very good gift idea when it is gift time. Then Elder Larson had some small hanging scales that he could weigh his suitcase on before reporting to the airport. The weight of the suitcase is very difficult for most elders. The scales would be a great gift idea as well.

It is still mango season and they are wonderful. The mango trees are all over and very, very large. I am not sure how they pick them. Right now we have huge trees in bloom with beautiful red flowers. I don’t know the name but I have been trying to get a picture of them. If I can we will send it on the blog. One last thought, in the store when they don’t have an item that we need they just say, ‘it is finished’. No explanation just —‘it is finished’. And I am finished also—have a great week. Sister and Elder Faux

2010-05-24T08:16:00.001-07:00

2010-05-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

23 May 2010 Sunday
As mentioned last week Diana and Ronald Williamson, the missionary couple we replaced, arrived on Saturday the 15th for a week visit. A whirlwind week of visiting we should say. It was interesting at church on Sunday morning to see the surprise and pleasure on the faces of the branch members as they recognized and greeted the Williamsons’. We were pleased that we could help them with most of their transportation needs. A few times, however, they did rely on the local buses to meet their schedule. We had a pre-planned day with the Castries missionaries in Soufriere on Monday so not much help that day. They were able to join with us in Castries on Tuesday for district meeting. Our district meeting began by singing Happy Birthday to Elder Larson. Elders Warhurst and Buhler then served us ice cream with banana bread that they had baked earlier in the morning. What a way to start a district meeting. After the meeting and before leaving Castries Brother and Sister Williamson acquainted us with the Caribelle Batik. A boutique that is located in the hills above Castries. It is not only a fun place to shop but gives you a panoramic view of Castries. Although they spent a good deal of their time visiting with various branch members they took the time to attend the Wednesday evening gospel study class and Thursday night seminary. Friday afternoon we drove to the Fiette region of Choiseul-about a one-half hour drive north of Vieux Fort-for a nice visit with Firmus and Cecelia Hippolyte and family. Then all at once it was Sunday afternoon and departure time. We were glad that we could help them out and hope they had a good visit.
A highlight of the week was the baptism of Toya James on Saturday morning. Even more noteworthy in that she was taught by Elders Barker and Larson; and they depart for home next Wednesday so a great way for them to end their mission. Another special event of the week was Stephon Mitchell receiving the Aaronic Priesthood and being ordained a deacon. Last week we mentioned the Denison Gustave Family that lives in Choiseul-and that Denison is recovering from a broken leg. Stephon is Denison’s step-son. Stephon was sustained in church then a little later in the afternoon Branch President Nicholas, Evans William, elders quorum president, Elders Brenkmann and Bowles, and Elder Faux drove to the Gustave home. There, under the direction of President Nicholas, Denison conferred the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained Stephon a deacon. His first opportunities to do something like this and he did splendidly. And as was mentioned last week, and it is most applicable this week as well, “It seems that when we visit this family, that has so little, we always leave having had a rewarding spiritual experience”.
Sister Faux: Hi, I believe Elder Faux has covered our week fairly well. Tomorrow we are going to celebrate Elder Larson’s 21st birthday and also combine the lunch with a farewell party for Elder Larson and Elder Barker. They will both be going to the mission home in Trinidad on Wednesday and from there they will be heading home. Elder Barker’s parents and a sister are coming to pick him up and so they will be traveling to Trinidad, Guyana and one other place?? But not coming back to St Lucia. They are stopping in New York to visit his grandmother. Elder Larson will travel to Salt Lake City where he will be met with his family and chocolate milk. He is excited to see all of them and the chocolate milk is a bonus! His family is traveling to Europe in a week or so and then he and his sister are staying for the summer and traveling with a backpack and going to tour wherever they want. Sounds fun. These young elders were mission companions in the MTC and did not hit it off to well there but have had a very good companionship here in St Lucia. We wish them well and will miss them very much. Elder Brenkmann and Bowles will not be transferred and will have two new elders come in on Wednesday. They are Elder Nielson and Taylor. Elder Taylor is just arriving from the MTC and we hope he likes it here. Have not heard anything about Elder Nielson, so hope all goes well. Elders Brenkmann and Bowles, Randy and Branch President (and maybe Faux) are going fishing at 2 am this morning. President Nicholas is leaving for England in a week to stay with his wife who is expecting a baby in June. They are going to be sealed in the London Temple while waiting for the baby to be born. He will be staying for three months so we hope the branch will get along without him for that long. He is a good man and will be greatly missed. It is a good thing that this mission is coming to an end as I cannot recall the things that I have told you. So if I have told you the next story before just skip this part and have a happy week. There are four medical schools in St Lucia and most of the students seem to be from third world countries plus a number of Americans. The apartment complex that we live in is filled with medical students, except for us. I believe there are about 12 apartments and there are always people waiting for an apartment. Our landlady has several waiting for our apartment when we leave. She is going to start building a 16 unit complex across the street and I am sure she will have a waiting list for that. When an apartment empties they go in and completely clean every tiny spot from new paint and everything else. It is very nice to move into a well prepared place like that. Well that is about it for now—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true!!! Sister Faux and Elder Faux

2010-05-17T18:05:00.001-07:00

2010-05-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

2010-05-17T17:52:00.001-07:00

16 May 2010 Sunday

With Elders Brenkmann , Bowles, Barker, and Larson cramped in the backseat we drove to Castries Tuesday morning for district meeting. Elder Warhurst, district leader, had planned a special event for today’s meeting but had a change of mind after the instructions received in zone conference last week. However, today was ugly tie day. We were asked to wear what we considered our ugliest tie. In Elder Faux’s estimation he didn’t have one. Luckily in President Nicholas’s office there was a sack with the remainder of 20 out of 50 ties that Elders Welch and Lundberg had purchased on line-and didn’t want-for good reason. Just randomly choosing any one of them fit the order. It was interesting to see what the elders considered ugly. Elder Warhurst, once again, presented a well prepared and instructive district meeting. Evans William, the elders’ quorum president, had requested on Sunday, that after his work on Wednesday, and then his arrival in Vieux Fort, that we drive to Choiseul to visit the Denison Gustave family. He arrived just the time our Temple Preparation class was to start so Sister Faux stayed to teach the class while Evans and Elder Faux went to visit the Gustave family. We found a rather meager situation. As noted before Denison is recuperating from a broken leg. Therefore he has no income. He has missed two, and will possibly miss three, doctor appointments due to lack of funds, they had barely any food in the house, and the roof leaks when it rains. Furthermore when he is able to return to work he has no assurance that his job will be there for him. Evans reported this in our branch correlation meeting later in the evening and the next morning President Nicholas along with the relief society president prepared a food order for the family. Elder Faux volunteered to deliver it and was most pleased when Elders Bowles and Brenkmann took the time to go with. The family was most gracious in accepting the supplies and it was gratifying to be part of it. We had a nice visit with them and before leaving Denison asked Elder Bowles to give him a blessing. It seems that when we visit this family, that has so little, we almost always leave having had a rewarding spiritual experience. On Saturday we were pleased to greet Diana and Ronald Williamson as they arrived at the Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort. They were the missionary couple that we replaced. They have come for a week to visit and renew old friendships. We are hoping to spend time with them during the week and help make their visit a good one.

Sister Faux: This week has been a rather up and down week as we have missed important occasions with our grandchildren. Our son Kurt and his wife Christie’s first son, Jordan Ford Faux, graduated from law school in Washington DC.-Georgetown. Jordan was raised in Henderson, Nevada where his Dad is also an attorney. His wife is Rose and they are a wonderful couple. Our oldest granddaughter Amber Faux Hatch husband, Jonny, graduated from medical school in Nebraska. Amber is Craig and Sue’s oldest daughter. She was raised in Pleasant Grove, Utah. They have lived in Nebraska for several years for medical school and that is where he will serve his residency. They just purchased a new home and are very excited about life right now. She has been teaching school while Jonny has been in medical school and in fact a few months ago she received her Master’s Degree. We are very proud of these grandchildren and they have done very well in their schooling, but beside that they are just very nice, good people. We have several other grandchildren that graduate soon also.

Can I tell you it is wonderful to be a grandmother—our grandchildren make us happy. Part of my work for the week was tailoring some shirts for a couple of elders. I think I did 14 or 15 and that makes life good. Our landlady, Martha, has hired a young man to wash all the outside of the two apartment buildings. He just climbs around and washes them by hand. I ask him if he was going to wash the front build also and he said he was. I also ask him if he had a ladder and he said yes. I saw it and it just leans against the building and is about 7 or 8 feet high. The building we are in is three stories…I just don’t get how he can do it. At times life here puzzles me.

As Elder Faux mentioned we had to split up this week so he could go to visit the Gustave family and I was to teach the Temple class—but no one showed up to take the class. At our Seminary class we had one student and she had not been there for months so we were happy to see her. Then we were to teach the reading class but no one came to that class. Sometimes it makes you wonder if you have done any good. Friday, our Relief Society meeting, however was a surprising day. When we arrived with Betherlie, at 5:45 p.m., outside the church building were about eight ladies and a few kids waiting. That is a first, to have them there not only on time but early. What a shock and it was very exciting. Before the activity ended we had at least twenty participants. I was going to teach them how to make cookies and they were so happy about that. Betherlie, RS president and I bought all the groceries for the cookies, except when we went to buy the chocolate chips we were out of money. The Branch President had given us $100.00 EC. So I don’t know if you have made chocolate chip cookies without chocolate chips but it sort of works. I did have one of those huge bags, or at least part of a bag, so I took that and I think they all received only ½ cup of chips. They all seemed to have a great night and so at least one activity of the week was successful. The other nights I was ready to throw in my hat. Well onward and upward as we get into another week. The Williamson’s are happy to be back here and we hope they can have a wonderful time. Hope you all have a good week. Sister and Elder Faux

2010-05-10T08:10:00.001-07:00

O9 May 2010 Sunday
First of all we wish all Mothers a Happy Mother’s Day.
Last week we included pictures of Elder and Sister Dirkmaat who are serving in Suriname. They accepted our offer to drive them to Castries on Monday to catch their flight back to Suriname. This gave us an opportunity to have a nice visit and get better acquainted-and a hello to recently Elder Pence. Sister Faux has been in dire need of sewing machine needles. While in Castries Sister Treseder directed us to the ‘Sewing Center’. Elder Faux does not like to drive in this part of Castries as the driving space is narrow, some one-way un-marked streets, and no parking facilities. We found the Sewing Center, but as no surprise, nary a place to park. So Elder Faux let Sisters Faux and Treseder out and he circled the ‘block’. Three times Elder Faux made a right hand turn on to Bridge Street. Each time other motorists would motion and signal to him, he wondering why, and by and large just ignoring them. With Sister Treseder back in the auto and at the same intersection she informed Elder Faux right hand turns are not permitted at this intersection. No wonder all the gestures…thankful that is all that came of it. We were in Castries again on Friday for zone conference. Just a little tidbit on President Gamiette. Elder Faux picked him up at the Castries airport about 3:30 p.m. and after a ten minute +/- drive arrived at the church. He announced to the elders and senior couples he would return from his hotel at 6:00 p.m. to start interviews. About one-half hour later he called and said it would be 7:30 as he was helping some of his children, who live in Trinidad, with their homework. This little scenario somewhat of an indication of the challenges mission presidents, especially those with family, content with as they divide their time between the Lord’s work and their family. Once again we were impressed with President Gamiette’s energy, enthusiasm, and expertise in addressing the training and items for discussions on the agenda. Saturday afternoon we participated with twenty other branch members in an activity at the LaTille Fall near Micoud. They youth enjoyed swimming and playing around the falls after which we were served a spicy rice and chicken lunch prepared by President Nicholas. It was a fun activity and thrilled with the number participating.
Sister Faux: Would you believe we had our blog almost ready to send and I hit something, and it was gone, and we cannot find it? Anyway it is Monday morning another beautiful HOT day in Vieux Fort, St Lucia, West Indies Mission. A belated Mother’s Day wish to all mothers who read this. I know our missionary mothers had a good day as they had the opportunity to speak with their sons. They were so excited to call home. Yesterday for Mother’s Day we had a good day at church. I have been sewing aprons for all the mothers in our branch. I was excited to make the aprons and was interested how they would respond. It was fun to see as it made them so happy, at times they don’t show much emotion about things. This time they were so happy it was just exciting to be part of it. They all gave me a hug and that made me have a happy day also. I had 20 aprons and so have a couple left over for others who need an apron. The only problem was when the men saw them they wanted an apron as well- also the young women. I may have to do something about that. Fun experience.
Our zone conference turned out well and it is fun to see the elders that have been here on this end of the island once again. Elder Welch (in St Maarten) needed a patch sewn on his backpack and ask Sister Stevens to email me and ask me to bring the sewing machine. I did take it but ended up sewing the patch on by hand. That was fun too. As you can see by the pictures we had three elders that passed off the 50 scriptures references. I think that is quite a project but they are good to try all challenges. They are such a handsome group of young men. President Gamiette said our next zone conference would be in St Maarten, we hope so as that will be exciting for us. Our food was consumed with gusto—we had Hawaiian Haystacks and banana splits for dessert. As I have said before we should not worry about what food we serve as they seem to like it whatever it is.
We talked to President Gamiette about going home (we already have our tickets for July 23) and he said they are not going to replace us with another couple. So we have quite a few things to pass on to someone else or get rid of some way. We will work on that project the next few weeks. Well that is about it for today as I have a few curtains to sew for President Nicholas this day. Have a nice week.
Sister Faux

2010-05-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

2010-05-03T08:53:00.001-07:00

2010-05-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

2010-05-03T08:26:00.002-07:00

2010-05-03T08:26:00.001-07:00

2 May 2010 Sunday
We really enjoyed having our son, Bard, visit with us. He departed Thursday afternoon, all too soon. We were especially thrilled that while he was visiting we could help him celebrate his birthday on Monday the 26th. We spent the day in Castries visiting points of interest and then dining at the ‘Coal Pot’. This restaurant is situated on a quiet shore of the Castries Harbor and has become our favorite place to dine-edging our Spinnakers in Rodney Bay. It is sort of like eating under your patio, except you are at the water’s edge and there always seems to be a gentle breeze to make it comfortable. We were happy to have Elder and Sister Treseder join with us for the day. While eating they mentioned to our waiter that we were celebrating Bard’s birthday so at the end of our meal he appeared with a plate of three different pieces of cake, ice cream, a burning sparkler, and singing ‘happy birthday’ to the best of his ability. He was applauded for his efforts. It was a full and pleasant day and so grateful we could share it with Bard. Tuesday morning we attended our zone meeting held here in Vieux Fort. Zone leader, Elder Brenkmann, presented a well prepared lesson on the attributes of Christ and how as missionaries we can, and should, apply them to everything we do. The teaching skills these elders learn and use are something to behold. We spent Wednesday at the Anse Chastanet resort near Soufriere. Another beautiful resort and popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. We went there to snorkel and were not disappointed. Its fame is for real. We were pleased that our neighbor -medical student-member- Cheri spent the day with us as well. Saturday morning we had another treat as Elder Alvarado, an area 70, and as of July 1st will become president of the San Juan Puerto Rico Mission, came to visit with Branch President Nicholas. Until last April General Conference he was, at the age of 39, the youngest member of all the quorums of 70. This is the third time we have had the opportunity to be with him in one setting or another. He just gets more impressive each time. The spirit just radiates from him. After he met with President Nicholas he spent the most part of an hour at our apartment visiting with us and Elder and Sister Treseder -who drove him to Vieux Fort. You just get the feeling the Caribbean Area is going to thrive with such vibrant young leaders as Elder Alvarado and President Gamiette.
Sister Faux: Good Sunday afternoon from St Lucia, West Indies. Another nice Fast Sunday today as many members shared their testimonies. At times these testimonies touch my heart as they talk of problems they are having and troubles at home. Sickness and money problems really are an issue with them. But most always speak about the gospel being true and Joseph Smith being a prophet and it makes it all worthwhile. We have learned to love these people very much and try to appreciate the things they are going through; in ways it is a hard life for them. The church is much the same here as at home only it is easier for us. We have the same schedule, sacrament, prayers and talks, but at times given in a different manner. People are excited when newly baptized and then just suddenly stop coming- I don’t understand why. I just looked through the branch list and counted about 12 that I know that are not coming or at least not coming regularly. That makes us sad as they are good people and are much needed. Elder Alvarado told us that the church here in this part of the world is about like the church was in the days of Kirtland. So many skills and things still for them to learn.
My observations for the week--- People here seem to have a good deal of free time-mainly because so many of them do not work. I think I have talked about this before but it just surprises me as I don’t understand how they live. They spend their time sitting on porches, or sitting on a rock, a board, or just standing. They do nothing while sitting, not reading, handwork or anything. They do talk if someone is near. They spend a good deal of time waiting for a bus. At times they just wait, wait and wait some more, maybe it is called patience.
Many people have a close association with England. Some have relatives that live in England and many go there to visit. However, many never leave this island their whole live. It is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. Elder Faux and I have never stayed in such a limited locale for so long a time as we have here.
Saturday night Elder Faux and I went with Elders Bowles and Brenkmann to visit Dane. I was impressed as we crossed the busy highway that Elder Brenkmann saw a lizard in the road, stopped and picked it up and set it back off the road. That touches me as a very nice gesture, saving the life of the lizard as the traffic is fast on that road. That is something Elder Faux would do also. What a nice young Elder. I am thankful for the good young elders we have been blessed with here in this part of the mission. I have enjoyed each one and it is fun to get acquainted with them. Hope Elders Bowles and Brenkmann are not transferred so we can get to know them better. Elder Brenkmann has three sisters and I think his father is a school teacher and working on his masters’ degree. Elder Bowles has two younger brothers and was a baseball high school pitcher and they took state three years... Waiting to know more about both of them. Elder Larson and Barker have only this month and then will be going home. They are good men and it is fun to have them come and use the computer and visit.
I am interested in the prayers offered as we meet with investigators. They are in charge of who says the prayers and usually ask one of us and then they give a prayer themselves. It softens my heart as we hear them pray.
We didn’t go out to the William family tonight it is a holiday- Jazz festival weekend. The wonderful beach at their house will be overly crowded and with just one narrow narrow road leading into it we felt it best to stay at home. We will miss seeing Boom Boom but... Goodnight and have a nice week. Love, Sister and Elder Faux.

2010-04-26T08:00:00.001-07:00

2010-04-26T07:54:00.001-07:00

Sunday April 25, 2010
We compliment Elder Warhurst, our district leader, on the great lesson he presented at district meeting last Tuesday. He asked all of us to give our thoughts on why people get ‘baptized’, ‘why they come to church’, and ‘their favorite thing about church’. Previous to our meeting he had interviewed a number of his branch members, of all ages, and asked them the same questions. He recorded their answers on his camera (this technology…) then lets us view it on the church TV screen. It was interesting, but not surprising, to note that ‘a friend/s’ led the list in all three categories-even our list. Once baptized the next highest reasons were ‘a calling’ and ‘wanting to learn more of the gospel’. Then from the church balcony he dropped balloons for some of us to try and catch. Some were filled with just air, some with water, and some with air balloons tied to ones with water. The ones with air just floated here and yonder (persons without a testimony or interest in the gospel), the ones with water firm in their direction (persons with a testimony and active), the ones with an air balloon tied to a water balloon (strong members attempting to be a good influence on those floating around). We were impressed with his preparation and the message it portrayed. On Thursday we were excited to have one of our sons, Bardell (Bard) arrive to visit with us for the next week. It is fun to have family come and show them St Lucia and the beauty that abounds here. It is good for us as well since at times we wonder if being here this long if we are not noticing the beauty as much as we should. It is also fun to take family members to places the tourist never see that make you appreciate home more than ever. We had a great time riding the zip lines on Saturday. There are eleven platforms in the course and the scenery is spectacular.
Good morning, today is a nice bright SUNNY day in Vieux Fort, West Indies. Another very hot day as we begin another week. As you can tell we are having a wonderful visit from our son Bardell, we call him Bard. He carries my father’s name, and so I think it is just great. It is so nice to have some of our family come as we realize what good people they are. We feel very blessed as we come to see how great our family has turned out. We wish they could all come to visit us. Bard lives in Lewiston, Idaho and works for Farm Service Agency. He has been there for several years and enjoys the area. It is his happy birthday today. As you can see by some of the pictures we have been enjoying our time. Some of you will not think that we are serving a mission but we really are.
As you can see our new elders are here and seem to be doing very good. It is hard to find some people to teach but they always keep trying. They had encouraged an old member to come to church yesterday. That was the first time she has been to church since we arrived. She used to be in the RS presidency so we hope she continues to come out.
My observations for the week are as follows. Cutlass: All men have one and pack them around. They are used for all kinds of cutting- trees, bushes & weeds. Gardner’s use them to trim edge of grass and weed in the bushes. Elder Faux has one ready to take home and Ceci and Hunter (grandchildren) each bought one when they were here.
We went to the waterfall by Dennery Saturday, I should call it a very small drizzle since the drought. It was so eye catching a few months ago.
You can tell Elder Faux and Bard went to the zip line and had a great time. My back shouts ‘no thank you’ as I think about it. While they were gone a man brought a snake, Boa, to show all the customers. It kept striking his pant leg and his boots. Everyone was taking pictures as they draped it around their neck. I had no camera, but it was interesting. It was fat but only about two feet or a little longer.
All the natives speak Patwa or Creole, I thought it was English and French but was told it is French and Creole. Many of the elders pick it up quickly. I just don’t get it.
Rum is the drink of the island and is very popular. We hear much about how great it is, but we just take their word for it.
Well I must go as we are off for a fun day today. Just one thought in closing. Do you know the phone number for the Garden of Eden? (answer- Adam 8 1 2). Love from Sister Faux

2010-04-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

2010-04-18T18:54:00.001-07:00

18 April 2010

As Wednesday was transfer day again, already, we said our goodbyes to Elders Harris and Lundberg and welcomed Elders Brenkmann and Bowles. Since Elder Harris needed to be at the airport at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning we drove to Castries Tuesday and stayed the night with Elder and Sister Treseder. Two essentials that can make transfers most interesting is 1) when transferring from one island to another you are entering another country. Therefore it is essential to have your passport and proper documentation, and 2) you are dealing with “Liat -The Caribbean Airline”, it’s most dependable attribute is that of being ‘changeable’. And part of this can be attributed to all the stops it makes at the various islands in route. A couple of times we have gone to the airport to be there for incoming elders only to find them waiting for us. We find out they have arrived fifteen minutes ahead of their scheduled departure time. “The aircraft is full so let’s go”. Wednesday we were at the airport waiting for Elder Bowles 10:30 a.m. arrival. About 10:20 we notice his flight has been cancelled. We check at the desk and are told the next flight will be 2:30 p.m. but they cannot tell us for sure he will be on it. So we are at the airport waiting for the 2:30 flight. When 2:30 arrives and no airplane we notice its arrival has been moved to 3:00 p.m. When this time arrives it is then posted as ‘delayed’. Finally at 3:45 p.m. Elder Bowles arrives and with Elder Brenkmann we depart for Vieux Fort. About 4:30 p.m. we receive a call from the assistants wondering where Elder Harris is. We tell them he was dropped off at the airport at 6:00 a.m. and that we saw him pass through the departure door. With a two hour flight he should have arrived long ago. Also missing is Elder Gilly. One-half hour later the assistant call to inform us Elder Harris has been in Barbados and is now in route but still no word on Elder Gilly. The next day we are told the mission office started making telephone calls and located him at the Trinidad immigration office. We haven’t been told what the matter was but something must not have been in order as he went through immigration and as a result was detained all day in a room, by himself, not even permitted to make a telephone call for assistance. So goes transfer day at times. A little update on our Literacy Class. One sister, Jane, who is in her early thirties, is not completely familiar with the alphabet and tends to confuse the letters ‘h’ and ‘n’ , ‘f’ and ‘t’, and not sure about u, v, w, and x. She is learning to recognize some phrases such as, “I am a child of God” which is exciting for her. Needless to say being involved with this class has been an eye opener. We take so many things for granted.

Sister Faux: One thing Elder Faux forgot to tell you was that Elder Lundberg was going to Suriname early Thursday morning, actually going to Trinidad to get a visa so he could get into Suriname. Anyway he was late to the airport and missed his plane. So many problems this transfer and they were still calling and changing people around late Tuesday night. Poor Sister Ellison, she is the person who takes care of all that kind of problems. I don’t want her job. It is always a worry for me as we send these young men around to all these islands every six weeks. I realize they are sometimes a little wise and sometimes it just makes me nervous. They don’t seem to be bothered by the travel- just us older couples.

Yesterday we took a nice day off and went to Castries to enjoy the day with Elder and Sister Treseder and Elder and Sister Whitehead, the Humanitarian couple. The night before Sister Whitehead’s eye was bothering her and she thought she has a detached retina. They finally decided that it was okay but then yesterday it was bothering her again. She has already has four detached retina’s and so was worried about it. When we left them in the afternoon, and while at the Treseder’s enjoying some ice cream, Elder Whitehead called and said the retina was detached and they were going home- we thought back to Guyana. I just called and they flew from St Lucia to Trinidad and then flew home to Utah at 9 pm last night and she had eye surgery this morning. They had three more weeks on their mission but I am told they will not be coming back. We are so glad they went when they did and pray that everything is okay with them.

Our rain has been wonderful and really brightened up the island. Now the days when it does not rain it is very HOT. Can’t think of anything that is new or very exciting, so will close for tonight. Love, Sister and Elder Faux

2010-04-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

2010-04-12T08:10:00.001-07:00

11 April 2010
It is interesting some of the things you are asked to do and you jump right into it regardless of any previous experience or training. You just acquire a manual, start reading, and praying, that you will be up to the assignment. One of the assignments that come to mind first of all is that of conducting a Literacy Class for three adults who have very limited or no reading skills at all. The introduction in the Teacher Manuel in part states: “Readings in this course and its methods were taken from the scriptures and adapted so that anyone who is called to teach may do so-regardless of previous teaching experience. If you can speak English this course will help you teach people who cannot read or write.” So that is encouraging. The course is titled “Ye Shall Have My Words” and taken from Mormon 9:30. We will keep you posted on how well we do in helping these folks gain some reading skills. We were in Castries on Saturday. Sister Treseder had arranged a training meeting for the relief society, young women, and primary presidencies of the Castries Branch and asked Sister Faux to assist her-which she was happy to do. We enjoy being with Elder and Sister Treseder. Prior to them Elder and Sister Collins were in Castries and we had fun times with these good people as well. One of the blessings of our mission has been the opportunity to meet other senior couples- Rasmussen’s from Twin Falls, Idaho, Wheeler’s from Blackfoot, Idaho, Steven’s from Park City, Utah to name to name a few- and feel of their spirit and desire to be of good service.
Sister Faux: Good Monday morning to you. This week is one of our sad weeks as we say goodbye to two of our young elders. Elder Harris is being transferred to Trinidad, and Elder Lundberg to Suriname, Dutch speaking. We have known two other elders (Ash and Muse) that served there as well as Elder Pence, whose mother takes care of our blog. I know they all spoke Dutch, but our elders here tried to explain how at times they speak Dutch mixed with English, I just don’t understand. Elder Lundberg has been here several months so will miss him in addition to taking care of his sewing projects and hearing his stories. Elder Harris will be going home in August about a month early for school. He is a nice young man and we have loved his visits and stories as well. He mended his own pants here at our apartment and did a pretty fair job. He took sewing in High School so he knows a little, I think the only reason he took sewing in school was because his girl friend was a student in the class. Still a girl friend and we hope she is waiting, she could find no one any better. Elder Harris’s sister put a comment on our blog, thank you. Elders Larsen and Barker will be staying here till the end of their mission- the third week in May. We enjoy these young men also; will talk more about them later.
This week has been a week of much needed rain. There have been so many fires because of the drought all through the hills and sides of the road. We went to Castries on Thursday a few days after the rain started and trees all along the way that looked dead a short time ago all had pretty white or pink blossoms on, it was just like a miracle. Saturday we went up again and the dead grass was a beautiful green. Just like the Garden of Eden, or so I think it must have been. The grass, or rather cut weeds, in front or our apartment is quite pretty also. Yesterday when church service started we had 12 people there and 6 of us were missionaries. People here just don’t get outside when it is raining. A few more came later in the meeting so we ended up with about 26. When it rains it cools the temperature down a bit and feels just great.
Last Tuesday was Elder Faux’s 79th birthday. He still is handsome and healthy and we are happy to be able to serve a mission. We spent most of the day with the elders as we went to Ladera, a resort up near Soufriere. We were able to check one room out and it is fun to see. Each room has only three walls, I think I talked about it before, and looks out over the ocean and the Pitons. I am sorry it is out of the missionary budget. We came back and had Pizza so that was a treat. The elders tried to bake a cake but one egg they dropped in the mix was rotten, so great to live in a third world country. So we had no cake. We did have a nice day and I am thankful to have had him as my partner for 58 years.
Yesterday we had a farewell dinner and I had no idea how great a tuna casserole is??? Anyway they seem to enjoy whatever I cook. I am going home thinking I am a wonderful cook so it is good for my self esteem. Well the church is still true and these young missionaries make it even better.
Oh, by the way we received our go home tickets -July 23! How about that! Love, Sister and Elder Faux

2010-04-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

2010-04-06T09:22:00.001-07:00

5 April 2010 Monday
We had another good zone conference on Monday with just a little change in the agenda. Previously we have had one session, with a break, and then the luncheon at the end of the conference. Today we had a session, then our lunch, then another session. One of the problems of doing it this way, as Elder Faux sees it-and as voiced by Sister Treseder as well, is the challenge of staying awake in the session that follows with a stomach full of food to digest. However we were told President Gamiette planned it this way as he is trying to impress upon the elders the health benefits of eating three key meals per day at regular intervals. With the zone conference being on Monday we provided Subway Sandwiches supplement with potato salad and strawberry short cake- for dessert- which Sister Treseder and Sister Faux prepared. At 8:15 Saturday morning we departed for Riviere Doree for the baptism of Samuel Sinaise. It is about a fifteen minute drive north and the same beach mentioned in our blog a couple of weeks ago for the branch youth activity. Because of a brother drowning in the ocean a couple of years ago Samuel avoids the ocean. Thus Riviere Doree as it has a small quite river that flows into the ocean. But today, for whatever reason, the river looked so grimy and uninviting that President Nicholas wouldn’t even consider it so Samuel ended up being baptized in the ocean after all. Returning from the baptism we prepared the church for Sunday then with the elders when to our apartment to watch the Saturday sessions of General Conference. Sister Faux prepared a pot of chili for an in-between-sessions lunch and then treated the elders to German chocolate cake after the priesthood session. Since the last General Conference an internet line has been installed at the church, but as of yet, no computer. With the line installed we had hopes of connecting a laptop computer to the branch TV so the members could view General Conference for the first time. But we searched in vain for the cord we needed. Sunday morning a branch member mentioned that he had a friend with a projector, and all the connecting cords, which we could borrow. Since it was a forty minute round drive we decided to wait until after church to pick it up and then watch just the last session. Members, and investigators were invited to the viewing and all looked good. The internet line connected to our laptop, the router connected, and the projector set up-already to go. The off/on switch on the wall is turned on and…. we hear a resounding ‘POP’… and the router melts. The transformer we had connected couldn’t carry the load. Thankfully it was the router and not our laptop. By the time we got things back in order at the church, and then to our apartment, and the computer up and running the intermediated hymn was just concluding. Sister Faux also prepared dinner for the elders’ on Sunday-bake potato with sour cream and shredded cheese, a mixed vegetable dish, fruit salad, barbecued chicken, plus the rest of the German chocolate cake for dessert. So it was a busy weekend.
Sister Faux: Today I am feeling like it is was a busy week not just the weekend. I don’t know why we worry so much about the Zone Conference lunch because everything we fix the elders eat it like it really is good and makes us think we can cook. So no matter what- it always makes us happy. We came back alone from zone conference because the elders had a fun day planned for the next day. So it was very peaceful and quiet when we arrived home. Tuesday we started our reading class where we had two members. It worked out well and hopefully we will have success there. If you can think how hard it would be to have four young children, all boys and not even know the alphabet. It seems to me that life would be complicated with that problem. We also started another temple class this past week with two members. One member took the class before and just received her temple recommend but wants to take the class again. She is Jeanette, a very good sister, and the newer member, Celina also a great member. Jeanette is Primary president and Celina is in the Relief Society presidency. It is very much a pleasure to be friends with these two members. Our elders are still working hard and try to please everyone---sometimes that is a hard assignment. We love these you men and enjoy them very much. Elder Harris is from Sandy, Utah and is our District Leader, a very good kind young man. His companion is Elder Lundberg from Logan, Utah. He has a million stories to tell and causes many a laugh each day. Elder Larson is also from Logan and will go home in about 53 days and that makes him happy. Elder Barker is also going home soon and is a dedicated elder. Can’t think of much more for this week---except tomorrow is Elder Faux’s 79th HAPPY BIRTHDAY. So Happy Birthday Elder Faux!!!

2010-04-01T11:14:00.001-07:00

2010-04-01T11:11:00.001-07:00

2010-04-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

2010-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-22T08:09:00.001-07:00

Monday was Preparation Day and since our elders planned to meet with the elders in Castries Elder and Sister Treseder invited us to come spend the afternoon with them, and the night as well, since Tuesday is zone meeting and we would we driving there anyway. We readily accepted the invite. Once with the Treseder’s we thought it prudent if we prepared as much as possible for our next zone conference. This conference will require unique planning as it is scheduled on a Monday. So where we have been able to do much of the purchasing the day before it won’t happen this time because of Sunday. Therefore food for the elders arriving Sunday evening, for the elders Monday morning breakfast, the mid-conference snack, and the zone conference luncheon will need to be readied two to three days prior. So we went shopping at Mega J's (the Costco of St Lucia) purchasing as many of the non-perishable items that will be needed. For the conference luncheon we decided to have Subway Sandwiches hence we drove to Subway’s in downtown Castries to place our order. While doing so we decided to have a sandwich as well for our evening meal. It was a good choice and if the sandwiches for zone conference are as tasty as what we had this evening the elders will be delighted. On Tuesday Elder Prince, the zone leader, presented a well prepared lesson. It is impressive how well these elders do in preparing and discussing principles of the gospel and the ways they can be incorporated into helping them be better missionaries. The one drawback to this meeting was its length-a little over three hours. Chairs tend to get quite hard in that space of time. About ten days past branch member, Denison Gustave, as a passenger, was involved in a motorcycle mishap while on his way to work in Castries. Luckily, and this may sound insensitive, his only injury was a compound fracture of the right leg. President Nicholas and Elder Faux had been contemplating going to his home in Fiette, near Choiseul, and pay him a visit. On Monday Evans William, the branch elders quorum president, contacted President Nicholas and suggested to him that they ought to visit Denison. This firmed up the decision so Wednesday afternoon the three of us, with Elder Faux driving, rode to Fiette to visit with Denison. We had a good visit but the highlight of the visit came about when Denison asked for a priesthood blessing. Elder Faux was asked to do the anointing and Evans to seal the anointing and give the blessing. As far as we are aware this was Evans first time doing this and he did a great job. It is really impressive to see the growth and progress Evans is making. He is most serious about his calling and is seeking to learn whatever is necessary to be successful. If you remember it was noted that in our February zone meeting President Gamiette reminded the priesthood brethren when acting in their calling they should look the part with white shirts and ties. In the pictures of President Nicholas and Evans you will note their obedience to this counsel.
Sister Faux: The rest of the week was not too exciting but a few things happened that made it pass fast. Wednesday we had our normal correlation meeting which was interesting as it started out with a big discussion about President Obama. People here love him and really defend him. Some places you will see many pictures of him and Branch President Nicholas thinks he is wonderful. It is a very interesting topic. Wednesday evening we also have a Book of Mormon class usually taught by President Nicholas. Last week Davis Thomas taught and he did a nice job so it was good to be in attendance. I spent part of the week mending some of the elder’s clothes; ties, pockets on shirts, and zipper in pants. Elder Lundberg’s zipper was broken and I told him I do not mend zippers. But he brought them over and it looked pretty easy so I fixed them without a problem. These elders think I can mend anything. I have forgotten how many precious ties I have repaired. They love their ties as I have said before. It is just fun to have them come anyway. Another thing we did this week was to visit Patricia---she is a member but has not been to church for who knows how long. Elder Faux loves to visit her. It is not a very comfortable visit as she is always upset about something. Many times it has been with the elders. This time it was about her renters and how bad they are. She showed us their apartment and as she took us around to the entrance we had to walk by one of her female dogs with two new pups. The dog came right at us, barking and snapping. It tried to bite but she only caught hold of Elder Faux’s pant leg. I was frightened and as we returned Patricia took hold of the dog and held it at bay. Everyone has a yard full of dogs—well not everyone but many people have them. Some are real watch dogs. At Sacrament meeting today we had all branch members bless and pass the sacrament. That is good, and unusual, as we almost always need some help from the elders. Brother and Sister Elliott, from Canada, were our speakers today at Sacrament Meeting. This is their last week here and they will go home next Sunday. They have come for the winter for many years as he has a business here. When they return to Canada they have a 15 acre farm to care for. Brother Elliott comes back and works but don’t know the details about that. They bring a great spirit with them as Brother Elliott teaches Sunday school and this year Sister Elliott has been the chorister and started a choir. That has been very fun to watch. The branch responds very well to them. To begin their talks they had the Hippolyte Family, Mother, Father, daughter and baby sing “Families Can be Together Forever.” It set the tone as the talks were about temple marriage. The Hipployte’s now have temple recommends they received after attending the temple class we taught. They are planning to attend the Santa Domingo Temple when finances are available. The talks about temple marriage were very well presented and makes me realize how blessed we are to have so many temples available to us. It is a big hardship for these members to prepare to attend the temple as it is so far away. The Elliot’s invited us to dinner this week and so we enjoyed that experience. They live in a nice home with one wall just being wooden shutters and no glass. On the way home there was a large forest fire close to the top of the mountain. So many areas have been burned so it makes us hope for rain soon. Saturday we enjoyed our Relief Society Birthday party activity. It was pleasing to see so many sisters in attendance. Part of my assignment as a missionary is to train members, like the Relief Society presidency. As I explained about celebrating for the March 17 birthday they were excited to learn about it. They may have been told about it before but anyway, they thought it would be fun. So we planned a party with everyone bringing potluck and having a volunteer program. So that is what we did and it worked out well. There were no decorations of any kind, not even a tablecloth or napkins, but no one seemed bothered by that. We had a nice program and the highlight was Sister Celina Noel singing, it was very beautiful. President Nicholas also did a dance that electrified the congregation. It is interesting that such simple things make them so happy. That is about it for another week. Hope you have nice spring days this week. Love from Elder and Sister Faux.

2010-03-15T10:06:00.001-07:00

2010-03-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

14 March 2010
The longer that we are here the more impressed we are with number of people branch President Nicholas is acquainted with in this area. This is quite evident for in our weekly branch correlation meetings as the elders discuss who they have contacted during the week, or are teaching, he will on many occasions; give some insights concerning the person/s he feels would benefit the elders. There have even been instances when he has ruffled the dander of the elders by suggesting to them they not continue teaching a particular person/s and his rationale why. In a recent district meeting the lesson was on “Working with the Branch President”. During the lesson it was most satisfying to hear of the high regard the elders have for President Nicholas. They all agreed once he has his mind made up it is hard to change. But they also agreed that he is not so hard-headed that he won’t change his mind if presented with other alternatives that would be better. They were also complimentary about his willingness to go with them to teach an investigator or visit a less active member. We have felt our rapport with President Nicholas has been good and pleased to know the elders have the same feelings. Saturday morning a youth activity was held with 21 participating. Our beach venue was about a 20 minute drive north. At this beach there is a ‘shelf’ for some distance that keeps the ocean knee to waist deep depending on the waves. The president likes this site as the kids can play in the ocean and not have to worry about getting into too deep of water. A mini-bus was rented to take us there. President Nicholas told the driver the one-half mile stretch of road to the beach was ‘perfect’. However, when it came time to be picked up the driver told us we had to walk to the highway-he wasn’t driving that road again. Elder Faux asked the president about using the word ‘perfect’ to describe the road. His reply, “Compared to what it used to be it is perfect”. We have been with the president on it ‘when it use to be’, and It has been greatly improved- but perfect? The activity was a success and at the end President Nicholas thanked the youth for how well they had conducted themselves. They evidently heeded the counsel he gave before leaving the church that there be no swearing, no cursing, and no fighting. Last Monday (preparation day) the elders didn’t include us in their plans so we spent the day with Elder and Sister Treseder in Castries. We had a most pleasant day with them. Sister Faux took the branch sewing machine with and added an extra length to a skirt of Sister Treseder’s she felt was too short. Our favorite spot for lunch, Spinnakers, was overrun with tourists so we had to settle for second best. We are pleased to have met the Treseder’s as it is fun and pleasant to be with them.
Sister Faux:This afternoon I think I will tell you about one of our most favorite people in St Lucia. We have printed more pictures of her than anyone else on this island. Her name is Boom Boom. or rather that is her nickname. Her real name is Percivia and she is Miss Personality Plus. She loves the Elders and acts so cute with them. She is growing up in the home of Betherlie and Evans William. Their daughter Swancy, age 18 is Boom Boom’s God Mother. She was born into a family of five and for some reason Swancy was asked to be her care taker. I think she was less than two months old when she was taken to the William home. Swancy has been very good to her although she is corrected very sharply when she does something wrong, as all children are here in the West Indies. They dress her very well and take great care of her. She is very smart as well as cute. She always has a bath outside in a little tub and in cold water. I ask if she had a bath in warm water when she was tiny and no, she always bathes in cold water. It is very hot- but cold is cold! Swancy’s Mom (Betherlie) was just sustained as Relief President. Boom Boom was at church today in her new shoes and a very cute dress—we enjoy her very much. It is still HOT and dry here on the island. I know I talk about that all the time but if you were here you would talk about that also. The hills-mountains on the way to Castries are mostly all brown with very little green showing. The rain forests we pass through is still quite green so it must get some kind of moisture. One thing we notice is all the people standing by the roads waiting for a bus (which is really a van). Sometimes they must wait for a long time. Other times we see people waiting and someone in a car just stops and picks them up. Same with a truck, they just hop in and sit on sides of pickup or stand up. It looks very dangerous to see that. I am sure they are not charged when they do that. At times they wave at us and must not see the four elders mashed together in the back seat….So miserable. We are often embarrassed by the people (tourists) that get off the cruise ships. They are dressed so badly, I guess they all want a suntan but it looks awful. Same as they get off the planes and need to smoke. Maybe I have said this before but we see so few people that smoke here. The Elders see many more smoking than we do. Sacrament Meeting was very good today, first speaker was Jeanette Thomas and she spoke on prayer (She is one of my favorites). She said if we pray before reading the scriptures we will better understand them. We have all heard that many times. In closing she sang all the verses to ‘Did You Think to Pray’. Her singing voice is not perfect but it touched my heart and was an excellent talk. Sister Cotter talked on happiness, the only way to find real happiness is to live the gospel. Very true….New missionaries to Vieux Fort, Elder Harris and Elder Barker also spoke. Elder Harris talked about Joseph Smith as he was taught by Angel Moroni. Elder Barker talked about how small and simple things make big things happen. We also had a song by the choir and it was very good. I have only seen the choir do that once before. Anyway, today was a nice day and hopefully starts us off on a nice week. Hope each of you has a good week also. Sister and Elder Faux

2010-03-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

2010-03-08T16:41:00.000-08:00

7 March 2010

Many of the homes in St Lucia , especially the more modest to the affluent, will have 400 +/- gallon water tanks plumbed into their system. From what we have been told the culinary water is collected from the various rivers. At times the run off after a heavy rain will overwhelm the collection system so it is shut down. Thus homes lacking a water tank may go without water for a day or two. Now that St Lucia is experiencing a drought these water tanks are even more of a benefit. Branch President Nicholas decided it was prudent the church have such a tank as there have been a couple of Sundays wherein we met for only sacrament service as there was no water in the building. So last Saturday was the day to get this done. With the help of the elders, especially Elder Morris, the plumbing for the pump and tank was installed. While this was being done Elder Faux was given the assignment to find a tank. This was almost like looking for ‘hen’s teeth’. None were to be found and of the six suppliers in the vicinity only one implied they may get more in. Therefore on Monday President Nicholas scouted the entire island with no success. One supplier did promise him a tank in a week if he would pay for it in advance-which he did- so let us hope…
Last week was also transfer week so we said goodbye to Elder Morris, to St Vincent, and Elder Welch, to St Maarten’s , and Elder Brague from Castries, to Trinidad. Technically this is the second time for Elder Brague as he served in Vieux Fort when he first arrived in the mission then transferred to Castries. The elders had to be at the Castries airport by 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning so we drove up Tuesday afternoon and stayed the night with Elder and Sister Treseder. By Wednesday noon our new elders, Elder Harris and Elder Barker, had arrived. Elder and Sister Faux were ready to start for Vieux Fort but when the elders expressed their apprehensions that there may not be food to eat when they arrived at the apartment we took the hint and detoured by Burger King in Rodney Bay before our drive back to Vieux Fort.

Sister Faux: Notice the map of the West Indies Mission. It was drawn by a missionary, I don’t know his name but thought it looked good. You can see why they travel so much. Suriname is the Dutch speaking part of the mission and part of St Maarten’s is French speaking. Guadeloupe is also French speaking. Our mission president’s family first language is French so the children are learning English as they now go to school in Trinidad.

Since Monday was our last day together with our elders we had a farewell dinner, chicken enchilada casserole, green garden salad, French bread and German chocolate cake. It has been fun to feed them as they make me think I am a good cook. The next morning they came over and just hung around a bit and finally ask if we had any leftover casserole. I told them just a bit and then ask them if they had had breakfast. They said no and that they were starving (at the end of transfer funds are low). So I showed them the cold cereal and let them help themselves. They felt better after that. As they ate dinner the day before it was also fun to hear them talk of their future wife and how they will marry a girl that can cook. They have been good elders that we have enjoyed. Our new elders will be much the same and we will enjoy them also. It is interesting to listen to the elder’s talk of their family and how much they love them, especially their Mothers—they can hardly wait to talk to them on Mother’s Day. Tonight I thought I would tell you a small bit about some our friends we have met while we have been here and have learned to love each of them. First our Branch President Nicholas, he is a good kind man and the member’s love him. He tries to be good to them and wants to help them be active. He lived here as a child and then moved to England but felt he must come back just a few years ago. He joined the church in his teenage years. He has been to the temple in England. He was married before and has 5 (?) children in England. Sister Nicholas, his wife is very friendly to members and investigators. She is known for her good cooking and cooks dinner for the elders each Sunday. She is expecting their second child in June. She will be leaving for England the last Sunday in March and will stay for a few months -maybe six. She is leaving her daughter, Olivia, here with her husband. They have a girl Shanna that lives with them and is also a member of the church. I have helped Sister Nicholas repair and remodel many of her dresses and that has been very interesting. She has not been to the temple but has a recommend and will use that when she gets the chance. Sister Cotter is another wonderful lady. She was the first member baptized in St Lucia. She is widow and has a store n downtown Vieux Fort. She has a daughter that lives in Kentucky and she goes to visit her occasionally. Her son lives in Castries; she has a recommend and hopefully will use it soon. Then Evans and Betherlie, we call her Beverly. She was just called today to be Relief Society President. We are excited about that and know she will be very good in that calling. She works in management in a super market and must work every other Sunday, so she will work out a schedule with her counselors. They had lived together 25 years before they were married a year ago so they could be baptized. Evans has been called to be Elders Quorum president. They have three grown daughters. Their daughter Swancy has a baby God child that she is raising and the family love that baby so much. She is Boom Boom that we have sent so many pictures home about. We spend each Sunday evening with this family and so we know them well—very god people. There are many more friends and will tell more about them at a later date. I must tell you about some other people that we love—Kris Pence is our daughter///no not really but we feel like she is. She is the daughter of Elder Faux’s business partner, Craig Smith. She always worked in the drug store that Craig and Elder Faux owned together. I taught her as a Laurel and have loved her since that time. She is the person that sent our name to mission president Robison and because of his request to the missionary department we here. Her son was serving in Suriname at the time. She is wonderful and does our blog for us. Thank you Kris. Some other friends that we love are Dennis and JoAnne Wilson. They are our neighbor’s in Pleasant Grove, Utah---Liberty Grove. They have taken care of our home and our flowers (which are many) since we left also all of our mail and whatever that entails. They have been very busy doing all of that and more. JoAnne has had, and still has some health problems so we know it must be difficult for them. We really appreciate them and all they are doing. Thank you Dennis and JoAnne. Well that is it for today hope everyone has a great week. Love from Elder and Sister Faux

2010-03-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

2010-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

2010-03-01T07:55:00.001-08:00

28 February 2010
Last Thursday was a day that arrived all too soon-as it was the day our family that was visiting with us departed for home. Even though they arrived in Vieux Fort they departed from the airport in Castries. To make the drive to Castries and have them there at the scheduled check-in time meant that we had to arise at 3:30 a.m. – an early hour to start the journey home. But we did enjoy Monday through Wednesday with them. Monday was Independence Day in St Lucia therefore a holiday. Neither Evans nor Betherlie William had to work that day so they invited us, and the elders, to join with them and their family for a beach picnic. They have a favorite spot on the beach that is about a thirty minute walk (they say ten minutes) from their home. It is not just a walk along the beach but includes thick woodland and a swamp-that is dried up due to the drought conditions. It is a pretty spot and we can see why they have been going there for years. Once there Evans soon had a fire going to cook the dinner that Betherlie and her daughter, Evanella, set about to prepared. It consisted of dumplings, pork pig tail, and Irish potato. While watching Betherlie and Evans you got the distinct impression they were the ones you would want to be with if you were hopelessly lost in the wilderness and wanted to survive. If the picnic were not enough we returned to their home in the evening for family home evening which included roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. We were glad our family was here to participate as it provided them an experience they would never have as a tourist. We spent most of Tuesday in Castries showing them various places of interest, letting them do some souvenir shopping, and having lunch at Spinnakers-our preferred restaurant. We drove to Castries on the Caribbean side and returned to Vieux Fort on the Atlantic side so we circle the island. We enjoyed Wednesday at the Anse Chastanet Resort near Soufriere. The family wanted to snorkel and this resort is well known as a snorkeling, and scuba diving, delight. They were not disappointed. We were happy to have Elder and Sister Treseder join with us and to enjoy their company for the day as well. Wednesday night arrived all too soon as there as still some things to do and see, but…
Sister Faux: we just returned from another evening with Betherlie and Evans where the elders provided us with another wiener roast and marshmallows. It was still fun, the elders ask Evans if he had eaten roasted marshmallows before and he said no but it was just like hot ice cream. In two days Betherlie is starting a month vacation and that makes her very happy. She has a few fun things planned to enjoy herself. Boom Boom was not feeling well tonight, she is cutting teeth and makes her miserable. She is a cutie. We enjoyed having our family here very much. Each day was a new adventure but we needed them to stay a couple of days more to get in all we had planned. We have missed all of our family and sometimes don’t think about what good kind people we have in our family. Our Branch President told me this morning how wonderful it was to have Ceci playing the piano for the large crowd of members and investigators we had. Today we did not get a count but was about half as large as last week. It was so great to have real music and have it provided by our granddaughter. Tomorrow we start a new week and more changes are on order. Both Elder Welch and Elder Morris will be leaving Vieux Fort and us. They are both good elders and we have enjoyed them very much. Elder Welch has been here six months so it is time for him to move on but still makes us sad. Elder Morris has not been here that long. He is very pleasant to us and we are sorry to see him go. We will get two new elders and will tell you about them next week. Today our Relief Society President, Sister Nicholas, wife of our Branch President, was released. She is expecting a baby and will be going to England to have her baby and will be staying there for six months. She is leaving Olivia (age 4) here with her dad—that should be interesting. They are having the baby in England so it will have that citizenship. Sister Nicholas will be missed in the branch; she is very friendly and is an excellent cook. In fact, she cooks Sunday dinner each Sunday for the elders. She leaves the last Sunday in March and the president has already warned the elders, no more Sunday dinners. We still have had no rain and so some places have rationed water. Castries people have to be very careful and cannot water plants outside. Elder Treseader just planted some plants at the church and they need water bad but he was told there is a large fine if anyone is caught watering plants. There are so many burned areas everywhere on the island. It is making us nervous and many people are talking about the lack of water. Last night we had an interesting experience as we were invited to go visiting to the Augistine home with Elder Larson. That is the area a service project was done where they put in a large tract of cement steps. I could not believe it and could still barely walk up the steps. They had to pack cement and the sand and gravel a long way in buckets to finish the walk. The church must be true. That will probably be my first and last experience walking those steps. Well it is bedtime so will close and bear my testimony that the church really is true. Love, Sister and Elder Faux

2010-02-24T06:15:00.000-08:00

2010-02-24T06:09:00.000-08:00

21 February 2010
Our week started with a trip to Castries to get a police report for Elder Morris which he will need for his next transfer. On the drive to Castries he related the various encounters he has had with the police. Some mischievous, others somewhat more grave-but thankfully no arrests. He felt some of his encounters almost bordered on harassment rather than an actual reason. Ironically on our return to Vieux Fort we were stopped at a police road block. We were asked for our insurance and driver license, which we were able to produce and pass the check OK. Then the officer asked why there were six people in a four passenger vehicle. Our excuse: that we had been in Castries and were returning to our residences in Vieux Fort. Also that the auto does have five seat belts so we were only exceeding the load limit by one. He repeated the question a couple of times and received the same reply each time. Finally he told us to go on but not to let him catch us doing this again. As we proceeded on our way Elder Morris was quick to point out this was a prime example of police harassment. Whatever…However, the day we have long been anticipating arrived. Thursday evening our son Jeff, his wife Kris, and their children Wesston, Ceci, and Hunter arrived to spend a week with us. As they live in Rupert, Idaho, coming to St Lucia this time of the year is quite a climate change for them. For activity starters we spent the better part of Friday in Dennery riding a zip line. This is an upbeat adventure. There are eleven different lines involved that carry you over, among, and between the lush foliage and trees in this area. Saturday we drove to a pretty black sandy beach near the town of Choiseul. We took our lunch with to take advantage of the shady park adjoining it. Thus the vacationers spend all the time they desired frolicking in the beautiful Caribbean Ocean. Ceci and Hunter were a little lax with the sun screen however and returned to the apartment with some sunburn to contend with. The family was our sacrament service speakers on Sunday and did a great job. Also Ceci accompanied the singing on the key board so that was a plus. So many members complimented us after church about how impressed they were with our family. And again this Sunday the chapel was, for all intentions, filled to capacity with either 69 or 71 in attendance. It just depended on who you asked. Regardless it was a sight to behold. We just hope they keep attending.
Sister Faux: Yes, our sacrament meeting today was very good. Not only did each of the family speak but Wesston also blessed the sacrament and gave the closing prayer. Ceci played the piano accompaniment as we sang the hymns. It was very nice and we enjoyed that happiness very much. A couple of the girls, Vina and Kimberly (who are sisters) took Ceci with them after sacrament meeting. She did not know where they were going but thought at first they were going to Young Women. They actually took her to a service station down the road and bought some treats: crackers and bubblegum (and stuff like that). She was surprised buying something on Sunday but they were nice to her. It is wonderful to have the family here; the only bad thing is they have to go home on Thursday.
A wonderful thing happened to Elder Welch and Elder Lundberg—they ordered 50 ties over the internet and they arrived this week. Regardless that they are all used ties they think they are beautiful…..some are quite pretty. I just tell them they are all nice. I have never known how important ties are to the elders. They trade, save, and treasure them. It is very funny but they just love them. They probably get very tired of them as they wear them each day, a bit like my dresses ---so very tired of every piece of clothing I brought with me. Not many of them are going home with me. Speaking of going home, I have been planning on going home on a cruise but our friends the Collins are not able to go with us, so Elder Faux has decided that we will just fly home too. Disappointed but that is okay.
I think Wesston has fixed my skype so I can call people. He closed it out and reinstalled it so tonight it was working much better. I have tried to do that and did not help one little bit. Everyone I tried to call did not answer but I can call again. It is still the very dry season and all the pretty grass is yellow as I said last week, only it is worse now. Many trees are losing their leaves and are not as pretty as before. I have mentioned the fires before but now much worse It seems many places just burst into flames from the heat and reflections from glass or something. . Just to show that even tropical islands can experience a drought. Everyone has gone to sleep so I had better try that myself. Hope you have all had a great Sunday. Love, Elder and Sister Faux

2010-02-15T08:53:00.001-08:00

2010-02-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

2010-02-15T08:35:00.001-08:00

14 February 2010
If we were to have a headline for the week is would read “Zone Conference and Three Baptisms on the Weekend”. But before that on Tuesday we drove our medical student neighbor, Sharon, and her sister, Calucet, to Castries. Calucet has come to stay with Sharon until April and needed to extend her visitors permit. They are Pakistani and have lived in California for a number of years. We can understand Sharon most of the time but Calucet hardly ever. We were glad we could help them but it was an interesting five hours as we went about conversing with one another. They call Sister Faux ‘Mum’ and Elder Faux ‘Papa’. Wednesday morning we drove to Castries again to prepare for Thursday’s zone conference. There was food to buy and prepare for the lunch on Thursday in addition to the elders Thursday morning breakfast. On Wednesday evening we met with President Gamiette along with our branch president, branch clerk, elder’s quorum and relief society presidents. And something transpired here that was impressive. Before the opening prayer President Gamiette counseled the brethren that when they meet to act in their priesthood calling they need to look the part, which means dressed in white shirts and ties. Branch President Nicholas and Davis, the branch clerk, were in white shirts, no ties; Evans, the elder’s quorum president had his white shirt with but had not put it on. So he was excused to put it and his tie on. While he was gone President Gamiette produced ties for President Nicholas and Davis to put on. Once these brethren ‘looked the part ‘it was remarkable as to the new feeling/spirit that permeated the room. We had another good zone conference, and as anticipated, it went overtime-about 75 minutes worth. President Gamiette gets so enthused and wound up in his teaching that time has no bearing. And he keeps the missionaries involved and participating. The lunch was a big hit as the elders were served two soups; taco soup with sour cream, cheese, chips and Clam Chowder. Elder Treseder also made a pot of chili. All that was left were the empty soup bowls. Saturday morning Jane (Jennifer) Augustine was baptized. She didn’t want to be baptized in the ocean so we took a 20 to 25 minute drive up the coast to a very pretty secluded place where a river empties into the sea. It is about one-half mile off the main highway and the road (?) leading there is strictly a four wheel drive. We are glad President Nicholas has such a vehicle to provide rides in situations such as this. We were amazed Sunday as sixty one members/ investigators (10)/ visitors (2) attended sacrament service. It was a sight to behold as the chapel was full. Then soon after church, the baptismal service was held for Lucius Mathurin and Sheba Sinasis. They were baptized at Sandy Beach-the preferred spot-about a mile from the church. And because of the large sacrament meeting attendance these two candidates had twenty seven people witness their baptism. At the conclusion of the services we all enjoyed another munch and mingle lunch at the church. Of note: the last three baptisms have been complete member participation. All the talks, prayers, and actual baptism have been by branch members other than on Saturday’s baptism the elders were the witnesses. Our goal is to have the branch self sustaining and this is a big step toward that. Also, Evans and Betherlie William, with whom we visit each Sunday evening for family home evening, celebrated their wedding anniversary this day. While visiting their home this evening they served us a large large plate of food in celebration of their anniversary. We asked for smaller portions but they insisted on filling the plate to their likings. As a result we brought home enough food for probably three meals.
Sister Faux: Good morning, we just returned from our morning walk and it is breezy and warm. Elder Faux claims that it is good for us and I am sure it must be-- and I tell myself that as I limp along. This week we had an interesting event that was fun to see. Those who read our blog last week may remember we had some visitors at church, a couple from Idaho Fall, Idaho, Greg and Vicki Hulet. In our comment section their daughter, Sunshine, sent a message (she lives in California)for us to say hello to her parents. Elder Lang’s mother (that we have contact with) had read the blog and saw their picture and notified the daughter Sunshine. It is small world indeed, and sometimes very fun. Elder Faux told you about our busy week, just a couple of comments, Sister Jennifer that was baptized in the river wanted to be baptized there because Jesus was baptized in a river. You might notice the vehicle that we rode down the terrible road, is a truck. Made me a little nervous, but life is an adventure. I might mention a few rules about baptism, when an investigator is preparing for baptism they now need to attend church three times in a row. They need to attend a Family Home Evening and also need to help present a family home evening. The Book of Mormon is very important and they must read for 14 straight days. Now this is a problem for some as they cannot read -that is the case with Jennifer (Jane) and so her younger son reads to her. We are in a very dry season and many of the trees and grasses are getting very yellow. Tall grass on the road to Castries is all yellow and looks like Utah in August. We are told it is unusual to be so dry. A man that lives up the road from us said it will start to rain the end of March. So we will see if he is right. We also held Family Home Evening last week and Elder Faux talked about keeping a journal. It was well accepted and turned out very interesting. Elder Morris lost his wallet on a bus and we thought he would never see that again. But our prayers were answered as Elder Morris, unknowingly, caught the same bus a few days later. As he got on the driver ask him his name, and if he knew where his wallet was. When he said he had lost it the driver produced it for him. He had found it on his bus and had kept it safe. His money, credit cards, and all other things still in place. It was just like a miracle. We continue to take our elders in the backseat of the Toyota, very miserable for them. Elder Faux and I sit in comfort in the front seat and listen to them moan. We tell them it keeps them humble. We continue to consider them as fine young men. It was great to have the baptisms with one more scheduled for next week. Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Love, Elder and Sister Faux
P.s. Sunshine, if you happen to read this please accept our apology for the way we mangled your parents names/spelling last week. We apologized to them as well.

2010-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

2010-02-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

7 February 2010
The first week of the month and like every other unit in the Church there are reports to be complied and submitted. Our branch does not have a computer system so we prepare them using pencil, paper, and a calculator-the old fashion way. The foremost report was doing a branch audit for the last six months of 2009. Generally someone from the mission office will come to do the audit but this time, for whatever reason, they assigned the senior elders with the island zones to do the audit in their respective branch. Since the Church is not officially recognized in St Lucia it is not permitted to open its own bank account. Therefore the bank account is in President Nicholas’s name and expenditures require only his signature. This situation is not unique in the mission so these accounts are monitored closely. Thus this audit was approached with some trepidation and prayer since audits are not Elder Faux’es forte. Besides he helps somewhat with the weekly donations and expenditures. His concern being could he be objective in conducting the audit as outlined. It took the three of us, President Nicholas, Davis Thomas-branch clerk, and Elder Faux nearly four hours to compile it, which included a telephone call for help to the mission financial secretary. Elder Faux is happy to report that to the best of his knowledge everything checked out A-OK. It is also interesting to note that the Castries Branch tithing donations are deposited into President Nicholas’s account also. This account has a sizable sum in it at this time. Elder Faux inquired as to why this money is not transferred to the general tithing fund. He was told if that much money were to be transferred President Nicholas would be swarmed with government officials wanting to know where it went and why. So it stays where it is until the Church is officially recognized in St Lucia. On Tuesday we drove to Castries for a zone meeting. Since St Lucia is now two districts we don’t see the Castries missionaries that much anymore so it was good to meet in our zone meeting. Elder Prince, the zone leader, had a well prepared agenda that was uplifting as well as motivating. You just marvel when you see these 19-20 year-old-‘kids’ making presentations such as this. Not only the presentation but the knowledge and wisdom demonstrated by the missionaries being taught. For the past month the Cunningham Family from Canada have been attending church. He is a doctor and has been doing some training at the local hospital. Also visiting today were Greg and Julie Hewlett from Idaho Falls. I (Elder Faux) see these folks attending and often wonder if going to church while on vacation, regardless of how many miles from home, is unique with the Latter-day Saints. My conclusion is that ‘it is’. Our testimony of the gospel gives us that desire to attend. And our testimony is strengthened as we feel of the same spirit, partake of the sacrament, taught from the same lesson manuals, and are inclined to visit when we should be going to our next class.
Sister Faux: As usual in a “real” church meeting food always seem to be an important part of many meetings. And so it is here in the West Indies Mission, at least with the missionaries. So following our zone conference we ordered Domino’s Pizza and had it delivered to the church. It is a very good pizza. I have never been a real fan of pizza but it tastes great here. Following zone meeting we shopped at Megs J’s for a few food items (Elder Lundberg still had a good time) then returned to Vieux Fort in time for correlation meeting that evening. Sorry we did not get any pictures of our elders this week- we must be getting lazy. We want you to know they are still working, still handsome and still make us have a happy day when they come to our apartment. I don’t recall if I have told you about the elders we have now. We still have Elder Welch and Elder Morris and they have been here for some time, I am betting that the next transfer they will be moved. That is a pure guess and no one has told me any such thing so we will see. The next transfer is the first week of March.They are good men and good to be with. Elder Morris replaced Sister Cheri Penrose’s battery cable in her car. We were to keep it running while she has been back in Utah since before Christmas. In order to do so a new cable was needed. She just returned today, is our neighbor and a medical student. A very brave student in my opinion. Her husband died a little over a year ago and she decided to come here for medical school. She has four sons and one daughter. Her youngest son is 14 (?) and Is living with his sister in Logan while Cheri is here in school. This week Wednesday and Thursday we are having zone conference, so another exciting week for us. Preparing the food is always interesting. Back to our elders, we also have Elder Lundberg from Logan, Utah. He has been serving his mission for one year and is a nice young man that we enjoy and we are glad he is here. Elder Larson, from Logan also, will be going home in May and is a very polite and nice young man. He did go home a short time ago for a month because he had a bad infection that could not be taken care of here. They both brighten up life and we enjoy each of them. A couple of things the elders say that is interesting are “I love them bad” and “we will be seeing you just now “-which can mean up to an hour.
Sorry not a very interesting blog- will try harder next week. Love, Sister Faux
p.s. While waiting at the airport for Cheri today we met Pastor Brook, a Baptist preacher we have become acquainted with. There are two of them in the area and the other one, unlike Pastor Brook, is very antagonist toward the church. The elders will walk a mile out of their way to avoid him. Pastor Brook is very cordial and we enjoy visiting with him. It just so happened that as we were leaving the airport he was two cars ahead of us. As we reached the toll booth to pay our parking fee the attendant told us there was no charge as our fee had been paid by the gentleman that had preceded us. Is that not a kind gesture?

2010-02-01T08:18:00.001-08:00

2010-02-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

2010-02-01T07:54:00.001-08:00

31 January 2010
The big event for the week was the baptism of Lucy Eugenio after church today. This is the first baptism in the branch since November so a long awaited event. It started to rain around 6:00 a.m. this morning continuing off and on until about noon. Rain generally means Low Church attendance since being in the rain, as the allegory goes, is the best way to catch cold. No one wants a cold so they stay home rather than attend church. But it was exciting to see Lucy arrive early, looking so nice and so excited. We ended up having a good turnout and many of the members stayed to be part of the baptism service. By the time we arrived at the beach the weather had cleared other than being a little windy. But this didn’t hamper the baptism. In fact it appeared the elders enjoyed the waves a little more than they should have; especially when some of the breakers washed completely over them. And it was great to see so many branch members at the beach to witness Lucy’s baptism. We returned to the church for the conclusion of the service after which we enjoyed a delicious munch and mingle lunch served by Sister Nicholas. Tuesday was our district meeting. Until December the island was one district. We took turns at the meeting venue-one week in Vieux Fort the next in Castries. But now each city is a district so that weekly get together is no more. So we hold our own and we compliment Elder Welch, the district leader, on his well prepared lesson, which included ‘role playing’, which Elder Faux is not a big fan off. And as usual at the close of our meeting food immediately came to mind. Not Scoby’s today but Domino’s Pizza. On Thursday Elders Welch and Lundberg each noted their one year on-a-mission date. It is a little unusual to have a companionship share this date so we decided to do a little celebrating. We did so by driving to Castries to grocery shop at Mega J’s (St Lucia’s Costco) and then go to lunch at Spinnakers, which is becoming our favorite restaurant in Castries. We were pleased that Elder and Sister Treseder, the couple serving in Castries, were able to join with us as well. While eating our lunch it became evident a couple at a nearby table was celebrating an event. When a birthday cake was delivered to their table Elder Faux, with a little coaxing, gentle persuasion, and cajoling got the elders to join with him and Elder Treseder to sing Happy Birthday to them. It was an amusing surprise for them, and they seemed pleased with our effort. In fact when they departed they gave us some of their birthday cake to enjoy.
Sister Faux ... Another week has gone by and if you remember last week I talked about wearing the non matching earrings to church that started the week. A couple of days later I wore my blouse wrong side out. The next day we went to help a friend and her daughter, that I had not seen her for a while, met me at the door. She seemed happy to see me and then said, “Sister Faux—Sister Faux -you are getting fat!” So that started the week, but I think it improved after that. What next?
A few things I noticed this week; When we went to Mega J’s it was fun to watch Elder Lundberg as they shopped because he has been serving in Guyana and there stores sound very small and inconvenient. He kept saying, “Look I can buy this, even if I don’t need it”. So many good things he had not seen for almost a year. At the store I had 14 things on my list and could not find anything I had planned to buy such as, chicken, hamburger, sour cream, jello—yet Elder Lundberg was so happy.
There had been many fires on the way to Castries that have burned many miles of beautiful forests. Sad news, my hairdresser is going to work on another island for six months. She said that she could not recommend anyone in Vieux Fort to cut my hair—woe is me. I was surprised when we arrived here to see the many horses on this end of the island. We see a few that are ridden occasionally but many just wander around. We see one staked now and again but I have never seen any water left for them. I feel sorry for them. We have been waiting for a Seminary teacher to be assigned, but no one is available so we thought we would begin to have class last week and we (Dave) would teach. Surprise- no one came…Our weather has been a little cooler the last week and at times we do not have our two fans running. The thermometer still says 80º except one cool day it was 79º. We have included a couple of our walking pictures but the broken road does not look as bad as it is. The water on the road has been there almost all of the time; we know it is really dry when there is no water at all. When it rains at home there are always worms on the road and sidewalk, but there have never been any worms anywhere here, I think that is interesting. We had Relief Society a week ago in the evening. Our project was to teach the sisters how to make pizza and it was fun. Kids arrive at the church before the mothers get there. Sister Nicholas baked two pizzas and had to cut them in 20 pieces, because we had so many kids and elders. It was my turn to speak in church today I talked about President Thomas Monson, as many do not know very much about him. People really pay attention when we give a talk. It is a nice experience. We had about 35 at church today so it was a pretty good turnout. Have a good week. The church really is true. Love, Sister and Elder Faux-- Elder and Sister FauxGablewoods Mall South, P.O. Box 923Vieux Fort, St Lucia, West IndiesHome 758-454-7219 Cell 758-384-5487 doraanddavefaux.blogspot.com

2010-01-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

2010-01-25T08:40:00.001-08:00

24 January 2010
A mile stone achieved in the branch today as the first elder’s quorum president, Evans William, was sustained -and on his 47th birthday. Even though he will be serving without counselors for a while he seems excited about this calling-as we are. He will be set apart by President Gamiette at our zone conference in February. He is a good man. As this was transfer week the elders decided they would like to spend park of the day viewing one of the attractions in the area-namely Sulphur Springs near Soufriere. This is touted as a drive-in volcano. From the viewing area you can see a number of boiling pots emitting plumes of steam and the pungent odor of rotten egg gas. Also highly touted are the health benefits one can obtain by soaking in the water, at designated areas, that flows from theses pots. Anything from arthritis, rheumatism, bad back to enhancing the tone of your skin by applying the mud from the bed stream to your face/body. The elders took this to heart and from the enclosed pictures their bodies should now be smooth as silk and blemish free. This same evening Elders Rosales and Morris invited Randy to the apartment and together they made a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Of course Sister Faux was there to give needed instruction, suggestions, and hints for best results. It was fairly late before they finished-late enough Elder Faux had gone to bed-and to their credit the cookies were really quite tasty. It was fun to see Randy brighten up after a few weeks of being elusive with a somewhat dour attitude. Tuesday morning we took President Nicholas with us to visit Patricia Freeman. She is a less active member who the president met for the first time. President Nicholas is one who is not at a loss when it comes to words. Notwithstanding, he met his equal, and then some, in Patricia. After visiting for about one-half hour she went to find her Book of Mormon and while she was gone President Nicholas just sat and shook his head in disbelief. We had forewarned him but it was evident he still was not prepared. Nonetheless we had a good visit and our visits with her are going to be more often. Transfer day Wednesday. We are saying goodbye to Elder Rosales, for the second time, and Elder Thomas for the first time. Elder Thomas is a fun and pleasant elder to be with. We were hoping that he might stay one more transfer so that Jeff, Kris, and family would have the chance to meet him when they visit. Elder Thomas needed to be at the airport in Castries by 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning which would require us to be on the road by 4:30 a.m. Enter Elder and Sister Treseder-such good people. They being aware of the situation graciously offered us ‘our’ bedroom at their apartment therefore we drove to Castries Tuesday afternoon and stayed the night. A plus for us going Tuesday also provided the opportunity to visit with Elder and Sister Collins. They had come from Guyana to meet family members vacationing in St Lucia. Wednesday was a busy day as Elders Treseder and Faux shuttled back and forth to the airport either taking elders, and sisters, departing or to pick up elders arriving. We finally had our two new elders, Elders Larson Lundberg, so we could be on our way back to Vieux Fort by 4:00 p.m. Elders Larson and Lundberg are both from Logan, have many mutual friends, but today is the first time they have met one another. Interesting…
Sister Faux: As I write this Monday morning, from our little Hilly-Billy town (as our California neighbor describes this area) I am continually thankful for the blessing of good health. We have been blessed each day while serving our mission with being healthy, a little flair up now and again makes us more aware of how blessed we are. We are thankful to be able to serve here among good people and great missionaries. As I have said before we enjoy our young elders. They work hard and for the most part have a good time doing it. Sad to see Elder Rosales leave again and Elder Thomas, we have enjoyed them very much and know they will continue to have successful missions. Our two new elders will be fun to get acquainted with and they have nice companions to show them the area. Elder Rosales described the difference here in St Lucia with Trinidad. He said if they get 10 contacts in Trinidad they would set up 5 appointments to teach. In St Lucia if they get 10 contacts they would only be able to set up 1 appointment. They are assigned to get 10 contacts each day, so you can see they need to work hard each day.
The other morning as we were driving we came to a corner and met a large van/bus. We stopped and Elder Faux backed up to let the van have more room and for some reason upset the van driver who leaned out the window yelling at us. Innocent Elder Faux said “He must be upset with his passengers”. I told him no, he was upset at us. That totally surprised him as he thought he was being kind. He was a big man and I am glad he was in his van.
Sunday was nice and we had four investigators, three women and one man, two will be baptized this week. That is always a happy time for the elders and everyone. We had 41 people in attendance at church. When we held our last correlation meeting the men sounded nice as we sang our opening hymn. I asked President Nicholas if they could sing in Sacrament meeting, and so they did. I believe there were thirteen singing and they sounded very good. Now Sister Elliott is going to start having a choir practice each Sunday morning. That is very exciting, some are quite nice singers.
Now for the most embarrassing part of the week. This morning Elder Faux picked up my earrings that I had taken off last night-one was black and one pearl. That was what I wore all day –to church and elsewhere-no one said anything but I am sure some must have noticed…What can I say---- Have a good week. Elder and Sister Faux

2010-01-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

2010-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

17 January 2010
We think we mentioned last week about Elder Morris breaking out in a itchy rash. Either way, with the blessings of Sister Ellison, the mission nurse, we took him to see Hilaria Gervais, FNP. Hilaria comes at the recommendation of President Nicholas since she serves as his family health care provider. She lives about ten miles north and west of Vieux Fort in a beautiful home with landscaping that had Sister Faux drooling. Hilaris’s first impression was that Elder Morris had come in contact with something he is allergic to. The first item we all thought of was the concrete we were around on Saturday during our service project. Elder Morris cringed at this as his father does concrete contracting therefore he has worked around concrete for a number of years with no problem. After a thorough examination she prescribed some allergy medication for him to take. Because the rash covered most of his body, and we had seen it become much more involved, the pharmacist part in Elder Faux came out and asked her what she thought about treating it with a two or three day dose of prednisone. She rejected that suggestion immediately, and without mincing any words. We are however, happy to report it subsided after a day of two. But Elder Morris still refuses to believe it was the concrete. As a bonus for us Hilaris gave us about a dozen grapefruit fresh from the tree. And speaking of pharmacist we went back to the St Jude’s hospital to follow up on our visit last week with the humanitarian couple. While there Sister Faux suggested I visit the pharmacy and see if I could do some volunteer service there. They were quite receptive to the offer asking that I check back next month after they have completed a little expansion project. Thursday evening we accepted Elders Rosales and Morris offer to go visiting with them at a home in an area known as Grace. We almost had to make a U turn off the main road to get on the road to the investigator’s home. It is a terrible road (?)-steep, rocky, full of ruts and potholes. I (Elder Faux) was a little perturbed to think they would ask to drive the car on this road. A four wheel drive pickup maybe, but not a little Corolla sedan. We made it OK but added about five or six new scrapes to the underside of the auto. But with the spirit we felt during the lesson and the great session we had it was all worth it. But we will walk that road henceforth.
Sister Faux: What Elder Faux did not tell you was the path that led to the house was about as bad as the road up the hill? If we could just video all the trails and roads we have been on we could open some type of a video show. This little island is totally made up of hills up and down. Many pretty places but so many hills.
Our Elders received their transfers yesterday—it is sad when that happens. Elder Thomas is going to St Martin and going to learn French. He does speak a little French, but it will be a learning experience for him. He is a fine young man and we will miss him very much. He is from New Zealand. Elder Rosales also is transferred back to Trinidad and will continue to be a zone leader. He takes his calling as a missionary very serious and is a good elder also. We had him here before and he does great work. He is from Guatemala. Elder Welch and Elder Morris stay and each will have a new companion. We will tell about them as we meet them.
Not too much news this week—it has been a bit cooler. In fact tonight it almost felt cool as we have had a little rain today and sometimes that makes a difference. I think I said that I bought a thermometer a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think the temperature has changed even a degree since we put it up. I think it has stayed on 80º every second—oh, and it was on sale. Do you think it is broken? The temperature sounds nice, but the humidity is not the best. It is 11:48 pm ºand the temp is 78º-maybe it does work, and the humidity is eighty four.
We had a nice sacrament meeting at church today with 46 attending. That was good and the most we have had for some time. It made all of us happy. We had 12 sisters in Relief Society, before we have 4 to 6.
I don’t know if I have mentioned that everyone has security bars on their windows. We like it and make us feel safe. They have finished building an apartment out our back window; they started it the 4th of Dec. It still needs paint but I was told it is finished. We have been asked if we felt the earthquake in Haiti. No, we did not feel anything, but the mission office emailed this morning and said the mission area doctor and three member doctors have left for Haiti and 13 more were coming in today. Once there they will set up a hospital in one of our church buildings. All the churches are okay and also all the missionaries are safe. A terrible tragedy. We wish you a happy and safe week. The Church is true.
Elder and Sister Faux

2010-01-13T10:31:00.001-08:00

10 January 2010
First of all something of a personal flavor- fifty eight years ago this very day Elder and Sister Faux were married for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple. There have been some bumps and bruises over the way but what we remember most is just how wonderful it all has been.
The events of the week: first was the branch family home evening Monday night. We didn’t have the turnout we hoped for but the ones there were enthusiastic. Sister Faux presented a lesson and a good discussion on prayer. For an activity the elder s did ‘flour tower.’ A tower of flour is made with a piece of candy on top. The sides of the tower are then cut away with a knife. Whoever is cutting when the tower collapses has to pick the candy up with her teeth from the flower heap. Secondly, Zone Conference in Castries on Thursday. As Sister Faux and Sister Treseder are responsible for preparing the luncheon that is served after the conference, as well as providing goodies for the elders breakfast the morning of the conference, we drove to Castries on Wednesday to get prepared staying the night with Elder and Sister Treseder. For the luncheon a potato bar with all the trimmings was prepared and needless to say thoroughly enjoyed by the missionaries. The Treseder’s also prepared the yummiest chili to go along with the potato bar. As our zone has been divided since the last zone conference we only had to prepare for 26 rather than the 45 like last time. President Gamiette, we have said this before and will probably say it again, is a masterful teacher. Just for a little exercise go to John 10:11-13, focus on ‘hireling’, as opposed to shepherd in this text, then do a forty five minute to an hour discussion on how this applies to missionary work and the missionary him/her self. For the Vieux Fort Branch this was a good conference as Evans William, 44 years old, was interviewed and approved to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, which will now give us four Melchizedek Priesthood brethren in the branch, and Firmus and Cecelia Hippolyte were interviewed and had their temple recommends signed. Thirdly: last September St Jude’s Hospital, which serves this area, was destroyed by fire. The area presidency directed Elder and Sister Whitehead, the humanitarian couple, to visit with the hospital CEO to see if there was an area the Church could be of assistance. So we made the appointment with the CEO and then accompanied them as they met together. It will be interesting to see what the Church will do. Fourth: On Saturday, President Nicholas plus two other branch members and the elders joined together for a service project in behalf of the Augustine Family. They step from dirt into their house and after a rain it would be pure mud. They also have a rather steep incline of a rock and dirt ‘path’ to negotiate in order to reach their house. Our project was to pour a cement pad in front of the house and steps up the incline. Four friends/neighbors of the family also help and were key factors in us finishing it in one day. The sand and gravel mix had to be carried about fifty yards, including twenty one steps, in five gallon buckets. This is where the friends made the difference. We would carry one bucket; they, much of the time, would hustle along with two. The cement was mixed on the ground and then again carried by bucket and dumped in the form. I must report the elders also worked very hard all day and did their share along with our two branch members.
Sister Faux: Monday--As Elder Faux reported yesterday was our 58 wedding anniversary, we can hardly believe it ourselves. Where have all those years gone? We have seen many changes in our lives as in the world around us. Our lives has been good, with a few cross times but the good really outweighs the bad. Dave is the best thing that ever happened to me. We have been blessed in so many ways, the church has always been important in our lives and we have stayed active. Our family has made us proud and happy and they continue to be good people. My prayer for them is that they remain the fine people that they are and that they learn to love each other more. The friends in our branch here were amazed that a couple could live together for so many years. We are very thankful for all we have been blessed with. As it is with most couples we started out with nothing, not even a car, and now we do have a car.
Yesterday was a good day at church and a nice sacrament meeting. The President, his wife and Shanna, who lives with them, were the speakers. They gave well prepared talks about obedience (D&C 19, 15-19, repentance and forgiveness) .D&C 58:42 & D&C 64-9-10. After church Jeanette and Davis came and had lunch with us, so we had a nice afternoon. The evening was spent at the William home for FHE. Elder Welch and Thomas gave the lesson on the plan of salvation, always something for us to learn. After coming home for the evening Elder Rosales had to use the computer for his weekly report as zone leader. As he and elder Welch were about to leave they paused long enough to sing, for our anniversary, “Families Can be Together Forever” How nice of them. We love these young men, they make our life nice. Elder Morris broke out in a rash yesterday and looked terrible when we saw him. The pharmacist, Elder Faux found some cream in the first aid box and some Benadryl and he was a bit better late last night. Have not called today so hope he is better. Transfer time is coming up next week so anxious to see what happens. It is hard to let these great young men move on. Have a good week. Sister and Elder Faux

2010-01-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

2010-01-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

2010-01-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

F
Irst let us wish everyone a Happy New Year. A year we hope and pray will be a great one. We welcomed in the year 2000 while serving in the Manila Philippines Mission and now we have had the opportunity to welcome a new decade living in Vieux Fort, St Lucia while serving in the West Indies Mission. What might the year 2020 bring…
We had a rather busy week. With Monday being Preparation Day the elders came to the apartment to do their weekly e-mails and enjoy the tasty lunch Sister Faux provided for them-with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for dessert. One thing about these meals is you don’t have to wonder what to do with the leftovers. It delights Sister Faux immeasurably see them enjoy her cooking as they do. On Wednesday the missionaries drove down from Castries to attend zone meeting. Zone leader, Elder Rosales, in his usual manner, had a well prepared lesson to present after which we ordered Domino Pizza, delivered to the church, for lunch (don’t know if we have mentioned that Domino Pizza set up shop recently in Vieux Fort and is a gold mine). After lunch Elder and Sister Treseder stayed and spent the afternoon with us sending their missionaries back to Castries by bus. We do enjoy being with these folks and had a delightful afternoon together. Before they left we accepted their invitation to drive to Castries and welcome in the New Year with them. On New Year’s Eve we arrived in Castries around 3:00 p.m. and glad it wasn’t any later as a large portion of the main street through Castries was blocked off for the assembly of food and drink stands for the New Year Celebration. The detour was unmarked so we just had to flounder amid unfamiliar roads until we were able to once again find the street we needed. We had planned to dine out early New Year’s Eve-beat the crowd. But the restaurant of choice was closed preparing for a New Year Eve’s party so we went back to the Treseder’s and enjoyed a meal of barbecued chicken wings and scrimp salad with chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Later in the evening we watch an ‘oldie’ on TV, “Tea for Two” with Doris Day. However, before the 12-o-clock hour Sister Faux and Elder Treseder had gone to bed leaving Sister Treseder and Elder Faux to welcome in 2010.
Sister Faux: Happy New Year! We had a fun time as we went to Castries and stayed over with Elder and Sister Treseder as Elder Faux has mentioned. That night we just watched a movie on TV (couples are allowed to do that) or maybe I should say we watched part of a movie and then I went to bed- too tired. New Years Day we went to lunch at an ocean side restaurant, Spinnakers. For some reason the waves were so high the parking lot was filled with sea water and we had to take off our shoes to walk in. It is all open air- no walls and a really fun place to go. We have been there three times. The waves kept coming up so high that some washed into the restaurant covering the floor with water and sand. It was fun. That night we went with the elders teaching a nice man (Brother William) about becoming an elder next week at Zone Conference. So now we are preparing another meal for zone conference. This time we have only 25 as the zone has been divided so I think that will be easier.
Just a couple of things you might be interested in about this little island. One of their favorite things they love to cook and eat is Macaroni pie. It is just about like macaroni and cheese and it is well liked by most everyone (not me). The weather is now in the Dry Season and so we walk in some places where the grass and bushes have lost their beautiful green color and the leaves look dry. We have had some rain this week and we appreciate it. You never have to worry about being cold when it rains---still hot. Brother Davis Thomas, the clerk in our branch, talks about how he was a Rasta man before joining the church. Rasta men have long dread (?) Locks. Their hair is long, sometimes down the middle of their back, and in braids. The braids are all matted together and you would not want to touch them. Being the Beautician that I am, and I once saw lice in one woman’s hair, it makes me shudder to think of touching them and what you would find. They are interesting. Rasta stands for R-Righteous, A African, S Stand, T Tall and A Alone… as told to me by Brother Thomas. They look like interesting men. We are still enjoying our hard working elders. They go day and night thinking they have someone lined up for baptism and then it falls through. They must get disappointed many times, but just keep on working. Elder Welch has a nice scratch all down the side of his face as he ran into a board fence a few nights ago. They travel in the dark with no light—but they are young. They are good men. I try not to think of them as boys, but sometimes… Well, have a good week and I know the church is still true. Sister Faux and Elder Faux

2009-12-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

2009-12-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

2009-12-28T08:02:00.000-08:00

27 December 2009
We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. Our Christmas was good but did not go exactly as planned…
Since the flare up with the missionaries in Guyana last fall the area presidency has asked that we make sure we are compliant with regulations of the particular country we are in. Therefore the St Lucian missionary force met with an immigration officer in Castries on Tuesday to clarify our status. Our situation created some questions as the officer ended up speaking with other immigration people in adjoining offices seeking an answer. After about two hours of off and on discussion we were finally told for now we will have to renew our stay every thirty days at the cost of $200.00 EC per missionary. We were also told the immigration cabinet meets monthly to consider immigration concerns-that this will be presented to them and hopefully it can be extended to every 90 days. A file was created for each missionary which required a copy of our passport plus a passport photo. At the passport photo shop we were told it would take about ten minutes. Two hours later we had our photos and we were ready-and eager to return to Vieux Fort. Elders Welch and Thomas asked us to go with them that evening to visit a family they are teaching. We did so and felt strongly of the spirit as this family was taught. They asked good pertinent questions, paid close attention to the lesson, and were most gracious in every way. They are Seventh Day Adventist and the elders are hopeful they will gain a testimony of the gospel so that the day of the Sabbath will not become an issue. It was a delightful evening and we are thankful the elders involved us.
Now as to Christmas. We planned to meet with the other missioners in Castries early Christmas Day, do a service project at an orphanage in the morning, have lunch, play some games, watch a ‘mission approved’ movie until we needed to return to Vieux Fort so the elders could make their Christmas Day calls to family. Enter Kashakacy (Kacy) Leonce. When Elder and Sister Collins were the missionary couple in Castries they were able to get Kacy accepted at BYU-Idaho starting the spring semester. Elder and Sister Treseder were in Guyana at the time of the little flare up and were ordered to leave. As a result they and Elder and Sister Collins essentially traded places. Christmas Eve afternoon the Treseder’s were taking Kacy to the airport in Castries. She needed to be there at 2:00 p.m. for her flight to Salt Lake City. While on the way she informed Elder and Sister Treseder the airport she needed to be at was in Vieux Fort-an hour away at the very best, not Castries. They located a taxi as soon as possible, paid her fare, and got her on her way. Treseder’s called us about 4:00 p.m. to let us know the situation and asked if we would follow up and see if she made the flight. Ten minutes later Elder Collins called from Guyana to tell us she had missed her flight, was still at the airport, and ask if we would pick her up. Not only pick her up but let her stay with us for the night and then see that she caught the same flight Christmas Day. We were glad to help but in the twinkle of an eye our Christmas day plans changed. All was not loss however. President and Sister Nicholas had invited us to a Christmas Day dinner so now we told them we would accept the invite- and they were most happy to have Kacy as a guest as well. They had a meal prepared that would have fed Royalty. We were glad we joined with them. After dinner we got Kacy on her way OK, and as the elders rode a bus to Castries that meant we were all alone for the balance of the day. Christmas without family is hard regardless of what you are doing.
Sister Faux: Yes, Christmas is hard without family no matter what is happening. We planned to talk to all of our family on Skype, but we could not get it to work. We could see some of them but could not hear them so it made us sad. Wesston (Grandson) tried to call us again last night but still did not work. I know they all had a good Christmas so that is what is important. Also we are blessed with a new great granddaughter born on the 23 of December…..Our daughter Amy’s birthday –and Joseph Smith birthday. She is our third Great grandchild; her parents are David and Holly Faux. Their first child and we hear that she is beautiful, no name that we have heard of yet. That makes us happy and can’t wait to see her.
Our Christmas dinner at the Nicholas home was West Indies for sure. They had killed a Hugh chicken or rather Elder Morris killed it for them. His first chicken experience… It was as big as a small turkey and delicious, they also had ham and boiled pork with all the other dishes. It was very nice of them to invite us. Our elders were all in Castries and had a wonderful Christmas and they were excited to speak with their families. Does Santa come to St Lucia? Not to many families, but this morning at church Ceara Hippolyte (8) showed me what Santa brought her. It was a small dairy and another little gift that she was very happy to receive. They have no chimneys here so why should Santa come—I think it would be frustrating for him.
I don’t recall if I have mentioned it before but people on the street look very clean and well ---pressed. The white clothes are very white and ironed perfectly. They are not very modest but very clean and also very nice. Many do not have washers and so wash by hand and that seems hard to me. People that come in to Castries on cruise ships do not have that same look, many look trashy and they are all white people, they embarrass us.
On our way to Castries last week the elders were reading, at random, the chapter headings from the Book of Mormon and quizzing each other about what book /verse/story. It was impressive how many correct answers were given. They learn so many things about the gospel in a very short time. I know I have said it before but they are very fine men. Most of these missionaries are picking up a second language that the natives use all the time. It is called Patwa and has many French words in it—I would love to learn a few words .Elder Morris is very interested in speaking it.
Elder Treseder planted me a pot of flowers-one large plant is a coconut tree-he just picked it up in the wild. It has the coconut shell with the tree growing out of it. It has a few other plants and yesterday I tore off a philiadandrum( I can’t spell it). They grow all over and always an inside plant at home, here they grow wild and cover entire trees. It will be fun to watch it grow.
As the New Year comes this week we wish each of you a very Happy New Year. Elder and Sister Faux

2009-12-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

2009-12-21T08:15:00.001-08:00

20 December 2009
Is it or isn’t it? Somewhat of a quandary. On Friday we were notified that zone conference scheduled for January 6th and 7th 2010 had been moved to December 16th and 17th. So we arranged to meet with Elder and Sister Treseder in Castries come Monday to make plans for the zone conference meal (at least 40 people to feed) in addition to providing the elders with something they could have for breakfast that morning. Before we could leave Monday morning we got word the conference had been cancelled due to lack of travel arrangements. Then we get notified it will proceed on the 16th and 17th as announced-then another notice it has been cancelled. Sister Treseder finally called the mission office to find out what was happening for sure. We were relieved to know it would be held as originally scheduled in January. But at the same time somewhat saddened when we were informed that our zone had been divided. The islands of Grenada and St Vincent, which had been part of the zone, would now be a zone of their own. One of the delights of zone conference was our association with Elder and Sister Rasmussen and Elder and Sister Wheeler, the senior couples serving on these two islands. They are good people and we will miss our visits and association with them. So instead of zone conference on Tuesday we had a zone meeting connecting with the other islands via the computer for visual and the telephone for audio. From this meeting came a whole new mission criteria for baptism, the key ones being: the candidate must attend church for three consecutive Sundays and stay for the full block, read from the Book of Mormon fourteen consecutive days, teach a Book of Mormon lesson to a referral they have provided, two family home evenings, one with a member present and one on their own. This will reduce the number of baptisms but those that are baptized should be stronger in their commitment to live the commandments and stay active members. It was a singular experience to witness as the missionaries accepted these new baptism standards and proffer their willingness to work harder.
Sister Faux: Greetings from the sunny island of St Lucia! Today is Sunday and it is a bright happy day. We just came home from church and not many people attending again this morning. I counted just before our service began and 21 in attendance. A few came late as usual- about 6 or 7 all kids except one. We are not sure just what the problem is but it is not good. A young man was to receive the priesthood; another man was to give a talk, plus our music leader, all did not come. And another new member wasn’t there as well as our Sunday school teacher. Randy came but he was not happy and spent most of the time on the porch. Makes us feel bad for them and for the branch. Our elders are working daily with the members trying to encourage them. Monday night they have an extra Family Home Evening planned, hoping to help some families.
Elder Faux has told you about the changes in our zone and also we are going to have our district split as well. We will have four elders here and one couple (Faux). So the four elders will not have to travel in the back seat of our little Toyota. That really makes them miserable. It has always been miserable but our large New Zealand elder is a big man so that makes it harder. Could I just tell you what good men they are, we enjoy them very much.
One morning as we walked our three, or almost three mile walk, we passed a house that has a little table out in front. The owner puts some things from his garden on it to sell. He was the one that climbed his neighbor’s tree in the summer and picked me some mangos. Anyway, we bought a small pumpkin, lettuce and some spinach for $14 EC money, which would be not quite $5.00 in our money. He went out into his garden and picked them fresh, except for the pumpkin. It is very good; the pumpkin is a little stringy but tastes fine. On another walk we passed a flight of steps leading up to a house. The owners must think they will never get old. I would not want to hike these steps. We will put a picture up and show you.
In closing:
A Christmas wish we would like to share with all of you for whom we care
Just nice wishes for family and friends so dear a wish for your happiness and your good cheer
This happy holiday season for this precise year finds us far away but our thoughts are clear
We miss each one of our family whom we love and ask Heavenly Father to bless from above
Our friends are like family and we love them so much we wish they had time to just keep in touch
In the snow and cold of the season we find that we pray for your joy and happiness of the best kind
Now we live in a very bright sunny town and on our face you will not find a frown
A mission we serve so we feel of good cheer and in our thoughts we hold each of you dear
The birth of our Savior is the very reason we love to celebrate this happy holiday season
So Merry Christmas to all-may your spirits be bright for certain our Merry Christmas will surely not be white.
Love, From Elder and Sister Faux

2009-12-14T10:57:00.001-08:00

We were in Castries for the most part of Monday. It was time to have the routine maintenance service for the auto and that is where the service center is located. Once we had the auto logged we went with Elder and Sister Treseder. Our first stop at their apartment where Dora gave Sister Treseder a haircut- before the fun started. For fun we went shopping and browsing at the mall in Rodney Bay. Dora was looking for a pair of shoes, which she didn’t find, but she did find a curling iron. The one she brought with her melted when she inadvertently plugged it into the 240 V outlets that are standard here. This curling iron is 120 V so she can use it when we return home-provided she doesn’t by pass the adapter again. We hadn’t planned to eat at the mall but in looking over the cuisine we decided to try it to see if it might be something we could have catered for the next zone conference. We enjoyed our meal but will try a couple of other options before a decision is made. The rest of the time we just wandered through the various businesses in the mall. It was a most enjoyable day with the Treseders’. We returned to Vieux Fort just in time for our monthly branch family home evening. As usual, just a few in attendance when we started but gradually increased so we had a nice group at the end. For a lesson/program we sang a few Christmas Hymns then branch member Davis Thomas read the Christmas Story from the 2nd Chapter of Luke. We then sang a couple more hymns and closed the program with three primary age girls, Gabriella, Shaza, and Kelsey singing ‘Its’ A Jolly Jolly Christmas’. It was most entertaining, especially when they added a little St Lucian version. It was a fun way to end our program. After the closing prayer the elders got everyone involved playing the game, “Do You Love Your Neighbor?” What started out looking like it might be a bleak evening ended up quite successful-thankfully. We were in Castries again on Wednesday to take Elder Westover as that was transfer day and he will be spending two weeks in Trinidad before returning home. He has been a good missionary and we have enjoyed our association with him. Our new elder is Elder Rosales. But he really isn’t new as he was one of the elders that greeted us as the airport when we first arrived. This will be his second time working with the Vieux Fort Branch. He is from Guatemala, Elder Thomas from New Zealand, so we have somewhat of an international elegance with the four missionaries in Vieux Fort.
Sister Faux: Today is Sunday and we had a nice Sunday Service, however we were very few in number, I counted 23 people as we started, six of those being missionaries, and about five more came a little later. I don’t know the problem but it does not seem to be getting any better with each week. Randy did not come again and we do not know his problem. It makes us sad. We had eight sisters in Relief Society but that is about usual. The elders have been trying to reactivate so hope that helps. We were invited to our friends, Jeanette and Davis Thomas, for lunch today. She served pumpkin soup and was really very good. Friday night we bought a pizza (Domino’s just opened) and took it to the beach to eat with Jeanette and Davis as well. That was a fun evening. Saturday we cleaned the church once again (people don’t seem to remember that it is an assignment for all the members) Then we interviewed Lilly about being a Semi nary teacher. We have to report to our mission president to see what he chooses to do.
This week we received a couple of Christmas cards from our friends and that was fun. We also received a birthday card with a beautiful handkerchief (Thank you Eleanor and John) the envelope was all tore up but arrived okay. We took a picture of it and will post it with our pictures. We just returned from our weekly trip to the William Family including Boom Boom. We had a fun evening with Evenella giving the family home evening lesson once again. She is not a member of the church but she always gives the lesson. I took cinnamon rolls for the treat and I don’t think that was their favorite dessert.

2009-12-14T08:26:00.001-08:00

2009-12-07T07:31:00.003-08:00

2009-12-07T07:31:00.001-08:00

Well, I (Elder Faux) didn’t make it. Climbing the Gros Piton that is. I keep telling myself that if I could have set my own pace I may well had been successful. But when you have a lithe 20 year old guide who makes the climb at least five times a week-and sometimes twice a day-and is on a time schedule…whew!Elder Faux made it to the first check point but when told it just got steeper and rougher he decided it was time to use prudence over pride. Anyway, racquetball is where it all is at rather than climbing the Gros Piton, a volcano that didn’t erupt. The young elders were successful. However; when Elder Thomas arrived back he was totally exhausted. He found a place to sit and hardly moved, other than to gulp water, for about fifteen minutes. Maybe a little note of interest: to make the climb a guide is mandatory as is a fee. The fee is listed as ‘attempt’ rather than ‘climb’ so no recourse for a refund if you be unsuccessful. Brother and Sister Elliot, branch members that live in Soufriere, found out about this event, so they invited us to have lunch with them when we finished. It is about a 45 minute drive, not so far in distance but due more to road conditions. It was well worth the drive as the lunch was great. We were in Castries both Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday for district meeting and Wednesday to meet with Elder and Sister McIntosh who are the CES couple for the mission. Our goal is get seminary started again and to have a branch member as the teacher. They came to Vieux Fort on Thursday to interview two prospects so we may be on our way. When we drove to Castries of Wednesday we had Firmus Hippolyte, 1st councilor in the branch presidency, ride with us. He has his own ten wheel dump truck that he drives all around the island hauling sand/gravel or whatever. The apprehensions Elder Faux felt about him being a passenger were well founded as he received various instructions from this native driver. “Tap the brake, tap the gas, shift to 2nd, slow down, speed up, toot the horn, etc etc”. Then usually the comment, “You are doing good Elder Faux”. He is a good man and we did enjoy his company. Along with Elders Welch and Thomas we were at his home in Choiseul Friday afternoon. The elders were looking for a member family in Soufriere and needed directions. We call it inspiration as we were able to find the home and five out of the six family members. Lack of transportation is their reason for not coming to church so the challenge now is to come up with a plan that will work for them.
Sister Faux: Elder Faux speaking about the Pitons, if you could just see them (2 of them) you would wonder why anyone in their right mind would attempt to climb them. So that is great for those young elders as they made it and great for Elder Faux as he thought he could. I had a very pleasant day by myself as they were gone from early morning and did not get back until after dark- about 6 pm. I sewed most of the day making myself a nice new red dress. I am mostly happy about it. But for some reason it seems I to have to make my clothes a bit bigger---what can that mean. I don’t have much to tell you this week, the weather still hot but it may have little cooled a little. When we sit on the porch and a breeze is blowing it feels great. I did bring a sweater and have never had it out of the drawer and in fact it is still in the plastic bag. Just one word of caution; if you have ever had a full bottle of new colored nail polish try not to drop it on a solid tile floor by the wall, or by the shower stall, or shower curtain. It makes life difficult for some time. Who ever thought that Elder Faux and I would be spending the Christmas Holidays on a beautiful tropical island? We need to be enjoying every minute of our time here. We wish all of you well and hope you are enjoying the Happy Holiday Season wherever you are. Love, Sister Faux

2009-11-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

2009-11-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

The two most notable events of the week were district meeting in Castries on Tuesday and Thanksgiving Day remembrance on Thursday. We are impressed with the preparation and worthwhile teaching/training that takes place in our district meetings. Tuesday’s meeting was most notable however. When we entered the room we noticed that Elder Christensen, the district leader, had it all set up for the meeting with a projector and screen in place. After the opening formalities; hymn, prayer, reciting of the mission theme, a review of last week’s accomplishments, and the missionary reports, Elder Christensen read a letter from President Gamiette in regards to the importance of being obedient. A couple of observations were made in regards to the letter, which resulted in a few more comments and then you could almost sense the transformation in the feeling that permeated the room. The lesson subject became the blessings that are ours by being obedient. Scripture references and promises were read and discussed. Some personal experiences were shared. Elder Christensen conducted the lesson as though it had been what he had prepared except the projector and screen was never used. After the meeting Elder Christensen was complimented on the great lesson and his reply, “That wasn’t me doing that”. There is no question he was following the promptings of the spirit. The original plans for Thanksgiving were to have the Castries missionaries come to Vieux Fort and we would celebrate together. But in a directive from President Gamiette the missionaries were told if they were invited for dinner they were not to spend more than one hour in the home. To comply with this directive our plan was cancelled since at least three hours travel time would be involved in addition to the dinner time. So we had dinner with our four elders, Randy, and our neighbor Sharon. Dora prepared a scrumptious dinner of fruit salad, sting beans, dressing, yams, mashed potatoes and gravy (you don’t have any idea how hard it is to find a potato masher), cranberry sauce, hot rolls, and chicken in lieu of turkey. She couldn’t find any pumpkin so for pie she prepared a banana cream and a coconut cream. Needless to say It was thoroughly enjoyed and in a way cruel. The elders would have preferred sitting in the shade and letting their meal digest rather than hitting the road-in the sun and on a full stomach.
Sister Faux: When I look at the menu it looks pretty normal—but—as Elder Faux said the potato masher was one great problem. We hunted everywhere to find one and not one anywhere. So the next best thing was to borrow one and that was also a problem. Finally the landlady’s worker said she had one we could borrow. It was plastic and Elder Faux had reservations about using it. It did work fairly well and we had mashed potatoes. The sweet potatoes we prepared the night before we had the masher and they were different-red outside and white inside and very firm. He mashed them with a fork and they were still firm. Finally I looked on the internet and found a recipe that said to add a cup of orange juice –so I did and with that and more butter they tasted somewhat like home. For the pie I couldn’t find any half and half or cream but did find real milk so used that and Jell-O pie filling. Not too good but it had to do for this year. The elders are all good sports as they act like they enjoy each meal. Speaking about the elders I will tell you a bit about them. First we have Elder Westover from Corona, California. He is a good elder and is soon on his way home. He will leave for home next month and arrives home I think Dec 23. He is going home a touch early so that he can get back into college in California. We have enjoyed him finishing his mission here. He has been In Guyana for some time and was zone leader and I think district leader also. He has wonderful feelings about his success there. His companion is Elder Morris from Mesa, Arizona. I think he has been out almost four transfers (six weeks each transfer) and he has been transferred each time. He is a great young man also and is very good at meeting people and explaining the gospel, especially in Sunday School Class or our Wednesday night class. Our next transfer is Dec 9 and we wonder if he will be moved again. We hope not. Our next elder is Elder Welch from Farmington, Utah. He is a happy young man and nice to have him around also. He attended college at Rexburg, loved it there and plans to return as soon as his mission is over, in about one year. He is a great trainer and is working hard to get people baptized. His companion is Elder Thomas from Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand. He has been out about five weeks and is doing a fine job. He is large young man, 250 lbs, and makes our back car seat seem very full. The other elders are not as big in size, but big in spirit. Elder Thomas’s Mother is Tongan and his father is British. He is a handsome man and his skin is almost as dark as most or our natives. These are the young men that serve here and we love them and can feel their sprit every time we are around them. From all the young elders we have met we feel our Heavenly Father has saved the best for last. They are very inspiring. Have a good week as you prepare for Christmas. Who would have thought we would be spending our holiday’s here on a wonderful tropic island. It is great.

2009-11-23T08:22:00.001-08:00

2009-11-23T08:16:00.001-08:00

2009-11-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

2009-11-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

The highlight of the week was in the happiness, the blessing, the joy, the delight of wishing Dora (Sister Faux) a Happy Birthday! on Saturday. We started the day by participating in the baptism services of two young converts, Brandon Harding and Jasma Lubin. Jasma was baptized by her father Andy, who was baptized last April, so he was excited; not only in her being baptized but that he was able to do it. The baptismal services took almost three hours. One candidate was late in coming; and since President Nicholas is in England for a few weeks that left Elder Faux with the only vehicle to shuttle people from the church to the baptismal site and back again - so one thing we are learning is patience. For lunch we bought pizza and other than our Temple Preparation Class in the evening just had a quite day together. Zone conference was on Wednesday in Castries but we drove there on Tuesday. Sister Faux and Sister Treseder had to put the final touches on the Wednesday zone conference luncheon- 46 people to feed – in addition to something for their breakfast Wednesday morning. Elder Faux was needed to help shuttle from the airport to the church and/or their accommodations four couples, twenty elders, President and Sister Gamiette and three children, plus his two assistants. Elder Faux had to chuckle to himself when the elders, who are doing things way beyond their years, approached his auto they would began calling out “Window, window”. Just like the family in days past when they loaded into the car. Once again a motivating conference as President Gamiette, and we have said this before, is a masterful teacher. And we must also report that all the work in preparing the luncheon paid off as it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Elder and Sister Faux accepted Elder and Sister Treseder offer to use their extra bedroom on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. We were planning to drive back to Vieux Fort Wednesday evening until Elder Treseder provided us with one reason why we should stay. It was a good choice as we were really tired and besides on Thursday morning we went to the beach to swim and lounge in the waters of the beautiful Caribbean Ocean. At the conference we met for the first time Elder Manwill from Annabella, Utah, a neighbor of Bishop and Zanette Sorenson and family when they lived there-a picture enclosed-and for Sister Mele two pictures of Elder Vi.
Sister Faux: Last week was a busy week starting out Monday, preparation day. The Elders come to our apartment to do their emailing and since there are four that takes some time. Then we usually serve them lunch that takes some time but is fun. while Elder Faux took the elders to see the Dennery Falls, a one hour drive one way, I started to do some preparations for zone conference, making cinnamon rolls for their breakfast and also preparing the meat for Taco salad. I make the Taco seasoning for the meat and it is pretty good and less expensive. We provided cinnamon rolls, bananas, and milk/juice for the elders Wednesday breakfast. The milk was for breakfast and the juice for the mid-morning snack but somehow they did not know, and it didn’t matter anyway as it was all gone at the end of the lunch. One thing I thought interesting was if the elders had been in Guyana they were not used to milk as they cannot buy it there. They use the milk you buy in cartons and will last a long time on the shelf before opening. Those elders were concerned about drinking milk as they said it makes them sick now as they have not had any for so long. But six gallons of milk disappeared over the course of the two meals. Oh, the many joys of serving a mission. Tuesday we left early so Elder Faux could help picking up people at the airport. That day we went to lunch with the couples and also to dinner. For dinner we went to their hotel, the same place as last time. The menu was completely changed from six weeks ago and ready for the tourist season-fewer items on the menu and much more expensive. We had a good time and it is fun to get to know the other couples. As Elder Faux said we stayed over two nights and it was fun. Thursday night when we arrived home I was so tired I went to bed at 8 pm and woke up the next morning at 7:30 am. Another joy of a mission. The rest of the week was rather quiet and that is nice on occasions. I don’t know if you know the countries of our mission so I will just write the list. We have St Marten (French) St Marten (English), Guadeloupe, St Lucia, St Vincent, Grenada, Trinidad /Tobago, , Guyana, (all English) Suriname (Dutch speaking) , French Guyana and Martinique (French). For zone conference the missionaries fly in from St Martin, Grenada, St Vincent including four couples. I hope this is all correct.
Well I must go for now—Last week we ask for names for our mission guess how many we received. That is right - none! I am a little disappointed. Have a nice week…The Church really is true. Love Elder and Sister Faux --

2009-11-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

2009-11-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends, This may be a very different way to begin a mission blog but we have a request to ask of each of you. Our Mission President has ask each couple in the mission if thry will submit a list of twenty names of couples that would be would be able to serve a senior mission. This would be in the West Indies Mission and could begin as early as January 2010. We currently have 22 couples serving but from January to September of next year we will lose 14 of our 22 couples. Can you think what would happen in this mission if we only had 8 couples serving 148 young missionaries? This information was sent to us by Sister Myers of the office staff. Would you please take a look at your family, friends or acquaintances and please help us out. We need the names, phone numbers and/or email addresses and the office will take it from there. Please don’t deprive those you love from receiving the many blessing that can be theirs if they have a desire. Thank you very much. Just send the information to our email address ddfaux@gmail.com. Thank you once again.
This has been somewhat of a slower week as compared to last week. Wednesday morning the elders came to our apartment for a zone meeting which was held via telephone/computer connections. Since our zone covers four different islands it is easy to see why this mode of meeting is used. The computer used for displaying the visuals effects and the telephone/speaker for the audio. For the most part it works quite well. Elder Westover gave us a bit of a concern for part of the week. He woke up Monday morning with his right cheek all puffy and swollen. It was not painful and no evidences of any kind of a bite. By evening it had subsided significantly so we hoped whatever it was had run its course. Alas, not so. Tuesday morning the swelling was back and involved some of his lower lip-again subsiding as the day went on. Wednesday morning when he arrived for the zone meeting broadcast his lower lip was so swollen it dominated all his facial features. Thinking it might be something to do with his pillow/bedding we bought him a new pillow and Dora washed all his linen. Thursday morning he looked more like Jay Leno than Jay Leno. We had been in contact with the mission nurse all this time and she concurred when we told her that branch President Nicholas had arranged for Elder Westover to see a FNP their family. So an appointment was made for Friday morning and wouldn’t you know it? There was hardly any swelling for FNP Mimi to see. Nevertheless she gave him a thorough examination finally deciding he had had an allergic reaction to something. Anyway, so good so far and we think the linen washing and new pillow went a long way in solving his dilemma. We were in Castries most of Thursday meeting with Elder and Sister Treseder. It is zone conference next week and with more than forty to prepare a meal for we thought we should get it planned. We had a nice visit, which of course, included having lunch together.
Sister Faux: I spent some time yesterday telling you about our week and then hit a wrong button and that was the end. We had a good week Monday the elders were here and two them did their washing as their washer was broken, they did emails, and had lunch, so that is always a good day for us. Friday I made 12 hot pads for those that came to RS that night and also made cinnamon rolls as a treat and then demonstrated how to make the rolls. It was an okay evening but need to find something that really interests them. Any suggestions? I thought I would tell you about the meat selection at the grocery store. Beef buys from New Zealand---minced beef, beef kidney, beef feet, frozen goat meat, boneless beef, lamb neck, frozen local pork, frozen pork ribblets salted, frozen pork tails, bangamary fish filler, butterfish fillet, tuna fish steak, dolphin fish steak, ring fish steaks, chicken backs, and chicken parts. Now that is only a part, so if anyone comes to visit us we will get some of these great tidbits if you have a desire for them. Hope you have a great week. Love, Elder and Sister Faux

2009-11-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

2009-11-09T16:56:00.001-08:00

You might say this has been a busy week for us. For starters on Monday evening the branch held its monthly family home evening. It was pleasing to note the number in attendance. A lesson was presented on “Loving Your Neighbor” and following the lesson the elders introduced a game to play entitled “Do You Love Your Neighbor?” It is a lively and fun game and the whole flock really got involved. We will not try to explain it but we wouldn’t be surprised if many of you have played it with a different name. As Elder Welch was still without a companion Elder Faux filled in all day Tuesday as such. During the course of the day we found a married father and mother with three children that we taught and were asked to return again. So an event like this brightens the whole day. On Wednesday we drove to Castries to pick up Elder Welch’s new companion, Elder Thomas, from New Zealand, and straight from the Dominican Republic MTC. Because of a visa misunderstanding he arrived at 6:50 p.m. rather than 10:30 a.m. so we were quite late returning to Vieux Fort. Elder Welch is thrilled however, to once again have a full time companion. A plus for Elder Thomas was being able to participate in the baptism Thursday morning of Duite Lionel, a 23 year old single man Elder Welch has been teaching. We are all excited for Duite as we know he is going to be strength in the branch. Thursday afternoon, along with branch President Nicholas, we boarded a British Airways Boeing 777 jet for a 40 minute flight to Trinidad to attend a training meeting conducted by the missionary presidency for all branch and elder quorum presidents, mission couples assigned to these branches, and the corresponding zone leaders. The mission presidency put a lot of thought and prayer into the preparation of this training as it was well organized and really focused on strengthening the leadership in the branches. In our first break-out session on Friday the missionary couples were told if they held a calling in the branch of any kind, i.e. teaching a class/seminary/primary, conducting the singing, playing the keyboard, a member of a presidency, etc., we were immediately released and if the branch did not have someone as a replacement the calling would remain vacant until a member was found. Our role is not to have a calling but to train the members in the callings they receive. One senior sister asked if it were OK if she continued to play the keyboard for the singing and was told No! Until a member is found to do so they will need to use the discs with the recorded hymns. Therefore the theme of the training was: find, train, and perform; and was most instructive. The opportunity for role playing, question and answer sessions, sessions for just the elder presidents separate from the branch presidents was provided. On Saturday Elder Alvarado, an area seventy, joined with us (at age 38 he is the youngest of all seventies and lives in Puerto Rico). [He and President Gamiette served missions in Florida at the same time but in different missions]. As Elder Alvarado and President Gamiette (age 41) stood at the front teaching you couldn’t help but be impressed with these two brethren, their calling, their testimonies, and their dedication. The Caribbean area is in good capable hands. Our flight back to Vieux Fort was not until Sunday evening so we had the opportunity to spend the day with Elder and Sister Collins. We attended church in the Trinidad Stake Arima Ward. After church we accepted an invitation to have lunch with Elder and Sister Palmer. He is the mission executive secretary and she is the mission office secretary. Along with the business of the two days we enjoyed our time with President Nicholas in addition to meeting other couples who up to now had just been names. We are thankful to have had this opportunity to visit in Trinidad. It is much larger than St Lucia, almost as pretty, and most of the time does not feel like an island in that we drove on three lane highways and experienced some extended traffic delays.

Sister Faux: Today is Monday afternoon at about 4:30—we are enjoying a nice bright day, full of bright blue sky and beautiful fluffy clouds and a warm temperature. So you can tell it is a lovely day here in Vieux Fort. Our elders have been here today doing their email and also a couple of them doing their wash, as their washer is broken. Right now they have gone to town for a few things and I didn’t go so they have a bit more room in the car. We arrived home last night after our few days of training in Trinidad; we were tired and glad to get back to our apartment. We had a wonderful time as we were taught and trained. A little surprised about being told we were “fired” but know if we follow instructions we all will be blessed. We will have to meet with our branch president to find out what to do about seminary, elders’ quorum, and a few other things. Who will do FHE and our movie night? We have only three temple classes to teach and so plan to finish that up and have some people ready to attend the temple. That is a very interesting concept and makes you do some extra planning and preparing. For our trip we were met at the airport by the two assistants, Elder Palmer (my relative) and Elder Wright. They took us to the mission office and that was nice to see and meet some of the couples there then off to eat at KFC. We stayed at Norma’s Bed and Breakfast, which is in a nice area and most comfortable. It is landscaped very pretty and in a nice neighborhood. The breakfast the first day was very interesting as we were served fresh fruit, watermelon and pineapple (sprinkled with salt) in a small dish, very good. Then the main dish was cut up hot dogs (they called it sausage) in a red sauce with onions. You should try it sometime when you have a strong stomach….Oh, we did have two nice rolls that were tasty. The next two breakfasts were good-one morning scrambled eggs and an omelet the last day. We stayed at the same bed and breakfast as Tony Leishman’s (Dave’s college friend)cousin and they took us to the first meeting and home again that night. At the meetings each day they had snacks and catered dinner one day and lunch the next---I don’t want to sound ungrateful but they were probably the two worst meals I have ever eaten!!! The first day they had a piece if bbq chicken, potato salad with breadfruit (I think) baked beans and served on a bed of rice. The next day it was all of items I did not recognize or have any desire to eat, and so I did not eat it. Many others were talking about how bad it was so that made me feel better. We were happy to meet so many couples and enjoy their company and especially to get to visit with the Collins. Well, wish us luck for all the changes in the mission as it will be interesting as we try to be obedient ---some of the things we cannot do is transport members to the meetings using Church assigned vehicles. Members should attend meetings by their own means; it is contrary to church policy to pay for transportation to meetings. We have picked up the William family almost every Sunday since we have been here. Have a nice week, sorry we are late. We send our love, Sister Faux.