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.