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.