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