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