I Can't Believe It Has Been Almost Three Weeks!

Dear Family and Friends,

I knew we had been crazy busy and that it had been too long since we had added to our blog, but I was astounded when I opened it up and realized that it had been almost three weeks since our last post.  I hardly know where to begin, but I promise to condense....

We had a very interesting experience two weeks ago that really let us know just how much Heavenly Father is directing His work.  We had gone to the airport, on a Thursday, to meet an elder who was flying in from Mauritius because of visa problems there.  (The government does everything to make the whole process as difficult as possible.) When he came walking through the doors there was a senior couple, name tags and all, walking with him.  Really?  Could it be possible that a couple had been assigned here and we didn't know?  My heart skipped a beat!  No, they were a public relations couple from South Africa who had come to Reunion to set up a church Newsroom website and had an appointment with the communications representative here.  We have no idea who was supposed to meet them, but our elder went off with his companion and we offered to take them to their meeting and then pick them up later and take them to their hotel.  While we were driving, they told us that they had no specific idea what they were going to do after the meeting but hoped that they would get some direction that would help the work here.  They then met with some technology specialists, were able to format the website, and also found out that the district president had called a meeting for all island leaders the next night; Brent didn't even know about it yet.  Meetings are very random here, and to have all the leaders meeting on a Friday night was amazing.  We went with the Murdocks to the meeting in La Port, where they were able to introduce the concept of the website, instruct the leaders on how to use it, and tell them how beneficial it would be.  Everyone was so enthused, with many questions and suggestions.  When we were driving home, we were all just shaking our heads at the perfect timing of their visit.  A lucky coincidence?  I don't think so.  We are looking forward to meeting with the Murdocks again when they return at the end of October.

The next week was a whirlwind with a visit by Elder Carl Cook of the Seventy, and also of our area presidency, (raised in Plain City with a home in Liberty and now living in South Africa) and President Adams and their wives.  They arrived on a Thursday night and we were all hosted, along with the district president, to an incredible four course Creole meal at a members home. These people don't begin eating until around 7 and you are still eating at 9! Early the next morning we had a zone conference for the missionaries, lunch all together, and then two more hours of teaching by Elder Cook.  Next was a series of personal meetings and interviews by Elder Cook;  Brent and I were thrilled that Andre Payet and his wife was one of the scheduled interviews.  Brent and I hosted the Cooks and the Adams at our apartment for dinner which gave us a special time to visit and hear some amazing stories. Next, an island fireside with the chapel packed to overflowing.  The missionaries, us included, were the special musical number.  Up early the next morning to take them to the airport, where they continued on with a tour of the Madagascar mission.  Brent and I were exhausted, and the Cooks continued on after our mission tour for a twenty-three country tour with only one carry-on each.  How do they do it?????  and they were always so pleasant.

The third week, when I thought I would be able to get caught up, just flew by with missionary splits, visits with inactive members, problem solving, and a hundred other things.  Everyday is different and everyday is full of its own challenges.  If we were home, we would be enjoying many wonderful activities, but we would not have had an opportunity to learn what the Lord had in store for us to learn here on La Reunion.

Highlight:  Pictures from home!!!!!!!

Lowlight:  Cutting into sections a beautiful orange for breakfast...so juicy and yummy.  Each of us taking a big bite and finding that it was a VERY SOUR LEMON!  Bright orange color, but the shape was slightly elongated.  I won't be fooled next time.

Love that Elder Heap!

Dinner at the bottom of the island with President and Sister Adams and the Argiens.  He is the president of the St. Pierre branch.

Dropping the Cooks off at the airport after a wonderful time together.  Yes I DO have other outfits - not many, granted - but these pictures just all happened to be in my red and white.

Sorry this one is blurry, but I had to include  Brother Umphliza's birthday party and the tortise; he has six or seven lumbering around.  His necklace is a gift from our Tithian elder who is now in Madagascar.

JoAnn's baptism - the first convert baptism we have seen on the island.  The lesson here: every elder and sister missionary here except one, and several others who have already gone home, taught JoAnn the lessons.  As Winston Churchill said during WWII, "Never, never, never give up!"  When the time is right, it will happen if we don't give up.

Happy Day!

Another episode of over-eating at the birthday party.  The women here are absolutely amazing cooks.  They use spices and flavorings that I have never even heard of.

A la Prochien!