Just Another Week in the Mission Field!

Bonjour Tous, (Hello All)

Well, the week quickly passed by and, obviously I DID NOT post again, so I am still a little more than a week behind, but I have to tell you about the week of November 12 because it was really a trip through the agony and the ecstasy of missionary work. President Adams and his wife arrived Monday afternoon, and we picked them up at the airport.  They had just returned from South Africa the day before, so I assumed that they would want some down time allowing me time to fix dinner for the four of us - I had planned more than a bowl of cold cereal - but President Adams wanted to drop off their luggage and come directly to our house and review the week's schedule.   They came over, I fixed  dinner, which worked out fine, and then we talked for about 3 hours, going over the needs, the changes in schedule, and the meetings for the week.  Time, obviously would be tight on the days coming up, so I offered, and had planned, to provide meals each day; the schedule looked like I would have sufficient time to do that.  

We picked them up at 6:30 the next morning to go to the workout park (it is about a 15 minute drive to their hotel from our house, if everything goes perfectly) went to the park for an hour's workout, took them back to clean up, drove home and cleaned up ourselves, drove back to pick them up (stopping at the bakery for a fresh baguette...I thought the French just liked to buy their bread daily...no, the next day it is as tough as a piece of old rubber) and then the day's duties began.  Remember that the trips back and forth to their hotel are going on constantly, from the workouts in the morning to the dropping them off at night. There were visits to make, splits with the missionaries, members who needed to talk with the President, leadership meetings with island leaders, private interviews, missionaries to be set apart, a zone conference with the missionaries, personal interviews for all of the missionaries with the president, priesthood and auxiliary leadership training; a very busy daily schedule, but interesting.  Obviously, Brent needed to be to everything; I wasn't involved all of the time, but sometimes I was at the church because there wasn't time to go home (you know, always a little behind schedule).  On Tuesday night after the priesthood and auxillary training meetings, Brent and I took Sister Adams with us to the airport (Pres Adams was still tied up) to send off a missionary leaving from La Reunion.  He is a shy young man who had never left the island, and was scheduled to fly from Reunion into Orly airport in Paris and catch his next flight to the MTC in Madrid from Charles DeGaule airport, which is clear across town, with only a three hour town-around time. (The missionaries refer to DeGaule as the airport from Hell; we all have our horror stories about what happened to us there).  This would not have been possible for even the most seasoned traveler; Ruddy Poncherville would have been totally overwhelmed.  Luckily, President Poncherville, Ruddy's father couldn't read the ticket because it was in English and had called Brent to translate it for him. Brent immediately called South Africa, apprised them of the problem, (they were grateful because they recognized the difficulty as well and said they didn't know how THAT schedule had slipped through) and got his ticket changed, many phone calls later. The day before Ruddy left, we got an email which included the original ticket itinerary...what to do?...was Ruddy still going to be all right? Anyway, we were assured that all was good. We got to the airport, greeted the family, dad and Ruddy went to check in.  Looks of confusion, frantic waves to Brent to hustle to the check-in counter, knots in the pits of our stomachs; the flight from Paris to Madrid had been cancelled because of a strike.  The dad looked like he was going to have a stroke; Ruddy looked numb; Brent took them to the Air France counter and got everything straightened out after much discussion.  I am telling you this so that you will know how even a simple little task can turn into something major...especially for that little family sending their oldest son out into the big world...alone.  "Is someone meeting Ruddy in Paris?" the father had asked.  It was not easy to say that no, no one, in fact, was; but they WOULD meet him in Madrid.  I don't think that was much comfort.

Every SINGLE night before dinner, something happened and we...the four of us...arrived home with never more than an hour and a half before dinner had to be cooked, served, and eaten and everyone had to be back at the church for the next go-round. I don't do well with that kind of pressure, but you know what?, I got a lots of heavenly help because every night the dinner was good, we had time to eat, left the dishes on the table and headed out the door.  Thursday at 12:00, I served a zone conference lunch to 18 missionaries who eat like elephants, (I got the BEST compliment ever when our Tahitian elder came up to me and said, "Thank you so much sister Heap...I am FULL!" - he NEVER gets full.  We then attended  the zone meeting, which lasted an hour longer than expected (surprise?), hurried home and had an hour and a half to prepare a departure dinner for two leaving missionaries - 6 people in all - and, of course, it needed to be special.  Again, Heavenly HELP; it happened, was peaceful, and the missionaries thought it was wonderful.

We thought of you all often through all of this, and wished you could have seen and heard some of the amazing stories that people here have. When we are in the privacy of our home, we will be able to share some of these stories.  Hardships beyond belief with faith to match...stories of people changing their lives and coming back, people whose love for the Savior and belief in the atonement made them whole and kept them moving ahead "no matter what."  You are our "no matter what" and we appreciate all of the support you continually give to us.  

We have learned to constantly look for the Heavenly Help in our days, because it is definitely there; it is so important that we recognize it and express our appreciation for it, both to our Heavenly Father and to others.

This is a little fuzzy, I know, but we wanted you to see Ruddy, in the back, and the Poncherville family, along with Ruddy's best friend, standing next to Brent (who, by the way, will be leaving on his mission around July and is now serving as a counselor in the branch presidency to President Poncherville!)

Soeur Heap, Ruddy's mother, Soeur Adams, and the mother of Ruddy's best friend...all of us crossing our fingers - and toes - for Ruddy in Paris.

The Poncherville family watching Ruddy in his final steps through security.  The tears were falling, for them, and for Brent and me, as well.

While traveling with President and Sister Adams, we all pulled over and snapped a photo...I think you can see why.

President Adams during the Zone Conference.

In the last few weeks, Brent and I have lost three cherished friends; two losses were expected, but still very difficult; one was a total shock.  This rainbow is for Mike Sivulich, Karen Knight,  and Conna Doxey, whose lives brought "rainbows of light" to those blessed to know and love them. A bientot dear friends...until we meet again.

And to you, dear friends and family, our love and warm wishes for the holidays.

Frere and Soeur Heap
La Reuniion

The LONGEST Day

Vous Allez Bien?  (Is everything going well for you?)

My goal is to try to post twice this week so that I will be caught up.  As it is, I am writing about events that happened approximately ten days prior, and because there is so much going on here, retelling with vivid details, or any details for that matter,  becomes a challenge.  Yesterday I seriously turned to Brent and asked, "Exactly what did we do on Monday?" I know you probably laugh, but it is NOT funny to me; I actually could not remember what we did on which day.

Today's will not be a very spiritual post; it will be an account of one of our days in the mission field... a VERY LONG day,  Two of the missionaries here will be going home (sniff, sniff - I becomes very attached) on 4 December and neither of them had hiked into the interior island cirques.  La Reunion is world famous for these three interior island mountain bowls, the beauty is so spectacular they have been compared to the Swiss Alps, but many areas are difficult to reach and hikers can get disoriented, so missionaries can't go there on their own.  Brent and I felt that, if possible, the missionaries serving here shouldn't leave without seeing the majesty of "their" island, so we arranged for a member who knows and hikes the cirques often to take us on a Pday hike.  We all arose at 4:00 AM, met at the chapel at 4:45, and began the 1 1/2 hour drive to the Mafate trailhead.  All were ready, excited, and up for an adventure.  About two-thirds up the very narrow, winding mountain road, traffic came to a standstill...big line of cars going no where.  What is wrong?  Why can't we proceed?  Well, one of the small communities along the route was holding a protest (quite common here actually) and had blocked the road with their cars.  It seems that the school buses that have to travel down these unbelievable roads each day with their precious cargo had poor brakes, and also, the drivers were frequently found to be intoxicated, so the parents took charge; who could blame them!  We were assured that the roads had been blocked for four hours already and that negotiations were well underway.  No problem...everyone could use a little nap anyway.  Time marches on...let's try juggling some oranges...how about foot races up a very steep hill...anyone for a cookie?...and finally, an organized basketball game...four hours later (in all) the roadblock was lifted and we were on our way.  We wanted to arrive early because the high mountain cliffs sometimes become cloudy later in the morning, which was the case when we pulled into our parking spots, but it was still breathtaking.  We hiked for 3 hours down to a little mountain village established by runaway slaves a century before, that can only be reached by helicopter.  No roads, no concrete, no businesses, just a cluster of beautiful little houses so neat and clean with dirt paths connecting them and beautiful gardens of fruits and vegetables.  There were some cows, goats, and LOTS of chickens...and yes, roosters the size of small dogs.  It brought visions to mind of the shire in Lord of the Rings.  We ate lunch on a grassy knoll and began our hike out, reaching the top just as the light faded and the dense fog at the top didn't.

One of our elders had been having stomach issues and by the time we reached the parking lot, he was bent over with severe pain.  After a priesthood blessing, the zone leaders started down the wet, foggy road to take him to the emergency room.  Brent and I made sure that everyone else reached the freeway safely and joined the others in the emergency waiting room about 9:00 PM, where we sat with this elder until 3:00 AM., with only one other person ever waiting ahead of us.  The problem was addressed, successfully, and we gratefully took him home at 5:00 AM., thanking Heavenly Father that it wasn't anything more serious.  It is times like these when you REALLY realize how far away from ANYONE we all are and how dependent we are on the Lord's help and direction.  Every time I see him, I say a little prayer of thanksgiving that he is all right.

Great day hiking and talking with the missionaries, and though it was long, everything turned out well and the missionaries had an adventure they will never forget, nor will we!

Highlight of the week:  I was sitting in a district meeting last week singing the opening hymn and had to stop and listen to the beautiful blend of voices surrounding me.  I was amazed at all of the different parts being sung and the quality of the voices...it was like a mini Tabernacle Choir.  Beautiful!!!

Lowlight of the week:  Brent trying to put on his socks and saying, "What is wrong with my socks?  They are so stiff I'm having a hard time pulling them on."  I know how he felt; my workout socks felt the same.  It is called "no dryer" honey, and it is NOT going to change for the next fourteen months.  The question is, "Why do they seem to be getting stiffer?"

Photos of the hike to Mafate:

A great resting spot with our guide's wife (in red) right in front.

Our knowledgable guide is in the blue stocking cap.  All along the way, he pointed out items of interest that made us all more aware of what grows here and how it is used.  It was amazing.

See the clouds coming in over the top.

Our first view of the village...remember, only reached on foot!

Just one of the many beautiful sights along the trail.

Yes indeedy, it got steep and challenging, but soooooo picturesque.

A moment of rest in the emergency room at 4:00 AM when our elder FINALLY made it inside to be treated.   What a relief for us all.  Six hours of hiking and no sleep for 24 hours...a long day!

We love you...Happy Thanksgiving to all.

A Bientot!

Frere and Soeur Heap

One Girl, One Boy and The BEST Primary Program EVER!

Bonjour Tous,  (Hello All)

I could not WAIT to write about the experience we had last Sunday at church!  It was something Brent and I will never forget...classic; we wish you all could have been there with us.  Sunday night, however, we had visitors in our apartment until late; that's alright, I thought, I will be able to write Monday night.  Well, here it is Sunday night again, with a whole new week's worth of experiences, but I am definitely backing up and taking you to church with us last week in the tiny branch of St. Paul where we were in a group of about twenty-five members, maybe just twenty...very small branch.  We arrived at church, I enjoyed the usual kissing on both cheeks with the female members - they ALL greet each other that way, but missionaries are not allowed any contact with the opposite sex besides shaking hands - and then we settled in to enjoy the Sacrament meeting.  After the sacrament, the cutest little boy, about eight, and a darling little girl, about ten, were ushered to the front and the Primary program began.  The little boy stood up and gave a very nice talk, followed by a talk from the girl and then they both stood together, without a microphone and sang a song...shoulders square, chins up, voices strong, looking right out at the audience.  Brent and I were so impressed with them, and then the whole process started again.  He gave a talk; she gave a talk; they both sang; he gave a talk; she gave a talk; they both sang.  In all, they each gave five talks and sang six songs with never a bobble; well, actually she forgot the words once and started to laugh, but he carried on like a trooper.  It was one of the most precious things we have ever seen, so precious I just HAD to go into Primary with them.  They each had their own scriptures and the Primary president really had them working...answering questions, looking up scriptures, reading, reciting and they never once lost focus, just smiled and participated like they were loving every minute.  In fact, once the president began repeating the eighth Article of Faith and the little boy joined right in with her and recited the whole thing.  I am hooked on Primary in St Paul and can"t wait to visit them again.

I want you to picture something...the story is way too long and detailed (we will tell you the whole thing when we get home, don't worry, I will NEVER forget this day) but Brent and I had to speak at a fireside that night.  The St Andre elders were moving into their new apartment and had to have a moving van, so the zone leaders tried to rent one, but couldn't because they weren't twenty-five, so Brent had to go with them.  Time is short...hurry, hurry; have to get back for the fireside.  The car is parked two blocks from the rental company.  One of the zone leaders is carrying a big tool box because they need it to put some of the furniture together.  They get to the office, Brent is told he needs his international driver's license (of course) so he and the two zone leaders (one carrying the tool box on his shoulder like a boom box) RUN back to the car two blocks away, ties flying in the wind...hurry, hurry...and run the two blocks back again.  Brent is telling them, "If an officer sees us he will think we just robbed someone, running like this with this huge black box."  Drive down the island to pick up furniture, back up and around the top to drop it off, take back the van, run to the car and the three of them arrive at the fireside, shirts partially untucked, hair all frazzled, faces red just when the fireside activity is finishing and the talks are about to begin.  Brent's notes are all at home...I had been helping the missionaries in charge get ready and hadn't had time to even comb my hair, just change into a skirt and out the door!  We were both helped immensely that night; activity completed very successfully (that was when the sisters used our tire!), elders with beds to sleep in, and both talks delivered.  Whew...I think we are too old for this.  No trouble sleeping that night.

Life is an adventure here, that is for sure, and we are blessed along the path in so many ways.  We feel your prayers for us and recognize that it is the help we receive that gets us through our days.

Highlight of the week:  When we go to Jumbo to do our grocery shopping, I always take a little side trip to the tiny parfumary for a small spray of Channel #5...just a quick mist from the tester bottle.  I didn't bring any perfume and smelling good is such a lift.  Brent said, "Why don't we just buy you a bottle?"  Oh no, then I would not have that guilty little pleasure to look forward to.  Once a week...smelling good...so fun. (I know the women TOTALLY understand.)

Lowlight of the Week:  Going to Jumbo, filling up our grocery cart, finishing the check out, and having our card rejected.  We use it ALL THE TIME but every once in a while, randomly, their machine says no.  We literally break out in a sweat when we have to swipe our card.  Once it got rejected so we used cash and then went to the ATM there to get more cash and that rejected us as well.  We thought, "Has something happened in America?" Talk about feeling alone and helpless.  We learned later that all the connections were down.

Now the part you have REALLY been waiting for...the photos:

The STARS of the Primary program.  Kris, Brent said this would have really brought tears to your eyes.

The St Paul primary:  The president, the chorister, and the members of the primary!

Every once in a while, I just have to say, "PULL OVER; We need to take a picture of this."   The rainy season - summer is just beginning.  The waterfalls will become larger and more numerous in December and January.

One of the reasons missionary work is so difficult here.  Almost everyone is behind a locked door, there is no way to just talk to people.  It is very sad the way people can close themselves off, both physically and emotionally.

While waiting to meet someone at the church, the missionaries found an chameleon in the bushes, sooooooo we just HAD to have our picture taken with him.

Very friendly little lizard; he wrapped his tail around my fingers when I had him on my hand.

Families Can Be Together Forever (on the right) and my "forever" missionary in the middle.

A couple we have grown to love here.  A wonderful day for her after many lessons and many prayers.

A Bientot...The Heaps