Thank You for Hills and the Strength For Climbing

Bonjour encore a tous,  (Hello again everyone)

Well, here I am again, perched in the office in front of our trusty Mac wondering if I will be able to think of anything interesting to say to describe adequately what life on La Reunion has been for us during the past two weeks.  I think - hope -  that we are finally accepting the fact that each day is going present totally different challenges, needs, focus, and strategy.  If we expected our days to be routine and orderly, we would totally wear ourselves out trying to make that happen.  We have learned to get up, accept what comes with faith that we will be helped, and just go to work.

A while ago I read one of my favorite bylines by Kristine Armstrong entitled "Thank You for Hills and the Strength for Climbing" where she described so articulately how we have to make deliberate decisions to get stronger in life by choosing the challenging route and by choosing to nurture and nourish our spirits through taking steps in the direction of fortitude even before we are called upon to endure.  As I pondered her words, I was flooded with gratitude in the realization that the Gospel is constantly pushing us to choose the challenging route:  #1. To accept callings and assignments that we know nothing about.  Example:  We welcomed two new missionaries last week, one got off the plane ill, but both ready to take on a new life, a new culture, a new language, and a new companion...a deliberate decision to strengthen and nourish their spirits and the spirits of others for a lifetime.  They were nervous, but ready.  To quote Kristen, "courage looks like that.  Sometimes it is as simple as showing up when you feel like throwing up."  They showed up.  #2.  To step out with faith even when we are not sure how to proceed.  Example:  When President Monson announced the age change for missionary service, church leaders had to have known that huge changes would be needed, but not exactly what or how they would need to be handled.  We just received notice that by September we would have 19 new missionaries arriving on La Reunion; we currently have 12 serving here.  Yes, we will have several going home over the summer, but still, you think of all the accommodations that have to be made and times that by the 407 missions that will soon be operating worldwide.  It is staggering to think of all that has to be done...but it happens...will happen...everywhere, and it will work.  #3.  To have faith in a larger arena of life than where we are and what we can see and to be willing to wait for understanding until we have the vision to recognize the scope of that arena.  Example:  We all know that missionary work is not a constant spiritual high.  It is difficult; it is demanding; it can be frustrating, and it can be heart breaking, (sounds like life at home, doesn't it?)  You put your heart and energy into days that often show no results. When life gives us that "left hook jab that renders us windless and reeling" we can know that life isn't just about that moment.  There is a grand design and the part that we are playing in the warp and the woof of its fabric may not be visible now, but someday...someday, we will comprehend with clarity.  Until then, thank you for hills and the strength for climbing...

Lowlight of the week:  Because two missionaries were departing and two new missionaries arriving, President Adams was here for five days, which meant beaucoup de faire la course (a lot of grocery shopping.)  I decided to serve salmon for the departure dinner and it can only be purchased on Friday morning.  Friday was District meeting day, with several other obligations in getting ready for all that needed to be done, but we made it - in a rush - to the market to purchase the salmon.  I found the perfect, BIG, salmon filet, told the "fish man" which one I wanted and how to cut it, and watched him wrap it and put it in the special bag for fish.  I took the bag, started walking away, and SPLAT!  the filet came sliding out of the bottom of the bag and slid along the market floor, leaving a slimy film on the shiny tile.  I tried to catch it on the way down, unsuccessfully ( really, try to picture that move!), but Brent scoped it up, and took it back to them.  I rolled my eyes and thought, "Is this a preview of how the dinner will go?"

Highlight of the week:  This morning was market day - you remember the open market that I posted pictures of.  We arrived very early, completed our shopping and saw a vendor selling fresh manioc crepes with goyavier jelly.  We eagerly bought some, found a shady little spot with a bench where we could enjoy the quiet moment, the tasty crepes, and watch the world - literally - pass by in front of us, before we left for home. Like Mastercard would say, "Priceless" (Not really, this all came at a price, literally and figuratively.)  I think what we would say was, "Matchless."  A matchless gift of learning, loving, and living on La Reunion.

President Adams arrived on a Saturday afternoon, so on Sunday we traveled together to the bottom of the island to attend church to allow him to address the branch during the third hour.  We took the coastal route and, with a little time to spare, pulled off at a turnout to enjoy the ocean and give him a chance to go over his notes before arriving at the branch.  Believe me, Madagascar does not provide moments like this for President and Sister Adams; they love the beauty and peacefulness of La Reunion.

These are the tops of trees by the parking lot of the church in St Pierre.  I will never stop being amazed by the flowers EVERYWHERE.

After church, the branch provided a pot luck dinner and we were all able to talk, get to know each other better, and enjoy Creole food at its best.  The ultimate "Linger-Longer."

On Monday, the missionaries, the Adams, and Brent and I enjoyed a hike to Pic Adam.   Yes, that was REALLY the name of the peak; fortuitous, don't you think?

Great hike; all smiles; everyone got down safely.  If you had seen parts of that trail and experienced what happened on the hike, you would have been smiling too.  

They look pretty good after being in the air, or in an airport en route, for 32 hours.  They still had a 2 hour training session ahead, but that was followed by a good meal, a few laughs, and a new pillow!

As we all approach this Easter season, may we share with you our testimony that He Lives, that this is His work, that  "Jesus Christ lives, knows us, watches over us, and cares for us.  In moments of pain, loneliness, or confusion, we do not need to see Jesus Christ to know that He is aware of our circumstances and that His mission is to bless...The day will come that we will all see Him face to face.  Just as there is nothing now to obscure His view of us, there will be nothing to obscure our view of Him."  -Henry B. Eyring

Until that day, thank you, once more, for hills and the strength for climbing.
And to all of you, thank you for your love and support of,

The Castaways
A bientot