Remember the old John Denver song? (Blog title) Brent and I laughed a while ago and started singing that song because it perfectly describes our days here. Some days really do glitter and shine, like diamonds, and we carefully tuck them away in our mental file. Other days are just better over: days when we are saying, "WHAT? They really did/said that? President Adams wants WHAT? WHAT are we going to say to them? WHAT will happen now? WHAT are they thinking? WHAT in the world are we going to do about that?" Open the window, take a deep breath of humidity, and just keep calm and carry on!
The hurricane abated with only torrential rains; President Adams arrived on Sunday instead of Thursday, and we squeezed five days of work into three, and, as always, ca march! (It works) We had the Saturday zone conference on Monday - yes, Pday - with 6 1/2 hours of teaching by President Adams, all in French. I can remember dreading those days, but this conference was very enjoyable for me. Because he is American, President Adams speaks slower than the members here, and I could actually understand most of what was said for the entire day. Usually after lunch when the stress of feeding the missionaries is over (will there be enough without wasting money by making too much?) I have been known to have a blank stare all afternoon, but, this time, I was focused all day. Brent, of course, is always focused, but he did jump at the opportunity of leaving the meetings to take a trip to the store when I found that my sour cream had mold on the top. "I'd be MORE than happy to help you out!"
The zone conference seemed minor to what took place next. The District Presidency had to be released, so there were beaucoup, beaucoup men who had to be interviewed. All of those interviews had to be done on Monday and Tuesday, with the new District President called Tuesday afternoon. His counselors had to be called and interviewed Tuesday evening because President Adams was leaving the next morning. On Sunday Brent traveled to all of the branches to have the new presidency sustained, with President Adams coming in again on Sunday night to set them apart. The district reorganization necessitated the reorganization of two new branch presidencies, who were chosen on Sunday evening and interviewed on Monday, followed by a LONG training session for the new district presidency Monday night. This Sunday, Brent will travel again to the two branches to sustain the new branch presidencies and then everyone will be in place, for a minute. Whew! Were you able to follow all of that? We barely could.
Lowlight of the week: Well, we finally saw it...a babouk...the large spider that we read about before we came here. We were coming home, with the Adams, after one of those late night sessions, and it was spread across the wall in the stairwell. I wanted to put my hand somewhere near it so that you could get an idea of its size - maybe a volleyball? - but I had heard that they are amazing jumpers, and I had visions of it jumping on my chest, so I decided otherwise. We did hit the wall to make it move, and, wow, can they run! We couldn't believe that anything with such long legs could move so fast. Funny side light: one of the apartment doors on that level was slightly open because the people have a cat that likes to go in and out. The spider ran across the wall, zipped around the door and into their apartment! It makes me shudder to think of seeing him sitting on the couch!
Highlight of the week: The sister missionaries had exchanges this week. The one exchange companionship stopped by the apartment about 9:30 PM - the time they are supposed to be home for the night - to tell us that they were going leave to meet the other companionship and switch back, which meant traveling about forty kilometers down the coastal highway. Brent said not to go, it was too late, to do it in the morning, but to call the others to let them know the plan. Then he said, "But I want you on the road by 4:30 in the morning." (You know how Brent teases.) Well, these two sisters are Tahitians and didn't understand the humor. A few minutes later we got a frantic phone call from the other companionship saying, "Do they REALLY have to leave at 4:30? Can't they come just a little bit later?" Brent couldn't believe that they thought he was serious, so we called them down, explained, and laughed for 10 minutes. They really were planning on following directions and leaving by 4:30. How cute is that?
PHOTO GALLERY
There he is; I wish you could get an accurate perception of his size. By the way...Brent is afraid of snakes, but I am afraid of SPIDERS. |
Elder Heap waiting out the downpour. It can rain so hard, but you know that if you wait five minutes, you will be able to make a run for it without being drenched for the whole day. |
Hello Elder & Sis. Heaps, My husband ran across your blog while looking for history of the church in La Reunion. Wow! We have enjoyed reading this & the wealth of information it gives & insight into the experience of the missionaries there on La Reunion. We are Elder Seth Wynn's parents, Michael & Brooks Wynn. Although we get wonderful emails & letters from Seth, they are often short & lacking in details. It was also fun to look through the pictures you have posted, as Seth has sent some pictures, but mostly of scenery. I love pictures with PEOPLE in them. Elder Wynn is having an incredible experience, and though missionary work is difficult there, is loving serving the Lord and His children there in St. Pierre. Thank you for being his "grandparents away from home," we are so grateful to you for all the TLC that you give to the Elders & Sisters. I was so happy to hear that there would be a Senior missionary couple on La Reunion. Thank you again for sharing on this blog. We love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings living it bring to our lives everyday! We have an incredible responsibility to share the Gospel with the world. My husband & I served missions in Japan as young people, and hope to be able to serve again as Senior missionaries someday. Although, Elder Wynn's youngest sibling, a brother, Caleb, is 8 years old and a mission as a Senior couple seems an eternity away for us. Thank you again for your testimony & example.
ReplyDeleteLove, & give Elder Wynn a hug from his Mommy,
Brooks Wynn (& Michael Wynn)
We have been pouring over this blog for the past hour together, as we enjoy President's Day off.
Just in case you feel inclined to comment on my comment. Our email address is wynnclan@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteSis. Brooks Wynn
American Fork, UT
"Open the window, take a deep breath of humidity, and just keep calm and carry on!" My always clever Marmie!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have to take a water break halfway through yoru blog because I get vicariously exhausted. Sounds like you guys have had a great week!
Loves,
K