The Gift

I promised myself at this journey's beginning of sharing our experiences with friends and family that I would be honest and forthright about what I was feeling during our missionary days, focusing on the positive but not sugarcoating either; if things were going badly, I would write about it.  Tonight, I am going to open my heart and share, if I am able, the emotional roller coaster of ten days ago, when a dream for our family was realized, and the dreams of many other families were crushed and broken on Boylston Street in Boston.

I have a daughter who shares my passion (former passion, really) for running.  She has been a talented, dedicated runner for years and finally realized her dream of qualifying to join thousands of other runners on Patriot's Day in Boston to pass the grueling test of the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Copley Square.  We were all so thrilled for her accomplishment; anxious to find ways to share with her our happiness in the realization of something she had worked so hard to achieve and that is a milestone for runners everywhere.  The two other girls in the family immediately began making plans to join their older brother, who lives there, where all together they could scream, cheer, and jump up and down as she ran by.  On Monday, April 15, with butterflies in her stomach, our daughter began her "dream run" from the starting line in Hopkinton into Boston, with two sisters, a brother-in-law, and a brother waiting to yell her number somewhere along the route.  She and I had talked of the rush of coming up Hereford Street and turning the corner onto Boylston, with the thousands of screaming spectators and the sight of the Hancock Building slicing the sky right by the finish line..."almost there, blink back the tears of joy". She was ready, as were many others who were thrilled to be there either to participate by running or participate by supporting the efforts of others.

She had a terrific day, finishing in 3:37.  Her cheering squad had difficulty finding her in the crowd and had lingered too long at Heartbreak Hill, causing them to make a mad dash back to the finish line where they hoped to see her sprint to glory.  They were too late, thankfully, emerging from the subway at 4:09, that awful moment when the celebration of excellence and the strength of the human spirit morphed into a nightmare beyond comprehension.  Our son's phone began ringing immediately, his day with his family was over, time to report for duty.  He took them back to his apartment, quickly grabbed his needed equipment and rushed back in the center of it all.  Gratefully, contact between family members was briefly possible, assuring them that all were safe, but they couldn't see their sister, whose hotel room was in the heart of the lockdown area.  After that, no phone service, no contact, a brother who was gone, telling them only that he had no idea if he would be home in a few hours or a few days.  Luckily, our youngest daughter had the presence of mind to send out a family email informing everyone that all family members were safe.  When Brent and I got the email, we didn't even know the scope of what had happened, only that there had been a disturbance at the finish line.  I can't even imagine watching the horrific video coverage of what happened there without the knowledge that our loved ones were safe...not exactly sure where, but safe.

We received a very precious gift that day, the gift of the safety of our family members; others were not so fortunate and we can not even imagine the horror of that day for them.  I have tried not to dwell, while here, on things I cannot have or cannot control, but I experienced many floods of anguished emotions thinking of how far away I was and how long it would have taken us to get home if things had turned out otherwise, probably three days, best case scenario.  Also, we were unable to talk to our son until after the second suspect was apprehended.  We didn't know what his assignments required or where he was, learning only later that at one point, he had worked 36 hours without a break.  To say it was a difficult week would lessen the significance of those whose week was truly difficult, whose weeks will never the same, whose lives have been changed forever.  But it was a stressful time for us.   I am sure of one thing, and that is that the marathon will both continue, and continue to be a celebration of the acceptance of challenge, of going beyond the finish line, of the importance of cheering others on, of the reality of human goodness, and of the miracle of being a part of life and all that comes with it.

The gift....of life... of love...and of the strength of the human heart.

We love and appreciate you, our family and our friends.

Mom and Dad

Brent and Joan

We're NOT Old!

We're NOT old!

We woke up

We lifted our arms

We moved our knees 

We turned our necks

Everything made the same noise

Crrrrrrraaaaaaaaccccccck!

We came to the conclusion

We are NOT old

We are CRISPY!  (and we are positive, n'est pas?)

Bonjour, bonjour nos chers amis chez nous, (our dear friends at home),

New news today:  we heard there are hoards of locusts on Madagascar; a very popular US magazine had a cover article entitled "Heart of Sharkness" naming La Reunion's west coast as the heart of the most shark attacks, and we traveled in a RAINSTORM on a part of the island - Takamaka - that we discovered holds many world rainfall records, most rain in 24 hours, most rain in 1 hour, etc. etc.  We are still learning many new and interesting facts about our little island here, our home for now.

I am home alone on a quiet Sunday afternoon.  Brent is in Le Port with the District Presidency doing  leadership training, and I am here with a heart overflowing with emotions, so I decided that it was "blog time" once again.  Writing always seems to make my brain realign itself and that is a good thing since "I have finally discovered what's wrong with my brain.  On the LEFT side there is nothing RIGHT, and on the RIGHT side, there is nothing LEFT." (sent to me by a friend?)

I had a missionary experience that engulfed my entire heart yesterday.  Brent and I got up early to get in a quick workout before our day began; I was very focused on an hour's workout...it had been a while.  I saw that some of the missionaries were there, so I waved a cheery "Hello" and started my run up the hill.  About one-half hour later, half way through what I had planned, I topped the hill to again see the missionaries.  I had the distinct impression that MY time was over and that I needed to join them.  Two were sitting on the grass, talking seriously together.  When I came up, one got up and the other, a Tahitian sister, stayed sitting, so I walked over, bent over behind her, put my arms around her, gave her a big hug, and asked, "Ca va bien ma fille?" (How's is it going my girl?)  Shoulders shrug, head tips to the side, I know something is wrong.  I didn't sit down with her, just kept hugging her tightly and talking softly in her ear for several minutes, until her feelings opened up, then I sat down.  She said was feeling inadequate as a missionary because she was not teaching anyone right now and she wasn't feeling the Spirit. The work is so difficult here; our elders and sisters sometimes go a long time between real investigators and they can be very hard on themselves.  We talked, she cried, we talked, she laughed and we discovered together, through the spirit, that there is much more to missionary work than investigators.  What about your influence on other missionaries?  What about your example to the members? The impression you make on the nonmembers who see you daily?  What about family and friends at home that are strengthened by your testimony and willingness to be here?  What do you think  Heavenly Father feels when you get up each morning and go out even though you have no one to see and teach?  Sometimes we all have preconceived ideas of what our role is, what success in that role looks like, and we fail to see all of the surrounding aspects that defines our "real" role.  There is so much more to what we are doing than what we THINK we are doing.  One-half hour on the grass helped me to comprehend - to realign my brain - anew, as to expectations, OUR expectations and the larger plan of Heavenly Father's expectations.  Also, it  reminded me to "never  let something to be done be more important than someone to be loved."  Pres. Monson

Lowlight of the week:  This actually happened a while ago, but I wanted to tell you about it.  The Zone Leaders had to go to the church in St Denis and when they opened the door, water came flooding out everywhere.  They sloshed through four inches of water to open the door of the utility closet, which had water squirting from every seam, to discover that a pipe had broken.  Quick call to Brent who changed his clothes and met them there.  What to do?  First of all, let's turn off the main valve.  Done! and then mopping, using the squeegee, and drying as best they could.  This is the second time in four months this building has been flooded.  Nothing here is carpeted, but the walls had absorbed a lot of water, and Brent was concerned about mold.  Got it all cleaned up, came home, and discovered that he had turned the water off for a whole section of the community! The fire department had to fix it.  Darn those Mormons; it's always something!

Highlight of the week:  After church today we were invited to a dinner at one of the branches.  The invitation came through the sister missionaries in that branch stating that a sister there was hosting a dinner and she wanted us to attend.  We were scheduled to be at another branch that morning, but left quickly after church and sped down the highway to St Denis.  A table for 12 had been set up in the Relief Society room, and the sister, a widow, had prepared all of the food herself:  two appetizers, salad, three main dishes and rice (a staple here with every meal).  We all sat down together, had a blessing on the food and began to enjoy the meal.  Someone asked, "Est-ce que votre anniversaire?"  (Is it you birthday?)  She said "Non, C'est une l'aniversaire de la pretrese du aaron." (No, it is the birthday of the Aaronic Priesthood.)  Have you ever thought of honoring that date with a wonderful meal and special guests?   It will be a lasting memory of the meaning of that day for her.  We love the people here!

Elder Heap enjoying the members after an activity.

One of three newspaper articles here featuring the Mormons.  One always approaches these types of opportunities with a little hesitancy because, after the interview, you're wondering, "What will they print?  Will it be positive?"  We have been very blessed though because all of the articles have been factual and positive.  This one covered an entire page of the paper and explained many important aspects of the church; we were very pleased.

Okay, so WHO KNEW that they made florescent lights in lime green?  The tube was white when we bought it!

I went to St Paul to celebrate the Relief Society Birthday with the sisters there.  The church is on the second floor of a building with a little terrace attached ( you will notice in pictures of the south district meetings, we are always outside; we meet on that terrace).  This was the magnificent sky as we enjoyed dinner together.

The "MOM" in me just can't be denied...Easter basket sacks for the missionaries at district meeting (on the terrace), thanks to someone from home who sent the bags and some US treats to put in them along with a few more treats from La Reunion.

This family came into the church in the last few months.  The brother was so excited at the time of our visit because he would be receiving the Priesthood the next Sunday and could then pass the Sacrament.  The woven coco palm leaves you see behind us are used as awnings for their home.

Joanie learning how to weave awnings.  You can see the dry ones on the right that will be replaced by the fresh ones.

Photo taken at the market.  These, of course, are redfish.  I have never bought any, preferring instead to stick with fresh tuna, swordfish, and marlin.  They are such large fish that I can just tell the vendor how many slices and how thick, then  I don't have to deal with those "eyes" when I get home.

Watching the world go by at the morning market.  You can buy a whole coconut, they punch a hole in the top, and you can drink the coconut milk right on the spot.

Elder Heap with our week's supply of fish, fruits, and vegetables heading for the car.  This is a weekly routine that we really look forward to.  I don't think Lee's will have quite the same ambience, do you?

At home, you are getting ready, in about an hour and a half, to watch the Sunday session of General Conference; here we are approaching the close of a fast Sunday.  We will enjoy conference, in French, in two weeks when the CD's arrive and will go to the chapel on both Saturday and Sunday to view conference together on a big screen TV.  I remember well our experience of six months ago.  This morning, before church, the sister missionaries helped me download Saturday's sessions on a USB drive.  We have a port in our little Yaris and will be able to enjoy the talks in English as we drive around the island before we listen to them in French.  Isn't technology wonderful??????

A bientot

The Castaways

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

Listening, Fried Chicken, and Ice Cream

 Bonjour, c'est bien de vous voir encore,  (Hello, it's good to see you again)

Ahhhh, it is that time again; a cherished moment to spend with family and friends back home.  The snow is melting in Utah; everyones eyes are drooping because daylight savings time is upon them once more; the daffodils are popping their heads up (if you are compulsive enough to have shoveled the snow away); the long-awaited moment has come when you "really feel" that spring is on its way.  Here, we are moving toward fall:  winds are picking up,  humidity is dropping, days are shortening, and flowering bushes are coming to life again because, here, the flowers are more plentiful in the winter.  There are beautiful "summer" flowers, but the bushes don't bloom in the summer.  In the winter, there are mounds of pinks, purples, reds, oranges, yellows, and whites covering the roadsides, dotting the hills, and cascading over the walls.  It was a most breathtaking and memorable sight when we arrived last July.

We have two missionaries leaving next week, and elder and a sister.  The sister missionary has lived one floor above us the whole time we have been here.  I remember pulling into the apartment parking lot and getting out of the car to hear cheerful "Hello's" from out of the sky.  I looked up, and there they were, four sister missionaries - it was their Pday - hanging over their fourth floor balcony, waving and welcoming us to the island.  Two of the four have gone home, but two have stayed (one was just barely transferred) and we have seen them nearly everyday for eight months.  We have laughed, cried, and worked together; shared treats, laundry soap, and rolled-eyes; talked pre mission, mission, and post mission.  Next week we will send one of them to the waiting arms of her family in the states, and, a month from now, the other one will board the big jumbo jet...it will be the end of something very special for me and the beginning of a new time of being the one doing the welcoming.  The day our first sister leaves, we will have a sister arriving from the Lone Star State and, a month later, when our next sister leaves,  we will welcome one from France and one from Tahiti, with elders coming from the US and Korea (which should be interesting because we don't know if he speaks French or just Korean at this point).  Exciting times on La Reunion.

Next, I would like to share an experience we had this week.  Brent wanted to visit a family in one of the branches, so we made a call and set up an appointment, arrived in the morning, spent about an hour in pleasant conversation with them talking about the branch, how we could assist with the missionary work there, some of the problems they could see...a good visit.  We thought we were getting ready to leave when a thought came, a question was asked, a big, long pause, tears welling up and, all of sudden, we knew why we had come.  Not to talk about missionary work, but to comfort a heart, help solve a problem, give a little direction in a situation that had been badly handled.  The ride home was a humble one, realizing how close our Heavenly Father is in His children's lives and, again, how important it is to follow promptings to do something.  Numerous have been the times that the thought comes:  call so-and-so,  drop by and say "Hello" to....., don't try to respond, just listen and be quiet even though it may seem awkward, print off this talk and give a copy to all of the missionaries at district meeting, ask Elder or Sister..... if they would like to have the keyboard for a while, how they are doing?...really, or would they like to go for ice cream.  It is not unique to the mission field, we know; it is a blessing of guidance and awareness for others that can only come from the Spirit.  That is exactly the point, it DOES come, here, there, everywhere, and we are all blessed to play a small part in the turning of important pages in the lives of others when we listen.  Thanks to all of you at home who have blessed our lives because you listened.

Highlight of the week:  After Zone Meeting this week, one of the companionships told us all about a real "American" fried chicken eatery, with red-white-blue decor and french fries yet!!!!!!!  No one could believe it, so we got in our cars, followed them through a series of winding streets, and enjoyed, what else? fried chicken together.  It was a moment supreme.

The menu...unbelievable...real fried chicken, fries and a Coke.

You can see the hunger and the anticipation on their faces; they were READY TO EAT, and it didn't disappoint.


Lowlight of the week:  After the  delicious chicken meal, it only seemed right to celebrate some more with, what else?  a REAL milkshake.  Brent and I had visited a little ice cream shop before where they made real American milk shakes and Brent offered to treat everyone.  It wasn't far so we all decided to walk.  It is VERY hot and humid in Le Port where the meeting was held, but we all walked the several blocks eagerly anticipating a worthy reward.  But guess what?  When we rounded the corner, the metal guards were down...they were closed for lunch!  Why would they close at that time of day?  It  is a mystery.  Some of the elders knocked on the window, asking please would they open for us; the reply was, " We will open in 30 minutes."  We were crestfallen, but no one wanted to loose that opportunity of enjoying a milkshake...WE WAITED!

Oh no, we CAN'T have a milkshake?

Can't resist the temptation to try YOURS!

The happy group outside the ice cream shop before leaving for their areas.  There is just something about ice cream!

At Zone Meeting we began assembling our 72 Hour Emergency kits.

Just a reminder for me that in flowers, as in life, along with the beauty, there will be a few thorns.

Something you don't see in North Ogden too often.

We aren't sure if this experience is keeping us young or wearing us out, but we are enjoying our days here and the new insights they bring.   For example, if you can't find a parking space, don't worry about it.  Just stop in the lane of traffic, turn your hazard lights on, get out of your car, and run into the bakery for whatever you need.  Really, drivers do that here all the time and everyone just drives around the empty car...not to worry.   Another option?  Park on the sidewalk!

We will close with a quote from Longfellow that we shared at the Zone Meeting:
Do your duty
That is best.
Leave unto the Lord
The Rest.
We have learned the importance of that simple truth as we serve here.

Love,  The Castaways

A Question of Perspective and "Centering"

Comment allez vous, nos amies? (How are you, our friends?)

Our greetings and our hope that all is well for you and for those you love.  We have been serving as missionaries for almost 71/2 months now.  In ways we feel like we just left home and, in other ways, we feel as if we have been here forever.  Our life is different than it was in North Ogden; the experiences we are having here, we would never have had anyplace else.  Are we happy?  Very!  Is it challenging?  Definitely.  Do we have our moments?  Well, let me put it this way:  I try never to look at chubby little calves or tiny sandaled feet toddling down the sidewalk...too difficult.  But would I change anything?  Not a chance.  We pray daily, and know with faith, that our being here will, hopefully, strengthen the legs of those we love and cherish to stand in holy places and will help plant their feet on the solid ground of the Gospel.  Not a doubt, this is where we need to be.

We had an experience recently that made me pause.  Brent got a call from one of the companionships with a question:  How is the branch piano supposed to be used?  It seems that one of the members, I'm sure with the best of intentions, had become upset because, after church, some of the youth were playing the piano; not banging or anything like that, just playing songs.   He felt that the piano should only be used for church hymns, by those called to play.  The missionaries didn't know quite how to handle it.  Brent told them that the piano was for the use of the members.  That as long as it was treated it with respect, it could be played by anyone.  In fact, if the youth wanted to take piano lessons, they were welcome to come to the church to practice as long as an adult was with them.  He told them to explain the policy to the branch president and carry on.  I have been thinking a lot about that lately in connection with perspective.  How easy it is to get just "a little" off center in our thinking; I use myself as an example.

In our last post, I talked about the VERY TIGHT timeline we experienced when President Adams was here and a new district presidency was called.  I, having a tendency to more like Martha than Mary, just felt relieved when it was all over and the work needing to be done, was just that...done.  But later, as I thought about all of it, I realized what a miracle had just taken place.  President Adams had come from 500 miles away to talk with priesthood leaders he barely knew.  After deliberation and prayer, in the same afternoon as the interviews, a new president was called, who in turn, without leaving the building, just kneeling in prayer in another room with his wife, handed in the names of his two counselors, who came as quickly as they could to be interviewed.  One came in levies because, living so far away, he couldn't go home to change.  We have watched in awe as the mantle of leadership has fallen on them:  their enthusiasm, their love, the direction of the Lord in their going forward, ways members have been touched already. It was a miracle that I needed to recognize more fully to "center" myself yet again.

Because the missionary work is so very difficult here, with few outward signs of success, we often remind the missionaries to daily watch for the hand of God in their lives.  "How has He helped you, lifted you, led you, strengthened you, or blessed you that you might not have recognized?  Watch for, remember, and write them down so they will not be overlooked because of the things that didn't happen."  Sometimes we feel so alone and inadequate; we all need the "centering" of recognizing how many ways we are guided and helped each day...not in the major ways, but in the small and simple ways that show our Heavenly Father's hand and love in our lives.

Lowlight of the week:  One of the sister missionaries, who is impeccable in her appearance, found out that she had head lice.  She probably picked it up by leaning her head back on the couch of an investigator.  To complicate the matter, we had exchanges that week so not only was her companion exposed, but also another sister missionary who spent the day and night with her.  We quickly became experts on what to do and made sure that everyone did EXACTLY THAT!  She was devastated, but all is well now.  Brent said, "I think my head is itching!"  I laughed.

Highlight of the week:  One of the sister missionaries, who came to La Reunion from Madagascar, had an English program with her called The Companionship Study Program.  She is Tahitian and speaks very little English.  Her companion found it, leafed through it, and asked me about it.  I called Madagascar and found out that if she completes the assignments and passes a specified test - that we can proctor - she can use the results on resumes, etc. to show English competency and, also, it will help prepare her for college entrance exams.  None of our other Tahitian missionaries knew anything about it.  We immediately ordered the program for all of them and they are very excited to have this opportunity.  Another one of those HUGE blessings because a sister missionary paid attention and asked some needed questions.

Photo Gallery:

The branch at St Marie had a "Parole de Sagesse" (Word of Wisdom) Saturday activity.  We all walked to a park, played games together, and ate healthy snacks.  The man in the white shirt is Frere Ferrier, the branch president., who is now the district president. 

Juice and oranges at the park.

A while ago, we posted a picture of Alexandra's baptism.  Well, now we are posting a picture of her wedding to one of the branch members.  It was such a happy, happy occasion.  All of the branch members helped with the decorations, food, clean up, etc.

Helping in the kitchen at the wedding.

President Poncherville, of the St Paul branch, a former South African soccer player, invited Brent to a Saturday morning ocean fishing trip.  No reels, just poles, lines,  and a lot of fun.  A great friend and valued member.

Le couple missionaire at the wedding feast.

"The boys" enjoying a Creole lunch, rice, beans, and sausage (tasty, but not very healthy) after a morning of fishing.  Interesting sidelight:  the man in the red hat, who doesn't speak French, just Creole, told Brent that he fed and supported his family by going out in the ocean everyday in a small rowboat, alone, and fishing with just a line and hook, no pole.  Brent said that his hands were totally calloused; they bonded instantly.  Quite a history...the original Old Man and the Sea.

The fishermen as they all met another day.  We had just attended a baptism and they were getting ready for the "soccer game" between the branches.  Make no mistake, it was serious business, with all ages participating.  BTW, it ended in a tie.

Helene Chion-Hock's baptism.  Her grandparents, who were in school in France as a young couple, became interested in the church after seeing a handmade poster made by the missionaries "Families are forever".  They talked to the missionaries, took the lessons, were baptized,  finished school, and returned to La Reunion, where they were the only members.  They taught and converted many others and the rest is history.  They are a wonderful family and a foundation for the church here.  He now serves as a patriarch on the island, which doesn't generally happen until a stake is created.  But we have one here, and he is such a blessing.

A Bientot, thank you so much for your interest in...

The Castaways

Some Days Are Diamonds; Some Days are Stones

Bon jour nos amies. Ca va bien?    (Hello our friends; are you well?)

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

Zone conference meal...Mexican goulash...a family favorite.  I made quacamole from scratch with local avacados.  I don't love quacamole, but this was fantastic!!!!  Some of the foods here we will really miss; we have never tasted such flavor.

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.

For Christmas, Sister Adams had ties made in Madagascar for all of the elders, scarves for the sisters, and we gave them the Adams' gifts at the Christmas party.  We thought it would be fun if they all showed up at the zone conference wearing their gifts...hence the photo.

On Tuesday, we had about five hours before all the interviews began, so we got up early, headed for the mountains for a short hike and then down to the beach for a some ice cream.  Sister Adams said, "That water looks so good.  I love walking along the beach with the water splashing on my feel."  Guess who said, "Take off your shoes, we're going in!"?

I loved this little drawing in one of the primary rooms.  The scripture, the hearts, the smiling faces, and especially the little girl with the mermaid body.  I guess she is sitting down.  Isn't that SO cute?

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.

There are a lot of feral dogs here and this one, sitting on top of a mailbox, needed to be remembered.  Really kind of cute in a scruffy sort of way, but I sure wouldn't want to try to pet him.

We are thinking, two days after Valentine's Day, of those we love and who play such an important part in our lives . We are blessed with a wonderful family, whose love always lifts and sustains us.  We have many friendships that are constant and treasured.  We know that God loves all of us and that He is there for us at every turn in the road.
 Love, the greatest gift.

A bientot!

The Castaways

Yet Another Update from the Castaways

Bon Jour Tous,

Well, we are on hurricane watch again...torrential rains, winds not as big this time, the storm surging through the ocean right between Reunion and Madagascar and, hopefully, missing a direct hit for both of us.  President and Sister Adams were scheduled to come in tonight (Thursday) for a zone conference on Saturday and several other meetings with priesthood leaders, but, of course, everything had to be cancelled. Our worst day is supposed to be tomorrow, and right now we are only on yellow alert (yellow, orange, red is the progression to indicate seriousness), so, maybe, we will only get wet.  I wish you could see the rain; it is like a fire hose pointed at our sliding glass doors.  Unbelievable!  But, I KNOW, it is warm here and we have NO snow.  What do we have to complain about, right?  We have followed the weather back home closely, heard about it from many of you, and we know it is a good winter to have missed.

On our last post, we talked about some of our areas of focus here in addition to the missionaries.  It is interesting how quickly that can expand, with fingers leading out into other directions.  Last Thanksgiving we helped the missionaries with a fireside...remember the blessing tree?  I had asked them at the time if the branch had a budget for them to work with.  Their response was that no organizations had a budget; there was no money.  "What, that can't be right?"  "No, really, there is no money for anyone."  So Brent had a job to do:  find out how the island finances work, which he has been working on, treading very carefully, but asking questions, talking to branch leaders, checking with President Adams. Why don't the branches have a budget?  Meanwhile, we have both been addressing, with the missionaries, the lack of youth programs here.  Granted, some branches have few youth - one branch has one young woman and one young man, siblings - but there could be combined activities with other branches.  The missionaries are excited to work with the youth and have many good ideas of things to do. We are moving ahead with a plan to implement a Wednesday activity night.  I have been looking for Boy Scout Handbooks and Leaders Manuals in French, with no luck, but we have ordered one of each in English and the elders will translate, one at a time, the sections that the leaders need.  Also, I have talked to the district Young Women's leaders...only a few Personal Progress booklets here, and yes, they would love to be able to work with the program.  I think you can see the problem:  no money, no way to order the materials because the branches don't have ordering accounts, and the mission can't pay for branch supplies.  We did what any of you would have done and the booklets are on their way.  In the mean time, Brent is working with a member who understands church accounts and how they work, to set up bank accounts for the branches so that when they do get money, they will be able to use them to order supplies.  Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of church materials here, just not always the ones they need.  Be grateful that a phone call or a distribution center is so accessible for you.

On 23 January, Brent celebrated his 75th birthday in the middle of the Indian Ocean; what an exciting way to mark a milestone.  We took our Pday on that Wednesday and went (what else) up to the last cirque - Cilaos - which we had never visited and spent the day.  We discovered an interesting fact that you might enjoy.  This island was created by a huge volcanic eruption, and, at one time, was just one big volcano.  After many eruptions, the volcano imploded, creating the three cirques, or bowls,  in the center of the island and leaving one smaller volcano on the south side.  Cilaos is supposed to be the most picturesque, with a beautiful little town, spectacular vistas, and hiking trails for every level of hiker.  We were planning on taking advantage of a good hike that day, but when we arrived, we found, to our disappointment, that the trails were closed due to damage from the last hurricane.  Great, great day anyway and we loved and appreciated every minute!

Lowlight of the week:  When I received my instructions from the former mission presidents wife, she cautioned, "Don't bring circular skirts because the winds here will blow your skirt over your head." Really?  I didn't have any circular skirts, but did have one that was a little flared, not much...but so cool and comfortable to wear.  Monday I had to accompany one of the sister missionaries to the dentist - wisdom tooth problems - walked outside to make a phone call and, all of a sudden, my face was covered with coral.  You guessed it...my skirt!  I really hadn't believed her, but she was right; it blew right in front of my face! (and no slip because it is too hot here) Luckily, I was the only one in the parking lot.  So embarrassing!

Highlight of the week:  The night before Brent's birthday, the doorbell rang.  Four missionaries were standing there with a box of chocolate eclairs, a lighted candle in each one, two containers of ice cream, and sang Happy Birthday to him.  They came in laughing and proud of themselves for the surprise and we all shared the treats.  On Thursday, the day after his birthday, we went to the south of the island for a district meeting and two missionaries there - elders - had baked him a key lime and an apple pie. They were bursting their buttons because the pies were SO GOOD.  Again, we all enjoyed the treats and had a good time together.  Such a great, great experience.

District Young Women's activity.  We had the most wonderful Saturday together and that was when I was able to talk with the leaders about what they needed to begin the Personal Progress program in all the branches.
There are vanilla beans growing on one of the trees behinds us in this picture.

Two Sundays ago when the St Andre "group" was begun.  Interesting sidelight:  Earlier in the week, six missionaries with two branch presidents and the district president met to clean up the small building to be used.  Brent spent several hours on the end of a power hose washing down the outside of the building. The missionaries were cleaning, hanging white boards, etc.  I was inside mopping floors.  It was so hot that the sweat was literally dripping off the end of my nose, and I didn't wipe it off because it appeared again instantly. Anyway, I looked out the window and the three priesthood leaders were standing in front of the building discussing where to put the sign (which hadn't even arrived yet!)  I almost shook my wet, dirty mop out the window on top of them.  "Oh sorry, I didn't see you JUST STANDING THERE!"  I think you get the picture, but they rally did work hard later.

The night we had Cindi, Nicholas, and Chloe, our investigators,  for dinner.  Such a darling family!

Birthday eclairs for Elder Heap!

The Birthday boy in Cilaos.

Birthday pies...the elders you can see were the chefs.  Everyone is clapping after singing Happy Birthday.

Pday hike with the missionaries.  This canyon is just a short distance from our house.  We all felt like mountain goats and had to watch our footing very  carefully.

Just had to share a little of our island beauty.  There is a whole row of these trees blossoming along the roadside.  Our personal favorite so far; we love yellow!

One of our great blessings here is the feeling of connection we have with home, family, and friends.  We may be half way around the world, but Heavenly Father has helped us to still feel a part of everything that has always been so important to us.  One, of many, blessings unique to serving a mission.  Thank you for your love and support; it is what keeps us going.

A Bientot!

The Castaways