Happy Easter to all of you. It seemed strange to be away from family on Easter I have to say. And I missed PEEPS! Not one single PEEP on the whole island. Can you believe that?!?
We so much enjoyed having Parker, Chelsey and Elle here with us a couple of weeks ago. Then we had a few days to get back to missionary work and wash the sheets and then Lara and Kirk and boys came. It has been fun to show "our" island to family and enjoy the beach with them. It is hardest when we have to say goodbye. Our airport is little so we are able to watch the planes take off and leave us. It makes me feel so abandoned for a little while, I cry a little and then we go back to work.
I had to laugh when Lara's boys got off the plane and gave me a hug. Each of them individually said something to the effect of, "Grandma, what did you do to your hair?" Tyler asked me if I curled it. When I said, "It's kind of wild and ugly, huh?" He replied, "Well, it's half way between OK and ugly." It's good we can laugh about it! I am embracing my wild child hair.
Today when church ended it was pouring rain so hard that the roads were flooded. Everyone at church waited under the porch for it to let up before they could get their cars. We waited 45 minutes and it didn't stop. We had an appointment we needed to go to so dad ran for the car. They don't like getting wet in the rain. They told dad he was going to get sick because he ran out in the rain. That isn't the first time we have heard them talk about being in the rain. They really honestly think it makes you sick.
The roads were flooded and we had to watch out for deep water. We had to go really slow because of the poor drainage. The road to get into our house is a major drainage road. We have never seen so much water coming down it. Dad was hesitant to drive in it but we wanted to get home. We got into our apartment and decided it was foolish to try to drive to the other side of the island for our appointment so we called and cancelled it. It was a crazy rainy day. And a long boring day of being shut up in our apartment.
The island really celebrates Easter. The whole week is a holy week. Many set up tents on the beach for one-two weeks and camp out and party. We tried to take the Langstons to one beach but there were so many tents out we couldn't use it. I bet they got a lot of rain on them today. They totally observe Good Friday. Even the post office was closed and there was hardly any traffic that day and lots of stores were closed. We called people for appointments but they all said they were busy cooking and doing things We did have a couple of appointments but soon realized that it was a holiday celebrated even more than Christmas so we gave up and went home. One member was even fasting that day. I am ashamed to say that I didn't really know why Good Friday was celebrated. We looked it up and realized that it was the day Christ was crucified. At home, we always focus on Easter and the resurrection. It was sobering to see all the islanders taking time to recognize what a holy day it was on Good Friday. It sobered us up pretty quick to remember the suffering of Jesus Christ and all He did for us during this Holy week. I hope I always take the time on Good Friday to remember.
Saturday they had a Primary activity and a couple of non members attended so we went. They had a great time and then we had to clean the church afterwards. It was so humid that there truly was not a dry spot on dad's white shirt when we finished. I have come to dread having to clean the church because it is so hot.We came home and showered and watched the Ten Commandments on TV. It made dad's Easter for sure. Can you believe that movie was released in 1956!? Almost as old as dad and I.
We want you to know we were aware of most of your comings and goings this weekend and kept you all in our prayers. We pray for your safety as you travel. We pray for your health and strength and nose surgeries. We pray for your wisdom in raising your children. We pray that each of you will grow valiantly in the gospel. The Sunday school teacher in our little branch paid the Langston boys a real compliment today when he told us he wasn't used to teaching teenagers that knew so much about the gospel. We know you are all working hard to raise sin resistant children. We love you and appreciate your hard work. We don't want to lose anyone! As we teach the plan of salvation we are so appreciative that Heavenly Father provided a way for us to be together eternally. Love you all so much.
I know sometimes I complain that this kind of a mission is hard and that I didn't want to proselyte. But I am grateful for this opportunity to teach and find Heavenly Father's children and help gather Israel. It is such a great work that goes on quietly in a raucous world.
My testimony has grown and I know it is in large part that I take more time to study my scriptures and pray more often during the day. We know you are all busy, but maybe you can each just add 5 more minutes to your study and one more prayer. It doesn't take much, just a lot of consistency!
Love you all. Happy Easter! Mom (and dad)
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