It has been a while since I have taken time to write a letter. I would like to think that means we are busy, but I think it also means that missionary days aren't always surprising and newsworthy. It is good to have a routine and it is good to be busy!
First of all, thanks for the emails from some of you. It is so good to hear from home and we appreciate when you take the time to drop us a note. It is an exciting day when we hear from you!
It is getting so hot here. We have been in humid places before, but Elder DeMille and I think the humidity here is unlike other places we have visited. Some times we look out across the bay from our apartment and it is like the island is shrouded in fog, but really it is just humidity. The days lately are quite hazy with it. My hair has responded by going from frizzy curly to just plain frizzy. I am to the point that I just don't really care what it does anymore. That is quite liberating, actually!
We have some great investigators currently. There is one sister who was taught by us and previous missionaries. She committed to baptism a few times only to back out on the day of the baptism. One day she called us and told us she finally decided she was tired of being wishy-washy and had an experience where she knew she should be baptized. Our mission president encouraged us to be quick about getting her baptized. We arranged for her interview (via facetime with the APs which is no small feat here) cleaned out the font and organized the baptism program all in two days time. The night before the baptism.... once again she called and cancelled. Elder DeMille compares her to the runaway bride.
Another investigator has gone to church for THREE!!! months now. We have taught him all the lessons as slowly and as thoroughly as we can. I can't even remember how many times we have tried to set a baptism date. He loves church, he has felt the spirit, he has friends at church, he drives a car, and he has a job so he would be a great addition to the church. BUT, he hasn't asked intently yet. He thinks it is true, but just isn't ready to commit to baptism. There is that important word Agency that we have to respect. Keep him in your prayers! We don't want to put him on the simmer burner yet.
Another investigator seems very sincere when we teach him. But then he went MIA for two or three weeks. Just when we were ready to give up, he called back. Such a great guy. I think he is very interested in the gospel but hey, remember this IS the Caribbean and timing is NOT everything here. We are hoping and praying for him and all the others we teach. Like everything here, no one is in a hurry, especially to keep appointments or be baptized. We love him, though, and are exercising our patience.
Our little branch is the best. Some days it is crowded and we are so happy. Today there weren't so many there and we felt sad. The church is an open aired building with a hallway down the middle. On one side is the chapel and on the other is a small kitchen and classrooms. All the rooms are separated by sliding curtains instead of walls. So when the Relief Society, Primary, and Priesthood are all singing their opening songs at the same time it gets quite comical and NOISY.
There are a lot of names on the records of the church that no one knows about and they have no working phone. Elder DeMille and I have been trying to find some of them. Pretty tricky when you consider there are no addresses here. The island is divided into old plantation estates. People will tell you that they live in Carlton, La Grange, Humbug, etc. Not sure how many there are, but I believe there are close to 30 estates,. If we know the area where someone lives we drive there and begin asking. Sometimes there are numbers on the house and that helps. Last week we were driving in an area that was heavily wooded and over grown. There were lots of rusty old trailers that people were still living in and some that were abandoned. As we were driving slowly and watching for house numbers, an overwhelming feeling came over me that we needed to turn around and leave the area. When I told Elder DeMille he turned around and we got out of there. We knew it was the Holy Ghost protecting us. It was a really strong feeling and I know that the Holy Ghost is with us and protects and leads us where we need to go.
The other night we we driving home. "I just love our little island," popped out of my mouth and my heart. I do love it here. We both love it and we both love the people. It is amazing how love develops when you serve.
We want you to know our testimonies have increased by serving and by more diligently studying each day. Preach My Gospel is an amazing study tool. We love our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. We are humbled and grateful to be working in His vineyard in these last days.
We love you all and are grateful for all the things we have learned from each of you. We hope all is well in Zion...
Elder and Sister DeMille
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