It has been a couple of months since we attempted to write a letter. During that time, our days have been filled with wonderful missionary and ministering opportunities. One day seems to turn into another day and before you know it the week is over. In a blink of an eye, the month is over.
We have enjoyed teaching English lessons to two different women. Suani is from the Dominican Republic and does not speak any English. My limited Spanish has really been helpful. We go to her home on the far and isolated side of the island and teach her. She is lonely and enjoys the friendship of members at church. We have also been teaching her gospel lessons and can tell she is close to her Heavenly Father. It is such a joy to teach the gospel in Spanish! Unfortunately, her husband does not come to church with her, but he will drive her there and drop her off. However, if he has a weekend activity planned, then we don't see Suani at church. He only speaks English. She only speaks Spanish. We don't know how they communicate!
Magdalena is also from the Dominican Republic. So far she is only interested in learning English, but we hope this week to be able to introduce her to the Book of Mormon. We would like Suani and Magdalena to get together on their lessons, but their work schedules don't permit that to happen. Magdalena is a lot of fun and we have lots of laughing.
We are also teaching a 30 something year old guy from the states who came here to live the beach life. He seems receptive to the spirit, but his life working at a beach rental/bar makes it a hard life style change for him. The Holy Ghost can help people make all sorts of changes!
Today a young single woman was at church. We have lots of visitors come and go so I thought she was visiting. I introduced myself to her and found out she isn't a member. She recently moved here to work, but previously had attended church with a friend in the states. She liked our church enough that on her own she found it here on the island and attended today by herself. You can bet we will be all over that opportunity! Just look at the influence a member of the church had by inviting her to church! Heavenly Father continues to send blessings of opportunity to teach His children our way.
Today in church, we replayed the "Be One" celebration for our members. None of them have internet in their homes and had not seen it. If you haven't seen it, please go to LDS.org and watch it. It is the 40 year celebration of the priesthood being offered to every worthy male member. It was the most amazing and sweet experience to sit with our black brothers and sisters of our branch and rejoice with them. Tears were running down all our cheeks. Afterwards, we hugged and cried and hugged again. There was so much love in the room. It was one of those days I want to always remember. I'm so grateful for the direction the church is taking us in teaching us to love all, "both black and white, bond and free, male and female." Treat yourself to a wonderful experience by watching the celebration!
Last week we were able to go to Puerto Rico for a mission conference for the senior missionaries. There is one couple in the mission office there, one couple on Antigua, one on St. Thomas and us. Once a week we meet on Google Hangouts for a district meeting. It was so nice to be able to meet them face to face in Puerto Rico last week and be instructed by young Elders, Hermanas, and the mission president and his wife. It does get isolated out on your own little island! It was also the first time that Elder DeMille and I were able to see a little of the island of Puerto Rico. It's nice to say that our mission is the Puerto Rico mission and that we have actually seen it now! While we were there Elder DeMille and I were able to go with President Smart to two baptisms. Such a sweet experience when someone chooses to follow Jesus Christ. As always, we came back to St. Croix revitalized and energized.
Elder DeMille and I feel that two years ago when we offered our service as missionaries and put our lives in the hands of the Lord, that He gave us an opportunity that in our wildest imagination we would have never imagined for ourselves. Living here is one of the best (and hardest) opportunities that has ever happened to us. We love God's children that live here on this isle of the sea. Our lives have been forever changed and impacted by this experience. Our love has grown and expanded and we see God's love for His children all over the world, not just in the church.
We know that God has a plan for all of us. We pray every day for our family and friends! We love you all and hope you are doing well.
Elder and Sister DeMille
No comments:
Post a Comment