Week 36 in St. Thomas

Well folks we are thinking that we are 1/2 way through this journey of a mission.  Looking back, I am trying to decide if i am a better person today than I was before coming.  I don't know if I am better, but I do know that I have learned a lot, not just about myself and my relationship with Dick but with my relationship with Our Heavenly Father too.  Here are a few things that I have learned or that I am still learning:  1.  I am naturally more at ease when I know what is on our agenda for the day but I have learned that each morning it is important to ask the Lord what HE WANTS US TO DO OR WHERE HE WANTS US TO GO.  It has been amazing to see that when we do that, often we are led to someone that needs to talk to us or who needs our prayers on their behalf.  2.  We have been disappointed that we haven't directly brought anyone into the church and that has been hard.  But I have learned that maybe our mission is to just plant seeds of love and kindness, so that maybe somewhere down the line, when the time is right for someone that they will remember two old missionarires that had good hearts and they will be open to hearing our wonderful message. 3.  Dick is really completely happy with monotony and sameness each day.  It has actually been a blessing though, because he does the laundry and the mundane things and allows me to do the cooking, making of flyers, lessons, craft projects etc, so in all actuality we are a good team.  He really is a great companion!   4.  This work is definitely led by a loving Father in Heaven that knows us and loves us.  I am thankful that He puts up with people that are less than perfect and allows us to be  just a little part in this very important work in these latter days.  5.  Dedicating time each day to read and study the scriptures has been such a blessing in my life.  I feel like I have learned so much about Jesus Christ and His gospel as we have dedicated a couple of hours each day to study.  I am sure there are many other things that I have learned, but these are the things that stick out to me the most right now.  

Early Monday morning the we grabbed the Elders and loaded up President Marsh's truck and moved Vicky and Prince into their new apartment.  We did it all in one trip and had the Elders back to their apartment by 9am.  So thankful for young strong backs and legs!

We saw these randon little ponies on our way down the hill on Monday too.  The smaller pony was really about the size of Golden Retriever.....they really are so cute, but where did they come from????

Here is a picture of Vicky and Prince when we got them all moved in.  They really were so happy.   ( Sorry for the burry picture).

I saw this quote this week and didn't want to foget it.  I just love this thought so much because it is so true.  Many times people will say that we won't be given any trial or temptation that we cannot handle but folks, we will be given trials that WE cannot handle; but we will be able to handle them with the help of Christ and his atonement.  That is why He suffered for each one of us.  We just need to let go, and LET HIM.......(1 Corinithians 10:13)

We left for Tortola on Saturday morning and the Elders were able to drive our car while we were gone now that we have them on the insurance.  It was Elder Niederhauser's first time driving on the left side of the road and he did great.  I kept reminding him "shoulder to shoulder...."  

Elder Garrison with Joshua.  We loved his blue suit!

Elder Hanson with Angela and Antonio.

Elder Makaafi and Joyce and Mavis, some friends that came to church and Elder Hanson.  

Elder Hanson, Elder Makaafi and me after a very busy Sunday.  These two work so hard.  They picked us up at 3:30 and we did a Book of Mormom class with them at the St. Rose home and then from there they did a lesson with Crystal and K'Mari and after that we headed to the St. Lott's home for another Book of Mormom class and dinner.  We also watched the new Book of Mormon movie that just came out. It was great!  I guess a new episode will be released each Friday.  So take a look!

Last but not least.....three darling pictures of grand daughters.....Chloe on top, La in the middle both going to Homecoming dances, and Elisa doing a perfect "Tree Pose," with Gordie looking on......

That is our week.  We are currently awaiting a Tropical Storm that is supposed to go through St. Thomas tonight.   Crossing our fingers and toes and praying that it is just that:  A Tropical Storm.  We don't need any more hurricanes here on this island.  

Thanks for all your prayers and messages.  We have such great friends and family.  Stay strong and steadfast.

Love,

Dick and Donna