Week 51 in St. Thomas

We started the week after Christmas on the pickle ball courts bright and early.  The Elders won two games and we won two games.....we BARELY beat them on the 5th game.....so they have come a long ways since they started!  We teased them and said that it must have been the equipment because they both had new T-shirts, Elder Sigcha had new tennis shoes and Elder Fineanganofo had a new pickle ball racquet!  All teasing aside, we are proud of their progress (and worried that next week they will beat us!). 

Don't let their smiles fool you, Elder Sigcha has a wicked spin serve and Elder Finney is like a wall at the net!

Tuesday was a day that we had waited for almost for a year!  Mike and Denae and the kids arrived.


The kids did pretty well after flying here on a red-eye!  They were pretty warm in those clothes though!  We changed that pretty quickly! They arrived on December 31st, which was Trent's 5th birthday!  So we celebrated his birthday that night.



Happy 5th Birthday to Trent.

On New Year's Day, we got to go on the beautiful boat of our friend's the Walches.  They took us over to St. John and we snorkled and played on the beach and had a wonderful day.  They were so gracious to take us and the kids had so much fun!  I am so mad that we didn't get a picture of all of us though!












It was fun having Denae's niece, Micaela come with them.  She is a beautiful girl both inside and out and it was fun to get to know her.  She was so pleasant and helpful and just plain fun!  She and Denae went to Puerto Rico on Monday just in time to be there for the Earthquakes!  So thankful that they got back as scheduled on Tuesday.  Blessing for sure!  

 We had lots of time on the beaches and also took them with us to Eldra Shulterbrandt.  They sang for the residents and did such a great job.

Coki Beach




Ty with a Starfish from Brewer's Bay
They sang a few songs for the residents, wish I could post the video but somehow cannot!  They did such a good job!

Mountain Top



On Sunday it was great to have them at church with us and later that afternoon we had the Elder's over for dinner.  It was such a nice Sabbath Day.



All in all, it was such a great week.  We so enjoyed having family visit us (plus we actually have 3 more days to go).  We certainly are blessed with great kids and grandkids.  We are so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the opportunity we have had to serve here on the island of St. Thomas. We have met some wondeful people and made lifelong friends and will cherish the year that we will have been here.

 We actually GOT TRANSFERRED TO ST. KITTS AND ARE LEAVING ON JAN. 14TH FOR A BRAND NEW ADVENTURE!  STAY TUNED!
Meanwhile, stay strong and steadfast.
With love,
The Garrisons





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