The Ockeys.....
New Counselor to the Mission President. Good Choice. He will be over
our Island and will visit us often. They came to visit us for the
weekend. They came Friday afternoon and we just said goodbye to them
tonight...Sunday evening. They rented a car and will take themselves
to the airport in the AM. They are builders from Canada. Started
life as school teachers. After 11 years and 3 children they begin
with one house....then another etc. You would never know they had
money. Down to earth...workers.....go getters. They came to eat at
our house today and Sister Ockey got up and did the dishes...no
questions. They were so appreciative of our simple dinner. They
are very generous and want to serve others using the blessings given
from the Lord.
They had us hopping all weekend. We went visiting and finding and
working and meeting....etc, etc. Made me happy to find two people we
have looked for.
Had very interesting experiences today..... extensions of what has
been going on. More people with dead or missing families....no money,
no place to live. They are often the ones with more faith.
Some of them walk around with a huge smiles on their faces. One of my
favorites is Gelin. His sister died about two months ago of some
sickness.....he has no idea what. His mother died a few weeks
later....they don't know why. She had been so sick and they just
waited for her to die. He had no money to go home to the funeral or
to say goodbye. Then the earthquake hit and he did not know for days
if any of his family was still alive. He found out that they were
all ok, but their house is gone and they are some of the thousands who
now live in tents around Port-au-Prince. So now, at 25, he is here,
trying to work to make some kind of future for himself. Before his
mom died he heard some men talking about the church and asked if he
could learn about it too. He is one of those that missionaries dream
about. He knew immediately that the church was true and has not
turned back. He is so faithful about reading the scriptures. After
English on Tuesday we have Family Night. On Thursday night we have
Institute. I heard him on a few occasions, stand up and explain
about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon to non members. He
translates with the missionaries to teach their lessons. Always has a
big smile. I asked him last week how he is doing without his mom and
sister. He said, "Fine. They are dead, what else can I do?" I said
that I guess we could cry. He says he cries every day. But I never
see that. One day he said, "Life is like that you know. This is not
where we will get our reward. God is in charge." So one more time,
added to the 100 other times, I learn from them. There are several
cases similar to his....some have it worse, because their testimonies
are not so firm.
In so many ways they are like children. Sweet, innocent, and
dependent on the Lord. I want to be more like them. But I don't want
to pay the price they are paying.
We had another baptism yesterday. One child of record and new
convert. Have about three planned for next week. We love our
missionaries here. They work very hard and are delightful. We feel
so lucky to be around them.
Mike was appointed as the 2nd counselor in the branch yesterday. He
will be a great benefit who work with him. 52 at English class last
Thursday. Only 12 were members. 45 stayed for Institute.........
This is such a beautiful island. When we left to come on our mission
people would tease us about going on a vacation....not a mission. We
have learned that all missions (even for senior couples) are
different. And all missions (even for senior couples) make those
missionaries reach down to the center of their core to decide what
they are all about.
We love you all very much.
Elder and Sister Herbert
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