One Third

1st picture: Took this sunset picture Friday night. (There is one season here....summer!)

2nd picture: Family night "Candy Bar" game

Dear Family and Friends,

Exactly 6 months ago we entered the MTC. 1/3 of our mission is over. In some ways the time has gone so fast, and in other ways, it seems like a lifetime. We pray every day that we can do what the Lord would have us do with our time here. There are so many unmet needs, so many people hurting and hungry. Yet, there is so much love and tenderness, so much kindness and charity. I often wonder if when we go home if things can ever be the same. I hope we complain less, judge less, and love more.

I wish I had grand adventures to share, great successes to tell. In reality each day usually passes with some joy and a little discouragement. We see some people that are so faithful and some that makes us worry. We visit, admonish, teach, listen, and learn from most that we encounter.

Immigration has been out in full force lately. For a while after the earthquake, they left the Haitians alone. But they have gathered many, arresting and jailing them. They have been burning much of the land where many live in the bushes. Some of our members have been burned out. Many more are moving out of their houses and into the bushes because they have no way to pay rent. Most do not have money to buy a work permit and until they get a work permit they can not work legally on the island. They are easy targets for immigration. Some have told me stories of people who were picked up and jailed, only to pay a fine (which is really a bribe), and then released again.

Boats keep coming in with new people. The boat owners go to Haiti and gather people, tell them there are lots of jobs here now that the British has taken over. Haitians believe them, sell their homes, and bring their families here. There is nothing for them here. So sad. It is hard to help them with real constructive methods to teach about job hunting skills, etc., when they are illegal and the prospects of jobs are nil. The welfare needs are great and perhaps it will get worse before it gets better.

One of the things that never ceases to amaze us is how clean they are. Sometimes when we are in Alaska and camping, we find ourselves in Homer going to church. No matter how careful we are, we feel disheveled and unkept. When these men come to church, their shirts and pants are pressed and they look sharp. They come with their scriptures, manuals, and ready to learn. President Ockey brought more white shirts from their wards in Florida and they men look so good in their new shirts and ties. They all want me to take their pictures so they can send them home to their families in Haiti.

We had four baptisms last week and one more this week. That is 20 people who have been baptized since we got here. Even though we see heartache and pain, we find much joy here too. Many of these men live a form of the united order. When one has money they share food with all in their yard. When one works, they help others in need. How can we explain such love in a letter? We came to serve and find that we are the ones who are served. We came here to share, and find we are the ones who have the most to learn.

Please keep praying for these people. We love you all so much.
Elder and Sister Herbert