Pres. Graff's Visit

Dear Family and Friends,

The mission President, President Graff, came on Monday (left Tuesday) and we had great experiences with him. One more time it was revealed to us that he is the one the Lord has assigned to this mission at this time. He said that he was here to interview the missionaries and that is really all the business he did while here. One of the things he said to us is that the Lord called us to this mission, at this time. There was no mistake. He knew our talents and our desires and will use them here. He said there are thousands waiting to hear the gospel and all we need to do is to listen to the spirit and do what we are led to do. He said the people have been prepared and taught by angels...much better teachers than us. He challenged us to listen closer and be willing to follow the spirit. He also told us that he expects we will be moved from this island before our mission is over....but not for several months.

We took him around the island and showed him the area. We talked a lot of the circumstances and lifestyles of our members who live here. He has a meeting with General Authorities in a few weeks and I felt he wanted to see and understand so he could report.

So many of our men see the futility of living here and have a desire to go home. Most do not have the $200.00 it takes for the plane ride home. I am not sure Haiti is better but the potential for jobs is there, and for sure, not here. At least not at the present. Even though so much money is being poured into Haiti, we do not know how much of it is really helping the people. We hope there are checks and balances on the leaders, but people who know, say that it is very hard to get things done because of corruption.

Mike and I had a different experience last night. We went tracting. It was very interesting. On our children’s missions they went tracting and I thought it only right that while here, we give it a try. (Our children all set good examples for us....thanks you guys!) We only went for 1 1/2 hours but I think we got a feel for it. The difference here (compared to the States...I think) is that most black Jamaican, Bahamans, or Turks Islanders will take time to talk. They are interested in religion and want to learn more. While the white people here are too busy, or are not interested. We were able to give away some copies of the Book of Mormon with commitments to read, study, and pray about what they learned. That is all we ask of the world..... to find out for themselves. Never do I ask them to believe us or take our word for it. We met some very nice people. We will call them back and see how it is going for them. I often pray that we can be bold in our testimony of the Savior. How I long for us to be the people He asks us to be.

As most of you know our daughter Aimee, and her husband Kaleb welcomed their third boy into their home on Tuesday, April 13th. I am so grateful things are ok. We miss them all very much and are thankful for the guardian angels sent to help...many in the form of human friends and relatives. We are hoping they come up with a name soon. We have all offered our suggestions for his name, and I don’t know why they have not accepted our ideas. (Dancing with Doodah, Herbert, Prophet....all wonderful names!)

Through the miracle of technology, Mike (and I) got to listen to Chugach Stake Priesthood meeting last night. It was wonderful to hear voices of such great friends. We could not get the video, but enjoyed visualizing all laughing, crying, and learning together. New and exciting things happening there!

Today is P-Day and Mike and I took off all the screens in our cottage and washed them. I can not believe the difference it makes. I think that often our lives are like that. We finally make the effort to repent and change, and then we notice how clearly we can see and are able to put things into perspective. But it is not until we make that effort that we know how clouded our vision has been.

No pictures this week. I guess I just need to take my camera more often. Love you all.

Elder and Sister Herbert