This has been a good week......full of ups and downs that seem to fill our days. I do think this is getting less emotional as we go along. I hope we are not getting “harder,” but perhaps we are getting used to the feelings that come with the successes and heartaches of missionary life. Maybe we are able to take it less personal. Mike constantly reminds me that this is the Lord’s work, not ours. Heavenly Father is very aware of our little branch and wants to bless us with all the blessings available. Spent a lot of time visiting members who don’t get to come to church often, for various reasons. Many are getting more and more discouraged with island life, where there is no work, and constant harassment. We hope they are taught and strengthened so they can go home and be stronger and better to help their country get back on it’s feet and to strengthen the church there.
As I visited with members that live in conditions that we normally can’t imagine or accept, I felt the love of Heavenly Father and the Savior. I know they are very special to Him. I also know they will be judged differently than we who have the opportunities and blessings of our country. (Remind me not to complain when I get home). We, who have the freedom and opportunities, also have the responsibilities.
We have worked and worked with one of our favorite people named Lucien. We want him to get baptized before we leave here. I am not sure why he is holding out. One reason is that he only works only one day a week....Sunday. He says he would come to church if he could. With the language barrier, I am not sure exactly where he stands. We sure like him though and pray for him to change.
Another miracle occurred this week. We have tried to help a few of our members get the PEF (Perpetual Education Fund), but found it is not available in this country. However an anonymous donor has agreed to fund Claud’s education. It will make the difference between a mediocre existence and a chance to better many in his family. He is so excited he can not sleep at night! The tuition for the university in Haiti is only $2,500.00 (American dollars) a year. Not a lot by our standards, but unreachable by theirs. We in the US do not understand that education is really NOT available to most people here. He will be leaving to go back to Haiti in November. He will probably leave his family here in Providenciales, as he says Haiti is not a good place for them at this point. We are so blessed to be a part of this miracle. (Just a comment about money.....I have NEVER felt money was an important part of our salvation, and it is not! But when I see the good money can do for these people, I wish we had put more emphasis on making and saving money so we could help these people. The donors in this and other cases of charity, have made so much difference in the lives of so many.)
The PEF is available in Haiti, so at least one other man, is seriously thinking about going back to Haiti just to see if he can qualify there. He is a hard worker and a wonderful member who I think will follow through. I guess I should not be surprised that there are very strict rules and procedures that go along with the funds and some who apply do not get the money they need. It is an amazing opportunity for those who can make it work for them.
We have a new young couple who moved here from England. They are here for a year working in an autism clinic. The branch really needs them and I think they will be a great boon to the members here.
We went to dinner with the Ockeys Saturday night. They treated us to the most expensive restaurant on the island. Mike had a huge ribeye steak. He was in heaven. He has not had a steak like that for, probably, many years. He was a happy camper. I enjoyed it too. They passed out cold towels which was a huge relief to the stifling heat. This may be the last visit we have with them on this island. We have loved the association and friendship developed.
The first picture is a sunset taken from the top of our church. The second is a sunrise walk on the beach. The third and fourth are at dinner with the Ockeys.
We love you all very much.
Elder and Sister Herbert
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