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Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Sunday, January 29 - February 7, 2018

We have had an amazing last two weeks with first our trip to Nassau, Bahamas followed by a very special visit from Heather and Tom.





The purpose of our trip to Nassau was so Buddy (President Stewart officially) could conduct the branch audit and a few interviews with members. The weather was gorgeous, but we didn't really have time to be on the beach; that's okay. We were a little surprised by the appearance of the island. I guess we were expecting lush foliage like here in Jamaica, but we did see many of the same types of beautiful plants.  The city is very clean and well-maintained.   

We arrived on Friday night after smooth flights with a short layover in Miami. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott right across from the ocean; we had a beautiful view from our window. 


  

On Saturday, we did a little exploring at one of the touristy parts of the city right by the beach and finished our morning with a treat at Dairy Queen; something we've missed since we do not have DQs in Jamaica. We wanted to take the elders out for lunch, so they took us over to Paradise Island to a fun little diner-style restaurant for good ol' American burgers and fries. Yummy. 



As instructed by President Pearson, all our dedicated sisters and elders 
of the Jamaica Kingston Mission carry copies of the Book of Mormon 
in their hands and out in plain sight at all times. 

Saturday evening, Buddy met with the branch president and clerk for the audit. He always enjoys being able to do quite a bit of training before, during, and after these audits. 

Sunday, we attended the Nassau Branch and loved being able to worship with these dedicated, faithful saints. The branch is blessed to have a fairly high activity rate, strong priesthood holders and families. 


We thought it was pretty cool to have a sunbeam 
shining down on the elders and Buddy show up in this photo.


After very early flights and smooth connections Monday morning, we arrived back in Jamaica with daylight to spare.  

The next morning we left early to meet Heather and Tom at the airport in Montego Bay. We were so excited to see them and to give them big hugs. 

  
Tears of joy! 

 Reunited with our Gigi
(Heather has had that nickname since Blake was just learning to talk. The other kids called her Sissy, but Blake's toddler pronunciation came out Gigi. It stuck!)

Buddy was beyond excited because Heather brought some of her famous snickerdoodle cookies! We rationed and savored them all week. 

  The last Gigi snickerdoodle until we get home...so sad. 



  
 Fort Charles the only fort still existing at
Port Royal just outside of Kingston.

 Dinner before boat excursion at Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon. 

Sunday we attended church at the very small Old Harbour Branch. Heather and Tom were able to experience the blessing of witnessing first hand how the Church is the same no matter where you may go in the world. 

 Much too soon, it was time to say good-bye. 
At least it's only 5 months instead of 23 before we see them again!

Collin and Megan's little Oliver Dane joined our family on Tuesday, January 30th. Mom and baby are doing great as well as Daddy and sisters. We can't wait to snuggle with this precious 28th grandchild. 

Four very excited sisters welcome their new little brother.   
  
                                                      Tamri                       Kenna
  
                                                     Paislee                      Jaidree

  
Oliver Dane Stewart
January 30, 2018
7 lb. 14 oz.
21.5 inches

Not on our most recent flight but a previous one, I found this in the airline magazine. It was taken from the Prayer Book for Jews in the Armed Forces of the United States, but it truly expresses my (our) feelings as missionaries:

Prayer for Home


Far from home and those I love, I find my thoughts turning to them with affectionate longing. O Thou who art with my distant loved ones even while Thou art here with me, who hearkenest to their prayers even as Thou hearkenest to mine, bless us and keep us united in spirit until we meet again. Let my memory hold them in such loving embrace that I be cheered by their imagined presence. Keep me under the influence of the times that bind me to them, so that even in strange surroundings I may conduct myself in ways that do them honor. Keep me gratefully mindful of the blessing of their love and let me not give way to loneliness or despondency. Help me to bring cheer to my comrades, who like me are separated from their dear ones. For Thou, God, art the Father of all; Thou art the source of all love. None who puts his faith in Thee need ever feel friendless or forsaken. Amen.

Until next week...all our love.














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