Sunday, March 11, 2018

The long and short of last week...😉

We hated having to say good-bye to Vickie and Dan Overpeck at Montego Bay Airport on Saturday, but we had such a wonderful week with them all around the island. They have responsibilities back in New Mexico, and we have a lot we want and need to do here before July. As far as we know, this is the last visit from family until we leave. We'll be like a couple of road runners these next 4 months. 

Meep Meep!

We were excited to be able to share several of the interesting attractions here in Jamaica. After staying the first night in Montego Bay, we took the beautiful drive around the west coast to Negril so Vickie and Dan could enjoy one of the very nice small resorts, the beach, and some of the sights in Negril. We personally stayed one night and then a few hours the next morning on Monday, so we too could have a few hours to bask in the warm Jamaica sun. 

  

        A cute little beach friend and a typical Jamaican woman selling her wares. 

While Vickie and Dan were enjoying Negril, we came back to Kingston to resume our responsibilities on a few of our current projects and office work. One of our accomplishments was to deliver 20 more cleaning kits to the emergency container. It is always a good feeling to be able to add to the preparations for whatever may happen. 

  

We drove back to Negril later in the week to then bring the Overpecks to Kingston for a few days. We took the scenic route, along the southern coast and stopped in Black River to go on the boat ride at Black River Safari to see the crocodiles. This was our 4th time to do this guided tour, but it's something we always enjoy. There are new wonders of nature to notice each time. You may need  to look closely, but there are crocs in some of these photos. 

  

Mangrove trees 

Their grandsons, Jonas and Asher, will be thrilled to see this photo!

On Thursday, we went to Fort Charles at Port Royal. Even though we've gone here multiple times, it's interesting each time as we hear and see new historical facts and artifacts. We've had the same tour guide every time; he makes the tour so much fun. 

Our tour guide and new friend, 

Buccaneer Jermonie.

  

  

After Port Royal, we had a wonderful lunch at one of the restaurants with excellent ambiance at Devon House. It is located in what used to be the carriage house of the mansion. And no trip to Devon House is complete until having some yummy Devon House ice cream. We only indulge in ice cream when we have visitors because of the cost - money and calories, so there's another reason we're sad they were our last visitors. 

Friday, we drove up and over the mountains toward the north coast through the Bog Walk gorge. 

This was Vickie and Dan's last chance to really experience the lush tropical jungles of the island. We then took the fascinating tour at Rose Hall Great House - definitely one of their favorite stops. 

We had a great dinner at the open air restaurant at Glistening Waters Friday evening. We were worried we wouldn't be able to go on the boat tour because it was pouring, but it stopped raining long enough for us to go out and be fascinated once again by the luminous lagoon. 

In our younger years when we lived close, the four of us used to play a lot of card games with Spades being one of our favorites and most competitive. We haven't lost our partnership knack...Vickie and I beat the "boys" unmercifully; in fact they conceded. 

  

We stayed at the Glistening Waters hotel for the night so we wouldn't have to drive all the way back to Kingston to then come right back to the North Coast the next day. 

We had enough time before going on into Montego Bay to take the drive to show vickie and Dan another great house (plantation house) not far from where we stayed in Falmouth. The drive up to the estate is an adventure, and the view from the top is amazing. Before we leave this summer, we definitely want to go on the tour.

  

We so enjoyed having the Overpecks here in Jamaica not only to show them some of the sights and the beauty of this island, but also to be able to share details about the rewarding work we do here.  They commented on the friendliness of the Jamaican people and like us hope the country can remain an island of peace and good will. 

It's back to our busy missionary schedule this week.  We're anxious to proceed with the four current projects and to develop the others we've researched for submission and hopefully approval. Additionally, we've been asked by the Area Welfare Manager to revisit emergency preparedness with all the units over the next few weeks. Elder will continue using his many years of experience in training leaders throughout the island. 

We attended the May Pen Branch today. Our dear friends, Elder and Sister Gotfredson return to Utah this week, so we wanted to be there for their last Sunday. They have diligently served as a Member Leader Support couple for 18 months. We love them and are so appreciative of their example of unconditional kindness and indefatigable service. We know the members of the May Pen Branch as well as countless other Jamaicans have had their lives touched for good by these two faithful servants of the Lord.

 Sister Gotfredson surrounded by her loving sisters 

of the May Pen Branch Relief Society

We love serving a mission. We testify that Jesus Christ is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. It may appear that we made and will continue to make sacrifices through our service as missionaries, but we know we are instantly blessed. Nothing we can ever do in the service of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our earthly brothers and sisters is really ever a sacrifice.

Christ and Rich Young Ruler

Until next week...all our love.