Some of our plans changed early in the week, so we didn’t think
we'd be traveling much around the island, but actually we ended up spending
quite a bit a time on the road. I believe I mentioned last week, we like to
listen to General Conference talks, audio books, and such as we travel. This
week as in times past we used the time to listen to, study, and discuss the
Sunday School Lesson for the week. This week's lesson is entitled, "I Will
Tell You in Your Mind and in Your heart, by the Holy Ghost." We had such
good discussions of the glorious blessing of personal revelation. We
particularly always enjoy the quotes of latter-day prophets and apostles in
these Sunday School lessons.
Such as:
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum
of the Twelve taught: “Visions do happen. Voices are heard from beyond the
veil. I know this. But these experiences are exceptional. … Most of the
revelation that comes to leaders and members of the Church comes by the still, small voice or by a feeling rather than by a vision or a voice
that speaks specific words we can hear. I testify to the reality of that kind
of revelation, which I have come to know as a familiar, even daily, experience
to guide me in the work of the Lord” (“Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 14).
We
found a comment made in Sunday School today especially helpful. Each of us
needs to learn how the Holy Ghost reveals things to us. Of course, we receive revelation
and answers to our seeking in different ways and feelings depending on the situation,
the stage of life we’re in, and the need, but it’s extremely important for us
to personally know, for example what a YES is like to us, or a NO for that
matter.
We’re glad to report that Collin’s back surgery went well, and his
recovery is going okay. When we’ve talked with him, he expressed how good going
back to work sounded. We’ve probably all had times of illness or injury when we
were bed-ridden or house-bound. Even though the thought of not having to do the
usual daily routine might sound nice, it sure gets old quickly. Collin is a
very conscientious teacher and expressed multiple times how much he missed
being with his students. They’ve had so much snow and ice this winter there in
Idaho that Collin really couldn’t go outside to take short walks. He said he
has read several books and has watched a lot of little girl movies with the twins, Paislee
and Jaidree. They have been great at keeping their daddy company and taking good
care of him while the older two girls and Megan were gone.
Who wouldn't want these darlings as care-givers?
We pray Collin will be back to
100% physical activity soon – just in time for spring.
Speaking of spring, we have no idea whether or not good ol’ Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this year on Groundhog Day. It
doesn’t really matter; it’s always summer weather in Jamaica. Today is
actually fairly cool, and there’s been a light rain falling all day. It almost –
for just a fleeting moment – felt like home in early fall or late spring. Usually
when it rains here, it is a real gully-washer with flooding in all the streets,
but today it’s been more like a Washington rain. There are actually gullies all
over the cities and the countryside to try to handle the downpours.
Unfortunately, sometimes these are used for trash or become overgrown with
vegetation aggravating the flooding.
Our time on the road this week was mainly two trips. We went to
Savanna-La-Mar to take care of a business matter at a hardware store for the purchase
of more materials for chicken coops. It was a long drive (about 7 hours round
trip) for a transaction that only took about 30 minutes, but that’s okay – it’s
done and now the progress can continue for this worthwhile project. On Friday
evening, we went on an errand-of-mercy to Mandeville to deliver some medication
to a sick elder. The drive to Mandeville usually takes only about 2 hours, but late afternoon and evening traffic n Fridays is horrendous getting out of
Kingston. It took us 1 1/2 hours to just get to main road outside of
Kingston. We were glad though to be able to help; we’re always willing to do
anything we can for these wonderful young missionaries. Mandeville is up in the mountains to the
west, so it’s usually cool there in the evenings. It was a gorgeous night with
a beautiful full moon, so it was mostly an enjoyable drive. I just get a little
tense when we’re on some portions of the mountain roads at night. Let’s just say,
sometimes the other drivers aren’t quite as cautious as I think they should be.
Actual satellite view of some of the roads we often travel. From the right side of this picture to the left, there's an over 2000 foot change in elevation.
Lots of lower gears and braking!
We were able to have an hour long Skype session with the Area Welfare
Manager in the DR. We always enjoy talking with him and receiving enlightening and inspirational council.
We have a new assignment in connection with our other humanitarian responsibilities.
We are to organize and present Emergency Preparedness and Response trainings for
all 25 units in the mission. This is a big undertaking, but we know as we seek the
Lord’s guidance and help we will be blessed and be successful in disseminating
very crucial information to the units to help them create and implement sustainable
plans in case of disaster. Even though this will be a lot of work, we look
forward to meeting with the representative from each unit and sharing this time
of learning and council with them.
We’re counting the days until the arrival of Emily’s family on the 22nd.
They’re cruising with many of Bobby's family, and one of the ports is Montego Bay, so we’ll get to spend a great day with them. Can’t
wait!
It's hard to be so far away from all our loved ones, but we are so grateful for technology that allows us to stay in touch screen-to-screen. The extra, extra special bonus of in-person visits
is definitely like the cherry on top.
All our best – until next week…
Isaiah 12:5-6
5 Sing unto the Lord, for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
We now understand the crazy drivers. It was so pretty though and soooo good to see you guys!!!
ReplyDelete