Little boy with bare bum at chungee across the street

 

Sister Mower poses with two of our favorite Sisters; Maningas and Kumar

Today our plans changed and we ended up in the ward with Elder Prepchuk and Elder Nemelka.  Elder Prepchuk has only been out a few months and has recently been made a senior companion.  I feel so blessed to have been able to hear the message he shared in his new ward.  I remember his first day in the mission.  He conducted one of the training sessions and was a little unsure of himself.  He has grown greatly in this challenging work of being a proselytizing missionary.  His language, his testimony and his love of serving his Heavenly Father was evident.

14-year old care giver and little brother with Sister Ferrin

We met a 14 year old girl, whose mother had “left” and she is the caregiver for her four younger brothers.   She brought her two year old brother to Church.  It was apparent he loved his sister and followed her like a shadow.  Their Lola (grandmother) helps with their care during the week, so she can attend school.  The little guy was so happy when his big sister finally picked him up, although he had not fussed at all.  He laid his head on her shoulder and promptly fell asleep.

View of alligator island from our lunch spot

We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade of a big mango tree overlooking the ocean.  We had great company, President and Sister Ferrin.  We later went to see the “cottage” where they will be moving while the mission home is being refurbished in preparation for the new president and his wife.  We were blessed to find this property and will move there after the Ferrins return to the Mission Home.

View of Chinese New Year decorations and setup along the busy road we travel to Mission Office

Actually we met the upcoming Mission President and Sister Barredo this weekend.  They are young!  They have both served missions and are originally from this area.  They are a wonderful couple and are looking forward to this adventure.

Chinese dragon--these young men put on a display just for us

This week was Chinese New Year and another reason to have a celebration!  Red lanterns decorate the streets and roads have been closed.  Vendors put up shop to sell their wares and music has been playing. . .the louder the better.  I have seen several variations of dragons wandering around town and you cannot have a dragon without big drums.

Another view of the Chinese Dragon

Last evening we attended a baptism.  Elder Busselberg said they have been having weekly baptisms for 19 weeks.  We stayed for young mens and young womens (yes they do it on Saturday following baptisms).  George and I were asked to share our testimonies.  The big draw was really our new mission president and his wife.  The Lord prepared them for serving here!