Christ-like love

Wow, did I learn something new from this activity!  A very conscientious district leader organized an activity where companions in his district would wash one another's feet.  The take-away was supposed to be because Christ did "yeuchy" things, we should be willing to do so too.  But I learned something entirely different.

One of the hermanas didn't have a companion because her companion was in an interview so I washed her feet and she washed mine.  At first I thought I would feel "yech" because I'm a bit of a germ freak.  But my response was just the opposite.

As I washed her feet I thought of how hard she had been working, walking all day long in the dusty, muddy streets of Santo Domingo, over rocky roads, filled with holes and pitfalls.  I was filled with tremendous love for her and I desired to show her how much I loved her.  I wanted to wash her feet, tenderly, slowly; I wanted her to feel better, to feel relief, to feel cared for.  I felt it was a privilege, and I didn't once think "yech."  

I realized that our Savior likely felt this way when he washed his disciples feet.  I don't think he felt "yech".  I think he felt love.  I think he felt compassion for what they had been through, being his disciples, and compassion for what they would yet endure, being his disciples.  I think he wanted to fortify them, to show them he cared, to help them feel supported.  I think this should be our goal when we serve one another, not to do so holding our nose, but doing so while reaching out our hearts.

Who needs to speak?

This wonderful couple teaches primary each week and the husband doesn't speak a word of Spanish.  Note the cute beads of the little girls in front!

Our Couples Class

Last night we were invited to teach a class on temple marriage to several couples from one of the branches here.  We taught them the difference between "love" and "charity".  Usually when we think of things we love: ice cream, a day at the beach, a new dress, even our spouse, we think of how much pleasure these things bring us.  That's why we "love" them.  We looked at charity, and discovered the true love of Christ is pretty much the opposite.  Charity is all about the joy we can bring to the other person, instead of the pleasure they will bring to us.  When both partners in a couple have charity, they can bring one another a whole lot of joy.

Even after the mission our great missionaries carry the Book of Mormon wherever they go!

Conversos All Star

I don't know if you can see the button, but it says "Convert All Star"  It's our zone leaders being super creative in motivating their zone.  The photo of the four missionaries dressed like familiar story book characters was another creative day of teaching.

Another "Graduation!"

It's so fun to see our missionaries after they have been released and later return to the island with their families.  We are always delighted to see them continuing in their spiritual progress.

The Cupids Arrive!

Because of this couple's generous donation we have 20 more couples that can get married and will then be eligible for baptism.

President and Hermana Alonzo came for a mission tour

All Smiles

We attended a baptism recently where President Smith had done the interview for one of the candidates.  She was soooo happy she passed the interview she wanted to give President a big hug.  He referred her to me and I got to benefit from her joy.  She just hugged, and hugged and hugged like she never wanted to let go!  The gospel blesses lives like nothing else.

Dream Come True

How often do best friends get called to serve in the same mission at the same time?  You'd fear it would be a distraction but with these two, they just worked to out-work each other!

New Members of Fire

Four our excellent hermanas brought a couple of their new converts to the temple grounds who brought several of their friends.  We got to meet them and testify about the blessings of eternal families.

Pay Dirt

Nothing better than having one of your "hijos" return with honor to the mission, just as consecrated as the day he left.  Even better when we get to meet his parents!

The secret is inside

These handsome elders had their suits made here in the DR. The lining has images of the island with its beaches and palm trees so they will always remember their mission. 

Just can't wait to play ball!

One of our excellent missionaries told all the baseball scouts he was going on a mission. Now two years later he is getting ready to return to ball. Practice with a bottle cap and a broomstick will certainly test his readiness 

Counsel of Hermanas

All our Sister Leaders meet together after Mission Leadership Counsel to treat needs of the hermanas.  It is a super uplifting meeting--totally directed by our sister leaders.

Have Water? Get Baptized!

This chapel doesn't have a baptismal font so they bought a blow up pool that the elders have to inflate and fill every time there is a baptism.  But it works just fine (as long as the person getting baptized sits down instead of standing up) 

Leaders in the making

Our building supervisor and his wife were baptized last week.  We greet him every morning as we dash out the door but had little to do with his conversion.  Our missionaries found the family and taught them diligently.  They will be great leaders in the church.

Counseling with Pres

This elder just found out his mission ended a transfer earlier than he thought because time served in another mission counts as part of the 24 months.  Surprise!  

The Power of two companionships of diligent missionaries!

Visitors in church on one single Sunday

Senior Couples are the Best!

This branch has seen an increase in attendance of 40% since January 2019.  One of our senior couples is currently teaching a matrimony class on Sunday afternoon and has 10 couples in the class.  There are people on a waiting list for the next class.