Temple Trip

Another week! Time generally goes by quite fast. Actually, Monday thru Friday goes fast and then Saturday and Sunday are the more stressfull days and it feels like they move in slow motion. But we had a good week! Last night there was a crazy thunder and lightning storm; every strike of lightning lit up the whole room. Looks like you guys had a great time in Lake Powell!!!! Heaven on earth. And Cate is miss Homecoming queen! I’m not surprised one bit; she´s a babe. 

 

We got to go to the temple this week! It was so wonderful. As I mentioned, we are only able to go every six months so we definitely have to savor the time we get there. There is a tradition after the Temple session where all the missionaries go to a Wendy´s that is nearby. I ordered a frosty and they gave me something that resembled vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of Nesquick. But it was such a fun day and I love hanging out with other missionaries!

 

I have included a picture with the Gimmeniz family. It’s in their little one room apartment. The woman is the grandma and she is an incredibly strong member and has raised her three grandkids. They walk so far to go to church every Sunday. We have been working with the one on the right because he is preparing for baptism and would technically be a convert because his parents aren’t members. He is autistic and it has been so fun to see his progress and he loves us to quiz him on the different commandments and topics. I´ve gotten really close to them but yesterday they told us the sad news that they are moving today. The grandma gave me her bracelet and she gave Hermana Thomas the cover for her temple recommend. It was what she had with her and they really wanted to give us something to remember them. I thought it was so sweet! We surprised them early this morning with a going-away cake and some presents. You would have thought it was Christmas. They are so darling. 

You Can't Take D.C. out of the Girl! 

I have been thinking a lot lately about the sacrifices our investigators are willing to make. Of course the grand majority do not. Most don’t read the things we leave them, Many don’t want to walk to church because it is far, and changing habits and lifestyle is difficult. But then there are the few that are willing to make the sacrifices. They are willing to change their life. There is one man I think I’ve mentioned before. He had heard of the church about twenty years ago and said he could never forget the things he heard regarding Joseph smith and gold plates. Well, this man has continued to progress. The problem is that he does not want to become a member until he finds a new job. He owns a mini bar next to his house. It’s a pretty comfortable set-up. He only has to work in the night time and he makes pretty good money. However he is willing give it up. He has been searching for a new job and it looks like there is a pretty promising opportunity for him in November. It’s far away and the hours will be more demanding. It would be in Casa de Campo. I am so impressed with his willingness to change. 

 

Have I mentioned Casa de Campo before? It’s a town right next to us that is pretty much a city of gold. It is full of mansions and we are told the most expensive resorts in the Caribbean are there. Supposedly, many different celebrities, politicians, and actors have homes there. It is technically in our area but we aren´t allowed to enter. I guess we won’t be converting any celebrities. It does provide a lot of work for people here in La Romana so that´s good. 

 

Also, I learned a very interesting history lesson this week. Columbus first came to the D.R. and the Spaniards killed all the natives that lived here. They then brought in African slaves to work the land that is why most of the people here are from African rather than Latin; a sad history.

 

Love you all so so much! 

Hermana Christensen

 Sugar Cane