We changed our preparation day so we could spend the 4th of July with the other senior couples, assistants, and office elders at the mission home. We worked in the morning doing what had to be done at the mission office and bank before going to the mission home for a barbeque lunch. Later we played games and visited. The Smiths who are serving in Ocho Rios spent the night with us. But first we went out for dinner to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary that will be July 15th. They don’t have a TGI Fridays near them and wanted to go there. I’ve attached a picture of Sister Smith and I dressed alike and we didn’t even plan it. I’m wearing the necklace Annette crocheted and sent for my birthday.
The week before we were surprised by the Smiths (the new couple) calling and offering to bring supper and Family Home Evening. After a long day at the office it was a delight to share the evening with them. They are moving into an apartment in our complex so we will have many more opportunities to share experiences. He is an ordained patriarch and has been given permission to give blessings while here. The Jamaican members are thrilled since they have not had access to patriarchal blessings.
We were interviewed by a census taker just before the Smiths came that night. Jamaica conducts their census every ten years and we qualified to be included since we were here last October.
A representative from the University of West Indies came to the mission office for a meeting to explain the new program where members of the church can receive a 45% discount on tuition. What a blessing that can be for those trying to receive an education to better their employability. Two sisters in our branch are trying to qualify for this program.
A lady called from New Jersey to get our mission email address. She wants to share the gospel with her extended family here, so will be sending referrals. They are having a family reunion later in the summer and she hopes to also have the missionaries visit with her cousins then.
We are happy that Amy could take Karen to the temple while she was in Arizona for a Kiwanis Convention. Karen is the Public Affairs Coordinator here in Jamaica and works at the US Embassy. Since it is so far to a temple for the members in Jamaica, she tries to visit the temple whenever possible on her travels.
Elder Daniels has been busy trying to complete paperwork for his counselor in the branch presidency to be a signer on the branch account. The bank keeps adding more requirements which is a challenge.
Last Saturday he went to Yallahs to help a member move. We got groceries before he left so I could make the potato salad for July 4th, clean, and do the laundry while he was gone. He was longer than expected because he also drove to Morant Bay to visit a family there. That evening we went to dinner with the Flakes and Whiteheads to celebrate my birthday. Then we picked up the Smiths and all enjoyed a concert by Panoridim, the steel pan orchestra from University of West Indies. They were amazing!
Saturday night we were saddened to hear that our building in Yallahs was broken into and the computer and router stolen. Somehow the thief got in even though all the exterior doors and windows have steel bars on them.
Our attendance was down Sunday. We only had twenty attend which included two investigators, Jhuel and Bristol. There were no children or Primary workers there, so I attended Sunday School and Relief Society. Then Jhuel and Bristol started music lessons. They are 12 and 14 and have had music at school so were very interested and will be able to progress quickly. When there is no experience with rhythm and note-reading it takes much longer. We were late getting home Sunday.
We send our love to you all.
Mom and Dad, Sister and Elder Daniels
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