Collins Couple

Trip Home to the USA!

2010-07-26T18:10:00.014-04:00

We left the beautiful people and land of St. Vincent, headed for two days in Trinidad, on July 14th, 2010. Cortney was to fly out after us and ended up flying before us (and her plane grounded her in Barbados overnight!!); our plane had all kinds of problems and we flew out late and then only to a nearby Grenadine Island for the night....hmmmm! It was a lovely island and a lovely airport; but, limited us to one day in Trinidad. We were able to enjoy church with our friends of the Arima Branch though.

Our plane awaiting!

St. Vincent Flag--

Leaving our home on the hill--

St. Vincent from the air!! Awesome Experience!!

Little island we landed on for an "unplanned" overnight stay...

From Trinidad, we flew to Arizona first. We had a great welcoming committee of Trent's family, Ron & Dorothy Moore, Angela, Marissa and their babies, and Curt.

Waiting for us in Joan's garage! We knew then that our mission was completed!

We visited Joyce's Dad, Ron Jolley and then flew to another homecoming in Salt Lake City!

All the kids and grand kids and banners!

There are more pictures and some day we will post them. What an awesome family we have! AND what an awe-inspiring mission we had the privilege of serving to the people in the West Indies. The 23 month experience went by quite quickly.

Tab, Cherene, and Cortney Come!

2010-07-14T17:19:00.017-04:00

Our last two weeks of our mission were blessed with the visit from family!! We loved showing them where we were: the country, the people, beautiful waters, and flowers. (Look at the blog sideline for most of the pictures.) Following are just a few of the favorites:

We loved having them come and share our island experience on St. Vincent!

Solina Edwards Baptism- Kingstown

2010-07-11T15:52:00.006-04:00

Elder Scott and Elder Dyson were able to present the gospel to Sister Edwards and she accepted the step of baptism; she has a beautiful testimony. Elder Scott had already left for home and was not able to be here; but Sister Edwards expressed fondness for his efforts and love. Our Grand-daughter Cortney was able to attend with us on Saturday afternoon, July 10, 2010. Brother Gary Adams performed the baptism; it is always more meaningful when a member of the branch baptizes and helps in the teaching.

Hiking the North West Mountain Area

2010-07-06T15:27:00.021-04:00

Monday, July 5th, 2010, the Elders went on a hike with the Kingstown Branch; it was Carnival Monday and so to avoid that was a good thing (!) They hiked quite a ways into beautiful country, ate lunch and just enjoyed. We grabbed a few pictures of their outing so that their parents could see them. Gorgeous! ..........Elder Dyson .............Elder Scott (travels home this transfer--Wednesday).

Along the way--

Some of the branch members....

Sister Charles, Sister Moses and President Baynes

Brother Moses and his mother, Sister John

New companions this coming transfer: Elder Tyau and Elder Dyson

Tough guys! Finished the hike!

As we find more pictures, we will add to this post. They had a great time together; and were able to mingle more with the Kingstown Branch members.

Judie Quammie's Baptism

2010-07-01T10:53:00.025-04:00

On June 30, 2010 (Wednesday), we were able to witness the baptism of Judie Quammie in the waters of Calliaqua Bay. Elders Jones and Buhler helped teach her the lessons of the gospel and she was blessed with the spirit of knowing it was true; President Robertson baptized her. Here she is with Sister Joseph waiting; she was at the church gate quite early and excited for this day!

And in her baptismal clothing with Elder Buhler and Elder Jones--the view in the background is, off the Calliaqua Branch Driveway, overlooking the beach where we baptize. Elders Noah and Henry joined the group.

And yes, they can be crazy!

With President Robertson.....

After the program--heading down to the waters!

Some of my favorite pictures!

Elder Henry...................Elder Jones with Sister Judie

On our way out!

The Williams family was waiting on the porch when we arrived back to the church. She is our new Relief Society President and will be very conscientious and loving.

These are the special moments that we will treasure all our lives!

Bequia on P-Day!

2010-06-29T13:00:00.050-04:00

With special permission from President Gamiette, the St. Vincent Missionaries (that includes us!) traveled by ferry boat to the island of Bequia--Monday 28-June-2010. Lots of fun!

Left to right: Elders Tyau, Henry, Jones, Dyson, Noah, Logan, Scott, and down in front-Elder Buhler.

On the boat!

We pass what is the future docking for cruise ships in St. Vincent.

Elders Noah and Logan liked the side lower deck! Thus--so did Elders Jones and Dyson!

Leaving St. Vincent!

Arriving Bequia!

Welcome Bequia!

Into a travel truck to see the island!

The Turtle Sanctuary......

Tired?

Waiting for our truck...

Next stop: Sargeant Brothers Model Boat Shop--Awesome!

Elder Collins with a couple of the craftsman; there are seven of them--mostly brothers.

The water!

The market!

Mexican Food for lunch...

Time to depart......

Gone!

Home in time to e-mail; grocery shop; and clean-up before going out to teach the gospel. Great P-Day!

Baptism! Kingstown!

2010-06-29T12:40:00.012-04:00

On arriving home from our trip to Grenada to Zone Conference (Saturday- 26 June 2010), we hurried right along so as not to be late to an afternoon baptism for Urleen Smith and Noreen Delpesche at the Kingstown Branch Chapel font.

Here they are with Elder Dyson, Brother Gary Adams and Elder Scott. These three spent time teaching them the gospel.

Sister Noreen and the Elders

Sister Urleen and the Elders.

Urleen with her three children: Angel, Odecsia and Dominic

Ready for the program.

Last, but not least, Elder Tyau was the missionary that found Sister Urleen in the first place.

It's always fun to watch the kids for a moment!

Zone Conference in Grenada

2010-06-27T00:26:00.053-04:00

Fun! On 25-June-2010, St. Vincent traveled to Grenada for our South Islands Zone Conference! A new island and it is "almost" as gorgeous as St. Vincent!

Rasmussens picked us up from the airport and we checked in at the Grenada Grand Beach Resort--where actually all we did was spend the night--didn't even swim in the pool or walk the beach (!) Didn't arrive back to our room until 10:00 PM that evening. And traveled home the next morning, Saturday, at 7:00 AM.

The view from the church building and the Rasmussen's apartment (top floor with balcony)--the very same beach that our resort is on. The Church and the apartment--the Sister Missionaries also live in this building at the back in a cute smaller apartment. You can see their building from the Church and both buildings are right on this Grand Anse Beach with this gorgeous view!

We had lunch with President Gamiette at the shopping mall in town --nice experience. (the missionaries went for Pizza) We then took President to interview the missionaries and we traveled the town. Here are some pictures of the hospital complex out on the point and their new cricket stadium. Even Flamboyants in Grenada!

About ready to start! Elder Scott and Elder Dyson.

On the back porch of the church--enjoying the view--left to right: Elders Noah, Tyau, Buhler, Jones, Logan, Damm, and Henry.

Elder Collins visiting with Elder Stewart

Now to work

Visiting with Sister Toussaint, originally from Guadeloupe and is learning to speak English quite quickly--her native tongue is French. (beautiful smile!)

Sister DeFreitas--it was so fun to see her again. I could hardly stop hugging her; she was in Linden, Guyana with us--remember!

The Rasmussens! What a special couple; they return home to Twin Falls, Idaho in October. We will be able to visit them as we have a son, Curt, and family that live nearby.

Studying prior to conference beginning!

Look who is playing the keyboard for zone conference--our own Elder Buhler.

Ready for conference! It was fun to meet the Grenada missionaries (including Elders McKeachnie, Johnson, Ence, and K. Jones and of course, the Sister missionaries--DeFreitas and Toussaint). Hopefully throughout this blog, all of them were captured!

The missionaries are studying hard on their teaching mastery program; here is President Gamiette awarding those that have passed their first phase.

And the teaching begins! President Gamiette does a special job!

The Sister Missionaries responding.

Elder Stewart and President Gamiette on the same page!

Elder Noah and Elder Henry responding.

President Gamiette and the Assistants, Damm and Stewart teaching

Conference this time was held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (actually, it lasted until 9:00); so, at break we took pictures of the sunset and ate a supper of Subway Sandwiches--yummy!

Our two TALL Elders: Elder Jones and Elder Stewart

President Gamiette interviewed people for their temple recommends during the break and after conference. We teach a lot about temples and our goals to be worthy temple recommend holders. Elder Collins and I are teaching a temple prep class in Calliaqua right now; the Rasmussens are preparing to take a group from Grenada to the temple in Santos Domingo.

This conference was filled with activity; we broke into learning groups and teachers moved around to our separate groups teaching different "teaching methods". Then in the general meeting when we came back, we did an activity with blindfolds and human obstacles--who listened to the adversary and who listened closely to the spirit? and/or which missionaries listened to their branch leaders and which ones did not? These Elders really aren't just lazying around with feet on tables etc.; they are setting up obstacles! Great Fun!

We all loved our conference experience; and will take the concepts we learned and become better gospel teachers! If we but fill our hearts and minds with gospel principles, we can teach with the spirit; and then our investigators will be touched by and learn from the spirit!

Youngs to the MTC

2010-06-25T00:11:00.008-04:00

Verrol and Helen Young left for the MTC in Santo Domingo on June 24, 2010, EARLY IN THE MORNING! We had the privilege of traveling to their home at 4:00 AM to pick them up at 5:00 AM so that they could arrive at the airport at 6:10 AM. They were ready to go--three big bags and a couple carry-ons! They will be at the MTC for about a week and then head for Guyana to serve their mission. What a fine set of missionaries they will make. Like we have said before, the Calliaqua Branch will miss their Elders' Quorum President and their Relief Society President.

A little sleepy eyed this morning--Sister Collins! with her good friend!

Dominoes in St. Vincent

2010-06-24T21:59:00.003-04:00

Dominoes is a favorite game all over the West Indies area; it's played by all ages and at all times of the day. They have a different twist on how it's played and most of the missionaries have learned to play. One day, June 24, 2010, while waiting for reading to start, Elder Buhler and Elder Jones were entertained by Sister Gracie and Brother Samuels (he is 6' 4" --Elder Jones called him "tall man" and Elder Jones (6'8") was called "tall boy"). A great way to really get acquainted with our members. I had to take the picture!

I love teaching these two reading also! They have a great desire to know more and do better.

Kingstown Baptism

2010-06-21T22:10:00.009-04:00

Saturday, 19 June 2010, was a great day for baptisms in St. Vincent. Elder Scott and Dyson taught Brother Lewis and he accepted the invitation to be baptized; great testimony! Elder Logan and Elder Tyau and several of the Kingstown Branch members were there to witness this event. Brother Forde baptized Brother Lewis.

Brother Gary Adams fellow-shipped and helped teach.

A good group came to support Brother Lewis; he was baptized in the font at the Kingstown Chapel.

Baptism in the Calliaqua Bay

2010-06-20T17:17:00.040-04:00

Saturday, June 19, 2010: Sister Lovena Cupid and her daughter Chantol were baptized in the Calliaqua Bay. We met at the church for a meeting and then drove down to the bay for the baptism.....remembering this spot from when we were here before. Elder Noah and Elder Henry have been teaching them this transfer; they were both baptized by our Branch President, President Robertson. Sister Cupid has a fear of water and so she was being really brave when it took three times to be a perfect baptism. They both were ready and have super testimonies!

Near the bottom of the steps, the Cupids are ready.......Elder Noah showing us that the water is ready! Elder Henry would also be a witness. Here he is waiting with Elder Collins.

Shannon found the swing!

The group watching!

Sister Lovena's turn; as Chantol watches her mother.

Now, Chantol........ and she was super excited; she had finally been baptized!

She ran down the beach with excitement and began hugging! Didn't matter that she was wet!

Bearing testimonies.......

Signing, "Teach Me to Walk in the Light": Elder Buhler/Elder Collins/Elder Jones leading/Sister Williams and children.

Couldn't resist the picture!

Sister Williams and baby--and Elder Henry.

Party for the Youngs!

2010-06-19T16:54:00.012-04:00

President Verrol and Sister Helen Young will soon leave for their mission to Guyana; they attend the MTC in Santo Domingo on June 24th. The Calliaqua Branch held a party in their behalf, Friday night, June 18, 2010. Over 80 people were in attendance, including some from the Kingstown Branch. Lots of good food and songs/poems/and just a great time! Here is a picture of the Youngs with Sister David and others.

The kids were ready for food! And others were busy talking!

The Primus Family ----cute little Azaria

Outside with Brother Moses, his little girl and Brother Caesar. .....The Moses' Family! (from Kingstown)

The Calliaqua Branch will miss the Youngs!

There will be more pictures as I gather in the pictures from other cameras!

Traveling the Leeward Side

2010-06-12T23:34:00.016-04:00

Saturday, 12-June-2010, we packed our snorkeling gear and swimming suits and headed up the leeward side of St. Vincent to check out some of the bays! We first stopped at a petroglyph site that is under construction and this is what we found:

Then on to a private bay where we stopped and snorkeled...it was so calm that Sister Collins even got in easily...beautiful spot! Mt. Wynne Bay.

After snorkeling, we traveled by an old sugar mill, Peter Hope's Estate, and took pictures.

Then to Cumberland Bay; looks like the snorkeling would be great. We walked around and then ate at Mojitos Restaurant, located right on the bay. It is owned by two guys that have cooked on cruise ships and at other restaurants. The food was prepared with a flair and yummy! We had a homemade fruit drink, fish with a sauce that was terrific, rice and vegetables cooked perfect. We will go there again if given the chance!

Our moment was gone and we hurried back to Calliaqua to teach the Temple Prep Class. Great Day!

The McDowald Family

2010-06-11T16:21:00.021-04:00

We have met the cutest family in St. Vincent (well, one of the cutest!). They have been inactive and so they are among our visits.

After Elder Collins first visit, he came back and told this story:
" I went with the elders to visit with the McDowald family. It was not a pre-planned trip. When we came down the trail to their house, the father was outside and the mother peaked out through the door curtain. Sister McDowald then came out and told us that the little 4 year old girl told them that morning when she woke up that she had a dream that "three elders were coming to visit them today"; then she named us: Elder Jones, Elder Buhler, and a BIG FAT ONE! Now wait don't laugh! Next to these young elders I am old (derived from the local interpretation of big - meaning old- and next to Elder Jones I am definitely "heavy"! Some times the humility of these people over whelms me! The Lord really watches over them".

Roenique turned five and we had a birthday party! We took a "new member kit" and a birthday cake to their humble home--located in a gorgeous spot. To get there, we walked down a trail quite a ways; Brother McDowald has built this home--they own what they have! Here are some pictures of that fun evening!

Had to try on every one's glasses!

Thanks for the cake and good byes!

Indian Bay

2010-06-11T16:08:00.002-04:00

Indian Bay is the closest beach to us for walking/swimming/and snorkeling. So we take advantage of it for our exercise and enjoyment! Usually early mornings!

Can you see Elder Collins--snorkeling!

And one morning, we had early visitors! They were so cute--especially when they were running foot races up and down the beach!

BLUE - BLUE WATER!

Our Eight Missionaries on St. Vincent

2010-06-07T22:11:00.048-04:00

Not too long after we arrived, we held our first District Meeting in St. Vincent. What a marvelous group of young men! From left to right: Elder Dyson, Elder Scott (Zone Leader), Elder Ben Jones, Elder Buhler, Elder Henry, Elder Noah (District Leader), Elder Logan, Elder Tyau, and Elder Collins.

This Monday, June 7, 2010, we decided to take a trip together up the lee-ward side of the island and visit Trinity Waterfalls. Five of the elders were new to the island and had not seen anything past their own areas of concentration; we decided to take a portion of our P-Day and travel.
We (the Calliaqua group) met the Kingstown group in the parking lot of Aunt Jobe's (a grocery store of choice in the area). They bought snacks and off we went....five in the Rav4 and five in the "Red Corolla" (after taping on the bumper again for the umptenth time--we had to do that when we were here 21 months ago!)

The road we traveled! .......Lots of mangos on the way and a pig that was enjoying them!

We are ready to start the hike to Trinity Falls---up/down/and around/ through streams/cross bridges/down steps and stairs!

Can you see through the trees where some of the elders are on top of these tremendous waterfalls? Yes, here is Elder Dyson, Elder Logan, and Elder Noah!

Elder Noah and Elder Dyson........ahhhhh! Elder Henry and Elder Scott getting the feet wet!

Henry, Scott, Logan, and Jones! Elder Tyau must be taking the picture!

WOW!

Elder Collins and I on the trail back from Trinity Falls.

Truly a "wet" trip; besides being rained on (warm rain) and the humidity (!) Notice the terrain around us.....

Just gorgeous! ..........................Elder Henry (from Guyana) and Elder Buhler (we found out that his father works for some dear friends of ours-the Smith's-in Draper Utah)...always a small world!

We all were back now and loved what we had just experienced! Left to right: Elders Buhler, Collins, Logan, Tyau, and Henry.

Elder Henry was in Guyana with us as we flew to St. Vincent......and here comes Elder Jones and Elder Scott (he was on the island when we first started our mission 21 months ago--the elder we first went proselyting with--we called he and Elder McNeal our "trainers")

Elder Dyson and Elder Noah last ones in.....ohhh! look what we found...!

We then traveled down the highway to see the Dark View Falls (at this point, the Kingstown Elders left for their home). Easier to get to these falls, just off the road...not much of a hike. These waterfalls were not as massive as Trinity; but ever as impressive!

Stands and stands of bamboo trees! and the bridge that they don't use anymore!

Then a last stop for the day at Wallilabou Bay (where they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean). See the arch in the background (?) The four Calliaqua Elders from left to right: Buhler, Noah, Jones, Henry and then Elder Collins.

And last, but not least, we must take a picture in the coffins! (Elder Noah)

A great chance to get to know these elders more--a dedicated and fun bunch!

Montreal Gardens

2010-06-04T18:57:00.014-04:00

June 4th, 2010, we visited a most gorgeous garden! Montreal Gardens are in the tops of the hills of St. Vincent. We cannot fully describe the experience!

Montreal Gardens went on forever and it was hard to leave.

St. Vincent Couple Receive a Mission Call

2010-06-03T18:01:00.005-04:00

Thursday, June 3, 2010

President Verrol and Sister Helen Young received their mission call to the West Indies Mission; and will be attending the MTC in the Dominican Republic on June 24, 2010---soon! They are excited and it sounds like they will be serving in Guyana--they are scheduled to arrive there about July 2nd or 3rd.

They have lived on St. Vincent for quite awhile; President Young has banana orchards on the NE end of the island. He is currently the Elder's Quorum President and she is the president of the relief society--they will be missed in the Calliaqua Branch!

We had the privilege of delivering their call to them, Monday, May 31, 2010. Sister Young knew we were coming and greeted us with a huge smile! Then Elder Collins handed them their "call".

"Who shall open it?"..........."We will read it together."

They are ready to serve! Such a fine couple; Elder Collins and I knew him as a Branch President 21 months ago when we served in St. Vincent before. She was in England at that time; we just met her this time in St. Vincent--what a cute, precious lady!

Our Arrival back to St. Vincent!

2010-05-26T20:39:00.027-04:00

On about May 19th, we received that call that we would transfer to the island of St. Vincent for our last two months of our mission. We, of course, had mixed emotions about this: excited to return to the island where we started and loved! and leaving our Linden Branch people was with heavy hearts; we truly had learned to love these people and felt as if we would love to see the completion of several projects that were started. We flew out of Guyana on May 26, 2010! Our last look from the airplane as we flew away.

We are here now and have felt like we never left--strange feeling! We could drive ourselves directly to where we had shopped before, lived before, and in the first few days, we have visited some of those families that we knew before! It is truly a lovely green lush island that we plan on getting to know better. We will be responsible for two branches: the Kingstown Branch and the Calliaqua Branch (where we were before). It will be the Calliaqua Branch that will take our most attention and we pray that we will be effective in helping them grow, even in our short time here.

The view from our front balcony! And the views from the side and back!

The Rav4 we drive; and the home we live in on the top floor--different car, same house!

Elder Collins found the Wax Apples on the tree by where we park the car (yummm!)

Downtown Kingstown where we drive..........even a Flamboyant on the way!

The view from the Calliaqua Branch Church Building....and the building which is new to us from the first time; at that time, they met in a small building on the main street.

Nearby--the old sugar mill....and some countryside.

The Kingstown Branch Church Building; they seem quite organized and have a real strong nucleus of members; just need to work on re-activation in their area. Several of these members are getting ready to attend the temple; they are midway through the temple prep class. Elder Collins waiting, but always reading something.

The Atlantic Ocean........

We are "home" and ready to serve these people in St. Vincent!

Sister DeFreitas and Us--A transfer Call!

2010-05-26T15:59:00.009-04:00

May 26, 2010--bright and early! Elder Clarke, Sister DeFreitas and Sister Girdharry on the balcony of the sisters place. Elder Collins helping sister DeFreitas down the stairs with her bag--she has been transferred to Grenada.....Sister Girdharry would travel with us to receive her new companion, Sister Frasier.

And we had received our call to be transferred to St. Vincent with the Clarkes coming directly from the MTC and the couple (Wheelers) on St. Vincent being transferred to the Mission Office.
A last moment at the airport as we said our "see you later in Grenada" to Sister De Freitas.

Theodore Persaud's Baptism

2010-05-26T14:32:00.018-04:00

Just the day before we left Guyana, we were asked to baptize Theodore Persaud. And a request from his father (who is still working in St. Kitts) for Elder Collins to baptize and confirm him. Remember, Sister Persaud and Tiffany had been baptized by their father just as the year began; we were part of teaching them the gospel in Linden. Now that Theo is past eight and the father can't come until next December, they decided to go ahead with his baptism. We were excited! They are truly a favorite family that we will miss. So, on 25, May, 2010, we held a baptismal service. The Persaud family, the Clarkes, the Angus couple and all our missionaries were in attendance.

Theodore was baptized in the Demerara River that runs right by their home; the tide has risen while we were having the program and they had to decide where to baptize him. (crazy little Tiffany in the boat!)

Pictures with the Persauds and then a picture of them with their Grandma and Grandpa and Susie. They have been Hindu all their lives and are just now beginning to listen to the lessons that the Sister missionaries are teaching.

Sharon Persaud's sister Susie......and a picture of the Angus Couple, the mission's humanitarian couple just new to our area.

Linden--Last Sunday--May 23, 2010

2010-05-23T15:22:00.028-04:00

Some pictures I took on our last Sunday in Linden; not as near as many as I would have liked to. We were busy speaking in the meetings and HUGGING!
To start the day, I looked out our back yard door: a typical site and I couldn't pass it by (!)

Had a chance to slip into the Linden West's primary and took a couple pictures of the kids and Sister Juliet Giles (front) and Sister Tinisha Pollard (back). They do such a great job and I loved teaching new songs!

Elder Murray and Sister Girdharry "helping" them color.

Then as we visited the East Side meetings, I took a few more pictures. The Emmanuel baby, Nikita, is now only five days old and attending meetings--she was blessed today by Elder Collins. He also blessed her older sister, Dellcia, Minky Ramdeholl, and Jamacia Benjamin (Lewis) on this day. It was awesome; they now will be "members of record". This was also a special Sunday as the new Senior Couple for Linden (Clarke)arrived early for both meetings; the Rick's (Senior Couple and also he is the new 1st Counselor in the Mission Presidency) from Georgetown brought them from the airport and attended our meetings also. We are with Richie Ramdeholl--soon to leave on his mission! We have been helping with his paperwork and medical; it has been fun!

"Minky" (was blessed today) and her mother Mandy Ramdeholl. Then with Martina and Celina Ramdeholl.

Just a cute picture of Martina Ramdeholl ......and then Joseph Emmanuel.

Marvin and Rhonda Emmanuel and girls---and the whole family!

Branch President Daivnand Ramdeholl and his family that are left at home. Ryan is on his mission; and the girls are living in Anarika still until Martina finishes school for this year.

Ermila Lewis and her two little girls: Jamacia (the one that was blessed today) and Dellicia...oops! and Josha Emmanuel snuk in!

The Cipriani Emmanuel Family(minus the mother; Rose was attending to her grandchildren somewhere out of town today).

Melanie with her mother and brother; she was confirmed a member of the Church today! And the Sisters are teaching the rest of them. She is fourteen years old, with a sweet testimony.

At the end of the day! The Clarkes had traveled the whole night and arrived early and then spent the whole day churching in Linden-------need we say more! Sister Girdharry couldn't resist this picture!

Melanie's Baptism--May 22, 2010

2010-05-22T21:52:00.028-04:00

On the morning of Saturday, May 22, 2010, we traveled to the Kara Kara River where we would baptize Melanie (14 years old). The sister missionaries, Sister Girdharry and Sister DeFreitas are teaching Melanie and her family the gospel and she is ready; they all attend church but the mother needs to marry before she can be baptized. We all loaded into the truck to travel down the narrow road; then got out and walked the rest of the way. While waiting for Melanie to change into her baptismal clothing, here is Elder Collins with Xiana Emmanuel and then cutting open a fruit with Celina Ramdeholl. It was our Grandson, Fred's, birthday today and Elder Collins is wearing his "Fred Tie".

Here they come up the trail from where Melanie lives; we are ready to take a few more pictures and head down to the river.

Elder Vi would have the privilege of baptizing Melanie...Sister Girdharry and Sister DeFreitas by the riverside with Melanie.

We held a program first with Elder Collins conducting and Velicia Emmanuel giving one of the talks. President Ramdeholl gave another one of the talks.

And now it is time for baptism!

Elder Vi, Elder Murray, and Richie Ramdeholl went out into the water with Melanie.

Testimony bearing time......

Melanie and her mother; our four missionaries: Murray, DeFreitas, Girdharry, and Vi.

The whole group!

Always a flower! As beautiful as the girl and the day!

Last Saturday--Cricket Game and Fun

2010-05-22T16:53:00.012-04:00

We scheduled a combined Branch party for Saturday, May 22, 2010. The missionaries and us knew that some of us were leaving and wanted to have a big Cricket match/party before this happened...about 56 people showed! We met at the Christianburg Ball Park. They played cricket for a long time! Lots watched from the stands and we fixed hot dogs/fixings/chips/cake/and drink! Sister Celina Ramdeholl was a huge help with the food. Elder Vi getting ready to bowl....

Marvin and Rhonda (and NEW baby, Nikita)-----Joseph, Sisters Girdharry and DeFreitas and Melanie in the stands watching!

Yutive Trotman and Samuel and Anuska........Romaria, "Tiny Might" and Dellicia on the rails.

A whole crew, including Elder Murray, Mark Rodney (has all his paperwork and medical in for his mission--we have helped him and it will be fun to hear when he receives the call), Tiffany Schultz and brothers/sisters, and looks like a Fredericks girl. Brother Schultz loved the ladder golf game.

Shondel Allen ready to bowl...... and a final picture of Elder Vi, Richie Ramdeholl,------

We had a great day and more pictures could have been taken (!)

New Baby--Nikita Emmanuel

2010-05-21T15:11:00.006-04:00

Marvin and Rhonda Emmanuel had their new baby girl yesterday, May 20, 2010, at the Linden Hospital. Elder Collins was able to drive them there; and then I picked them up today! How fun that was! She was named after Elder Vi's name of Nikita and is healthy and such a cute little girl! She will be blessed on Sunday.

The family were there to greet their new little sister!

And here they are--mother and child!

Sister Girdharry's Mother - Trip to Canje

2010-05-14T15:22:00.004-04:00

We needed to take the truck and help with moving an elders' apartment...so, off we went to the Canje area. There we took the time to take some things home to Sister Girdharry's mother. She was at work when we found her; how excited she was to see us and hear of her daughter!

Ricks - Senior Couple

2010-05-11T15:28:00.000-04:00

Just a classic picture of our newest Senior Couple in Guyana. The Ricks. He has been called as the first counselor in the Mission Presidency; they come from California. This is one day when we were meeting for lunch in Georgetown, on May 10, 2010. Just a great picture!

Another April Zone Conference!

2010-04-28T19:08:00.000-04:00

This would be Linden's second zone conference in April; we enjoy them, so we didn't mind. In fact, we made a trip out of it this time. Mark Rodney and Richie Ramdeholl traveled with us to Georgetown and we left on Monday, our P-Day. The missionaries did their e-mailing, shopping, and went on splits with the Georgetown missionaries. On our way, we stopped a moment and took this picture! It depicts our goals and the mood of the trip!

The sisters (Sister DeFreitas and Sister Girdharry) stayed at the mission office home and were ready to load into the truck early on June 27, 2010 to head to zone conference.

We met at the LaGrange Chapel and went right to work. President Gamiette has lots to offer us and we are all trying hard to learn to become better at teaching the gospel.

President Ricks talked about Prayer being our spiritual tool.

Elder Vi was the district leader chosen to conduct the meeting.

Elder Damm and Elder Scott, the Assistants to the President teaching. This was Elder Damm's first conference.

Pictures of our new "to be" missionaries. Brother Moore, Brother Richie Ramdeholl, ElderRyan Ramdeholl (just in the picture with his brother), and Mark Rodney. We have been able to help in their preparations and it has been one of the highlights of our mission.

The brothers! Soon the Ramdeholls from Linden will have two sons on missions--think of the blessings!

We loved zone conference once again!

2nd of April - Zone Conference

2010-04-27T00:04:00.039-04:00

April 2, 2010, took us from Linden to the zone conference in Georgetown. This was General Conference weekend so it was a busy one. We met at the LaGrange Church building; Elders Barton and Scott, President and Sister Gamiette ready to start. President Gamiette is teaching us all how to become master teachers.

Sister Gamiette was welcomed at this zone conference; and shared a message.

The Benns are the new Senior Couple that will work in the office in Georgetown; they are getting ready to go the MTC in the Dominican Republic; they are shown here with Elder Collins and Sister Gamiette. Elder and Sister Ricks are a great asset to our Guyana Area; he is the first counselor in the Mission Presidency.

The Assistants talked about Planning....and we practiced!

Around the room with some pictures! We are smaller now that the Southern/Canje part of Guyana has their own zone conferences.

Sister Girdharry with President Gamiette.

Sister Girdharry and Sister Gaspar with Sister Gamiette.

Yes! Conference was special again and we learned!

Georgetown Zone Meeting

2010-04-24T18:53:00.010-04:00

After Elder Moses was transferred and became the Zone Leader of Georgetown, Linden lost it's status as a zone and became a district under Georgetown; therefore, it was that we traveled to Georgetown for a zone meeting on the 23rd of April. This was our new Georgetown Zone.

We had a great meeting; Elder Moses and Elder Montgomery had everyone practice giving short presentations on our values so we would be prepared for the upcoming zone conference.
After, we took pictures of everyone---Elder Jones got a package!

Elder Wehl and Elder Vi

Elder Ramnarain and Elder Ryan Ramdeholl

Elders Ramdeholl and Murray.

Elders Vi and Moses.

Hmmmm! Elder Moses.

THE PARROT HUNT!

2010-03-16T16:45:00.001-04:00

Such an adventure! Oral McLean took Elder Collins, Elder Vi, Elder Jones, and of course, our Sister missionaries: Sister Gaspar and Sister Girdharry parrot hunting near the headwaters of the Kara Kara area. They left early Monday morning March 15, 2010 and stayed almost the whole day. This is a picture of them on their return! They captured three birds. President McLean raises them--teaches them to eat and survive.

Pictures of their hunt.... and the area! The parrots next in the top of dead palm trees and they would shake them to bring them down.

The Sisters were enjoying themselves!

Elder Collins walking without a care in the world and the next thing he knew--ooops! deep stuff! Elder Vi had to pull him out.

A helping hand to Sister Gaspar...

Sitting by the wayside...

And back home to the porch--a successful trip! (not to mention-fun and they learned lots)

Georgetown Zoo with the Weedons

2010-03-13T16:15:00.021-04:00

Saturday, March 13, 2010, the Weedons (CES Couple) joined us for a few moments at the Georgetown Zoo. It was a "spur of the minute" idea and we just did it!

Not a huge zoo; but nice! And it was fun to enjoy it with Elder and Sister Weedon. They have since left Guyana for health reasons and have been assigned to the Nova Scotia Misson. A couple of our favorite people!

Brenkmann to St. Lucia/Vi coming in!

2010-03-03T23:51:00.021-04:00

March 03, 2010, three weeks after losing Elders Austin and Moses on an emergency transfer, we lost Elder Brenkmann to St. Lucia! We picked up Ryan Ramdeholl to take him to Georgetown to begin his mini-mission while waiting to leave on his mission; and then we received Elder Vi from the island of St. Vincent. A Big Day!

Elder Brenkmann with mixed emotions, but ALWAYS a smile on his face; Elder Collins ready to drive the van that would be delivering everyone.

Elders Brenkmann and Jones would split this transfer.

Picking up Ryan Ramdeholl. This is the family that lived in Anarika and have moved into Linden to be a huge asset to our East Linden group. He will be the first missionary from Linden--awesome! We had fun helping him get ready to go!

At the airport, we took some final pictures with Elder Brenkmann. Sisters Girdharry and Gaspar traveled with us also to say "see ya later".

A round of juice while waiting!...............................Time to head for the planes!

A final wave! Elder Moses was at the airport to bid his companion farewell and was able to take a final picture, at this time anyway, with Elder Brenkmann and Elder Collins--the real Linden Salute!

Sister Whitehead joined the group! ---------Elders Jones, Ramdeholl, Brenkmann, Jailal, and Moses.

And in comes! Elder Vi! Greetings by the ones still standing around!

Load up! Dropping Ryan Ramdeholl with Elder Moses for his mini-mission.

Wonder where they are taking me (?)

Headed for Linden; Elder Vi in front of his new home!

With Elder Jones as his new companion.

Michael Inness Baptism

2010-02-27T23:40:00.009-04:00

Michael Inness lives on the East side in Linden and attends that group of Saints; the Sister Missionaries (Girdharry and Gaspar) were instrumental in his learning about the gospel. Elder Brenkmann was privileged to baptize him at 6:00 AM in the morning! Another "in the dark" baptisms!

Down into the river!

The on-lookers!

One real happy man! He has left a life of being a Rashta and has a story to tell. On Sunday, Michael was confirmed a member of the Church by Elder Brenkmann.

Trip to the Sea Wall

2010-02-23T23:23:00.008-04:00

Georgetown is surrounded by water on two sides: West side by the Demerara River and the North side by the Atlantic Ocean--very brown, muddy water! Since the town is below sea level, there is a sea wall on the North. Lots of people visit and also it has become a walk-way for the exercisers, especially in the mornings and late evenings! One day while in Georgetown, we took a quick excursion along the wall. The tide was out and so the ocean was lower than usual; but during the rainy season, it has been known to flood over this wall.

We explored and found a sanctuary for birds, fish, and monkeys.

Seminary Super Saturday in Linden!

2010-02-22T19:49:00.019-04:00

Saturday 20 February 2010---forty six seminary age students gathered at the Watooka Complex in Linden for a great day of fun and food! Everyone from the East side and West side traveled for the event. It started with homemade cinnamon rolls and juice. Elder Alvarado from the Area visited with others from Georgetown and Trinidad. We had classes inside and outside; enjoyed lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, potato salad, dessert and drink (yummy!)--good old American style food! Then we played a game of "Faith Factor" --learning gospel answers and getting to know each other!

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls and Juice! Meeting/greeting Elder Alvarado!

Elder and Sister Weedon, CES Missionaries, were there to lead us in a gospel get-acquainted game; Sister Shondel Allen, our very own seminary teacher conducted the meeting...cute lady!

Some of our visitors.

Outside activity with Elder Alvarado--Elder Brenkmann and Jones were being given instructions! And then the lesson began! Lots of learning while having fun!

Lunch and Ladder Golf....

Elder Jones enjoying the moment! Sister Collins and Tinisha Pollard giving instructions!

The race is on!

At the end of the day; swimming and playground fun!

Vashti Seeram Baptism

2010-02-14T00:48:00.008-04:00

Saturday, 13 February, 2010. A long awaited for baptism--Vashti was a stalwart member of the church way before she was baptized; but, had to get married first; she fulfilled that requirement and this was the day! Here she is with three of her daughters.

Elder Brenkmann took her into the waters of baptism.

Cute lady :) Had to clean her feet before sandals!

"On the way"....

A sweet relationship with her girls....

Zone Conference and a Transfer!

2010-02-10T21:14:00.002-04:00

On February 8, 2010, we knew about Zone Conference in Georgetown; but, we didn't want to know about the emergency transfer of Elder Moses (to become the new Zone Leader of Georgetown Zone) and Elder Austin to Canje! Leaving Linden with only four missionaries again.
The elders came over to tell us the news! The packing out began the next morning!

Elder Brenkmann and Elder Moses were to be parted after several transfers and Linden! They have become great friends! A last picture of the Linden Zone.

Onto Zone Conference and learning more from our Preach My Gospel books! Sister Gaspar and Sister Girdharry.

President Hymas (First Counselor of Mission Presidency) with our missionaries.

Several random pictures taken at Zone Conference.

some final pictures before splitting our group!

Elder Collins and Carlisa.

2010-02-09T21:09:00.006-04:00

Carlisa is Carl Arthur's little neice and often comes with him to do the branch finances; he is the branch clerk. She loves Elder Collins. She is really "styling" in her glasses tonight!

Leishman's re-visit Linden

2010-02-09T20:56:00.008-04:00

Elder and Sister Leishman was the couple that we followed in Linden; they came back to visit and to make a special wedding cake for one of the Linden Branch members--Vashti Fredericks, now to be Seeram. They joined our zone for a picture!

They visited lots of people, sharing their love! Then we both took our pictures by our "Lovers Lane" sign post.

We have become special good friends; we plan on visiting them in St. George, Utah.

Trips to Georgetown

2010-02-02T19:47:00.003-04:00

Posting some pictures of what we have seen most often on our trips into Georgetown, the capital of Guyana--two hours North of Linden: School students in their uniforms.

Carts and horses carrying lumber, people, and other things.

Overloaded! and another cart!

Cows! and men carrying their birds!

Old cement mixers to water lilies in the waterways!

We enjoy these trips!

Senior Sisters Overnighter!

2010-01-28T19:14:00.001-04:00

The Senior Sister Missionaries decided to celebrate Sister Hymas' birthday and have an overnighter while we were still all in Guyana. We met at the National Park in Georgetown early Friday, February 26, 2010 and walked three miles around the track (!) Great start to our day. Off we then went to the Hymas Home to spend the night, have supper, watch a "chick flick" and just enjoy!

Sister Collins and Sister Hymas behind the couch and from left to right--Sister Whitehead, Sister Weedon, and Sister Lingren.

Saturday morning we loaded into a boat headed for Bartika--thirty minutes later we arrived and toured (in the rain part of the time) the gold mining community. Had a picnic on the grandstands where they have sailboat races every year....enjoyed!

We returned home in a smaller boat (yikes!)and then toured the community of Parika, where we have a church organized. The markets were laid out all over the streets; how about some blue shoes?

Sister Missionaries in Linden

2010-01-27T18:37:00.008-04:00

We have Sister Missionaries in Linden--Sister Bibi Girdharry (whom we had in St. Lucia) and Sister Marcia Gaspar. We are excited to have three sets of missionaries again! The transfer a week before brought Elder Jones and Elder Austin to join Elder Brenkmann and Elder Moses. Here we are--Linden Zone!

It is fun for Sister Collins to have some other girls in the group!

Cipriani Emmanuel Baptism

2010-01-24T22:35:00.011-04:00

While we were vacationing on St. Lucia with our family, Linden had a baptism that was special to us as Cipriani is the father and grandfather of one of our largest families on the East side. He was baptized on Elder Collins' birthday, January 17th. The baptism was at 5:00 AM in the Kara Kara River close to the Emmanuel's home......DARK still; but the whole family was there in force and it was really nice. Elder Brenkmann was able to baptize Cipriani and Elder Moses confirmed him a member of the church.

Trip to Berbice

2010-01-06T00:46:00.018-04:00

The first week in January took us to Berbice (four hours from Linden--North through Georgetown and then East along the Atlantic Coast) to a funeral for a favorite Aunt of Elder Moses'. Quite unusual to attend one of our Elder's family funerals; but since Elder Moses is from this country and was close, it became apparent that he should attend. We traveled across the Berbice Bridge to get there. The country is quite different from Linden and Georgetown---palm trees, rice fields, and still lots of animals. In fact, you don't want to be traveling the roads after dark!

The funeral was held in a different church and we learned lots about the "traditions of the fathers" by going; they had a viewing prior to the actual funeral at one of the family homes.

After the funeral, we traveled South East to be able to see Suriname across the waters. See the muddy water of the Atlantic Ocean. Elder Moses and Elder Brenkmann have become our best traveling partners! It was a windy day on that coast line!

We took a couple "just fun" pictures on the way home.

Persaud Baptism to start 2010!

2010-01-03T00:10:00.016-04:00

On Saturday, January 02, 2010, Sister Sabita (Sharon) and her daughter Tiffany were baptized by the husband, Parasram Persaud (and Dad). He works on the island of St. Kitts and they live here; while there, he has joined the church and came home over the holidays to see that his family received the gospel. We received his referral and had the missionaries start teaching them. They accepted the teachings and it was very, very special when he could be here to help and then to baptize them. There is a son, Theodore, who is not quite old enough to be baptized yet. They are planning and saving money for the family to join Brother Persaud in St. Kitts sometime this summer.

The baptism was held at dusk in the Demerara River right by their family home; Elder Collins and Elder Brenkmann with Tiffany and then with Brother Persaud; also instructing the family during the baptismal program.

Father and Daughter getting ready; Brother Oral McLean with them...A picture of the four Persauds!

And with Elders Brenkmann and Moses......then into the water!

Tiffany is baptized; several of us watching as Sharon is baptized. Just a really special moment in our missionary lives--it's the way it should happen--to a family!

Bananas! And Our Roti P-Day

2010-01-02T20:08:00.034-04:00

February 01, 2010 we had a great day! Elder Collins came home from President McLeans with a back-full of bananas and the missionaries came over and the Guyanese missionaries showed all of us how to make Roti.

We each had a job; Elder Austin taking care of the chicken; and Elder Moses making the roti.

Sisters Girdharry and Gaspar instructing Elder Austin on how to peel potatoes!
More potatoes--Elder Brenkmann now with Elder Austin watching/instructing (?) Add them to the chicken and we are ready to season (a little curry and seasonings!) and cook.

Sister Gaspar checking on Elder Moses! Working hard; Aha Perfection!

Everyone is on the action now! Elder Jones is learning how to "clap" the roti! And Sister Girdharry is showing us how it is really done! Elder Austin's turn! Whoa! Hot on the hands!

Ah! Enough of that! While Elders Moses and Brenkmann are still busy doing something!

Come on--get up! There's playing to do!

Food and Jenga! How can you beat a day like that!