Life in Barbados: Refiner's Fire

 Thanks for checking friends, yes we’re alive. We just haven’t taken many pictures as we go through the refiner’s .  That’s not a bad thing, but it lets us know that we're alive and there is still more to learn and room to grow.  So, what's new in Barbados?

The Globe theatre--Barbados style

It's still hot!  We've gratefully been spared from the major storms that have been plaguing the US.  It is a little unnerving to be away from home, living in a 150+ year old apartment, and preparing for whatever is coming off the coast of Africa.  It's a little surreal. It's also calm before the tourist season.  We shall take it! We did find a drive-in movie theatre, so had some fun with the other seniors one night.  We saw the animated Transformers movie.  The movie was ok, but the experience was GREAT!

During one of the few days that the Burnhams were back on Barbados, we went out to lunch to celebrate Sister Toma's birthday!  It took us over a year to find some good Chinese food here, but luckily it's not too far so we can add it to our list of things to do.

Conference was great, wasn't it?  I loved the advice we saw on Elder Holland's facebook page ---What was your favorite talk?  Better yet, if we ask ourselves what was our least favorite, then it may give us insight into where our focus should be for ourselves.  That gave us pause.  It is also exciting to think that in the next decade, we will see some of the greatest moments of our lives "never to be forgotten."  What do you think that means?  I think it means we better buckle up and like President Nelson said, "Prepare for the 2nd Coming!"  So many thoughts to ponder as we "live up to our birthright."

Barbados Zone

As you know, we have weekly devotionals with our mission thanks to technology.  I'm not sure how they kept the West Indies mission together when it was all the Caribbean Islands and we didn't have Zoom.  What a blessing!  Devotionals are a great instructive time for us.  Recently we discussed the Principles of Revelation.  This is something we've been studying and practicing on how we "Hear Him."  So here's the highlights:

• Kneel & bow: every time---it shows that we care how we approach God
  
• Unity--we need to be united in matters that we are seeking revelation (combined faith & power)
• Gratitude--confess His hand in all things
• Seek His Will---tricky.....but mentioned how many times in Conference?  Remember James 1:5.....but be ready for the answer....consider Joseph Smith's prayer
• Do the Work----Ask, Seek, Knock.  All principles that are a part of the puzzle I mentioned many weeks ago.  In Helamen, Nephi was given power because God said Nephi had proven himself and wouldn't ask for anything that wasn't right.  We've got our laundry list of wants, but what does God want for us?  AHA....I think that's what Elder Bednar was talking about in his devotional to Ensign College on Prayer.  
• Be Courageous--- in a LOUD world, we are often led without knowing beforehand what is going to happen.  TRUST Him!  Easier said than done (truly), but we are practicing this principle and We SEE and HEAR many of the things He wants for us.
• Act--We know that faith without works is dead.  He is walking with us.
• Trust--Again, goes along with courage.  We aren't very trusting people these days.  In fact, some of us believe that we can truly only trust ourselves. In fact, Elder Holland really expounded some great wisdom:  "Even in His Worst days, Jesus & the Father's love NEVER faileth."  Can I be trusted?  "If ye love ME, KEEP MY Commandments."  This is the sign.

Our Friend, Dexter

For many years in our mission office, we've had a security guard named Dexter.  Dexter is a Dallas Cowboy fan and so he and Doug have quite the bond!  We LOVE Dexter!  He has been a provider of our protection, weekly eggs, weekly food truck rotation schedule, and friendship.  Recently, Dexter got moved to a different building and we don't get to see him as much.  Seeds have been planted and one day we hope to see Dexter again.  

Oistins Fish Fry with the Irvings

We are so happy when the missionaries come back for a visit AND we get to meet their parents!  We were so grateful to spend a little time with Elder Irving and his wonderful parents.  Luckily, they live close to us in Utah so we shall meet again.  They were so generous to take so many missionaries out for dinner at the Oistins Fish Fry.

Barbados Zone Elders

Recently we had a sweet sister pass away in our branch.  The missionaries have been faithfully taking the Sacrament to this Sister at her home every Sunday since we've been here, as she has been bed-ridden after a stroke.  A few weeks ago, I was able to go with them as Doug was asked to help when the Elders had other meetings.  The Spirit that filled her room after she requested that we sing Come, Come Ye Saints was tangible.  I felt that it probably wouldn't be long.  When our District President called to ask if I would help dress her in her temple clothes for burial, I was honored to be able to say yes.  I love these ladies in our branch.  They are the sweetest family away from home.  

Speaking of Branch, we got a new Branch Presidency.  Poor guy, but blessed guy.  He's a 60 year old med student who has been on the island now for a month.  3 weeks in and he was asked to be the Branch President.  He's got great bones, but it is time to unite all those bones into one body.  We've had 60+ people each Sunday for Sacrament.....in a chapel that's at capacity with no air conditioning in the hottest season they've seen in years!  Blessings my friend!  Blessings for the effort!  After a particularly hot morning, as we were leaving, Doug looks at me and says...."You don't look so good!"  Dear, I'm a sweaty mess, but I'm here.  Showing up!  The Lord loves effort.  

APs Poulino & Walsh

Zone Conference was a little different for me this time.  We had a missionary that was suffering from kidney stones.  I stayed with her and watched Zone Conference by Zoom and Doug got to go in person.  It is always great to be with the missionaries and the trainings were fantastic!  We are entering another round of transfers.  This one brings 11 new missionaries, 3 senior couples, and 2 new APs.  

Sister Giggles:  AKA Takapu & Taulua