Tender Mercies in Barbados


Sisters Takapu & Taulua from Tonga

 It's been another minute for us.  We have moved into tourist season and the winds showed up and the weather is about 2 degrees cooler, which actually does make a difference.  It is now officially dry season, but mother nature had other plans so rain showed up. We see the rain and snow that is happening in Utah and Idaho, but our brains aren't really wrapped around the fact that Winter is an actual thing yet. 

We got a new couple 3 weeks ago--the Kowallis' from Bluebell Utah.  They are awesome and are serving in the office as the travel/immigration secretary and the housing/vehicle coordinator.  We've been playing pickleball again weekly and having some adventures exploring the island with them.  Check out the starfish they found snorkeling.  Isn't that HUGE?


We have the most wonderful members in our branch who treat us like family.  Every month we are invited over to their home where they create the most delicious bajan cuisine.  Brother McIntosh was recently called into the Branch Presidency and Sister McIntosh was feeling badly a few weeks ago, so their grandsons Jasiel and Rapheal came and sat by us at church.  They are 7 and 10, so it was almost like having grandkids!  

Raphi & Jasi posing with Elder Ellis

This past weekend we had the opportunity to have Elder & Sister Rasband, Elder & Sister Valenzuela, and Elder Cordon come and spend time with us.  Doug was excited that they asked him to be a driver for the group.  Check out the sweet ride that he was able to chauffeur some of the group in for the weekend. 
President Waldron & Elder Ellis
Driving Detail



We had a special session with them just for the missionaries and then the entire Barbados district had a session including zooming in St. Vincent & Guadeloupe.  We had very specific instructions from security about the protocol, but an apostle can call an audible at any time.  We were very grateful that before he met with the missionaries, we were able to get a group picture with them.  He talked to the missionaries for about 35 minutes and then he opened it up to them to ask him any questions they wanted.  WOW!  What an opportunity!  Some of the advice that he gave them included:
  • LOVE the people.  Trust is built from love.  Serve them.  Meet them in their homes.  Once trust is built, members will be the best support to welcome missionaries into their homes to teach their family members and friends.
  • Stand in Holy Places:  Church, our homes, and in the temple.  
  • Being Recommended of the Lord, and
  • His role in our missionary calls
After the block of meetings, Elder Rasband invited all to come and fist bump (if they wanted) as they exited the building.  It was such a joy to watch the sheer excitement of the members and the children making their way to meet an apostle in person.  After the line ended, Elder & Sister Rasband were just standing quietly talking and he looked at me and said...."You look familiar to me.  Why do you look familiar?"  This gave me permission from security to approach.  As we made the connection between my dear friend and his sweet daughter Rachelle, her girls and I, he then said, "Well, we need a picture!"  I'm looking at his security and he just held out his hand asking for my phone.  I'm fumbling in my bag trying to quickly find my phone to snap a picture.  It was such a tender mercy.....Sister Rasband hugged me and we posed chatting a little more.  At that moment, a prayer was answered that I had had in my heart for a while.  Sometimes you wonder if you're forgotten, but I testify that God knows and loves us individually and he definitely let me know that I was not forgotten.  



Then to top the weekend off, I had to speak in church.  By Sunday evening, we were both spent.  Doug had been up since 4:30 am dropping off the group at the airport for their return flight home and being spiritually fed in great gatherings of saints!  It definitely wasn't the typical missionary weekend.  At District Council this weekend, we reviewed some of Elder Rasband's council as well as counsel from the Missionary Leadership Counsel.  They have set their baptismal goal for January at 54.  We could surely use your faith and prayers to join ours as they work hard, be exactly obedient, and watch miracles happen here in the Caribbean.

Oistins District Council


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