ROADS TO TRAVEL

When we left on our mission, we lived in the best little town this side of anywhere!  Neola is hardly more than a bend in the road, a few herds of cows, an occasional goat, many horses and cowboys to ride them, a school, small store, post office, church and stop sign.  Life was uncomplicated, in many ways, but centered around home and family.  The folks in Neola work hard and feel the joys and accomplishments of a job well done.  

We have called Neola our home for the past 23 years.  Much of our road map of life was developed with the influences from the people and surroundings of Neola.  

We each travel down the roads of this life and need to follow directions in order to get to a specific destination.  Going the wrong direction can leave us lost, confused and unhappy.  The road in the wrong direction may be well traveled, and at first, inviting, but will ultimately deteriorate and be in disrepair.  Before long, the road becomes rough and difficult, while the vehicle sustains much wear and tear.  The vehicle may even need to be abandoned, leaving the traveler to wander alone.

Traveling in the correct direction is a different experience altogether.  This road may be challenging, but those challenges can strengthen the traveler.  Visibility increases while traveling on this road, enabling the traveler to see and understand.  The vehicle needs regular care and maintenance, but doesn't give into the wear and tear of the road because it is contstantly renewed.

Our family can be viewed as the vehicle that helps us in our travels through life.  Heavenly Father didn't send us to this earth to travel these roads alone, He gave us a family and a road map....the scriptures.  Our visibility is spiritual promptings that come from the Holy Ghost.  He can help us see clearly through the fog.  He can be our compass.

How well are we prepared for the miles ahead?  As a traveler on the road of life are we too preoccupied with worldly things that have no meaning?....If so, please find the way back to Heavenly Father.  The Savior has shown the way.  He is the only way! 

So, back to the fine folks of Neola that we call family.  Thank you for being a positive road sign in our journey through the many roads of life.   

As we've stretched ourselves and ventured into this mission call, we are traveling new roads, but so much of our perspective is shaped by the many influences of the wonderful people and events from our 23 years in Neola.  

Enjoy the ride!!!

Oops the wrong road!  This one was flooded out.  A bit treacherous!

Ahhh....back on the right road......lovely view!

       
THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS ARE PLACES,  PEOPLE AND THINGS OUR ROADS LED US  TO ON THIS WEEK'S JOURNEY

If you look really hard, you'll see a Christmas tree peeking over the edge of the balcony.  Folks in Grenada put their Christmas trees on the porch.  Actually, it makes more sense to have the tree outside than hauling it into the house!  What are we thinking??!!!!

Interesting walls in Gouyave

There is much harvesting of fruit right now.  This is a mango and lemons brought over by neighbors.  Yep, lemons are NOT yellow here.  Green outside, orange inside.  Lemon taste, however.

This is a coco pod.  Grows everywhere.  Love the color variations.

This week was transfers in the mission.  This is Elder Sherren leaving his Gouyave apartment for the last time.  He is being transferred to Trinidad.  We will miss him.  He's a great missionary and friend!

The Elder that President Mehr chose to replace Elder Sherren in Gouyave is Elder Larson from...................NEOLA!!!  Yes! That's right!  NEOLA!  If we have to lose Elder Sherren, this is a mighty good replacement!  Thanks President Mehr!

Elder Strong showing Elder Larson his new abode.

Our road took us around a corner this week.....and who should we see sitting on a couple of rocks?  Sisters Cragun and Kime.  They didn't get transferred!

But....Elder Dohrman DID get transferred here from Trinidad.  He had formerly served as Assistant to the President.  We are super excited to have his enthusiasm for missionary work here!  He is rocking the island!  He is at our apartment for a mission leadership council via SKYPE from Trinidad.

This is Roger and Ryan at Friday Fun Night at the church.  We had a lesson on emergency preparedness (because of recent storms in St. Vincent and St. Lucia causing deaths and need for water and food) Afterwards, we played games with ping pong balls and tape measures.  Very funny!

I know, I know.  This picture of Roger is from a previous post, but we want to mention something about Roger..... and this is the best close up picture we have of him, to date.  Roger has recently taken the right road in life, as a new convert to our church, and is reaping great rewards for doing so.  Roger has experienced blessings pouring down from heaven.  Miracles, plain and simple.  Roger couldn't read before he met the missionaries. He began learning how to read the Book of Mormon.  He has now read as far as the book of Mosiah.  Miracle!

Michael is pretty serious about the competition!  Michael is a local gardener that sells his produce.  He is getting ready to go on a mission.

Joshua, Elders Smith and Dohrman.  Elder Smith was just transferred here, as well.  He was in our previous Zone in Trinidad.  Excellent missionary!

Now, the competition really heats up with the Sisters.

Rimble is the man!

Meanwhile.........Elder Smith does part of a missionary physical on Michael.

The heat is on!  Elders Dohrman and Smith

It's simply too much for the Sisters

The key which turns on our car, which car drives us down the road, which road led us to this stick bug and showed how large he is.....and so forth. (I think I'm getting tired)

 Elders Larson and Strong on the road leading into Gouyave in front of the Kirani James sign.  Kirani is from this town and won the Gold Medal for the 400 meter in the Olympics.

Dinner with our missionaries after Fast Sunday

 Sisters Cragun, Kime.  Elders Dohrman, Smith, Larson, Strong

Our road home tonight led us to this beautiful spot that we walk past every morning.......

.........and these colorful places that we drive past everyday........

........and this "Tire Round-about" that is the most uniquely ingenious thing we've ever seen.  And that wraps up our road trip for the week.  Thanks, and "happy trails to you, 'til we meet again"