On our recent visit to Trinidad, we took a trip out to see the leatherback turtles. These turtles are about 1,000 lbs and come to lay their eggs at around the age of 30 to 100 years old, returning to the same beach where they hatched. They are slow, meticulous and lay about 600 eggs per season. After the eggs are buried in the sand, it takes 6 weeks before the hatchlings appear and head for the water. To have a chance of survival, the 2 inch long babies need to cross the sand and make it to the ocean without being attacked by the land predators who await their emergence into the outside world. Lurking on the beach there are predators, such as vultures and dogs, ready to pounce upon the tiny turtles. Out of 1,000 eggs, only one will survive to maturity, mostly because of predators.
Boyd K. Packer told a story about predators which he has titled "Spiritual Crocodiles". In it, he talks about a trip to South Africa where he observed very nervous animals coming to drink from small watering holes made in elephant tracks. The guide told him that crocodiles were hiding within these tracks, but Elder Packer didn't think that was possible, and didn't believe his guide. All at once he saw a crocodile settled in the mud, waiting for some unsuspecting animal to get thirsty enough to come for a drink. The guide told him there were crocodiles everywhere!!! He said, "we don't have any water without a crocodile somewhere near it." Elder Packer had been so sure of himself with his "know it all, smart-aleck" attitude, that his arrogant approach could have been fatal. He counseled us to be wiser than he had been in listening to our guides in life. He said "Those ahead of you in life have probed about the water holes a bit and raise a voice of warning about crocodiles. Not just the big gray lizards that can bite you to pieces, but spiritual crocodiles, infinitely more dangerous, and more deceptive and less visible, even, than those well-camouflaged reptiles of Africa."
"These spiritual crocodiles can kill or mutilate your souls. They can destroy your peace of mind and the peace of mind of those who love you. Those are the ones to be warned against, and there is hardly a watering place in all of mortality now that is not infested with them."
There are guides in our lives to help prevent bad things from happening, if we are willing to take counsel from them. Some of us are guides right now. "We go under the titles of parents--father and mother--, Bishop, leader, advisor. Our assignment is to see that you get through mortality without being injured by these spiritual crocodiles."
The best guide of all is the Holy Spirit. "There is a process through which we can be alerted to spiritual dangers. Just as surely as that guide warned me, you can receive signals alerting you to the spiritual crocodiles that lurk ahead. If we can train you to listen to these spiritual communications, you will be protected from these crocodiles of life. You can learn what it feels like to be guided from on high. "
Just as the little turtles risk much in their journey through life, so do we. Please know that the predators are real and are worth every effort to avoid. We love you!!!!!
OUR CRAZY, BUSY WEEK!!!!!
Fun wall at the Grand View Grille with Elder and Sister Bird
We went on a medical assignment to Saint Vincent and paid a visit to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Dr. Woods was our tour guide.
The Bird's going up to their great apartment. Spectacular views!!!!
On the balcony of the Bird's apartment
Absolutely stunning view
Elders Smith, Leung Choi, Bird and Malyon in the Area of Georgetown
Black sand beaches are everywhere on the Island of Saint Vincent
Peanut field
The Georgetown church
Church members, Cora Cato and Francis Brown live across the street from the church in Georgetown
The Bird's out doing what missionaries do best, missionary work!
Norma Oliver was kind enough to share with us her expertise on roasting peanuts
Norma and Ricardo Oliver teaching us how to sort through the peanuts that we were going to buy.
Elders Leung Choi and Malyon
This tunnel in South Rivers was hand dug by slaves in the 1700's to get the sugar cane down to the boats
Elders Smith and Bird climbed this small island/rock in Indian Bay. It's called Rock Fort. They hired a guide named Sparrow to take them across Indian Bay in his boat. The Bird's can see this from their apartment.
Top of Rock Fort
During the day, we were able to visit with several of the missionaries. Elders Bingham and Parker, Sisters Worthington and Taylor, Elders Tillotson and Leany. We hadn't seen Sister Taylor and Elder Leany since they were in our Zone in Trinidad. It was so good to see them again. Sister Taylor goes home next transfer. She has been an awesome missionary! Love her
Calliaqua chapel
Water Taxi
Thursday we took a Water Taxi out to Young Island for lunch with these lovely ladies. Sisters Smith, Taylor, Ossie Fisher, Worthington and Bird
Ossie, Sisters Taylor and Worthington in the Water Taxi
At the Young Island Restaurant, this woman was cutting us our choice of a variety of breads. Scrumptious!!!
We flew back to Grenada from St. Vincent on Thursday, but on Friday morning, the Bird's flew to Grenada for a Humanitarian/Public Relations assignment. We've had a wonderful few days together with them!!!!!
Friday, we took the Bird's to the Grand Etang and Annondale Falls
Saturday, we took the Bird's to Concord Falls
OK folks! These cute girls are sporting crayfish (which they just caught in the river) on their shirts. They will eat them later today!
Elder Bird holding some cashews that are growing on the tree
On our way through Gouyave, we stopped to visit Elders Hill and Wilson, who were teaching a lesson to Tarin.
While traveling between Gouyave and Grenville, we had to send the Bird's over to get their picture taken next to these giant palms. Can hardly see them standing beneath the trees!!!!!!!!
Nutmeg tree
Sister Bird presenting the Humanitarian/Church Public Relations seminar on Saturday. So interesting and very helpful!!!
Those attending the meeting
Setting up the chairs for Sunday meetings. Elders Ramdhanie, Smith and Strong
Chatting with Roger after the Humanitarian/Public Relations meeting
Elder Smith
Elder Loewen
Elder Hill removing the blackboard from the chapel area
A meeting of the minds!!! Elders Loewen and Wilson
Comparing yellow ties!
What a great bunch! Elders Lowen, Smith, Hill, Strong, Wilson and Ramdhanie
Looking through the rent payments with the Elders
Sisters Smith and Grigg with Kylee Shepherd
Saturday, Mindy Cox's parents, Dave and Molly Dean (holding the baby) came to the island and brought clothing to share with our church members in Grenada, which their ward had so generously donated. We had some extremely grateful and happy guys trying on clothing at the church after the meeting on Saturday night. THANK YOU DEAN FAMILY!!!!!
Ryan, who is preparing for a mission, had a great choice of ties, shirts and pants.
Ryan found himself a suit, which is perfect. He looks just like a missionary....except the the stuff growing on his face!!!! Handsome guy!
The Dean's even donated the suitcase, which Ryan filled with his new missionary clothing.
Roger found himself a suit also. These guys are ecstatic!
Then, Kent had a quick lesson on tying a tie!
SOME INTERESTING PICTURES TAKEN DURING THE WEEK
Gorgeous
Pineapple takes about 18 months to grow and each plant only produces 1 fruit.
An afternoon stroll with umbrellas.
We are so fascinated by cashew fruit/nut. They ae amazing!
The kids don't need electronics to stay entertained.
We don't know what these are, but the flowers are about 18 inches high and are beautiful.
Saturday night, we came home to this icky thing. He was a giant and gave us the creeps!
Sunday we said goodbye to the Mindy and Ryan Cox Family. What wonderful examples they are to all of us! Mason and Anna Heywood are also leaving us, but only for the summer. They will be back soon. Love all of these good peeps!
To round out our week, we will end with this little guy because..................why not?
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