EXCEPTIONALISM

If our purpose, as missionaries, is to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel", then Elder Colby Smith is exceptional in his purpose as a missionary!!!!!  We have been so blessed to be able to get to know this young man and to feel of his goodness and strong testimony of our Savior,  Jesus Christ.  His desire to be exactly obedient and to serve with all his heart, to the best of his ability.......and to stand as a witness at all times and in all places, is a distinct characteristic of his extraordinary nature.  His positive contribution has been enormous!!!  We heard another of his fellow missionaries make a comment about Elder Smith Jr. early in his mission career. He stated that Elder Smith knew who he was, as a son of his Heavenly Father, and knew of his potential and divinely given capacities.  This has made a tremendous difference in the way Elder Smith views his daily routine as a missionary.  He pushes against the boundaries into the unknown and is strengthened by a loving Heavenly Father.  He understands that anything worthwhile in this life is not going to come easily.  In our view, he has sacrificed much to qualify for the title of an exceptional missionary!!!!  We love you Elder Smith.  You will leave a huge hole in our hearts as you leave our beautiful island paradise and transfer to Guyana.

We were unable to post this wonderful baptism in Grenville last week, so these pictures are delayed a
bit, but worthy of our attention.  Jolita is Grenada's newest member of the church.  We have come to love Jolita.  She has a beautiful singing voice and will be performing for our CELEBRATION next week.  She has been investigating the church for several months and is now one of the best member missionaries ever.  She is very shy and really adorable!

Michael Bruno, Jolita and Elder Smith

 We walked down to the Grand Bras River in Grenville for the baptism

 Elder Smith tested the waters for the perfect spot, then Jolita joined him for the baptism

 Elder Smith, Jolita, Michael Bruno

 Elders Smith, Witten, and Dearing with Jolita

 Jolita with Jasian Downes

 Congratulatory hugs from Sister Francis

Bros. Branch and James, Elder Dearing, Jolita's nephew, Kion, Jolita, Emma, Sisters Smith, Grigg, Jasian, bus driver and Bro. Lennox stooping in front, Elder Ramdhanie.

Back: Elder Witten, Michael, Sister Smith, Elder Wilson

Walking back to the bus after the baptism

Elders Witten and Dearing photobombing the picture of Sisters Smith and Grigg

 Elder Ramdhanie

 When we reached our baptism destination, these lovely folks were washing their clothes in the River.  They were kind enough to let us intrude.

On the way home to St. Georges after the baptism, the sisters stopped to see the beach at La Sagesse, which has been voted as one of the top 5 beaches in the world!!!!!

While we were there, we happened upon a baptism that was taking place by another faith.  It is a gorgeous setting for a baptism!  All of the people in blue are being baptized.

 This week, some of our Zone did a service project, planting cocoa trees at the Cummings family farm.  Heston Cummings has 70 trees that need planting.  Everyone carried at least 2 trees about 2-3 miles into the bush to the farm.  GORGEOUS!

 Each of the missionaries carrying their cocoa trees

And this is what they will look like when they begin to bare fruit in a couple of years

We asked the boys (Roger, Jemin, Ryan and Ricky) to invite friends to a cottage meeting on Wednesday.....and we had a wonderful turnout of 19 people.  Jemin taught a very thoughtful lesson on prayer and Ryan bore a powerful testimony to the many investigators who were present

Roger and Akim playing checkers

It's now the rainy season.  Spent an hour in the pool this week, just enjoying the rain......not worrying about the hair or the clothes!  Felt so good!!!!

 The Sisters took a little break in this rainy season to wash the gooey mud off of their feet and shoes.  Sometimes missionaries go where others never dare to go!!!!!

Elder Smith Jr. is in need of ingrown toenail surgery before transferring to Guyana 

High tech operating room!

Elders Ramdhanie and Dearing helping Sister Decouto with a little juice project

Went to this Spiritual Baptist Church for a song practice.  T'was really fun!!!

Our musical number involves Ryan's self written "Rap", myself on the violin and Devon on his handmade drum.  Such a good time!!!!

Went with some friends on a hike in the bush to "gather" or "hunt" for food that grows there.  Breadfruit, bluggas, bananas, mangos, coconuts

Ran into this gentleman with a very interesting beard.  Note the knot on the end of his beard.  Cool!

This fellow sold us some really great items!

Thought this broom was just too great to pass up.  Love it!!!

Sister Grigg with her twin, Sabrina.  So funny that they have the exact same skirt!

Richy is making us a drum.  SWEET!

 We had a little fender bender on Saturday.  We were parked when a van backed into us!  Not fun!

Kent made a trip to Trinidad last week to attend to Elder Felix, who had emergency surgery.

Elder Montgomery with the patient

Elder Felix is now on the mend (sitting at the end of the table).  Many blessings!!!!

So, to finish out our week, we will end with this bit of information about four EXCEPTIONAL missionaries.  These four Elders will now be serving in the same Zone together in Guyana.  HOW COOL IS THAT?  Grenada lives on!!!!!!  

Elders Strong, Larson, Smith and Hill

We sure do love them!!!!