Bon
Dia los Hermanos y Hermanas! We’ve been
running! Not literally, but this work never ceases. Missionary work is work. We arise at
6:30 and we are finished about 9-10:00pm every night. We schedule about half of
our time and the other half gets scheduled around us it seems. I call it
offense and defense times. The things we control are our ‘offense’ or those
items we schedule and plan to move the work forward, the defense is the
challenge side, unexpected needs or someone in trouble that prevents progress, ‘Defense’ (2 Nephi 2:11 ‘There must needs be
opposition in all things”) Today. We were to pick up Elder Harsh this morning
from Guyana. The flight on time they reported. (Offense planning, O) it was
actually 1½ hours delayed (Defensive happening, D) President & Sister
Egbert scheduled to leave at 5:00 am for Bonaire. (O) Flight over 5 hours
delayed. Canceled. Rescheduled to Trinidad. (D) Aruba missionary cell phones
quit working, Sister Scott has to fix (D). Elder Hatrsh needs a bike helmet. To
the bike store. Elder Scott (D) Power goes off in the missionaries home
apartment (D). Emails to the Caribbean Area Offices (O)…More D’s than O’s but
there ARE O’s! It moves forward. Long Days and short nights. We have not had a
problem sleeping on this mission. We’ve
very happy in our work as the Lords servants.
According
to an on-line app named ‘Duolingo’ and great thanks to our tutors, coaches and
many kind friends right here who smile and then correct our Gringo espanol, we
are at 10% learning Spanish. (Probably 1% efficient in Popiamentu.) We are told
this makes us ‘Figo-Figo’ pronounced “Feeho-Feeho” Popiamentu for ‘Very Cool’…We
don’t think so, but Gracias!
What is the origin for the name Curacao? I’ve wondered… A little research tells me we’re not exactly sure but there are a few theories. According to Edgard Otero author of "Origins of countries' names", the island was discovered by Spaniards, who left in the island members of their crew who had become ill during the trip. When the ships returned to the island one year later, expecting to find the sick already dead, they found their old crew members healthy and healed. For that reason, the island was baptized as "Isla de la Curación" (Island of the Cure, or Island of Healing). In 1520 the island would figure for the first time in a map - which was nonetheless designed by the Portuguese, in whose language the island was called "Ilha da Curaçao" (Curaçao still means healing in Portuguese).
Another theory for the origin of the name of the island Curaçao is that it is derived from the Portuguese word for heart (coração), referring to the island as a center in trade. Spanish traders kept the name as Curazao, which was followed by the Dutch.
A third possible explanation is that Curaçao derives from a similar-sounding name that the Arawak people had used to identify themselves. I like the definition of ‘Island for the Cure’. Perhaps it ties in to why Sister Scott and I might be here.
Some Other Happenings...
Another theory for the origin of the name of the island Curaçao is that it is derived from the Portuguese word for heart (coração), referring to the island as a center in trade. Spanish traders kept the name as Curazao, which was followed by the Dutch.
A third possible explanation is that Curaçao derives from a similar-sounding name that the Arawak people had used to identify themselves. I like the definition of ‘Island for the Cure’. Perhaps it ties in to why Sister Scott and I might be here.
Some Other Happenings...
Pedro & Dini Van Der Dijs, Bro Javier, and Bro Scopes relatives
 |
| Sister Scott & Elder Sarmiento (From Rigby, Idaho) |
 |
| Relief Society Sisters |
 |
| Branch Photo after Re-Dedication June 26, 2016 |
 |
| Bro Frances Angelica and Elder Scott |
 |
| Our Chapel |
Sister Davida District RS President, Bro Aldrich, Sister Annie Branch Primary President
(Bro Aldrich publishes an English language web site www.CuracaoChronicles.com if you should want to read about current events of the Island)
Our Open House June 25-26th. What an
exciting time! One for the Media and dignitaries, the other for the general
public. It was a tremendous event! This building was also just rededicated yesterday
by Mission Pres. Gregory Egbert. A rare happening.
District Youth Conference. Unlike most units in the US, we have to travel by jet to get to our District (stake) Conference. Ours is scheduled for July 6-10th in Aruba. Now for my friends back home, this may sound like a great setting for a vacation, but it is a conference for the youth. We won't be at the beach or even get into the water anywhere. (Youth can do that anytime here, right?). Sister Scott and I will be attending the conference and helping the 35 youth scheduled to be in attendance. It should be a fun and growing time for all the youth. We’ll take pictures.
District Youth Conference. Unlike most units in the US, we have to travel by jet to get to our District (stake) Conference. Ours is scheduled for July 6-10th in Aruba. Now for my friends back home, this may sound like a great setting for a vacation, but it is a conference for the youth. We won't be at the beach or even get into the water anywhere. (Youth can do that anytime here, right?). Sister Scott and I will be attending the conference and helping the 35 youth scheduled to be in attendance. It should be a fun and growing time for all the youth. We’ll take pictures.
This is what happens when your companion accidentally puts diesel fuel in a gasoline engine.
Before
 |
After Curacao is known for talented Baseball. We stepped in to watch a few innings on our way home one night. |
 |
Christopher Ramirez is Baptized! Elder Munoz bounces off the wet pavement after a quick rainstorm. He was fine.  Biking Missionaries to the Caribbean. 2 miles North of our home  This IS Iguana Soup! Delicious. Sister Scott liked it too... |
Sister Petersen, Sister Ramirez, Sister Scott, Elder Sarmiento, Elder Sheppard. Dinner June 19, 2016 Happened to be on a Fathers Day. Very Nice.
Iggy. He hangs around the front Yard
Why are we here in
Curacao?
Some of our dearest friends not of our faith are curious as to why we are on this mission. It may seem peculiar to some. Sister Scott and I believe we have been called by God through a Prophet to serve Him and the wonderful people here in the Caribbean. This time and this place in our lives has been given us and set aside from our lives at home, just as we have been set apart by priesthood authority as His missionaries. We believe this calling which brings us here was inspired. We also know we have been here in places and with others which could not have coincidental. We do not have coincidences. We have scheduled our time and resources in order to help these, our brothers and sisters of another land. We assist where we are invited to teach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have witnessed miracles in the lives of those whom embrace the Gospel and seek after good in their lives. We testify of a loving God and His son Jesus Christ and His restored Gospel, which is here upon the earth once more as He promised it would be. This restored Gospel is a fulfillment of His prophesies in these the latter-days.
We try to help some with our message, some with our hands, and we hope some with our prayers. We strive also to help some who could not help themselves. Each of us may be reminded of the words from a great King, King Benjamin from ancient America as cited in the Book of Mormon…“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” - Mosiah 2:17. The Savior also taught His disciples, when he said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” Luke 9:24.
We want to share an excerpt from a book called ‘Preach My Gospel’ that might help us best describe and give answer to the ‘Why’ we are here…
“You are surrounded by people. You pass them on the street, visit them in their homes, and travel among them. All of them are children of God, your brothers and sisters. God loves them just as He loves you. Many of these people are searching for purpose in life. They are concerned for their families. They need the sense of belonging that comes from the knowledge that they are children of God, members of His eternal family. They want to feel secure in a world of changing values. They want “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come”, but they are “kept from the truth because they know not where to find it”.
The gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith will bless their families, meet their spiritual needs, and help them fulfill their deepest desires. Although they may not know why, we each need relief from feelings of guilt that come from mistakes and sins. They need to experience the joy of redemption by receiving forgiveness of their sins and enjoying the gift of the Holy Ghost.
As an authorized representative of Jesus Christ, you can teach people with power and authority that “redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah,” and that no one “can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah”. As people come to accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and receive the ordinances of baptism and confirmation by priesthood authority, they can be assured that they “are not cast off forever”
As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase. You will feel, as Lehi did, the “great … importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth”.
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “We are commanded by God to take this gospel to all the world. That is the cause that must unite us today. Only the gospel will save the world from the calamity of its own self-destruction. Only the gospel will unite men of all races and nationalities in peace. Only the gospel will bring joy, happiness, and salvation to the human family”
In closing, at age 21 I was baptized into this faith. Since my baptism I have learned much and I continue to grow stronger in my understanding. Along this path, I have found a true peace, happiness and meaning as to why I am here in this life and where I am going. I am excited in every way for this mortal life and all it may bring me personally and to my family as preparations are underway for eternity. I have found the largest measure of happiness I might comprehend from this gospel of Jesus Christ. While I serve here in Curacao con mi compañero eterno, I do miss seeing my children, my grandchildren, my parents and other family and dear friends. I love you all. For this short time we will serve here, it is dedicated to His work and His purposes.
I would invite all who might desire to know of this level of happiness, this understanding of purpose or direction, to seek it. Truly desire it.
Matthew 7:7-8: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Testifico de este verdadero Evangelio. Yo sé que es verdad . Digo esto en el nombre de Jesucristo. Amen.
Some of our dearest friends not of our faith are curious as to why we are on this mission. It may seem peculiar to some. Sister Scott and I believe we have been called by God through a Prophet to serve Him and the wonderful people here in the Caribbean. This time and this place in our lives has been given us and set aside from our lives at home, just as we have been set apart by priesthood authority as His missionaries. We believe this calling which brings us here was inspired. We also know we have been here in places and with others which could not have coincidental. We do not have coincidences. We have scheduled our time and resources in order to help these, our brothers and sisters of another land. We assist where we are invited to teach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have witnessed miracles in the lives of those whom embrace the Gospel and seek after good in their lives. We testify of a loving God and His son Jesus Christ and His restored Gospel, which is here upon the earth once more as He promised it would be. This restored Gospel is a fulfillment of His prophesies in these the latter-days.
We try to help some with our message, some with our hands, and we hope some with our prayers. We strive also to help some who could not help themselves. Each of us may be reminded of the words from a great King, King Benjamin from ancient America as cited in the Book of Mormon…“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” - Mosiah 2:17. The Savior also taught His disciples, when he said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” Luke 9:24.
We want to share an excerpt from a book called ‘Preach My Gospel’ that might help us best describe and give answer to the ‘Why’ we are here…
“You are surrounded by people. You pass them on the street, visit them in their homes, and travel among them. All of them are children of God, your brothers and sisters. God loves them just as He loves you. Many of these people are searching for purpose in life. They are concerned for their families. They need the sense of belonging that comes from the knowledge that they are children of God, members of His eternal family. They want to feel secure in a world of changing values. They want “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come”, but they are “kept from the truth because they know not where to find it”.
The gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith will bless their families, meet their spiritual needs, and help them fulfill their deepest desires. Although they may not know why, we each need relief from feelings of guilt that come from mistakes and sins. They need to experience the joy of redemption by receiving forgiveness of their sins and enjoying the gift of the Holy Ghost.
As an authorized representative of Jesus Christ, you can teach people with power and authority that “redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah,” and that no one “can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah”. As people come to accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and receive the ordinances of baptism and confirmation by priesthood authority, they can be assured that they “are not cast off forever”
As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase. You will feel, as Lehi did, the “great … importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth”.
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “We are commanded by God to take this gospel to all the world. That is the cause that must unite us today. Only the gospel will save the world from the calamity of its own self-destruction. Only the gospel will unite men of all races and nationalities in peace. Only the gospel will bring joy, happiness, and salvation to the human family”
In closing, at age 21 I was baptized into this faith. Since my baptism I have learned much and I continue to grow stronger in my understanding. Along this path, I have found a true peace, happiness and meaning as to why I am here in this life and where I am going. I am excited in every way for this mortal life and all it may bring me personally and to my family as preparations are underway for eternity. I have found the largest measure of happiness I might comprehend from this gospel of Jesus Christ. While I serve here in Curacao con mi compañero eterno, I do miss seeing my children, my grandchildren, my parents and other family and dear friends. I love you all. For this short time we will serve here, it is dedicated to His work and His purposes.
I would invite all who might desire to know of this level of happiness, this understanding of purpose or direction, to seek it. Truly desire it.
Matthew 7:7-8: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Testifico de este verdadero Evangelio. Yo sé que es verdad . Digo esto en el nombre de Jesucristo. Amen.
1 comment:
I love reading about your adventures on your mission! You two are amazing!
Post a Comment