As we have progressed through this adventure we have been amazed at the number of people that have found our blog and have followed along with us. We constructed our blog as a way of keeping a journal for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren, but have been strengthened and motivated when we see the dots on the world map indicating where our viewers reside.
We have had one follower that has left us many comments of encouragement that we only know as "Bill". We would love to know who Bill and the many others of you are and how you found us. Please leave a comment below and tell us a little about you. (We won't publish your comments in the blog unless you tell us its okay.)
Again, thanks for taking the time to read about our adventures in Jamaica.
Theron and Shanna Schaefermeyer
North Salt Lake, Utah
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Another Time, Another Place - Home
September 1, 2011, found us flying from Jamaica to Salt Lake City. We arrived about 4:30 p.m. and were immediately whisked off to Neala's for hot dogs and delicious salads. We were also immediately hit with 0 humidity. We were both a little shell shocked at so much opulence, especially when we started moving our things from the basement to the various rooms in our home.
It wasn't until Saturday that we were officially released. We had a great chat with the President Webster and his wife, Sylvia. There is nothing to releases; lacks a little pizzazz. I must note that the first Sunday back attending a ward with 300+ people was a little intimidating. My mind wandered back to the Kingston Branch and I could almost hear President Martin tell everyone to turn their cellphones to vibrate and hear his sweet testimony.
September 11, 2011, found us speaking in Sacrament meeting to a lot of relatives and friends. We had a little potluck lunch afterward and we think we talked with at least each person once. We did feel most comfortable with the other senior missionaries - Cheesmans, Andersens and Russells. They just seem to relate to our experiences. However, it was great to see Thale and Susanne Saxton, the Turners, the Johnstons, and of course all our Lake Powell friends. We have really been blessed to have been able to associate with great people over the years. We love you all and especially our dear children, grandchildren, parents, brothers and sisters.
Our full-time mission is over and we will move on to new experiences. We await to see what the Lord will call us to do. Til we meet again! Thanks for following our exploits in Jamaica.
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| Holding Ali Jo for the first time. How precious! |
September 11, 2011, found us speaking in Sacrament meeting to a lot of relatives and friends. We had a little potluck lunch afterward and we think we talked with at least each person once. We did feel most comfortable with the other senior missionaries - Cheesmans, Andersens and Russells. They just seem to relate to our experiences. However, it was great to see Thale and Susanne Saxton, the Turners, the Johnstons, and of course all our Lake Powell friends. We have really been blessed to have been able to associate with great people over the years. We love you all and especially our dear children, grandchildren, parents, brothers and sisters.
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| The Schaefermeyer Family at Mason's birthday party. Our best family picture yet! |
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| Kendall, Carol, Neala, Elynn and Theron - the elderly Schaefermeyers |
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| The homecoming party inside. |
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| The homecoming party outside. |
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| We now join the ranks of "former" missionaries - Cheesmans, Russells, Andersens and us. |
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - To the end of days
We have been on the west side of the island where we don't have Internet connection. However, today we are back in Kingston. This will be our final post to everyone and the next time we talk to you of Jamaica, it will be in-person to family and friends.
Friends -- These past few days have been ones of emotion and sadness. We are leaving some of the most choice people we will ever again meet in our life time. Friday evening, the Mandeville District gave us a funeral like no other. They had members, leadership, a RADA leader, the principal of Pepper School and our dear, dear friend Myrtle Hall talk about our work. We were given a few moments and showed slides of various projects we had done across the island. From branch to branch, they do not know the scope of the work which we did nor the scope of the Church's involvement across the island, but they are keenly aware of how their and our lives have been intertwined.
Saturday was spent wrapping up some projects and doing month-end financial reports.
Sunday was the last time we will meet with our sweet Kingston Branch. Just one-half hour before Sacrament meeting, President Martin called me to speak in Sacrament Meeting, then I had to teach Sunday School. I love teaching the lessons here, they are so humble and so teachable. It is a sweet experience. I hope Pres. calls someone soon to fill that spot. After meetings, we picked up Elder and Sister Flake and drove across the island to Negril.
Monday was a morning in the sun and some snorkeling in Negril. The afternoon brought rain and that was just fine because we had to drive to Lucea (about 40 minutes) and spend an hour in a hardware store buying lumber and other supplies for the Lucea School project. I had the primo hardware experience, we got to sit in the manager/owner's office and go through the order with him. I walked behind the counter!
Tuesday, today, we drove back to Kingston, stopping in Pepper to teach some teachers about using the new computer lab. Then in Mandeville to take the elders to lunch at Burger King and then to Spanish Town to get a bid for honey extractors and to look at the 6-pack chicken coop and then home. It makes for a long day of Elder Schaefermeyer driving a dodge 'em car and us sitting! That's life in the fast lane for us.
We have just completed our personal interviews with the Mission President and are quickly slinging things into the suitcases. What a great ride this has been! See you on Thursday if the airlines have their schedules back to normal from Hurricane Irene. Love and Kisses -- Elder and Sister Schaefermeyer
Signing out for the last time on our blog from Jamaica!
Friends -- These past few days have been ones of emotion and sadness. We are leaving some of the most choice people we will ever again meet in our life time. Friday evening, the Mandeville District gave us a funeral like no other. They had members, leadership, a RADA leader, the principal of Pepper School and our dear, dear friend Myrtle Hall talk about our work. We were given a few moments and showed slides of various projects we had done across the island. From branch to branch, they do not know the scope of the work which we did nor the scope of the Church's involvement across the island, but they are keenly aware of how their and our lives have been intertwined.
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| The Morrison Family - Jackie, Courtney and the boys. |
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| Some of our friends from Mandeville! |
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| A rousing game of dominoes as part of our party. |
Sunday was the last time we will meet with our sweet Kingston Branch. Just one-half hour before Sacrament meeting, President Martin called me to speak in Sacrament Meeting, then I had to teach Sunday School. I love teaching the lessons here, they are so humble and so teachable. It is a sweet experience. I hope Pres. calls someone soon to fill that spot. After meetings, we picked up Elder and Sister Flake and drove across the island to Negril.
Monday was a morning in the sun and some snorkeling in Negril. The afternoon brought rain and that was just fine because we had to drive to Lucea (about 40 minutes) and spend an hour in a hardware store buying lumber and other supplies for the Lucea School project. I had the primo hardware experience, we got to sit in the manager/owner's office and go through the order with him. I walked behind the counter!
Tuesday, today, we drove back to Kingston, stopping in Pepper to teach some teachers about using the new computer lab. Then in Mandeville to take the elders to lunch at Burger King and then to Spanish Town to get a bid for honey extractors and to look at the 6-pack chicken coop and then home. It makes for a long day of Elder Schaefermeyer driving a dodge 'em car and us sitting! That's life in the fast lane for us.
We have just completed our personal interviews with the Mission President and are quickly slinging things into the suitcases. What a great ride this has been! See you on Thursday if the airlines have their schedules back to normal from Hurricane Irene. Love and Kisses -- Elder and Sister Schaefermeyer
Signing out for the last time on our blog from Jamaica!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Final Days of Our Lives - Days 8 and 7
I have to combine two days at this point, tomorrow we close our Internet account and that means we will not have Vonage until we get home. We will be at the Mission Home where we will resume Internet access, but no more Vonage -- the phone is gone until September 2. Sorry Marc.
It has been so fun to have Marc and sometimes Curt call us on the phone in a morning as they are driving to work. We have had lots of chats over the months and we appreciate our sons (Adrian doesn't go to work so she doesn't call then.) for wanting to still talk to mom and dad about "things". Technology is amazing, we are only a phone call or video chat away.
What fun it has been most Sunday nights to video chat with Marc and Brittney and watch Mason run around and Ali laugh. We have also had family home evening a couple of times with Adrian, Todd, Cameron and Taylor. Taylor has performed for us on the violin and Cameron has demonstrated how to jump on the new trampoline. We have met new people that Curt hangs out with from time to time. Missions do not have to be lonely times away from the family. The only thing you can't do is hug and kiss them. You can always tell them you love them and we have done and will continue to do so! Family -- WE LOVE YOU!!
See you in one week now.
It has been so fun to have Marc and sometimes Curt call us on the phone in a morning as they are driving to work. We have had lots of chats over the months and we appreciate our sons (Adrian doesn't go to work so she doesn't call then.) for wanting to still talk to mom and dad about "things". Technology is amazing, we are only a phone call or video chat away.
What fun it has been most Sunday nights to video chat with Marc and Brittney and watch Mason run around and Ali laugh. We have also had family home evening a couple of times with Adrian, Todd, Cameron and Taylor. Taylor has performed for us on the violin and Cameron has demonstrated how to jump on the new trampoline. We have met new people that Curt hangs out with from time to time. Missions do not have to be lonely times away from the family. The only thing you can't do is hug and kiss them. You can always tell them you love them and we have done and will continue to do so! Family -- WE LOVE YOU!!
See you in one week now.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 9
The weather -- hot and humid, but no Hurricane-- We're really not complaining about that. Whew, we dodged another one. No earthquake in Jamaica either! Today was a wild weather day on the east coast of the U.S. with a 5.8 earthquake and the upcoming hurricane. Hope all the air traffic is back to normal the day we fly home.
Please remember our elders in the Turks and Caicos and Bahamas! They are right in the direct path of the hurricane. Wind and rain usually help the cleanliness of the elder's apartments but hurricanes take it to a whole new level.
Today's activities: Thanks to Sister Flake for helping clean the kitchen. Sorry no pictures, but it wasn't a pretty sight.
Final meeting with our friends at Food for the Poor and formal introduction of Elder and Sister Whitehead. Inspection of 500 new wheelchairs which finally arrived.
Dinner with Tracy Meddow and Rondal Anderson (soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Anderson). We lined them up on their first date last Valentines day and are very happy that they are planning a wedding. They are both returned missionaries and will form a very strong family in Jamaica.
Stand-by for more exciting packing and cleaning tomorrow!
Please remember our elders in the Turks and Caicos and Bahamas! They are right in the direct path of the hurricane. Wind and rain usually help the cleanliness of the elder's apartments but hurricanes take it to a whole new level.
Today's activities: Thanks to Sister Flake for helping clean the kitchen. Sorry no pictures, but it wasn't a pretty sight.
Final meeting with our friends at Food for the Poor and formal introduction of Elder and Sister Whitehead. Inspection of 500 new wheelchairs which finally arrived.
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| Back, L-R: Ryan Peralto, CEO; E. Schaefermeyer; Ron Burgess, COO. Front, L-R: Susan Moore, Medical Director; S. Schaefermeyer; Faith Jumpp, Distribution Manager. |
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| 500 new wheelchairs! Us and Susan and Isaac Millard. |
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| Rondal Anderson and Tracy Meddow - our very special friends! |
Monday, August 22, 2011
Days of Our Lives - Final Day 10 (Countdown begins)
Today found us cleaning the apartment. All around us people burn their garbage in open fires, thus we have a soot build up all the time. This is the last time to clean the black grime from things. We also started cleaning out our closets. There is a nice big bag of clothes we are leaving behind. I will be so glad to get some other clothes. I'm really tired of the skirts and blouses I have been wearing for 18 months!!! Remember, I have written often that they don't sell clothes in hardware stores.
We are giving kitchen and other items we have purchased to other senior missionaries. It's great how you have someone who needs your items just as badly as you did when you arrived. We were grateful for previous humanitarian missionaries for all the supplies they left for us.
We just finished a very informative FHE conducted by Elder Vinas. It's impossible to express the number of things we learned, but his focus was on senior missionaries and their value and also their weaknesses. One weakness is to be assigned to a branch and "go in and take over". Throughout our whole mission, we have tried to remember "shadow leadership". It is important for us to recognize the presiding priesthood authority -- branch and district presidents. The second principle taught tonight applies to the Church worldwide -- traditions. We, meaning all Church members, need to steer clear of creating traditions such things as always standing during the intermediate hymn. This is a tradition here, but the reality is that if the presiding authority authorizes this, it's appropriate, but also it is appropriate to not have an intermediate hymn or to have various musical numbers. The tradition is doing it week after week. Anyway, we all understand these things and senior missionary couples need constant reminders about our roles just like every missionary.
What a wonderful experience to be taught in an informal gathering, chatting about the Church. It can only happen in the mission field -- hint, hint to those who are reading this blog and are of such an age to serve!
And so ends day 10.
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| The stuff we have collected that won't fit in our suitcases. |
We just finished a very informative FHE conducted by Elder Vinas. It's impossible to express the number of things we learned, but his focus was on senior missionaries and their value and also their weaknesses. One weakness is to be assigned to a branch and "go in and take over". Throughout our whole mission, we have tried to remember "shadow leadership". It is important for us to recognize the presiding priesthood authority -- branch and district presidents. The second principle taught tonight applies to the Church worldwide -- traditions. We, meaning all Church members, need to steer clear of creating traditions such things as always standing during the intermediate hymn. This is a tradition here, but the reality is that if the presiding authority authorizes this, it's appropriate, but also it is appropriate to not have an intermediate hymn or to have various musical numbers. The tradition is doing it week after week. Anyway, we all understand these things and senior missionary couples need constant reminders about our roles just like every missionary.
What a wonderful experience to be taught in an informal gathering, chatting about the Church. It can only happen in the mission field -- hint, hint to those who are reading this blog and are of such an age to serve!
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| Gineups -- It's the season for this fruit. It's a little larger than a red grape, has a hard outer shell that you pierce with your fingernail, has a slimy fruit and a large seed. You suck the slime off the seed. Actually, a good ripe gineup is fairly sweet, but there's not much there to eat. |
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 11
We love our little Kingston Branch. Each Sunday there are the same people in attendance, it is pretty static and there have been no baptisms for quite a while. Today, a fairly new priesthood holder, adult man, not sure if he is a Priest or Elder, was saying the prayer on the bread. After two starts, President Martin, our Branch President, went over and knelt down by him and helped him through the prayer. That was a precious moment for me seeing one priesthood brother loving another one and helping them along in the gospel.
One more Sunday and this week begins the 10 day count down. Don't know why we are so focused on the number of days left, because we are torn and saddened about these last days. I can understand why missionaries don't like to let people know how long they have left. It's easier if you just leave, rather than continually saying good-by, but I guess good-bys are a necessary part of every life.
One more Sunday and this week begins the 10 day count down. Don't know why we are so focused on the number of days left, because we are torn and saddened about these last days. I can understand why missionaries don't like to let people know how long they have left. It's easier if you just leave, rather than continually saying good-by, but I guess good-bys are a necessary part of every life.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 12
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| Senior couples with Elder and Sister Vinas. |
Elder Vinas pointed out a scripture that was hidden from me, it really touched me. He was talking about the importance of the Book of Mormon in the our day. Personalize this --(let grandma preach a little now):
D&C 84:54-58 - 54: And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received -- (Think of what we have received by way doctrine, priesthood, etc. in these days. One of the things we have received above all else is the Book of Mormon. How is our mind darkened or what do we treat lightly?) 55: Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation. (I alone can begin to bring the church under condemnation if I begin to neglect reading the scriptures, prayer, etc. This is done one person at a time.) 56: And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all. (It doesn't matter what others say or do about the Church and it's teachings, it is what a "child" of Zion - a baptized, active member does.) 57: And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written-- 58: That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion. (I was enlightened to think that not reading and applying the teachings of the Book of Mormon, individually, could have such a condemning power. Do we take this too lightly? Think back when Pres. Hinckley asked everyone to read the Book of Mormon. Wasn't he trying to lift the Church and elevate our lives and perhaps remove the condemnation that was eminent. When was the last time you read the Book of Mormon or do you take it's teachings lightly? Start reading today.)
The afternoon was spent moving our desk, filing cabinet and bookshelf to the Whitehead's apartment. We are so thankful for full-time elders who bring enthusiasm to every job. One elder in particular, Toutai, came up the stairs for the last time, "Sister Schaefermeyer, what would be to eat?" (Now, these elders had just finished lunch at TGI Fridays.) I told him I didn't have anything to eat, but we were giving away food in the cupboard, he loaded up and Sister Flake and I just silently laughed. He took a large grocery sack full and told us we saved him for the month because someone had stolen his backpack on the bus with all his money. You just have to love these elders, they are survivors and they do it with a smile.
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| Elder Toutai carrying the desk down the stairs. |
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| The troop of elders carrying drawers and boxes. Thanks guys!!! |
Love to all.
Appreciate the atonement and think about it's importance as you take the sacrament tomorrow!
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 13
This was lucky 13. Tonight the Kingston Branch, the branch we attend on Sundays, gave us an "Everything Jamaica" party. It was great. They were so excited to entertain and cook some "real" Jamaican food for us. The true group was there, this branch is so small and the regular people participate in everything. That's okay with us, we love them -- President Martin who is not yet 30; his family of Icent, Ashley, and Duquan; Peaches and Amelia Malcolm the Relief Society President and her daughter; Brother and Sister Duhaney; Brother Williams who writes original poetry; Deidre Ferguson and her fiance Bro. Reed (we can't remember his first name); Brother and Sister Mendez and their 7 year old son. These are the most friendly, loving people you will ever meet.
Just a few pictures of the night. We have some video to show when we get home. You have to hear the patois.
Just a few pictures of the night. We have some video to show when we get home. You have to hear the patois.
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| Sister Icent Martin and little Duquan |
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| Amelia and Peaches Malcolm |
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| Peaches performing Jamaican poetry. It's a riot how they get into it. |
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| Brother Williams reading his poem about Schaefermeyers. Note the hat - he made it. |
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| Rundown fish on the left and fried salt fish on the right. You eat everything of the fried salt fish - it's crunchy. |
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| Here I go. One of the elders challenged me to eat it all -- I did. I'm so brave. |
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| In the front is breadfruit - it grows in a large ball on the tree; back left is ackee the national fruit - tastes like scrambled eggs; and the front right are dumplings - fried dough balls. |
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 14
This is our 2 weeks notice world, we are coming home! That is if we survive the two weeks. Today was going to be an easy day -- drive to Mandeville, meet for 1/2 an hour with President Morrison, go see his bees (another 3/4 of an hour), install some software and finish cabling the computers at Pepper Primary School and drive home. No problem mon, we'll be home by 3:00 p.m. Yea right, mon.
President Morrison was 1.5 hours late arriving at the Mandeville Chapel. Plan B: Have Bennie ride with him to his bee site and that way he can interview him while they drive. Okay, we get to the bees (the best part of the day), everyone would really like to stay and help feed the bees. This is the dearth season and the bees are fed sugar water. However, we still have the school which is at least a 1/2 hour drive and at least a 1/2 hour of work.
I made chicken salad sandwiches, guacamole (this is the pear/avocado season) and chips for lunch, we eat this in the car driving to the school. Sorry about the tie Bennie (he spilled guacamole on it while we were driving on windy roads.) We arrive at the school around 2ish, a few little glitches, but got it all done. We left after 4 p.m. The rains are very hard driving through Mandeville and down the dugway, but we made it again safe and sound and arrive in Kingston a little after 6 p.m. The Chinese are cooking tonight and home - easy by 7:30 p.m. What happened to 3 in the afternoon? The best laid potholes.
Happy 1/2 year birthday Ali Jo! We can't wait to come home and hold you!
President Morrison was 1.5 hours late arriving at the Mandeville Chapel. Plan B: Have Bennie ride with him to his bee site and that way he can interview him while they drive. Okay, we get to the bees (the best part of the day), everyone would really like to stay and help feed the bees. This is the dearth season and the bees are fed sugar water. However, we still have the school which is at least a 1/2 hour drive and at least a 1/2 hour of work.
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| Theron, Bennie Lilly and President Morrison at his bees. |
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| Artificial feeding because this is the dearth season. |
Happy 1/2 year birthday Ali Jo! We can't wait to come home and hold you!
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| You can't hug a picture, but it's darn cute to look at! |
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 15
Over these 18 months, we have had the opportunity to associate with, work with, and become friends with some very special people. These last three days of visiting project sites and saying good-bye is making us realize just how much we care about these wonderful Jamaican brothers and sisters.
Today, we said good-bye to dear Suzette Miller who was our bee trainer and mentor at Bodles Research Center and we said good-bye to President Deans and President Dennis of the Spanish Town District Presidency. President Deans has been a wonderful priesthood leader. He is a special priesthood leader who helped us through the days of organizing and writing the food initiative. He wants to these projects to be successful and we want him and the projects to be successful.
Sisters Brown, Sousa and Smith of Portmore are wonderful sisters who love the gospel and express so much gratitude for the few things they have and for the small gardens they have received. Each one has struggled through life and continues to smile and extend a hand of friendship and love to others. They and so many others are showing us how to make lemonade from a life of lemons.
Today, we said good-bye to dear Suzette Miller who was our bee trainer and mentor at Bodles Research Center and we said good-bye to President Deans and President Dennis of the Spanish Town District Presidency. President Deans has been a wonderful priesthood leader. He is a special priesthood leader who helped us through the days of organizing and writing the food initiative. He wants to these projects to be successful and we want him and the projects to be successful.
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| The last meeting with Presidents Dennis on left and Deans on right. |
Sisters Brown, Sousa and Smith of Portmore are wonderful sisters who love the gospel and express so much gratitude for the few things they have and for the small gardens they have received. Each one has struggled through life and continues to smile and extend a hand of friendship and love to others. They and so many others are showing us how to make lemonade from a life of lemons.
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| Paul, one of the farmers, standing in the field of sorrel and the new irrigation pipe. |
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| Sister Sousa's garden. |
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| Sister Brown standing in door to her house. |
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| Sister Brown's raised be garden. You have to walk through her house to get to this area. |
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| Sister Smith and Sister Smith by the latter's garden. Thanks Sister Smith! |
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 16
Just a reminder that Bennie Lilly, Area Welfare Manager from the Dominican Republic, is here looking at our projects and learning more about our mission work. Having said that, the itinerary for today was: Salisbury Plain Shadehouses, Brown's chicken coop, off Stoney Hill Road, Eulalee Davis' coop on the roof, dinner with President and Sister Hendricks.
The Fruit Tree Shadehouses was a project started under the previous humanitarian missionaries, we have worked our entire mission trying to get the project finished. It's getting close, but we won't be the ones to press the Submit button. Today, we were in hopes that the pump could be used to run the first water through pipes. Not so. When Elder Schaefermeyer hit the switch, the pump did not go. He decided to bring it back and "look" at it. McGyver went right to work and fixed it. Friday we will take it back to Salisbury Plain (another 2 hour journey) and make it work. He thinks it just has sat around too long; things rust in this humid weather. Stop #1 - not very impressive.
We then drove to "prospective member" Brown's to see his chicken coop. This coop is built in a banana orchard on the side of a hill. Brown's wife is a member and signed up for the project. A requirement to get a coop is that you had to commit to help 2-3 others build their coops. His wife told us that he would work on theirs but would probably not work on any other coop. Not so. He has helped build several coops and is delighted to help others. Elder Flake continues to work with him and we'll see what happens! We are hoping he is the first baptism from a chicken coop project.
Our favorite project is Eulalee Davis' coop on the roof. We have to show everyone because this is our personal success. She is planning on buying 25 more chickens in February (you can only buy layers 2 times a year - Feb and June). She has more demand for the eggs than she can supply. She expressed how for the first time in her life she is paying tithing. She is teaching her grandchildren how to work by gathering eggs, cleaning, and maintaining the coop. We commented today how each time we visit, her home and self are cleaner and cleaner. We love Eulalee as much as her chickens do -- they literally follow her around.
We added the Dunrobin Basic School to our list of sites. You have seen this one in a previous blog. It's the school that had the 650 gallon water tank stolen during the Christmas holidays, and a discussion of a follow-up project at an adjoining school. Then, on to a little talk time with Bennie about the scope of our food project. It's really good to talk to someone who kind of knows what it's about, but doesn't know the details. We realized how many things we have learned, how many gospel principles can be taught and how a life can be changed just by providing them with a chicken coop. (There's a good topic for our homecoming talks.)
We just finished having dinner at Gauchos and now we are full, satisfied and tired. A great 16th day.
The Fruit Tree Shadehouses was a project started under the previous humanitarian missionaries, we have worked our entire mission trying to get the project finished. It's getting close, but we won't be the ones to press the Submit button. Today, we were in hopes that the pump could be used to run the first water through pipes. Not so. When Elder Schaefermeyer hit the switch, the pump did not go. He decided to bring it back and "look" at it. McGyver went right to work and fixed it. Friday we will take it back to Salisbury Plain (another 2 hour journey) and make it work. He thinks it just has sat around too long; things rust in this humid weather. Stop #1 - not very impressive.
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| A good review of the pump with the "farmer" present. |
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| The pump repair man reassembling the pump. |
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| The wide road leading to Brown's |
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| Now the narrow trail at the end of the wide road leading to Brown's |
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| Elder Whitehead, bennie Lilly, and Mr. Brown at his chicken coop. |
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| Sister Davis and the coop on the roof. (grandson in yellow shirt on bottom right is nailing the drape to the weight at the bottom) |
We just finished having dinner at Gauchos and now we are full, satisfied and tired. A great 16th day.
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 17
7:00 a.m. - Water aerobics in the pool for 1/2 hour. No matter how hard I have tried, I can't lose any weight. I'm just glad most of my clothes still fit.
9:00 a.m. - Grocery store for last minute stuff for dinner I'm cooking tonight and, the daily trip to the hardware store. We needed 2 extension cords and some small screws for the Pepper Primary School computers.
10:30 a.m. - Drive to the airport to meet Bennie Lilly, the Area Welfare Manager. He is touring Jamaica this week with the humanitarian missionaries. Bennie is a great guy and we are so glad to have the opportunity to work with him.
Noon - Lunch at Chillitoes the Jamexican restaurant we eat at on Tuesdays (taco Tuesday). They know all the elders and sisters by name, well we do wear a badge, but we go in and they know exactly what our order is going to be. Today was Monday, they weren't quite prepared, but it was still good. We invited Elder and Sister Flake to dine with us and talk with Bennie about their perspective of helping with the food initiative.
1:30 - 4:00 p.m. - Training for Elder and Sister Whitehead on CHaS and the financial program. Bennie worked with them in answering questions and showing them some features of the program.
5:30 p.m. - Dinner with Bennie and Whiteheads. I'm cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer and had a turkey roast so I put it in the crock pot to cook and then threw some other things together. I was so much better than eating out, which is what the rest of the week will hold.
6:30 p.m. - Leave for the Mission Home for seniors Family Home Evening. We love getting together with all the senior couples. The event tonight was an evaluation of the YSA Conference. Great comments and suggestions and it looks like this next year will be bigger and better than ever. We always find out mission news -- Elder Harold and Sister Diane Smith were transferred from Ocho Rios to Junction. That's the big news. Quite a transfer from the north side city section of the island to the south side farm district of the island. Three couples got engaged at or soon after YSA Conference. Several youth were activated because of attending this event.
After 9:00 p.m. - Arrive Home and write a blog to finish off Day #17. All is well.
The weather is hot and humid.
9:00 a.m. - Grocery store for last minute stuff for dinner I'm cooking tonight and, the daily trip to the hardware store. We needed 2 extension cords and some small screws for the Pepper Primary School computers.
10:30 a.m. - Drive to the airport to meet Bennie Lilly, the Area Welfare Manager. He is touring Jamaica this week with the humanitarian missionaries. Bennie is a great guy and we are so glad to have the opportunity to work with him.
Noon - Lunch at Chillitoes the Jamexican restaurant we eat at on Tuesdays (taco Tuesday). They know all the elders and sisters by name, well we do wear a badge, but we go in and they know exactly what our order is going to be. Today was Monday, they weren't quite prepared, but it was still good. We invited Elder and Sister Flake to dine with us and talk with Bennie about their perspective of helping with the food initiative.
1:30 - 4:00 p.m. - Training for Elder and Sister Whitehead on CHaS and the financial program. Bennie worked with them in answering questions and showing them some features of the program.
5:30 p.m. - Dinner with Bennie and Whiteheads. I'm cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer and had a turkey roast so I put it in the crock pot to cook and then threw some other things together. I was so much better than eating out, which is what the rest of the week will hold.
6:30 p.m. - Leave for the Mission Home for seniors Family Home Evening. We love getting together with all the senior couples. The event tonight was an evaluation of the YSA Conference. Great comments and suggestions and it looks like this next year will be bigger and better than ever. We always find out mission news -- Elder Harold and Sister Diane Smith were transferred from Ocho Rios to Junction. That's the big news. Quite a transfer from the north side city section of the island to the south side farm district of the island. Three couples got engaged at or soon after YSA Conference. Several youth were activated because of attending this event.
After 9:00 p.m. - Arrive Home and write a blog to finish off Day #17. All is well.
The weather is hot and humid.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 18
I love Sunday meetings here. The talks and testimonies are so pure. Today we attended the Spanish Town 2 Branch District Conference. President Harold Smith asked us to be there because he was being released. We have formed a bond with President Smith; he was the one who really got us thinking a year ago about the welfare program of the Church and the food initiative.
It was very evident that President Deans, the District President, had never conducted a meeting where the branch leadership and elder's quorum leadership were being reorganized. He was nervous about making certain everything was done in order - after all, the mission president was sitting behind him. The new branch president is the former elder's quorum president, Royce Britton. I asked some sisters how old he was; their answer was -- he is a returned missionary of several years, married and has three children -- he has to be well over 25. Yup, he is very young as are several branch presidents. This is a new time in Jamaica; the youth are the leaders and most of them did not grow up in the Church.
Elder Schaefermeyer is helping out the Mission President. I'm assuming that the president needed someone who is a high priest. You read between the lines on that one.
One of my goals this year is to read one book about each of our modern day prophets. I'm currently reading the writings of George Albert Smith. Today being Sunday, I'm taking the time to counsel our children:
"If you were to take from the world today the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants were wiped out, we would have a world without any hope of eternal life in the celestial kingdom. The people of the world wouldn't even know what it means. I don't say that disparagingly, but I am trying to say it so we will appreciate the blessings that the Lord has given to us."
As we have driven some 30,000 miles across Jamaica these last 18 months, I have written down the names of various Churches. I have a accumulated the names of 193 churches with the Baptists, Seventh Day Adventists and Methodists counted only once. It's tough going for our missionaries to teach the restored gospel to these protestant sects. No wonder so many people are confused about life and eternal life.
Today I leave a challenge to our family to read the scriptures; this is the Lord's library.
Love to all this Sabbath Day.
It was very evident that President Deans, the District President, had never conducted a meeting where the branch leadership and elder's quorum leadership were being reorganized. He was nervous about making certain everything was done in order - after all, the mission president was sitting behind him. The new branch president is the former elder's quorum president, Royce Britton. I asked some sisters how old he was; their answer was -- he is a returned missionary of several years, married and has three children -- he has to be well over 25. Yup, he is very young as are several branch presidents. This is a new time in Jamaica; the youth are the leaders and most of them did not grow up in the Church.
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| This is a priceless picture: The mission presidency - Ulett, Hendricks, Brown. The Spanish Town District Presidency - Lawton, Deans (President) and Dennis. |
One of my goals this year is to read one book about each of our modern day prophets. I'm currently reading the writings of George Albert Smith. Today being Sunday, I'm taking the time to counsel our children:
"If you were to take from the world today the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants were wiped out, we would have a world without any hope of eternal life in the celestial kingdom. The people of the world wouldn't even know what it means. I don't say that disparagingly, but I am trying to say it so we will appreciate the blessings that the Lord has given to us."
As we have driven some 30,000 miles across Jamaica these last 18 months, I have written down the names of various Churches. I have a accumulated the names of 193 churches with the Baptists, Seventh Day Adventists and Methodists counted only once. It's tough going for our missionaries to teach the restored gospel to these protestant sects. No wonder so many people are confused about life and eternal life.
Today I leave a challenge to our family to read the scriptures; this is the Lord's library.
Love to all this Sabbath Day.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Days of our Lives - Final Day 19
It's Saturday, this is the day of the week that most senior missionary couples take it easy, sit around the pool, grocery shop, and do all the things that have to be done around the house. Not humanitarian missionaries, we don our missionary attire, pick up Whiteheads and Flakes (They just wanted to ride.) and drive 3 hours to visit with President Collins for a half hour in Junction. Well, we needed to introduce Whiteheads to President Collins and show Whiteheads where the town of Junction is located. Following the meeting we drove another 45 minutes to have pizza at Jack Sprats in Treasure Beach. Makes for another morning of driving and riding depending on which seat you sit in and then an afternoon of driving and riding home.
We got home in decent time tonight, 6:30ish, and we left fairly late 9:00ish. What's that just another 9 hour day?
We were able to take school kits to President Collins for him to distribute to the children in his branch. They will be so excited to have them. Late last night, President Richardson called to thank us for the school kits we dropped off at Hopeton a couple of day ago and to tell us that the 17 wild bee swarms he has captured are now registered and certified by Bodles as disease free, healthy hives. This means he has 22 beehives. He is excited and so are we!! This is looking like a successful project. We are in the process of ordering extractors to help our bee keepers harvest their honey, that's when they will see their reward for their training and bee care. We wish them all the best!
Mom, show this to Sister Wilkinson, it's her granddaughter who will be home a week after we arrive. Our Sister Wilkinson and Sister Everette are great missionaries. We were all comparing shoes and wow, have we all worn them out. Sister Wilkinson and Sister Smith (who has already returned home) were the first North American sisters to serve in Jamaica. She can return proud of the job she did!
We took the sisters with us to Treasure Beach. (Thanks Andersens for introducing us to Jack Sprats and the sisters say they miss you.) On the way back, we stopped at a watermelon stand and all the couples bought a watermelon. We asked the sisters if they would like one and they just smiled -- that means yes. Enjoy! The owner of the stand cut one open and let us all have a taste; probably the best we have tasted on the island. Salesmanship is not a big thing here, so that was totally unexpected.
We are now home safe and sound doing paperwork and getting ready for Sunday, and so ends day 19.
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| Missionary couples and President Collins. |
We were able to take school kits to President Collins for him to distribute to the children in his branch. They will be so excited to have them. Late last night, President Richardson called to thank us for the school kits we dropped off at Hopeton a couple of day ago and to tell us that the 17 wild bee swarms he has captured are now registered and certified by Bodles as disease free, healthy hives. This means he has 22 beehives. He is excited and so are we!! This is looking like a successful project. We are in the process of ordering extractors to help our bee keepers harvest their honey, that's when they will see their reward for their training and bee care. We wish them all the best!
Mom, show this to Sister Wilkinson, it's her granddaughter who will be home a week after we arrive. Our Sister Wilkinson and Sister Everette are great missionaries. We were all comparing shoes and wow, have we all worn them out. Sister Wilkinson and Sister Smith (who has already returned home) were the first North American sisters to serve in Jamaica. She can return proud of the job she did!
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| Sister Everette and Sister Wilkinson in front of the Junction Branch Building (it's in the corner) |
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| Sister Schaefermeyer and Sister Wilkinson in Junction. |
We are now home safe and sound doing paperwork and getting ready for Sunday, and so ends day 19.
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 20
We are grateful that Whiteheads went to Ochie and delivered the top soil and rocks for the service project at St. Ann's Bay Regional Hospital. With each project we do, we incorporate a service project. The project at St. Ann's Bay Hospital is providing them with a new anesthesia machine for the hospital. How would you like to have an operation without anesthesia equipment? We will not be here to see it delivered to the hospital, but we know it will be appreciated.
With Whiteheads doing this chore, we were able to stay in Kingston. Elder Schaefermeyer got a hair cut, I dyed by hair, we took a final picture of the Salvation Army project and no day is complete without a trip to the hardware store. We had to go to Ace and purchase the paint and supplies for the YSA Service Project (painting the emergency container at Spanish Town). Not bad for one day.
At the paint store, the lights went out during an afternoon rain/thunderstorm and the paint mixing machine would not start back up. So we left and went back later. I won't go into all the detail on the paperwork side of this transaction, just know that Theron had to sign his name 3-4 times in order to get the paint out of the store. We can't wait to be able to walk into a store, look at all the merchandise, pay for it and walk out without a security check. Enjoy your freedom.
Theron cooked dinner tonight and the Chinese food was delicious. Elder and Sister Smith ate with us and then Theron taught her about PowerPoint. All in all, not a bad way to spend the day. We relaxed a little today.
Just thought we would throw in some pictures of the giddy house at Port Royal. Who knows why, just because you need to know that we did do some fun things.
With Whiteheads doing this chore, we were able to stay in Kingston. Elder Schaefermeyer got a hair cut, I dyed by hair, we took a final picture of the Salvation Army project and no day is complete without a trip to the hardware store. We had to go to Ace and purchase the paint and supplies for the YSA Service Project (painting the emergency container at Spanish Town). Not bad for one day.
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| Remember the container? It will be painted the same color as the building. |
Theron cooked dinner tonight and the Chinese food was delicious. Elder and Sister Smith ate with us and then Theron taught her about PowerPoint. All in all, not a bad way to spend the day. We relaxed a little today.
Just thought we would throw in some pictures of the giddy house at Port Royal. Who knows why, just because you need to know that we did do some fun things.
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| The giddy house at Port Royal, the building literally stayed together and just sunk during an earthquake. |
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| T is standing straight; my he's good! |
The Days of Our Lives - Day 21
Today found us in Old Harbour, about 1 hour west of Kingston. The Church has a small branch here that meets in an upstairs area of a shopping center (the bar is just around the corner). We met with Monica Gardner the welfare specialist and branch president's wife. She works for the Social Development Agency and is really excited about the food initiative. She is wonderful.
After a short meeting, we traveled to Paulette Hamilton's home to look at the location for her chicken coop. We were expecting a site to build a new coop, not so. Her husband had started to build a coop, so we will just help complete it and stock it with chickens. Sister Whitehead had a little trouble crossing the bridge; all you had to do was stay in the middle.
Then it was on to Frank Knight's home. Frank has been a member since May and helped convert his brother. Both of them attended the YSA Conference. Great young man. They also have a "pre-built" Jamaican style chicken coop. We'll give them a little help.
After stopping by the lumber yard, we are all hungry and drive to Angel's for Pizza Hut pizza. Theron has been working long, long hours and driving long, long miles, so we headed home and at 3:00 p.m. got home a little early today. Both of us are pushing to get some things done -- designing a 6-plex chicken coop and writing final reports. But, first a little afternoon nap and some TV time watch the "Big Bang Theory". Another day in our lives.
After a short meeting, we traveled to Paulette Hamilton's home to look at the location for her chicken coop. We were expecting a site to build a new coop, not so. Her husband had started to build a coop, so we will just help complete it and stock it with chickens. Sister Whitehead had a little trouble crossing the bridge; all you had to do was stay in the middle.
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| Monica, Corliss, Me on the bridge to Hamilton's home |
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| Hamilton coop in Old Harbour |
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| One of Knight's coops in Old Harbour |
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Days of Our Lives - Final Day 22
Theron left before 8:00 a.m and returned around 6:00 p.m. Another long day for him. He went immediately this morning to get the new irrigation pipe (a 1.5 hour drive to Mandeville) and the right size drill bit. I wish I had a picture of how wet his shirt and pants were from "sweating" all day. He was drenched. The work is complete and the farmers can irrigate.
I on the other hand was at home, without a phone (yes!) and started cleaning out the spare bedroom closet, putting some things in suitcases and completing the project reports for our 15 open projects. That sounds like a lot of projects, but most of it is just waiting for the financial expenditures to clear the system.
Some of the tasks to complete our open projects include getting members of the Linstead Branch together to spread some gravel in the Ewarton Primary School parking lot for a service project. Writing a check request for the seeds and water system for the St. Elizabeth Co-op greenhouse project. This was the project that we helped them write a grant to get $50,000 US to build a greenhouse. The funding for this project comes from the World Bank. Another project is monitoring where literally thousands of hygiene kits, newborn kits and school kits are given and distributed by us and Food for the Poor. Then there is the tracking of the ship carrying our 500 wheelchairs -- they are on the high seas between Jamaica and China someplace. See, just little things like this that we do on a daily basis and send continuous reports to the Area Welfare Manager.
I did get the washing done today, also. I have been very grateful to have a washer and dryer in the apartment. Most missionaries have to go to a public facility. Glad I didn't have that task to do each week. Yes, this was just another day in the life of humanitarian missionaries.
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| Placing the irrigation lines. |
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| Weeding and winding the pipe around the sorrel plants. |
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| Water at last!! |
Some of the tasks to complete our open projects include getting members of the Linstead Branch together to spread some gravel in the Ewarton Primary School parking lot for a service project. Writing a check request for the seeds and water system for the St. Elizabeth Co-op greenhouse project. This was the project that we helped them write a grant to get $50,000 US to build a greenhouse. The funding for this project comes from the World Bank. Another project is monitoring where literally thousands of hygiene kits, newborn kits and school kits are given and distributed by us and Food for the Poor. Then there is the tracking of the ship carrying our 500 wheelchairs -- they are on the high seas between Jamaica and China someplace. See, just little things like this that we do on a daily basis and send continuous reports to the Area Welfare Manager.
I did get the washing done today, also. I have been very grateful to have a washer and dryer in the apartment. Most missionaries have to go to a public facility. Glad I didn't have that task to do each week. Yes, this was just another day in the life of humanitarian missionaries.
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| Yes, it's going to take 21 days to get things packed. You accumulate stuff in 18 months. |
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