July 30th, 2017

Dear Family and Friends,

Transfers just wrapped up and we have had almost one minute to catch our breath. We have humbly been reminded lately, how many blessings are ours because of the gospel. We are rich in so many ways, but have learned some very important lessons about humility and priorities in life. I am sure that we have mentioned Sister Antoinette Cupid before. She is a valiant woman from Tobago with a heart as big as the island she lives on. She owns a parcel of land by the river and built her own home in the quiet jungle. She has no electricity or running water and is the happiest most grateful woman  we've ever met. She looks like Aunt Jemima and is just as sweet. You may remember that she is the sister who has a small roadside fishing business. She hires young fisherman to catch the fish, then pays them for their work and sells fresh fish by the beach. About a month ago, someone stole the engine to her fishing boat and she was temporarily out of business. She said, "They must have been desperate and needed the engine more than I did!" When we were in Tobago last, we went with the elders to teach her a lesson. After driving on a rough, rut-filled road, we got out of the car and hiked down a steep hill passing dogs, chickens, cats and goats. When we arrived, she greeted us and we asked her to share her conversion story with us. 

She first learned about the gospel from her sister, who had migrated to the US and joined the church. When Sister Cupid found the church in Tobago, she was interested in getting a copy of the Book of Mormon. The missionaries gave her a book and she read everyday until the sun went down and then began reading again at sunrise. Her baptism was 3 weeks later, in the river she dammed up herself, by her home. She has now been a member for 12 years and has been serving as the Relief Society President for the past 5 years. 

She shared that she wants to go on a senior sister mission. In particular, she would like to serve an English speaking temple mission. She has been clearing the jungle hillside outside of her home with a machete, in order to plant staggered crops of corn. Her plan is to have a roadside corn stand and save the money she makes to fund her temple mission. 

The Sister Cupid's of this world are the "meek that will inherit the earth." We are grateful for her example and faith and pray that we may always remember what she has taught us about life. 

We love you and pray that you are finding joy in your journey!

Love,

Trini and Dad