August 28th, 2017

Dear Family and Friends,

We thought you might like to see what our morning walk looks like when we visit the most rural part of our mission. Berbice, Guyana is a country district located about 2 hours outside of the capital of Georgetown. It has its own special and unique charm and I think you will see what we mean by the pictures that accompany this email. When we are in Berbice, we stay with our senior couple, the Peterson's, in their home, the Palmyra Palace. Every morning at 6 they take a neighborhood walk which borders a swampy grass savannah. This is a National Geographic walk for us every time. You never know what you may find and that makes every walk a surprise waiting to happen. 

Our walk begins on faulty asphalt that quickly becomes a dirt path. The homes are very humble and may appear to be deserted, even though they are over occupied by families and animals. The pigs and piglets are usually in the mud but today one as big as a car was out to get some sun. The Peterson's know many of their neighbors by name and enjoy greeting them and their animals every morning. They drop off treats to the elderly, buy bananas, pineapples and soursop from their neighbor who sells produce and share scraps of food with the malnourished dogs that follow them home.

Screech the monkey was out enjoying the morning sun with his owner and smiled for the camera. Dad was able to get some priceless photos of the children. They are beautiful, kind and happy. One little girl is ready to begin her modeling career as you can see in the picture "Water Girl."

On the way back we met up with the missionaries who were out for their morning exercise. Of course, our walk would not be complete without taking a picture of my favorite lilies growing in the trenches. We hope you enjoyed your walk through Berbice as much as we do. 

"All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small.

 All things wise and wonderful the Lord God made them all."

Love, Trini and Dad

One of the best reasons to visit this area of the mission is to be with missionaries and attend the baptisms of new members. Last weekend when we were there for Zone Conference, we were also able to attend 3 baptisms; Mike,

Bibi and her daughter Aiyeesha.

We met at the home of the branch president, President Narine. He is a sugar cane worker and his wife goes to market every week with their crop of shallots (green onions) to sell. Once everyone arrived, we held opening exercises under a tarp covered patio and then walked to the river for the baptism. Along the way we passed a garbage filled cemetery and then the path led to a beautiful and secluded spot for the baptisms. Aiyeesha went first and carefully entered from the river bank assisted by Brother Mohanlall who was performing the ordinance. After she was baptized her mother, Bibi, was baptized by Elder Straddeck. She is a tiny little woman with a spunky little personality. Bibi happened to be wearing a cute wig that floated to the top of the water as she was baptized. When she came out of the water, she smiled, grabbed her wig and in one swift motion was ready to go again. President Narine baptized Mike who was a little unsteady on his feet and somewhat frightened. He lovingly performed the baptism and then hugged and kissed his head when he came up out of the water.

There is no way to adequately describe the spirit that accompanies these events. It is the poorest and most humble of circumstances and reminds me of the Sermon on the Mount when the Savior said:

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

Love, Trini and Dad