May 5th, 2024
Hello From Saint Maarten!What a Glorious Week it has been!
Can't Wait to put this Picture in First!
Miracles happened as we Prepared to go to the Santo Domingo Temple!
Sister Joesphs residency came through... All aboard!
Continual Miracles this week and throughout the whole Temple trip..
Before we went we were pleased to meet Sister Salmon's Mom and visit the Beautiful Saloman home with a Gorgeous view of the Ocean!
Then an Awesome Barbecue at the Joesph's to say farewell to the Hirsche Family as they head back home after 2 years in Medical School.
Our Branch President put all seven Patriarchal Blessing Recommends into the Computer, we are packed and ready to go!
Missionary Sunday Dinner still happened and training to take over too!
And we are packed, excited, and ready to go!
We Landed in Santo Domingo..
Our Transportation Vehicles picked us up and off we went to Temple Housing.
The Temple is closed on Mondays. We were able to get settled into our apartments and make a trip to the grocery store. But of Course we all wanted a view of the Beautiful Santo Domingo Temple.
we had set up captains. our Male youth were our Security Officers . they took their job very seriously. They made sure one of them always walked in front of the Group and one at the back. They helped with wheelchairs, carrying groceries, and keeping us slow enough to wait for all the group, They were Amazing. Everyone had Job. We were blessed to have a Spanish interpreter, a Food Chair, a Money Chair, a nurse, and entertainment chair, and assistants for all.
There was an Amazing Park right next to the Temple with the Best Walking Paths. We were able to rise early every Morning for a Great Walk.
The First Morning we walked over with those that were going to the Temple for the First time. The Church was Wonderful and so supportive. They covered their transportation, meals, housing, needed clothing, and any help needed. The New patrons were so grateful and delighted to be here,
Some cried as we entered the Temple. All three cried when we entered the Celestial Room. It was the most
Glorious experience for all of us. Sister Richardson had waited 34 years to come to the Temple, She will soon be 80.
Our whole group of 12 joined us at the temple and the Temple Work began..
Every Person had a story and a strong desire to be at the Temple. Eagerly we spent the majority of each day in this Beautiful Temple. The Temple Workers served us well and helped us to accomplish all that we could ,
The Youth Loved doing Baptisms. They came faithfully several times each of the five days, They were able to do 500 family names. They asked of they could do more. The Temple provided
work that also needed completion. The temple workers were so kind and helpful.
Many ordinances were completed by everyone as we spent most of our days in the Temple. Many Family members were able to receive ordinances and special blessings of sealing families together for eternity. Many ordinances were done for those who came with the group to the Temple. We witnessed tears of joy as eternal blessings were received. Three of our group were sealed to their parents . A couple were sealed. 60 sealing ordinances were performed.
Our hearts were full as we felt the peace and the joy of the Temple. It really is the Closest place on earth to Heaven. Beautiful Pictures of our Saviour Jesus Christ hung throughout The House of the Lord.
We Loved that Temple Housing was below the Church office Buildings.We were able to meet the Bullough's who are serving a mission as Area Directors for The Caribbean. They have been so helpful as we have put this trip together.
We enjoyed meals together in a central kitchen.
Our Entertainment Chair set up a three hour city Tour for us.
Then Back to the Temple..
Elder Vermeeren made us all popcorn one night..
We enjoyed a Special Testimony Meeting Devotional on Our Last Night. We Love Our St. Maarten Family!
The week went by so quickly! In no time we were back at the Airport heading back to St.Maarten. Our two of our sisters were in the wheelchair line up...
Elder Vermeeren and I came through in the Handicap line with our Sweet Sisters. We were welcomed back into St. Maarten for the Final three weeks of our Mission.We were able to get everyone home happy and safe. The week was full of Wonderful experiences. The Love and kindness we felt from our Heavenly Father and the closeness we felt to each other made this an exceptional trip. Everyone is anxious to remember these precious moments and to feel the spirit of the Temple forever. We couldn't be happier. this morning in church we shared our feelings and expressed Love and gratitude for the Blessing we had of attending the House of The Lord.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is True! He Lives!
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