Sunday we attended the tiny branch here on the island for church.  It was one of the neatest experiences of my life.  People who’ve been on a mission in other countries, especially developing countries know what it’s like to attend a meeting like this, but for me it was a first and I loved every second.
First, a picture of what the building looked like. 

We walked in and were greeted by a wonderful local man who barely spoke English, but had a welcoming gentle smile as he shook our hands.  Then we sat down in the little chapel that was no bigger than a typical stake center multi-purpose room.  The prelude music came from a keyboard playing hymns on auto play.  The hymn numbers were listed on a standard issue board, but they had two hymn numbers per song.  One for the English hymnal and one for the French.  Sunlight streamed in through arched windows with bars on them and ceiling fans spun above our heads to keep out the oppressive heat.  The opening hymn was sung in many languages, haltingly played by a woman doing her very best and a congregation trying to do theirs.  It was the slowest I’ve ever heard or sung the hymns, but it was Wonderful.  It was wonderful to see these people on a little island in the ocean faithfully doing their best to sing hymns to our Heavenly Father.  It was priceless.  I looked around the room at such different people than I’m used to seeing in a church meeting.  Such varying colors of skin and tongue.  And I was overwhelmed by the truthfulness of the gospel.  I’m so grateful to be a member of this church.  To be able to go anywhere in the world and gather with fellow saints and to hear their testimonies of the savior and his power to change and heal and to know it is the same as mine.  And I’m so grateful for faithful missionaries who willingly come to the ends of the earth to find these people and teach them the truth.  Another great experience I’ll never forget!

When we came home, we found this little guy above our door!

He scurried down the wall, between my feet and out the door, but not before we caught a picture of him. He was no bigger than 2 inches!

Sunday night we went to Anacaona, another romantic restaurant on the beach.  This time we got to watch the sunset and it was beautiful!  I’ve never seen the sun set into the ocean before.  It was a bright orange fiery ball all the way down!


Studly Rock

There was live saxophone music and the food was the best we’ve had yet. It was a perfect ending to our perfect trip!

One last picture before we left the island.

And when we got home tonight, these four cute kids were waiting for us! 

They are holding the gifts we brought them.  Hanging Howler monkeys that… howl. 

After we got home, Levi, Rock and I were sitting at the table and I gave Levi a hug and kiss again and told him how much I missed him.  I asked if he missed me.  He said, “Yes.” and then waved his hand nonchalantly over towards Rock and said, “I missed him too.”