Sunday in Jamaica

We arrived in Kingston on Thrusday night at 9 pm. (2 hrs late - which seems to be standard for A Airlines)
 The Schaefermeyers picked us up and we spent the night with them in Kingston.  Friday morning we went to tthe mission office and had a nice reunion with the President Hendricks, Kevin Brown,  the Chessmans and met the new office couple Elder and Sister Daniels from Mesa, Az.  Picked up our trusty Mitsuibishi Lancer and after lunch with Brother Brown journeyed to our apartment in Mandeville.  Upon entering our apartment a few things were different.  Our landlady had left her husband while we were gone and apparently needed some of "her" furnishing", which left us without one bed in the guest room, the iron, the microwave, disconnected cable tv along with our dresser from the master bedroom. Needless to say it took a few telephone calls and alot of interenal pressure to aleviate to resolve the issues.  We were able to get a dressser from the apartment next door but were advised that the "fully furnished apartments in Jamaica do not include a microwave and iron." I guess we just lucked out to have had one included for the past 6 months. Seems like it is ok to change the rules as you go for individual convenience.  We did determine that we would just buy a new microwave and iron which we have done and have been promised that the  bed will be replaced (lucky for those of you who are planning to visit and stay with us).  Now on to the Sabbath.  Today was wonderful being back in the branch with the Jamaican saints. We were greeted warmly and asked to come to the pulpit during Sacrament meeting and give a report of our health status.  Few in number but great in spirit and devotion. We are back to the famailiar windows open, fans whirring, dogs barking, and the energetic soloist and band at the church down the street sharing their spiritual happiness loud and clear with all within a half mile range. We were home again. We have it so easy in SLC and here many brothers and sisters cannot come to meeting simply because they cannot afford the $1.00 cab fare to attend.
While we were away tropical storm Nicole came through Jamaica and while we are up in the mountains just outside Mandeville we did not have damage, we were advised that the power was off for a couple of days so we had to discard all the frozen food we had left in the freezer.  Sister Andersen received some additonal responsibilities that are part of the PEF activities and so we are looking forward to contributing jointly with  another area of the PEF as we go forward.
To all at home - we had a wonderful time while there with you and have been blessed with adequate health and strength to return.  Since I did have some continuing abdominal discomfort and not having an assigned home teacher in the ward, I  called President Bekker and asked if he and his son William could admininster to me before my return.  He graciously agreed and asked if it would be alright if he brought somone else if they were available.  On Tuesday evening at 7 pm President Bekker and Elder Richard G. Scott arrived at our home and I was administered to by these wonderful brothers.  President Bekker anointed with oil that had been consecrated in Jerusalem and Elder Scott gave me a wonderful priesthood blessing that has allowed us to return with full confidence to complete our misison.  It was an honor for us to have had this experience and blessing in our home. We are looking forward to making an energetic contribution here. Jack.