Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Travel etc

On Monday the 15th we went into Kingston and worked in the office until closing time then went to the mission home for a Sr couple family home evening. Elder/Sister Flake had served their last mission in Nauvoo so they shared some slides and experiences that we enjoyed.  It was the last Monday for Elder and Sister Cheesman as they were returning home on Thursday so it was very nice to be with everyone prior to their departure. On Thursday we traveled to Savannah La Mar and visited classes and Fran gave the inservice lesson.  Then on to Negril for 2 nights as we were visiting Brother Baileys institute class on Friday night.  Also on Friday we stayed after class as the Elders were hosting a Friday night activity.  They had prepared well and we had a very nice time but our hearts were heavy as there were only 3 members in attendance.  They are really struggling in the branch and the President Henry the branch president asked if we could come once per month and spend a day trying to reactivate the members. Unfortunately that is not part of our assignment and we do not have time to accept an assignment like that.  I suggested he contact the mission president and ask for a Sr Couple to be assigned. For you Sr couples reading this there are hundreds of branches in the church that need a Sr couple for strength and shadow leadership.  It is hard economically for many members to even come to church on Sunday let alone a Friday night activity.  It is hard to generate enthusiasm or create any excitement without support and attendance.

On our trips to and from Sav and Negril we have always been interested in a sign along the highway for "Brick Oven Pizza"  Those of you who know me would know that I would like to stop and see how their pizza is.  Well Fran and I planned ahead to stop on the way home.  We got off the road and drove about a mile but did not see any business of any kind.  There was a young girl about 12 or 13 walking along the road so we stopped and asked her where the pizza parlor was but she did not know about any pizza parlor there but was quick to request some money for a soda and biscuit and when I told her I did not have money for a buscuit she said will do you have fifty dollars then I could have (that is about 65 cents US) and I told her I did not have any change.  (this is typical for many many Jamaicans to ask for money - even at church) Many of them think all Americans are rich and they are not bashful about asking.  We continued and came to a Guest House but there were no signs so we returned to the highway and got the phone number and called for directions.  Well the directions actually returned us to the guest house but still there was no sign for pizza or eats of any kine.  I got out and went to the registration desk and asked where the pizza parlor was.  She said under the thatch.  Now  I will post some pictures and then continue with the experience.






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Well as you can see under the thatch there was 3 picnic tables a plain counter and an brick oven at the end.  The setting is wonderful as it sits right on the Carribbean.  We then told the registration clerk that we wanted to have a pizza.  She said OK I will go get the pizza man.  We waited and waited (typical in Jamaica) and discussed whether we should  wait or leave but decided to stick it out so we would know.  Finally a gentleman appears carrying the above pcinic cooler with all three sizes of pizza rounds on the top. He started back into the guest house and I said can we get some drinks?  He turned around and said "Oh you want some drinks?" Then he returned with another arm load of condiments and I asked if he had a menu to which he once again disappeared into the guest house and finally returned with one copy of a menu. Picture enclosed.


We ordered our pizza and Fran ordered shrimp to which he stated I will have to cook some so he disappeared into the guest house again and in about ten minutes reappeared with the cooked shrimp. He then proceeded to prepare our pizza and cook it in the brick oven.







This was our view while we dined and the Pizza turned out quite good and we were glad we stuck it out. 


Neighborhood update: while walking one morning this past week I was early enough to meet Dawn and Audry the ladies I gave the Book of Mormon.  I asked it they were still reading and they both said yes then Audrey said "It's just like the Bible and when you read it it really gets you going" as she was swinging her arm up.  I told them again wat it was and she said " In my  Sunday school I have asked and answered alot of questions and people will say where did you get that from" and she said she answers "Talk to Elder Andersen".  Also met Elder Higgin the pentecostal minister and we are still trying to get he and his wife to come to our home for a visit.  They are both reading the Book of Mormon and she is recuperating from major surgery so it may be a while yet.

For those of you in the COLD country rest assured we are still having our meals outside with a temperature in the low 80"s.   Today we are going into Kingston to work in the office then tomorrow all the Sr couples are meeting at the mission home for our traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.   Jack & Fran

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