A good time was had by all . . . .

. . . . . whether it was at the local market or ...... . . . overlooking the Atlantic or ......

. . . . taking a nap in the shade by the sea or .....

. . . . getting wet feet and pants or ......

. . . visiting our Lamanite brothers and . . .

. . . their children in Carib Territory or . . .

. . . . posing on a mountainside above Castle Bruce or ......

. . . . getting dizzy on winding moutains roads or ......

. . . . being awestruck by a passing schooner far below or .....

. . . . imagining life inside a weathered wooden house held up by posts and braced so it won't fall down or ......

inside a bright green house or ......

. . . . being amazed at rocks growing fungus or .....

. . . . visiting a remote art gallery set within a garden full of cinnamon and bay trees or .....

. . . . watching cruise-ship tourists float a river or .....

. . . . eating Roti outside Melville Hall Airport. It really didn't matter because we were together!

What we DID find the day we DIDN'T find Edwin

We found the water warm, . . .. . . . . . the people warm . . .

...... their houses warm, .......

and the view from above worth all the warmth!

Because we didn't send Christmas cards, we hope you'll find these flowers that look like spiral Christmas trees ......

.......... to be a suitable substitute!

Very Happy Man

.......................................................................................... Almost! Friday at Acme Garage Karam Limited in downtown Roseau the Church's new Ford Ranger was waiting for it's new owner. This is where the Santa Fe will reside until someone can afford to buy it.Peter Karam handed the keys to Elder Hadlock after having cautioned him about the width of the truck's side mirrors. The truck is now home, 42 Steber Street, Pottersville, where only yesterday the gutters were cleared of vegetation by a man with a machette. All vehicles should have a name. What do you think this one should be?

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Faith came early Wednesday morning. Together we made a pizza for her to take to her school party. She loves the COOL Christmas tree!You may think it's only a Charlie Brown tree but "WOW" was Terry's comment after he touched the ornaments and blew gold glitter from his fingers.

Two old missionaries had to 'stoop pretty low' in order for Peter to take their picture by the tree without cutting off their heads. This is most likely the first picture he's ever taken.

But he is abundantly happy to send his Christmas greetings along with ours!

Hardworking Marcus

With chorline powder, laundry detergent, a scrubbing broom and lots of muscle power Marcus scoured the black mildew from the backyard and downstairs concrete . . . .. . . so it will be nice for a little Christmas lunch following Sacrament Meeting. Marcus plans to cut his hair and shave for Christmas.

Elder & Sister Hymas

We were busy from sun-up to WELL after sun-down from the time Elder & Sister Hymas hit the turf in Dominica early Tuesday morning until they departed early Friday morning.We found ourselves with a few hours on our hands while Elder Hymas conducted interviews in Portsmouth Thursday afternoon and evening but found joy in the setting sun . . .

. . . . passing ships . . .

. . . . footprints in the sand . . .

. . . the Walpo Family from Colorado who are living in Portsmouth while Brother Walpo attends Ross University . . .

. . . Jemulla, Victor and Jemuna Francois (Thursday was Jemuna's 8th birthday!) . . . .

. . . Cornelia and the unhappy 13-year-old Jemulyn.

Then we concluded that very long day with our scooter-ridin'-preacher, President Cook, at the top of a narrow road outside the house of his soon-to-be Elder's Quorum counselor.

Early Friday morning Elder & Sister Hymas left Dominica to fly to Saint Kitts only to repeat the whole process with the next senior couple . . . .

. . . with a little help from his friend!

Very special visitors

Between the time Elder & Sister Vinas and President & Sister Alvarado arrived in Dominica Saturday, 4 December 2010, they had a light supper in the kitchen of the Portsmouth building. . . . . (As his wife and children have returned to the states, President Cook was happy for the fried chicken, Dominican macaroni and cheese and fresh Cole slaw supper provided by Sister Walther and Sister Cooper!) . . . . presented a fireside, conducted interviews, spoke in two Sacrament Meetings. . . . .

. . . and ate a sack lunch. Then, as quickly as they came . . . .

. . . . they boarded another plane, less than 24 hours later, to hurry back to San Juan for still another meeting and the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

Denis and Guerlina Dessanon's Wedding

The day before the wedding, the 'tux' hangs on one of four walls that will be the only private place Denis and Guerlina will call home. Friday morning the happy groom, finally dressed and ready . . . . .

. . . . after Elder Hadlock was successful in getting him to answer the door . . .

. . . and had selected his tie and buttoned (and unbuttoned) his four-sizes too large shirt . . .

. . a frightened bride and groom sat waiting in the library for the ceremony to begin.

By the time rings were exchanged both bride and groom were smiling.

After Denis and Guerlina were pronounced "man and wife" they gathered with a small group of friends for a photo in front of the building where they were married Friday, 10 December 2010.

Then they rode happily in the backseat of the Santa Fe ' wedding limousine'
. . . to 42B Steber Street where a little party was held in their honor. Kimberly was among the happiest of the guests.

The groom has a dream to be married here some day! Before that day the bride must understand the restored gospel and become a baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.