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.