April 18,2010

Is spring there yet? We think of you often and last night as it
rained through the night we thought of spring showers at home and
wondered if the daffodils are on their way and if the fruit trees are
blossoming. Everything is green here again so we have made it through
the dry season. We love to listen to the talks recently given in
General Conference and are so grateful for the time we live. It is
wonderful to be able to send messages instantly and to be in touch
with what is happening at home and Church headquarters. We feel
somewhat isolated at times and then feel very humble to live when such
technology is available to us. Knowing that all the world will know
and see the Savior's second coming is more understandable at this time
than just a few decades ago. Thanks to all who keep us in your circle
and let us know of your goings and comings.

This week has been very full in so many different aspects. We have
celebrated two Elders birthdays and survived another transfer. We
received three new Elders and bid farewell to three who have found a
forever spot in our lives. We taught our first Temple class in the
Kingstown branch on Tuesday night. There is a possibility of 8 to 10
people going to the temple for their own endowment and sealings
mid-July. The air fare from here to the Dominican Republic, which is
the nearest temple, is about $750US each and many of these people work
for $1US to $3US dollars per hour. Because of the financial
sacrifice, many have had to wait for many years for this blessing in
their lives. We had a sad event mid-week, our beloved Seminary and
Institute teacher and coordinator had a miscarriage. We were very
hopeful that she would, by some miracle, be able to have this little
one born to them. We have no doubt that the Lord's will was done and
even though we don't know the end from the beginning, we know that
Sister Adams is very much loved by our Father in Heaven. Saturday was
a very full day. We had the baptism of five in the Calliaqua branch.
The McDowald family were baptized as well Kanecia, Jennifer, who was
baptized a month ago granddaughter. It was a great day!!! The
McDowald family is exceptional, Kashore and Nadine were married about
a month ago and Kashawna, 10 and Reon, 8 are very bright and are fun
to teach as they soak up everything about the gospel. Kanecia is very
bright also and reads the Book of Mormon to her grandmother. We
wondered if they would make it to Church today to be confirmed because
of the intensity of the rain during the night and early morning today,
Sunday. They all needed to find transportation, which is difficult on
a normal Sunday and even more so today. They all made it! If you
want it bad enough and have faith, all things are possible. After the
baptisms on Saturday, we had Literacy class. This is becoming an
exceptionally rewarding experience. To see eyes light up as they are
able to read not only words but sentences and then write what those
sentences mean to them. Bro. Samuel, "Tall Boy"- street name, wrote
this sentence with a little help with one word. "With Jesus Christ, I
can do anything." He ended class with such gratitude for being able
to progress. After Literacy class, we had Seminary. We started the
class and then Sis. James came late and gave a very well prepared
lesson. The Spirit was there and the doctrine of obedience is
liberating and sin brings bondage was well taught and received. After
Seminary, we had a Fireside which was presented by the missionaries.
The Elders did a great job of presenting the program of members
studying from Preach My Gospel and assisting the missionaries teach
their friends. The goal is to prepare members to be prepared to share
the gospel as missionaries do. We came home and collapsed. What a
great day!!! Today, we were guided to attend the branch that needed
us most. We helped counsel the branch president in Kingstown who to
call as another Seminary teacher. We were tempted to attend
Calliaqua's meetings because of the confirmations that were scheduled
for their Sacrament meeting. It was evident that we had been guided
to be where we were needed the most.

We are so grateful to be a part of the work here. We love the people
and it is so rewarding to watch them progress as they work hard and
strive to keep the commandments and make the gospel a part of
everything they do. May we all strive to live the Gospel more fully
everyday. The Book of Mormon is the key! It is the "Iron rod", hold
tight! "Live to have no regrets." Richard G. Scott

Much love,
Elder and Sister Wheeler