A Missionary forever

Good morning!

Yeah, I think something is happening this week around Thursday... true I can't put my finger on it. OH WAIT! Yes I can. I get to see you! That's going to be a very long day of flying... worth it I'd say though.

A's baptism was fantastic. We had it up at the Hopeton chapel. She wasn't feeling good at church so we gave her a blessing and when she came for the baptism there was no sign of illness - happy and jumpy as always! President Durrant did the baptism. Her foot came up the first time so he had a second go round at it and she went all the way under. It was definitely a little surreal taking baptism pictures. I would say that it's the last time I'll be taking baptism pictures but the whole baptism I had the distinct impression that if this is my last baptism of my life, I've completely missed the point of my mission. ALWAYS A MISSIONARY. That's something I'm really excited for - to be that member in the ward that missionaries can go to for whatever. Food, a ride, go teaching with, referrals, whatever they need. Honestly that's what it should be for everyone. We covenant to give all we have to the Lord, time, talents, any means necessary to build the kingdom. Missionaries are direct representatives of Christ - if a missionary asks you to do something, it's as if Christ were asking you directly. Whoa, got of on a tangent there. But yes, A's baptism was terrific. We took lots of pictures and lots of pictures with the members in Santa Cruz. Plenty pictures today!

To answer your questions - I think I miss crepes the most. Snacks? Oh boy... your trail mix for sure! Wow, that stuff is nice!

I feel good. All the gatherings and get- togethers and appointments and everything, those are alright. I think I'm underestimating the overwhelmed-ness that's going to take place. Just like I underestimated it going into the MTC, coming to Jamaica, going to Nassau, etc. I'm Captain Underestimate, which is ok I guess. I feel I handle being overwhelmed much better than I used to - serving as a zone leader has helped with that. Transfers are always a gong show haha Speaking of which, this week is also going to be a gong show. We have FIFTEEN new missionaries coming in! YA! And all their trainers come in a day early for a training meeting. So basically Tuesday at 2PM, the craziness of driving, meetings, transfers, etc has begun. Tonight is my last night in Santa Cruz - we're staying with the AP's and Kingston Zone Leaders Tuesday and Wednesday night. Plenty of time with Elder Hitchcock and Elder Worley before we depart and rendezvous in a month!

I'd spend time talking about costs of laser treatments and stuff, but I can talk about all of that when I see you! That's crazy to think....

Well Mom I love you! You and the families prayers have carried me through much more than I think you will ever know. I look forward to going to the temple with you Friday and with Haley next week and seeing you late Thursday night!! See you then! I love you! 

New Mission President & Last baptism

Hey!

What a great weekend! When I saw the pics of the zip lining trip. I leaned over to Elder Adamson and said, "Is your family doing a bunch of fun stuff while you're gone too?" haha What a blast! Mac wears that harness nicely.

President and Sister Brown are amazing. Yes, both native Jamaican. We had Missionary Leadership Council on Thursday, which is where President Brown instructs us on what needs to happen in the mission- whoah, it was one of the best meetings I've ever been a part of. He's such a powerful teacher and all the adjustments to the Jamaica Kingston Mission he is making are inspired. He is focused so much on training new missionaries and helping others reach their potential, it is brilliant. Once again, Elder Adamson and I are left to try and convey such a powerful message to the zone and we are a little bit beside ourselves at where to start. Thank heaven for the Spirit, eh?

We also had two trade off's this week, one I went to Sav and another Elder Worley came to Santa Cruz. Going to Sav was cool, the missionaries there are well. I got to say goodbye to all the people I wanted to, minus Sis. J (we are headed to Sav Thursday so I'll say goodbye then). I realize that I have to have an international calling plan for my phone. It's been so long since I've had a phone to call internationally, I don't remember how all that works. I guess I'll have to get up to date with calling out of country more than 2 times a year. Elder Worley's trade off with me was great, as expected. I cannot express enough thanks to Heavenly Father for giving me companions like that. Elder Hitchcock and I were reminiscing on the MTC days - it was he and me right from the beginning! Our two year mark was Saturday so that was fun to look back on.

The deck looks so great! As does the house, I seriously don't know if I'm ready for culture shock all over again. I remember going through it when I first got to Jamaica, then again to the Bahamas, then again when I came back to Jamaica, now it's going to be hard core culture shock. That's awesome the garden is growing! I hope you have a big bag of spinich ready and waiting at the house- we've been hitting steamed callaloo (Jamaican spinich) mixed with a can of tuna with some garlic and eating with with crackers- so good! And good for you!

This week is A's baptism. She is ready! Her Book of Mormon reading is great, Friday she was in Chapter 8 of 1st Nephi and now she's in Chapter 14. There is a noticeable difference between those who are willing to accept the gospel and those who are not. She's being baptized just in time too - the Area Presidency is organizing a temple trip/EFY in the Dominican Republic and she will get to go! That's going to be so fun for her. When she found out there wasn't going to be snow she was a little disappointed, but still excited haha

This week is going to be great. We're headed to Negril tonight to do a trade off with the Elders there, Tuesday night we have a sweet lesson with a young man that is a friend of a member, Thursday have Zone Meeting, Friday is A's interview and then her baptism is Saturday morning at nine along with transfer calls... I know I'm being transferred, just not sure who my next companion is! ;) I love you!

Elder Romney