Grandma is on a Mission to Puerto Rico!: Update

Sorry, folks! I hope you haven't been holding your breath waiting for an update! A lot has happened since I last wrote. Our Mission Pres/Wife were released on April 28 and they returned to Alabama where Sister Smartt will be treated for a new diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Then, Elder Cornish of the Area Presidency came to preside over the mission until a new/interim president could be identified and arrive. Elder W. Craig Zwick of the First Quorum of the 70 and Sister Zwick arrived on May 3rd. What a joy and blessing to have close association with them and Elder Cornish. Many of you may remember the April General Conference Talk re: the 18 wheeler on fire and the sister who jumped out with the baby. Yep - Sis. Zwick is that awesome sister! Then there were transfers, missionary visits and, ultimately, an All Mission Conference held in Caguas to re-group and instruct the missionaries. It was a wonderful conference as the missionaries from the islands were flown in as well.

I was able to visit Mom in Florida for Mother's Day - left here 5/9 and returned on the 14th. It was really strange being out of the mission. I felt like I was in limbo and was anxious to return to my assignment. The next 2 days were Orthopedic appointments for a couple of elders, the weekend and here we are. I sat down to update this blog last evening and received a call re: an elder with stomach pain, so visited him about 10pm. Fortunately, they were only about a 15 min drive from my apartment.

The really great news is that I now have screens on all windows. Since mosquito-borne Dengay fever is a risk in this area, screens are a necessity and I had none. My landlord has been great about responding to the requests of the Mission after receiving a letter indicating that the contract would be considered null and void if he didn't comply with the requests. My washer has been repaired as well after a month or so. I had considered moving to a different apt in the complex on the ground floor which was vacated by the Pattersons when they were released, but opted to stay here in a brighter, more pleasant unit. I decided I could climb the 2 flights of stairs for the this apt and not have to go through a move. All apts in this condo complex have the same floor plan. I have one missionary to visit today so far - twisted knee playing soccer last week. One of these days I need to do a good cleaning of the apt. The downside of all of the open windows is the dust/dirt that blows in from the Sahara via the Trade Winds. It is like a fine black powder on everything and a real pain to deal with on the nearly white tile floors throughout the entire space. I vacuum first and then damp mop. That is a small price to pay for the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful island and the cool breezes.

The photos this time are random pictures of an evening with the Senior missionaries before the Pattersons and Petersons went home. Costleys go home in June which will just leave Sister Allred and me as the oldies. We went to the Crepe Maker for dinner, then the men decided they needed ice cream as well....so we caravanned (4 Chevy Cruzes) to Baskin Robbins. Word is that 3 new senior couples will be arriving within the next month. They are greatly needed! Our new permanent Mission President will arrive July 1 for a 3 year mission. Sending my love to all ya'll!!!