The first stake in the West Indies was created in Trinidad on Sunday, March 1, 2009. We were privileged to be in Trinidad at this historical time. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Presidents of the Seventy came to organize the stake. He gave some very powerful instructions to the saints in Trinidad so as to keep the fire of the gospel lit in their hearts.
On our way to Zone Meeting one morning, the Elders spotted an iguana trapped behind the gate. They caught it and asked me if I would curry it for them to eat. I said absolutely not. Anything with such a beautiful, flourescent green color didn't deserve to die. Then I asked a few of the ladies in the branch if they ever curried iguana. They said they had and that it tasted real good. Pictured is Elder Endemann with Elder Leishman. In case any of you have noticed, Elder Endemann has been with us since we came into the mission field. Many elders have come and gone in the 5 months we've been here, but Elder Endemann has been with us through good times and bad. We will miss him when we move to Tobago.
Elder Thomas and Elder Anderson just after the stake was created at the first stake conference in Trinidad. Elder Thomas and Elder Endemann are in their 2nd transfer as companions serving in East Chaguanas.
Our latest baptism was Doolarie Jaikaran from Caparo. She was baptized by Elder Endemann on March 7th and confirmed by Elder Thomas on the 8th. It was only E. Thomas' 2nd confirmation but he did such a beautiful job.
Elder Cody Stratton from St. George, Utah is one of our new elders. He was transferred to Couva last transfer. We have enjoyed having him at our house on Sunday for dinner and going on teaching visits with him and his companion. In the picture with Elder Stratton is President Claude R. Gamiette who will take over as president of the West Indies Mission in July. He is from the island of Guadeloupe.
This is Elder Stratton with his new companion since last transfer, Feb. 18th, Elder Damm. Elder Damm in not in his proselyting clothes because this was taken at Carnival time when the Elders were told to stay inside for 48 hours until the national holiday was over. Our six elders came to our house for two days where they played games, studied, and I fed them.
Also at the last transfer Elder Kippens from Guyana joined Elder Payne to serve in West Chaguanas. Elder Kippens is a big guy which makes fitting 4 elder in the back of a Toyota Corolla a much tighter squeeze than before. The two smaller elders, Payne and Thomas, get crushed between Elders Kippens and Endemann and usually get out of the car after a long drive to Zone Conference or Zone Meeting being unable to walk because at least one foot is asleep.
