Training in Trinidad, + stake conference

This has been an interesting week. Sister Hendricks was sure that by the end of it she would know nothing about our area, because we had two trade-offs this week and she went to other areas. First we traded off with the Arima sisters, because they spent a lot of time in our area last transfer; Sister Feltis was going to show me where a few people lived. She ended up only showing me one person, but that person was a member referral, so hopefully it was time well-spent :) Then, we traded off with our Sister Training Leader, Sister Hyde, and her companion, Sister Graziano. My companion went to Chaguanas with the STL, and Sister Graziano stayed the night and day with me. Apparently she loves weapons and wrestling.

The fun does not stop there, though. Being trained by the leadership happens a lot more in Trinidad because we actually have leadership here to train us. So, on Tuesday, the assistants to the president asked if they could shadow us for the evening. We didn't end up doing much because someone hit our car while it was parked. We spent an hour-and-a-half filling out the accident report. But, we got the number for the guy who bounced us, and his mom's and their neighbors! So, I guess the Lord works in mysterious ways.

We also had President and Sister Mehr visit a less-active with us last night. That was super intimidating. President Mehr started talking about foreordination and the pre-mortal life and stuff like that, and then he asked us if we had any comments. Sister Hendricks went for it and gave a really good thought about Helaman's army, but I basically just sat there the whole time. It's hard to talk when the mission president is sitting right there and you REALLY don't want to look stupid. I guess I probably looked stupid anyway.

Yesterday was kind of stake conference. We received a broadcast from Salt Lake City that was for the whole Caribbean area. Elder Wilford W. Andersen, Sister Bonnie Oscarson, Elder Holland, and President Packer spoke to us. I really liked Elder Andersen's talk; he spoke in Spanish, which was interesting. I think he must have served in the Dominican Republic or something because he said that his heart would always be in the Caribbean. He drew from 1 Nephi 5:4-5, where Lehi says that he knows the Lord is directing them in the wilderness, and when he says, "I have obtained a land of promise," even though he hasn't actually reached the promised land yet. He spoke about making promised futures into present realities by keeping covenants. Elder Andersen said that receiving a land of promise in this life was not about being assured that the Lord would keep His promises, but about us having the realization that we are keeping ours. That part really hit me. After all, "Your calling gives you authority, keeping your covenants gives you power" (Preach My Gospel). Sister Oscarson spoke to the youth about their present and future families; Elder Holland about standing in holy places; President Packer about the family. They were good talks too, but Elder Andersen's, man, that hit the spot.

Scripture of the week: Hebrews 8:10-13.

It's been a weird but good week. I love you all and hope this next week goes well for you.

Love, Sister Aida Tibbitts