We had a scare today!

Hi! 

    Today the cleaning lady Ramona came into the office, all upset, and grabbed the head AP--Elder Luzon from Real Madrid, and they went to the back room to talk.  They came back and went outside, talked to others then back into the office and talked to the office elders--Elder Batista and Elder Bryner. 

     Elder Bryner explained in English that the serano (house guard from across the street from the office saw some men in a car waiting to rob Dad and I last night.  The AP's called the mission president and Elder Bryner said we'll have the car each night. 

     They then said President Rodriguez was coming to the office to talk to us.  He came, warned us about checking out the street before we leave, and when we come.  Gave us the number of the police, and said we won't walk to work again, and we will only park within the gate.  He said whether you have anything they want--any money or not, they will kill you.  They won't take what you have and leave; you will be dead. 

     So, good old Ramona saved the day.  The Elders will be there with the car each night, or drop us off if they need it.  And the Lord protected us! 

     What if the serano hadn't seen Ramona when she came today, what if she hadn't thought it was important to warn us or care enough to warn us?  What if the Elders and the Mission President just warned us to be careful, never walk at the same time, and leave our rings at home, etc.  Thanks for your prayers.  We love you!!

Love,

Mom & Dad 

    

Email to Connie Pulley

Hi Connie!, I mean Sister Barlow!  Congratulations!  What awesome people you are!!  It is so exciting--Bro. and Sis. Barlow!!

     We are doing fine.  We enjoy our work in the office!  We reconciled the bank with the mission President today.  Yesterday we met as an office staff with he and his wife and the 6 elders.  (You should hear them all sing the hymns!--such volume and enthusiasm!)

     Last night was FHE with the senior couples.  Three new couples just came--one the new MTC president and his wife.  Before Family Home evening, they have a Spanish class for seniors, then we assist in the MTC as an inactive couple and two sister missionaries come teach us each week.  Today we took packages and letters to the post office to be mailed, and pick up any that have come in.  The people here would be amazed at our mail system that comes right to your door or mailbox.

     Sundays we enjoy the people in the branch at Nizao.  Jim teaches the YM (there is only 3 of them and they are nearing mission age.)  I brought a sewing machine in my suitcase, and today I mended elder's shirt pockets that come unstitched carrying their pass ports, name tags, handbook, etc.  We just keep going--we've been out 4 months.  Thanks for thinking of us!!!  Miss you all!

Susan  (Wish I could ship you some of this hot, sweaty weather--and it's the cooler time of year!)

National Park--Haites

Hi! Day of our farewell, Office workers, boat trip with Seniors to Samana

Hi there! A few pictures--the MTC, the DR Temple, us & Pres & Hna Rodriguez at the temple.

Hey, it worked! I sent pictures. I will send more later. Love you!!

Nizao and Don Gregorio Branch

Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes)
An ancient ocean reef above ground.
Left to Right: Judith, Derek, Brent, Susan and Jim

Hi Kids and Grandkids!

Hi Everybody!  It's been a little cooler, at least at night, haven't needed the fans and air conditioning the whole night.  Wish we could ship you some of this heat--course with the mail system it would probably get there about as soon as you have your own heat.

     Today we drove to Nizao, for a district conference in our building in a big white truck.  The sister missionaries hadn't had lasagna for 17 months, at least the one going home soon, so we took lasagna and bread and veggies, not like at home, but it was the best we could do.  We met them outside their apartment so they could put it in the fridge then took them with us to the capilla or chapel.  The branch president was in shorts and polo shirt finishing cleaning the building and the district president was trying to make the computer work for the broadcast.  They hung black plastic garbage bags in the window slats so it would help darken the room for the broadcast.  Sixteen fans were blowing like crazy.  When it came time to start, there were about 12 people and 6 of those were the 2 sister missionaries and us and 2 elder missionaries  since the two branches were meeting together.  After the two hours there were probably 100 people.  People came at Dominican time, all through the meeting.  The branch President came dressed in church clothes about a half hour into the meeting.  We were very surprised.  We went early to get a seat!

     It was all in Spanish of course, but a very wonderful meeting.  The sister missionaries were called out randomly to lead and play the music (one finger on the piano/organ), the district president, the only one on the stand, pushed the buttons for 5 or so minutes to get his computer to work (we didn't know they had Internet in the building--maybe a dish outside, forgot to look, anyway, the meeting began.

     Sister Wixom the Primary General President spoke, then YMen General President David Beck, then Elder Craig Zwick of the Seventy, then Elder Russell M. Nelson.  I only got part, but the Spirit was so strong, coming all the way from Salt Lake to encourage, teach and lead these people.  It was awesome!  After, the sisters asked me to take a picture of the whole branch!  How fun!!!  I wonder if I can send you some pictures!  Anyway, keep working hard in your part of the vineyard!  You are each so wonderful!  We love you so much and miss you all so much!!!

Love,

Mom & Dad