My Computer "Annus Horribilis"

It has actually been more like a horrible year and a half.  

I have a “love/hate” relationship with computers lately and have even been called the technology “angel of death” My problems initially started in Guyana when the district president’s adorable little 2-year-old picked off two computer keys.  I could still use it, but it was awkward and couldn’t be repaired so I decided it was time to replace my pretty little red Dell.  The salesman at the St. George Best Buy store convinced me a Toshiba was the “best thing going” but to my dismay, almost immediately I began having problems.  The Geek Squad tried to repair it, but by the time it was determined I had “a lemon” the warranty had run out.  Ed decided to do some research and found a great deal on a 17” Dell and ordered it, but come on … 17”?  It was just too big, so we sent it back and ordered a 15” instead.  The size was right but when it, too, began to misfire in a variety of ways, we sent it back … and I went back to the Toshiba.

While visiting David and his family in Denver, Dad and son got their heads together and negotiated a deal for David’s Apple computer so he could get a new one.  Once home, Ed – like a kid with a new toy - suggested I take his Samsung (purchased in Guyana) because it had “never given me a minutes problem.”  Shortly thereafter, the Samsung started displaying a blue screen and the Toshiba a black screen … and I was ready to jump off a tall building in my frustration!!!  

The solution?  I called David, and with his “family discount,” got a great deal on a 13” Retina Display Mac Book Pro, which he assures me, is going to provide at least five years of problem-free use.  I hope so, but with my recent computer history I’ll have to see it to believe it … so pray for me!!!

Benns' See the West

We said goodbye today to Kenrick and Rose Benn at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.  Our dear friends from Guyana have been in the United States since September 20 when they flew into the Seattle-Tacoma Airport and into the welcoming arms of BJ and Marty Summers who hosted them for ten days at their home in Leavenworth, Washington.  These wonderful missionaries who served in Lindon, Guyana for their entire 18-month mission then drove the Benns through parts of Idaho and Oregon to Salt Lake City in time for the WIM Reunion (see April 5 post) and the church's 182^nd Semi-Annual General Conference. 

The Benns had tickets to three sessions and while in downtown SLC, they visited the Church office building, where they met and had a brief conversation with President Dieter Uchtdorf, a member of the First Presidency (President Benn was ready to go home at that point … having his prayers to meet a General Authority while in SLC answered beyond his wildest expectation). 

Larry and Karen Harris, who were the WIM’s CES missionaries, took the Benns after conference, hosting them in their home in Layton for a week before passing them along to Lynn and Sharon Angus for a 3-day visit in Vernal.  From there, the Benns traveled back to the Wasatch Front for 4 days with Ralph and Paulette Childs who served their mission in the WIM office in Trinidad and a couple of days with the Hymas'.  The Childs’ then drove the Benns to southern Utah, by way of Cedar Breaks and other sights along Hwy. 89, delivering them to the LaVerkin home of Val and Marcia Cook.  They enjoyed the company of the former WIM humanitarian service missionaries for another few days before arriving at our house where we hosted them for 8 days showing them the sights of Washington County, including Zion, Snow Canyon, Tuacahn, took them on the St. George Art Museum Home Tour and introduced them to friends and family.  Jim and Mary Andrus, who live just a few blocks from us and who took our place in the WIM office in Trinidad, insisted we share the Benns with them for two days during the week. 

During their 5 weeks in the U. S., the Benns saw many memorable sights, attended several temples – including, while in St. George, doing baptisms, confirmations and initiatories for family members of Sharon Danraj in Georgetown.  On Saturday, October 26, 2013, we drove them to Las Vegas.  We only had a short time to explore “Sin City” but were able to squeeze in a quick visit to the Coca Cola store, the M&M store and drove the Strip.  Rose wept at the thought of having to say “goodbye” which was reminiscent of the days before we left Georgetown for our home and family in St. George.  What lovely people who we will love “forever and always” no matter how far apart we are in miles!

Breakfast with Kris

We didn't get a picture with Michael who had to leave early when Lilly developed a "sore tummy" but we were pleased to have breakfast with our youngest son, our 5-year-old granddaughter and Kris visiting on the Wasatch Front on the same weekend we were there for our mission reunion.  It has been a difficult year for our 3rd daughter so we were glad to see her even for just a little while. There were a few tears as well as some laughter ... just not enough time to get caught up.  We hope to see her again soon.

WIM Reunion a Fun Evening with Friends

There wasn’t much in the way of decor, but there was lots of hugs, handshakes and reminiscing when about 60 – young and not-so-young – returned missionaries gathered for a West Indies Mission reunion on Friday, October 4, 2013 in the BYU Wilkinson Center in Provo.  Special guests were President and Sister Benn from Georgetown, Guyana who had – earlier in the day – had their first experience with snow and cold but were warmed by the affection of those who served in their country.  We were also delighted to have in attendance, several who made history as the first North American young women to serve in the WIM.  It was a pot luck dinner which turned out to be a “loaves and fishes” miracle.  Only a few of the young missionaries brought food to share but all came with an appetite.  For awhile we were going to have a balanced meal of cookies and cake – but it turned out there was plenty of food and a good variety, as well.  It was such a fun evening – made even more so, because most stayed long after dinner to visit and relive their enthusiasm for missionary work.  Our reunion, which was supposed to be from 6 – 8 p.m. ended up being 6 until a little past 10 p.m.!!!  It was so much fun to see those with whom we served and who we have learned to love like family.