These pictures are from the dedication or our Haitian/Sanish branch.. Everyone was so excited! Yesterday they had an Open House for everyone in the community to come and view this new addition to this small town. Well, this morning, this branch was filled with Haitian and Spanish members who have worked hard and long to see this day come. Twelve years ago the area was opened up and dedicated for missionary work. At that time there was only 1 less active "gringa" (caucasion sister). Today the chapel was filled. In the past they had to drive to Lehigh Acres to perform baptisms and for twelve years, they have held their Sunday meetings in the Immokalee Community Center. When a hurricane blew a hole in the roof, the branch President said, its ok, when it rains we use buckets and when it is hot we use fans. Now, they have their own font, relief society room, kitchen, and lots of classrooms. The classrooms are really small, smaller than our office in our home. it was so sweet to hear the primary sing the songs in thier language. I could recognize the tunes. We all sang the hymns in our own language-Creole, French, Spanish English. it sounded great. We all understand the language of the spirit. Their building is small but has everything they need. They have a "multi-purpose" room which doubles as their chapel and cultural hall. At the front is a built in podium and a small step up stand with 12 padded choir chairs. For Sacrament Meeting the congregation sat on about 100 padded stackable chairs. The chairs are moved and then they use the room as we would our cultural hall for their activities. It was very interesting. The meeting was mostly conducted in English, however, announcements were made in English, Spanish and Haitian. Scriptures were read in French and Spanish. Some members had earphones on their heads and were listening to the translations through those. Others, mostly Haitian members, were sitting next to full time missionaries who just translated out loud for them. On the stand was the Fort Myers Stake Presidency, the Branch Presidency and President and President Thompson, our counselor. There was a special musical number and when the young sister was finished, half the congregation clapped. President Momblack, the Branch President, stood up afterward and gently said, "now that we have a chapel, we shouldn't clap." It was priceless. The spirit was so strong and sweet in this humble little branch. We were so glad we made the trip down. President and I taught the Priests quorum. Only 2 have other family members, the rest are the only member. We were trying to encourage them to serve missions. 9 of them are on the high school football team and many are good runners. Their parents came to America for a better life so they don't want their young sons to serve missions but to go to college.
