New Years was about the same as last year, tons of fireworks, tons of smoke, and apparently tons of food. That evening we all went to the Jansens. We ate together, played chess, watched the Testaments, talked, and had a good time. Then we took everyone home, and while I was driving from Wanica(south east) to Paramaribo North (north) we went through downtown Paramaribo momentarily. There were swarms of people there, all dressed gross and being absolutely crazy. We watched as a bus drove by, and people ran and jumped into the bus through the windows and hopped up on the sides of bus screaming and hollering. I guess they were having fun? I immediately exited that part of the city, after locking all the doors on our van. Then we went home, and made peanut punch, a peanut based milkshake from the carribean, I wasn't all that impressed. Elder Warner was with Elder Fernandes and I because Elder Sadler had to fly to Trinidad to get a gall stone removed, so Elder Norton needed a new companion so Elder Freeman went and worked with him. So what color was the sky? Well, the sky was white green and red on black. We got on the roof and watched fireworks for about 45 minutes, and came down and went to bed.
Then Sunday rolled around. Somehow we found ourselves with 4 dinner appointments. I got us out of one of them, and had to ask to go with another, and we were able to survive all 4 appointments and still search for new people to teach. We ate SOOOOO much. Everyone was very very giving with their portions and amount of soda and everything. We taught the Pelswijk daughters that they can get married in the temple before a civil marriage, and I hope they all do it, one is 20 and one is 18. There are only about 6 children in all of Suriname that were born into the covenant, and we hope to improve upon that.
I got transferred and will be working in Paramaribo North again. I'll be glad to see some of the people again. I won't be the taxi cheaufer anymore either, which extra time will be well enjoyed. I set the record for most amount of time worked with Elder Freeman, as he will be my companion for the next month and a half.
We'll be doing a family home evening at the Wangsa's house tonight with J. I'll be sad to leave him, especially since he came to church on Sunday and is looking like he's ready to repent and start living according to the gospel. We taught him with P and T on Saturday. We talked about death, and he had even more questions and interest, especially about the judgement. P and T are some of J's best friends in the world, they told us all the problems he's been having with himself getting into debt and having one of those evil girlfriends that just seems to cause problems (especially when you live together) and his work and stuff. But I think he can do it.
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| A Suriname Street |
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| Service at Pelswijk's house |
President Wehl, the Branch President, called me New Year's eve and asked me to give a talk in church. I don't think he knew it'd be my last Sunday, but I gladly accepted. I wrote some ideas of what I'd say and while I was sitting there in Sacrament meeting all those ideas just became wrong in my mind. I then, moments before I walked up to the pulpit, made up a talk and gave it. It turned out really well, I really felt the spirit working with me and showing me what to say. Then as President Nazir, son of sister R (my favorite member in Paramaribo North) and 1st councilor in the district Presidency, his talk fit very very perfectly with mine. It was cool seeing what can be taught and spoken as both parties are willing to listen to the Holy Ghost and act on what he says.
I love you all very much.
-Elder Hulme
