This was an Easter that we will not likely forget. It was of course centered around the sacrament and remembering the atonement and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After the block meetings, the APs baptized 2 of the 36 new members that entered through the strait gate this week. In the afternoon we were invited to share an Easter dinner with brother and sister Michel and some of the missionaries. When we arrived at the Michel’s I saw these two bikes locked up just as they are supposed to be. That is with the front tire taken off and locked up to something that can not be easily bent or broken. I knew that these bikes belong to some strictly obedient missionaries.

Sister Michel had prepared a Haitian dinner with all the trimmings. Elders Turek and Van Wagenen were there and the APs had been invited. Just before we were about to start dinner, the APs texted that they could not come because they had to arrange another baptism. After the meal sister Michel packed up a nice take home meal for the APs and we gave it to them later in the afternoon. They were very happy to have it so they did not have to eat left over pizza from Friday for Easter dinner.

 

We found out that brother Michel was an accomplished painter – I have to go back and take pictures of some of his paintings – cook, and all around handy man. Besides that he teaches special education children. The meal included chicken, fish, two kinds of rice, asparagus, fried tomatoes with mushrooms and hot sauce, potato salad and some of the best rolls I have ever eaten. I must confess that my diet was completely blown for today. I will repent tomorrow.

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I just noticed that elder Van Wagenen is passing a plate of those great rolls. I am not sure how many I ate but I am sure I got my share. The Michel’s came to the US from Haiti when young. They were married in New York and found the Church after arriving in Florida. They are looking forward to serving a senior couple’s mission when he retires.

I had to take a picture of sister Michel’s beautiful dress and of course her smile. When we were home I went out and took this peaceful picture of the lake, fountain and blue sky. We will miss this – especially in the winter – when we are back home. But there will be a much bigger lake, beautiful mountains and often blue sky to see.

I noticed the bare tree that had shed it leaves for what passes for winter here. Soon after we leave it will fill out again. Later I took the picture of the flowers and the sign. As I was editing the pictures Sunday night I realized how well these last two pictures of the day symbolized Easter. The tree appears dead but just waits for Spring to come and then it will come to life once again. The flowers are in full bloom and through faith we believe, we know that Spring will come for all mankind through the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It truly was an Easter to remember.