Halloween - October 31, 2016

Tut Tim. What we ride for short trips

Dear Family,

Tonight we had a ward social for Halloween.  It was pretty loose, with people mostly visiting and children running around.  Many dressed up.  A table to carve 4 pumpkins was set up outside.  We took cookies and a fruit salad for the potluck.  Everyone ate with their fingers - even us.  Dinner included a delicious broth soup that we ate out of cups,  potato salad, a juicy vegetable salad, pudding, etc.  I did not see any flatware in the kitchen although someone said the RS had some in their closet.  They told us branch socials seldom happen during the week so everyone stayed for a long time even though some have a 2 hour commute to work in the morning.  This branch is really spread out.

There is part of a Pakistani family here temporarily applying for relocation.  One brother was beaten, another one in jail for months and their older brother currently has a 6 year sentence in Pakistan.  The one in jail said his two cell partners received a death sentence right after he left and were killed.  One wife is here and the other wife is still in Pakistan.  Their crime is they were successful, educated Christians.  Even lawyers, Muslems, and judges are afraid to help them because they and their families can receive reprisals if they stand up and help. 

Two girls are here from Jordan, waiting for mission calls.  They hoped there would be more opportunity in SL but decided they like Jordan better.  Although Sri Lankan, they have lived in Jordan their entire lives.  Their parents are LDS, but their father has passed away.  Their mother feels like Jordan is her home so she remains there. Many have interesting stories of life events and conversion.  One man was a Christian in Iraq but due to persecution is in SL  His mother is part SL and Dutch.  These people are happy, hard working and friendly.  Beautiful smiles.  I am surprised how many have served missions; women and men - to Australia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, England, Singapore, etc.  The Buddist faith is very strong here and some are estranged from their families after having joined the church.

It is thundering, lightning and raining as I write.  I am headed to bed.

Love to all,

Mom/Becky/Grandma