San Pedro November 14, 2010

This post will be about our first visit to San Pedro, even though it was several days ago.  San Pedro is a beautiful place, but unfortunately, the branch of the Church there is presently pretty much in shambles.  The branch president speaks only Spanish, but most of the members speak English.  In some ways he has been set up to fail.  We are doing the best we can to find ways to strengthen this struggling branch, but it will take time. 

Water taxi

We took our first water taxi ride, which took 1hour and 15 minutes to reach the Ambergris Caye (Key).  Sometimes it is referred to as San Pedro, but really San Pedro is the name of the city on the Caye. 

When all the passengers were finally inside the taxi, all the seats were taken up, even the center ones.

We traveled through water of the most beautiful color of azure.  It was far prettier than any Caribbean travel poster I've ever seen. 

Golf carts are the mode of travel on the Island.

Elders Lunt and Contrares were a great help to us.  They met us at the water taxi and helped us rent a golf cart to get around the island.  Then they took us to the Mayan Princess Hotel, which is right on the beach.  Our room was on the ground floor and had a patio looking out on the sand and beautiful water. 

Outside our hotel.

One of the maids came to our open door and introduced herself as Jane Kraft.  Turned out she was the young women’s president of the branch. We were glad to meet her.

We took a little walk while the elders went to find some lunch. 

We felt safe here, as there were lots of tourists.  In Belize City we don’t feel safe walking in many places.  We are often approached by people asking for money.  (Our mission president has asked that we not give money to people.  I often just leave my purse at home.)  We didn’t see people asking for money on San Pedro.  Also, the town was clean and neat. 

When Elders Lunt and Contrares returned, we all climbed on the motor cart with Richard driving.  The elders took us to see some of the members.  First we went to the Lammey’s house.  Brother Lammey is one of the counselors in the branch presidency.  He seemed very committed and sincere in the gospel.  He speaks only English, but his wife speaks only Spanish.  They seem to communicate in spite of it.  Their home was very humble with walls of just boards, unpainted. 

Then we were introduced to a young man named Moses that wants to go on a mission.   After going with the elders to their apartment for an apartment check, we drove back to the church (a rented building right across from our hotel) for seminary.  The elders teach the seminary class, which is held twice a week. 

 Currently, the San Pedro Branch meets on the 3rd floor of this rented building.

Elder Lunt

After seminary we took the elders to dinner.  We had swordfish steaks at a local restaurant.
By then it was dark and we had to hurry to back to the church to meet with President Torres. 
We had a nice visit with him, but since he only speaks Spanish, the elders had to interpret.  Richard made some suggestions about how some of the leadership positions might be changed.   President Torres had a few ideas of his own.  Richard said he would present them in next week’s district presidency meeting. 

Next, we drove over to the Williams’ home.  He is a counselor in the branch presidency, and she is the relief society president.  Later we visited the home of a man named Samuel.  (The primary president had a tooth abcess, so we didn't meet her this trip.)

Sunday morning was fast and testimony meeting with only about 20 members there.  However, there were probably 20 or so tourists, too.  It was a good meeting, but the branch used to have much better attendance.  Local members have just quit coming.  We hope we can do something to help revive things.  The young elders do an excellent job.

We look forward to our next visit to San Pedro