Welcome to the Bahamas!

Sunday morning the ship pulled into port in the Bahamas.

 The owners of the franchise company also belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints so a group of us located the only branch on the island of Nassau, capitol of the Bahamas.

 There were nearly as many visitors as locals in attendance as another cruise line had pulled into port during the night.  We eagerly observed the strength of a few locals in this struggling branch and thought how beneficial it would be for them to have a senior missionary couple providing leadership in their area.  We met and spoke with the four sister missionaries serving on the island - population 360,000.  The friendly and predominantly Christian islanders are welcoming enough but lack the depth of commitment necessary to really hasten the work in this part of the world.  It was encouraging to see a sizable youth group - they are the future of the church!

View of streets from taxi window

 Enjoying our time among local church members during the 3-hour block of meetings, we were completely unaware that a major rainstorm had passed through the area.  Amazingly, we didn't even HEAR the rain but found some streets completely flooded while en route back to the port.

Man in blue shirt - our taxi driver/tour guide

I loved the way this taxi driver assured us there was room for all twelve of us.  My seat happened to be self-created and I was facing backwards in an awkward position but we made it alive to and from church.  He positions himself to drive for the Mormons on Sunday mornings because he knows where the church is (in his neighborhood) - unlike many of the other drivers.  For business opportunities, I'm sure he keeps this secret to himself. The animated driver prided himself on sharing information and answering our many questions.  That's one of my favorite parts about travel - learning from the locals.  Aaron and I had already given away our copy of The Book of Mormon to the first taxi driver we met upon arriving in Miami a few days earlier.  As ward mission leader, Aaron committed himself to do what he often does while traveling.  It was fun to join him this time - what a great companion:). Next time we'll bring a few more copies and pass-along cards.

 The Bahamas were under British rule until 1973 when they gained independence.

 All the buildings are colorful.  Historically, the pink ones signified British government buildings.

We docked directly from ship to land in Nassau.

 The highest point on the island (besides Atlantis water park) is this water tower at 173 feet. 

At least, until the Chinese get done building bigger and better than the Americans...

 After church, we walked around a bit before heading back to the ship.

 The color of the water was breathtaking - I never tired of looking at it.

 Perhaps these three naval ships constitute the entire fleet for the Bahamas.

 We didn't take our nice camera but here's a zoom in on a quaint lighthouse.

The rest of Sunday we relaxed and said our good-byes to new friends.  Monday morning dawned bright and early - the polite staff was eager to get everybody off the ship before the next load of passengers arrived - just hours later.  The rain was coming down in sheets in Miami and though our flight didn't leave until 3:40pm, there was little else we could do considering the weather and our luggage.  We worked on "stuff" at the airport - that kept us plenty busy.  After boarding, we sat on the tarmac for an additional 45 minutes.   Upon arrival in MN, Aaron and I ran like crazy people through that airport and barely made our connection for SL.  So glad we made it!  My parents were scheduled to bring us our car and meet at the "usual spot" when we landed in SL.  Just a little "hiccup" occurred when Dad discovered the dead battery in our car.  He sent Mom to get us and we remedied the situation back that their condo, helped load up a mattress, box-spring and clothes in their truck (they are in the middle of moving again) and hit the road home bound.  I don't know how Aaron managed to stay awake but we finally pulled into our garage at 2am (4am body time).

 All reports indicated the kids were outstanding (bias sources no doubt).

 The grandparents ARE amazing!

Melted chocolate chips spell "Welcome Home" on brownies.

We really appreciated some much needed R & R (even with the conference stuff).

It's good to go and it's good to be home.