The West Indies Mission

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Sister Missionaries Make History

History was made in the West Indies Mission this week as the WIM welcomed Sister Bibi Girdharry from New Amsterdam, Guyana (left) and Sister Chennel Camejo from Port of Spain, Trinidad Tobago - the mission's first two young sister missionaries. This was a "dream come true" for President and Sister Robison. When the two missionaries met for the first time they developed an instant love and friendship blossomed.

Sister Camejo is the youngest of 9 children and has been the primary care giver for her mother. It was very hard for Mrs. Camejo to see her daughter leave for her mission. She is not a member of the Church. Sister Girdharry was so tender as she sit down next to Sister Camejo's mother to offer her love, she told her she would take care of her daughter.

Two very excited, brand new sister missionaries preparing to fly to the MTC in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. They will fly first to Panama then on to the Dominican Republic. This day is the first time for both to fly. They are excited and ready for this new adventure in their lives. We wish them the very best and know they will be outstanding missionaries.

With big smiles and hearts pounding they give one last wave and they are on their way!!!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Introducing the Gamiettes

Claude R. Gamiette, from the island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies, is the new mission president. This wonderful leader and teacher begins a 3-year mission on July 1, 2009 after having served as the 1st Counselor in the Mission Presidency under President Robison. Before being called to the mission presidency, he served as President of the French District. WIM couples, missionaries and members know him well.

Sister Gamiette - the beautiful Delphine - is a great mother, beautiful sister, and experienced returned missionary. She is also lots of fun (and makes amazing French chocolate cakes!).

Their family of five is darling. It will be so nice to have a family in the mission home and the missionaries - who are homesick for their own little siblings - will enjoy having children around.

The missionaries all found out the news in an e-mail. Those who know President Gamiette have been wondering and wishing - now they get their wish!

Here is the story on the Gamiette family which appeared in the February 2009 Liahona and New Era.

A Message to WIM Missionary Families

Sending and receiving mail – especially packages - is difficult, time-consuming and costly here in the Caribbean . . . and can take many weeks to reach the recipient!!!

Parents and others, with the best of intentions and love in their hearts, spend significant time and money to purchase, prepare and mail these packages. In some of our mission’s 12 countries, the package is then opened at the post office – after an hour or more of waiting in line. When the contents have been identified, taxes and/or duty fees are assessed which the missionaries are asked to pay out of their small amount of support funds.

After all this effort, these “care” packages are usually found to contain only a few small items and a whole lot of candy, all which can be purchased almost anywhere in the West Indies Mission.

We know you love your missionary and packages from home are a way to express that love, but most missionaries are just as excited about receiving small amounts of extra spending money on a personal Mastercard or Visa - provided and funded from time-to-time by loving parents as a way to purchase what the elder or sister may need in-country.

Of course, the most important gifts you can send your missionary are frequent handwritten letters – including photos - expressing your love and support of their efforts to “bring souls unto Christ!”

Thanks for your understanding in this matter, Parents. We love your missionary!!!