Hurricane Earl is almost here. A Category 2 Hurricane that should pass to the north of us. It looks like St Thomas and St John may take an almost direct hit. They are expecting the worst to be between noon and 6PM. At 8 this morning the Governor came on the radio and closed all of the schools(today was to be the first day) and the government. They did ask for the staff at the schools and the government to come in and secure the buildings. They have frozen prices on all essentials on the island(what a novel idea~no gouging) and asked people to pray(another novel idea~especially coming from the government). It's pretty bad out, but not so scary. Patio doors in the upstairs are shuttered, but we're waiting on the downstairs, want to be able to see out and this is more protected, we'll probably close those shutters if it gets worse around noon. They are reporting trees and power poles down around the island, but none of that where we can see. We've got a good radio broadcast, with up to the minute news, but the TV stations are down. There is another tropical wave out in the Atlantic that they are expecting to develop by Thursday, so we could be in for a double this week.

I'll try to post more later and record this as it happens, but I don't know how long we'll have Internet. I have been praying all night and will keep on, pray for us and our island.

Trying to get my thoughts together to sit down and blog. Yesterday, we set the alarm for 3:50 am, I woke up at 3:30am and couldn't get back to sleep. We had to take the girls to the airport for a 6 o'clock flight. It was early enough and everyone was groggy enough that it wasn't to openly emotional. On the way home as it was starting to get light, we decided to go to Point Udall and watch the sun come up. Point Udall is the eastern most point in the US (territories, that is) and the first place the sun touches. Sunrise was beyond incredible, of course there I was without my camera, but that image will be burned on my heart for a long long time. Stopped at the Blue Water Terrace for some pastry and home for breakfast on the deck.

Spent the rest of Saturday doing some laundry, lazing around the house and in general feeling kind of lonely. We had two weeks of a house full of people, especially a four year old and now it seemed pretty quiet and basically lonely. Went down to the pool in the afternoon. Rachel called to say they had safely landed in SLC and that she lost her phone on the plane, but while we were on the phone they found her and told her that they found her phone, so all was well. I did manage to stay up until 9:30pm after falling asleep on the couch, when Rachel called to say she was safely in her home in Ririe, Idaho. Went to bed feeling good that we had a wonderful visit and that they had gotten safely home.

Had a horrible nights sleep, my legs were really bothering me, cramps and my right leg was aching(my old sciatic nerve thing). I was having strange dreams, couldn't really remember them, but strange. At one point I must have been dreaming because I thought Rachel was calling me, it was so real that I went into the back bedroom to check on her(of course she had gone home). The really strange thing, was that, the night before she asked me if I was calling her, either right after we went to bed or early in the morning because she heard me calling. I wonder if it was the power of suggestion or are we more connected in some way than I had thought. I have to say that I felt that we had a wonderful visit, I felt really close to Rachel and that we had some nice talks.

This morning I was somewhat apprehensive about church, wondering what exactly was going to happen with all of the changes that had been outlined by the Mission President. Not to fear, nothing really happened and in a way I was disappointed. While change is scary to some extent, I am also excited about the changes that have been outlined and wondering where I will fit into the flow of things. I'm reluctant to get too carried away in my calling while it appears that I will be released shortly. I suppose it's important to carry on until things actually change and just see what happens.

We are watching the weather change throughout this afternoon as Hurricane Earl approaches. All of the models show it going to the North of St. Thomas, so we are told to expect Tropical Storm conditions, as we should only see action from the outer bands of the storm. The barometric pressure is dropping as the storm approaches and Rick has suggested that maybe that is what is causing my leg to swell and put pressure on my sciatic nerve. It's time to batten down the hatches and gather things from off the decks and store them in the house. I suppose we will know when we should close up the Hurricane Shutters and turn the AC on. The condo complex has a generator so hopefully we shouldn't be out of power for too long. I'm still praying that it will turn off to the North and be further from us than expected, but so far it hasn't turned as much as predicted to even take it North of St. Thomas.

Keep praying for us and St. Croix. I have to say that while I have some apprehension, I'm not too scared, I put my trust in the Lord. I know He brought us here, so I trust He will protect us. I do pray that our little island will not see too much devastation, and as always I pray that Haiti can escape the storm all together. Rick just went to take the trash out and the condo management has taken up all the trash barrels. The chaise lounges at the pool are all put away, everything is tied down or put up. I pray also that our island car will be OK. We have parked it in the center of the parking lot between other cars, so as to afford as much protection as possible(we carry only liability insurance).

Hopefully we will have Internet service and I will write more tomorrow. I promise to get back on as soon as possible. Keep praying for all who are in harms way.

Had an absolutely amazing day with Rachel and Macy. We started out in the pool and then went to the beach, two beaches actually. First we went to the beach at the Carambola Resort, it was glorious but there is no reef and the swells were breaking so hard we really couldn't get in the water. Rachel, of course, got in but it was too much for even her. So we went back to Cane Bay, big swells there also but the breakers weren't so bad. Had a nice time bobbing in the waves. SEE PICTURES AT THE LEFT. Rachel and Macy tried to snorkel but the water was real murky from all the sand being churned up. I think these conditions in the Caribbean Sea are directly related to Hurricane Danielle, even though it is far from our shores it still has an affect on the sea.

We are watching Tropical Storm Earl closely, some of the models show that it may come "too close for comfort". I am glad that Rachel and Macy will be safely back in Idaho before it gets too close. We choose to live here and will take whatever comes, but they shouldn't have to. The tropical depressions are lining up across Africa and the Atlantic so we will keep praying that they all become "fish storms" and do not make landfall anywhere. We certainly hope not to see that, and I worry so much about Haiti. The conditions there are such that even a minor Hurricane or Tropical Storm could be devastating.

Last night the Mission President came over from Puerto Rico to set Rick apart as the Elders Quorum President, we had a nice visit with him before. He is a most dynamic man with an incredible Spirit. He spent two hours with the leaders of the Branch doing a training and explaining changes they are making here on St. Croix. I really believe in the changes he is calling for. I know these people can be self sustaining if they are given the chance and taught what they must do. It looks as though I will be released at the 1st Counsellor in the Relief Society, I may be called as a teacher or something else, whatever the Lord wants me to do, I am ready. He is calling for there to be one Axillary made up of the Relief Society President(as the President) with the Young Women's President as the 1st Counsellor and the Primary President as the 2nd Counsellor with a Secretary to serve them. They want us to go out and find the less and inactive and bring them back, then we will be ready to find new persons for the missionaries to teach. Also, the local people need to be able to run the Branch themselves without depending on the Missionaries. The Mission President told Rick and I that we are Cruzans now and a part of that local leadership. It's a little scary.

We did hear that the Babcocks will be leaving sometime in the next two months. The Mission President doesn't want the Senior Couples to serve in one area more than six months, so the members don't get to dependent on them. While this is probably a good idea for all of us, I was so looking forward to having them here to help lead and guide us over the next two years, not to mention the friendship they extend to Rick and I , has been very comforting and made a lot of the adjustments easier( they are like us and from the same part of the world that we come from). Anyway we will cope, but now we need your prayers more than ever.

I am so grateful that Rachel and her family were able to come a visit at this time. Originally, I was a little worried about the timing. Rick just started working and financially we were a little strapped to be hosting company, but they pitched right in and bought groceries and helped out with everything. It was so good to see them and spend time with Macy. I hope it won't be too hard to let them go tomorrow.

The need for prayer is even greater now. Prayer for my family, prayer for my Branch and prayer for myself and Rick. I know we can do this, we want to do this and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord wants us to do this.

Ok, I'm becoming the Queen of "just shoot me" moments. It is seriously ceasing to be funny. On Monday we wrote a check from one of our stateside bank accounts to our St. Croix account to cover some expenses. Today I looked at that stateside account online and found that the check I had transferred in St Croix had not cleared and I only had $1.24 in the account. Needless, to say the check I transferred was for more than $1.24. I went over and over the account and all of the online information and could not find the error, but had to get some money into the account quick. I called the Bank in the states and they were very helpful, transferred some money out of one of my accounts to cover this check until we can figure out where the error is. That taken care of.......

Today, August 25th is Rick's and my 31st Wedding Anniversary, he wanted to go out to dinner, somewhere nice, so we went and when it came time to pay we did not have the debit card from our account, of course, the restaurant did not want to take checks. I could not believe it, what is it with money lately. Anyway... Rachel was with us and she was in the bathroom during all of this, when she came back to the table and saw us with our "deer in the headlights" look, she asked what the problem was. When I told her I could not find my debit card, she remembered that I had put it in my camera case when we were out. Fortunately, I had my camera in my purse, and sure enough there it was. I was relieved but still wanted to scream

Now for the final "money matter", we have still not been paid. The only person who can write payroll checks for the USDA came back from Hawaii on Sunday, she was taking her daughter to college and apparently in sick(rumor has it that she is depressed about taking her daughter soooo far away to school) are you serious! The real kick is apparently she is the only person who can do the payroll and her supervisor told Rick he will just have to wait until she comes back. If this wasn't me, it might be hysterical. Actually I am just about hysterical and not in the ha ha hysterical way. Took a few deep breaths and decided there is absolutely nothing I can do about this, so I am not going to worry about it. Is this part of that "not my job mom" syndrome. If I wasn't living this, I'm not sure I would believe it.

Had a nice morning at the pool with Rachel and Macy. We were all going to go to the beach in the afternoon and then we had all of these $$$ crisis, so I opted to stay home and get on the phone and try to straighten everything out. Got it taken care of, the three caballeros went snorkeling and saw a sea turtle, just my luck, but I'm glad they had a good time.

Although there have been these little glitches through out the last few days, I have to say that I feel my Heavenly Father looking out for me and mine in that we have been able to resolve everything pretty easily and quickly. Maybe this is just a test to see how we will handle these situations, I sure do hope we are getting a passing grade. I WILL keep praying for strength to persevere and have faith.

Yesterday we spent the day at home, we did spend about 5 or 6 hours at the pool but it was nice not to have to go anywhere. I kept coming back to the condo and switching laundry. It's amazing how much more there was with 2 extra people. With just Rick and I, I do a maximum of 3 loads a week but with Rachel and Macy here and the extra towels left from don it was more like 6 or 7. Anyway, it's all done.

Today we were supposed to get paid, can you believe it. the woman who does the payroll for one of these alphabet soup organizations(who is writing our check) was in Hawaii for a week and came home sick and hasn't been back to work yet and apparently no one else can do the payroll. Another "just shoot me" moment. Hopefully, tomorrow, we will have our first paycheck. It is interesting.

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Unfortunately, it looks like we are going to have to turn our car(the Honda in the states) back to the bank. The guy we left it with to sell on his lot, took a month to even get it out on the lot for sale, and because there isn't a lot of commission attached to it, I don't think any of his salesmen are really pushing it. Also, because of our pay off, it is only a few thousand dollars under the "blue book" value so not such a "good deal". I hate to have to do this, but we would rather turn it back than to have the bank come looking for it and have it as a repossession. Either way, it will do wonders for our credit rating. Well, that's just one of those things that I can't worry about. Both Rick and I feel bad about the fact that it seems dishonorable to go back on that car loan, but we are out of options.

We went to a new beach today. This one has a small inshore reef, that you can easily get beyond and the snorkeling was real good. We were out in the surf and really be battered around, for some reason that made me feel a little panicky. I wanted to go in and wanted Rick to go with me, when Rachel found some cool coral formations, so I took a few deep breaths and went out to where she and Macy were to look at the coral, it was cool and I'm glad I stuck it out. On the way back I did see some "blues" and a parrot fish, so that also made it worth it. I really want to get better at snorkeling and not get into a panic situation again. Not sure if it was the surf or what, will need to work on that.

Spent a quiet evening at home, watched "Alice in Wonderland" and played some Bananagram(just like speed Scrabble). It was nice. Rachel was telling Macy that they only have three more days here. The first week of their visit was pleasant and really didn't seem to fly by, but this week sure has. I think they would both like to stay longer and we wouldn't mind having them, but such is life that they do need to get back.

Rick and I need to get back into a routine, it will be different now that he is working, but a routine is good all the same. We were doing so good with our daily scripture reading and between, the job and company that has been a challenge. It's amazing how much better I feel about everything when we spend that type of time together. I do need to keep praying for patience and perseverance in all things.

Going to post a few pictures. One if of the St Croix ground lizard or Green Iguana. This guy was about 3 feet long. I think they are harmless but still I don't want to run into one in a dark alley. The others are at the Tamarind Resort Beach(where we snorkeled today).

Trying hard to keep up with the blog, but I am tired. I find it has been easier to write in the morning when everyone is still asleep. Well actually it's only Rachel who is still asleep, Rick is at work and Macy is up with me watching morning cartoons.

Yesterday, at church, I think my Relief Society lesson went well. I'm never real sure how my teaching is received, people are very polite but sometimes I think that is all. Rachel stayed through all three hours, but I think maybe she was just being polite. I know the heat is hard on her(I have mentioned that the church is not air conditioned didn't I). Anyway...for me, church was good, I really needed the spiritual battrey recharge.

Rick and I have been out of our routine and we tired and crabby. I love having Rachel and Macy here, so I need to find a way to cope better. At least now that Don has gone home, Rachel is moving a little slower too. I'm hoping she can go home well rested and not exhausted.

The Mission President is coming over on Thursday to set Rick apart in his calling and then he is holding a training for the Branch Leadership. I'm torn between wanting to be there and feeling a need to be there, but not wanting to abandon Rachel and Macy on their second to last night here. I'll have to keep praying about it and see where the Spirit leads.

Posting a few more pictures of the kids visit here.

Sunday morning and getting ready for church. This is our one day with a few hours of air conditioning. I know this is going to sound crazy, but we really don't like the shut up feeling of having the air on all of the time, and electricity is real expensive here, so we just have the patio doors and windows thrown open wide most days, but on Sunday mornings when we are getting ready for church we give ourselves a few hours of air conditioning in the bedroom. Makes it easier to get "all dressed up" and face sitting in church with no air conditioning if you at least start out nice and cool.

I'm teaching the lesson in Relief society toady. It's titled "Help them on their way home", about our responsibility to help children and young people, both inside our families and out stay well founded in the Gospel. This will be challenging.

Don went home yesterday but the girls have another week here with us. I'm afraid that this week is going to fly by. It has been so much fun to have Macy here I will hate to see her leave. I'll miss Rachel too, but I really miss not being around Macy as much as I was able to be in the past.

Well if I'm able I am going to post some of the pictures of Rick's new office. As you can see, the new job is really rough for him. He has to go out to this "salt mine" every morning for a few hours and check on the progress the contractor is making and then come home and write up a report. I'm not sure how he can do it. The sacrifice is so great! HA!