Maritime Music: Thanks for the Sabbath Day

President Leavitt took pity on us and had Sister Calvert get us a room in Bathurst after the concert Saturday night. We got some much-needed rest and got better acquainted with Elder and Sister Call. Elder Call is a gifted musician and teacher from BYU-I who is directing the musical presentations here. His wife is also a talented musician and very good sport who does whatever is required for the show to go on. We were also happy to meet Elder and Sister Edwards and Elder and Sister Thatcher. We had talked with them and emailed them, but not met them in person. Now we just need to meet up with Sister Calvert and Elder and Sister Tiffany and we will have met all of our missionary cyber friends.

Today the missionaries presented several musical numbers during the church meetings. Elder H sang with the choir and I played for one of the numbers. Most of the meetings were in French so I got to wear a headset. Between the translators and the Spirit, the messages came through loud and clear. President Leavitt spoke and also had Sister Leavitt speak via Skype. I can't wait to meet her in person. She is recovering from gall bladder surgery and couldn't make the trip. The message that continues to come to me is this: We have been given much and simply must share it with others who are looking for the peace and joy that come from knowing the gospel of Jesus Christ is restored and available to all God's children. We can't hold back or stand back, but must serve with our whole hearts and souls. We know the Lord will bless us as we do this.

After the meetings, the branch provided a lovely "linger longer" meal. We met Brother and Sister Hatt who were visiting the Bathurst Branch, but are members of our new ward in Fredericton. He is in the bishopric and she has been praying for a walking partner. She recently retired as a French immersion teacher. I think we can be the answer to each other's prayers.

Tonight we came home and enjoyed our gorgeous apartment, lovingly prepared by Elder and Sister Wiebe. We don't have Internet yet, so we have been just texting our family until we can Skype and e-mail. We took the opportunity to catch up a bit on our journaling and the blog. Our hearts are tender and grateful. The Elders already have a referral for us and Bishop Sexton called to welcome us. I think we're going to like it here!