International Belgie

This place has really come alive with people from all over the world. We went on four visits today and each one added to the international tapestry. First we visited Daniella who is from Chili but also speaks Flemish Dutch, then off to Shilpa and her son Shlok from India, Shilpa who speaks Hindi and some English and is learning Dutch and Shlok who is still out of control and pretends not to understand anything. Next we went to Ester and her daughter Grace from Africa. Grace read the Book of Mormon in one week and really surprised everybody with her willingness to learn. They both speak their native African language and Ester also speaks some English and Grace speaks Dutch. We try and explain everything in both languages. Grace tells us that after we leave she tries to clarify things for her mom in her native tongue. While there they requested that I give the prayer and asked that I remember the people in the Congo who are being slaughtered. Finally we visited Lillie and her children Ben and Rowena. Lillie is from the Philippines and her children were born here in Belgium, so Lillie speaks Tigalic (I hope I spelled that right) but she also speaks English and has learned Dutch. Her children speak Dutch and understand some English which they mostly learned from watching T.V. and some classes at school.

While at Lillie's home I have commented about the painting she has hanging on the wall and today I asked if I could take a picture of it. I though I would share it with everybody.

All of them have told us that they would come to church tomorrow so we will have our hands full getting them to the right classes after Sacrament meeting. Scarlet and Justine will also be there and they are planning on staying for Sunday school and Young Women and Relief Society for the first time. We also have two Belgium couples who have been coming regularly and we can not forget Joseph who looks like a homeless fellow but has a heart of gold. He has worked on ships as a sailer all his life and really looks the part. The Elders are also bringing some other investigators that we have not met yet. I feel like I should serve lunch and make a day of it.