E-mail from Haiti  
(year 2001)
(General e-mail sent to the whole family)

Received 11 Dec 2001

Greetings to all. 11 December--Server send-out function quit functioning just as ready to send on 26 November--so we'll try again. We had our mission tour and then have been visiting our missionary districts in the North and this week in the South to hold a Christmas devotional and interviews.

Excited with the news of Lyman & Evelyn's Mission Call to Frankfurt. What a great blessing they will be!

Thank you to Michael and Marilyn for missionary toothbrushes!
***

26 November--Ready to send since Oct 30--server send-out function not sending. Receiving end great! Three cheers for today!

Our love and greetings to all! We were in Atlanta for the Mission Presidents' Seminar the 9th of November -- a great blessing of renewal and lifting of sights.

Elder Gene R. Cook will be here today for a mission tour this week.

> experiences of the past week, we acknowledge the Lord's hand in keeping his missionaries safe and well. We know that the building of his kingdom will continue to prosper throughout the world, whatever the challenges.

Please forward to de neices and de nephews!

Port-au-Prince, Haiti HotlineHaïti No. 14 . 30 June 2001

Alexander Paul Released from Prison. Friday evening, June 22, we received a call from one of our great missionaries, Reginald Paul, telling us that his father had been released from prison earlier that day. What joyful news! Brother Alexander Paul has been a political prisoner for three years, two months, and 10 days. When his wife took her husband's lunch to the prison as she had done for 38 months, the officers at the prison said she could take it back home--her husband had been released. It must have been a touching moment as he walked out the prison door with his lawyer.

Our Visit with Brother Paul. The day after his release we visited Brother and Sister Paul at their palatial home, situated on a spacious property in the mountains above Port-au-Prince. He and his wife greeted us warmly. He was the perfect image of dignity, grace and humility.

Journal Entry: This afternoon, we went to the Paul home with the Spencer Jones, and the Robert Binghams – visitors to the mission. There were a number of people sitting outside his home--his common ordinary neighbors who had watched the car drive in and had come to welcome him home. Sister Paul said that this had been going on since early this morning.

We had our hymnbooks and keyboard. We all sang together -- family and friends, neighbors --For the Beauty of the Earth; Come, Come Ye Saints (Brother Paul's Choice); I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Sister Paul's Choice); and Abide With Me 'Tis Eventide (another favorite of Sister Paul). Brother Paul said that Come, Come Ye Saints had blessed him every day. On each letter he wrote to Sister Paul, "All is Well" was his first sentence. They could hardly sing. It was a touching, thought
provoking, spiritual occasion. As Sister Paul offered the closing prayer, Brother Paul immediately knelt down. Sister Paul expressed profound and tender gratitude for the many mercies of the Lord. She prayed first in French and then in English with beautiful expressions of gratitude and acknowledging the Lord's hand in their lives. She said she knew that they would able to be accomplish a great work in the future and expressed her gratitude that their faith had been strengthened through the experience. She had accepted this whole experience with such serenity and trust. You could feel the strength of their love and their support of one another.

Life in Prison. Brother Paul was reluctant to talk about the truly despicable conditions of his prison life. He said he was in a small room (6X9 ft) with eight people. Later it was reduced to four. It was crowded and they were not always well -treated. The conditions were not always sanitary. Food had to be brought in be the family, and had to be tasted before the guards would accept it. They were allowed visits twice a week. Several months before Brother Paul was released, someone
approached him and said that if he paid $50,000 U.S., the judge would release him. He declined and said, "I will be here until the Lord determines that I should be released."

Brother Paul's Commitment. He said that before he had been imprisoned, he had been converted to the doctrines of the Church, but now he has been converted to the members of the church because of the love they have shown, and the service they have rendered to him through these years. Brother Paul had great confidence in the power of the collective prayers of his family, friends, and church members. Each time we visited with him at the prison he asked us to remember him in our prayers. Since his release he has pledged to never miss a meeting or turn down a call.

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Received 29 Oct 2001

The Third Epistle . November 2001

November Newsletter: Haiti Port-au-Prince Mission

GENERAL CONFERENCE IN HAITI. The October Conference was broadcast not only in French, but also in Haitian Creole, just for us. There were 1,290 members at the stake center, but alas, the satellite didn't work. By April we plan to have working dishes in three locations so that all members in Haiti will have access to the conference.

LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES. A while back we thought we heard very loud firecrackers in the night. Turned out that bombs had been planted at the Canadian Embassy near our house. So last night, after two reports that a political figure, described as "a loose canon," had told protestors to "kill the Mormons and burn their chapels," we again heard loud explosions and saw flashes of light just outside our window. I rushed to the balcony whilst Maria turned out the lights and crept up the stairs in the dark. How foolish we felt when we saw that one of our wealthy neighbors was putting on a spectacular fireworks display!

<received a few days later>

Port-au-Prince, Haiti HotlineHaïti No. 13 . 31 May 2001

Katina and Michael Honeymoon in Haiti. Imagine a couple doing a service mission for their parents for their honeymoon. And of course, we relished every minute of it! Michael and Katina helped us at every turn, from updating medical records, doing computer work, creating pillow and outdoor-washer/dryer covers, to making cornbread, whole grain bread mixes and Grandma Soderquist's Famous Orange Rolls. Not to mention chauffeuring us around (both of them) on the rocky byways of Haiti, and giving wise counsel to still-in-process missionaries. They spent a good month with us, and made their way home in time to drive to New York mid-June.

Cate on the New York Exodus: "Mike and Katina got off well. I couldn't believe they could fit everything they are taking for one year, all into their Explorer. They are amazing. Jon and I both thought of Mike and Katina as pioneers and packing everything into a "handcart"!"

Michael Joseph on Driving. Michael wisely told his mom, "They're not trying to hit you! They don't want to hit you anymore than you want to hit them."

Conference at Port-de-Paix . May is the wet season in Haiti. Last week we took a country road to Port-de-Paix for a branch conference. The seven rivers we crossed were higher, and the pools in the road bigger and deeper--we kept slipping and sliding in the mud and clay. It was an Indiana Jones adventure. But traveling eight hours through villages, tropical mountains, and valleys was a joy.

The large "haunted house" where the branch meets was filled to overflowing with about two hundred people. There were over thirty non-members packed into the investigator class. This branch was established only two years ago with a handful of members. The growth of the church here is truly a miracle.

Passing of Elder Loren C. Dunn. Elder Dunn passed away 16 May. Listening again to the October 2000 Conference and hearing Elder Dunn's testimony, Maria thought what a powerful final testimony this great servant of the Lord had given us. A remarkable team – Loren and Sharon Dunn who willing served wherever called. It has been a special blessing to have shared in the composition of "Testimony." When we attended our first Zone Conferences here in Haiti, the missionaries stood and sang "Testimony" for us. Forget all Michael's musical accomplishments – if he is remembered it will be for having a hymn in the hymnbook

Bishopric Changes at Home. We are grateful for Bishop Larry Anderson, Brother Jerie Davis, & Brother Bert Winegar for their great service, support, and leadership for these past years and give our sustaining support to Bishop Stephen Preston, Brother Don Gurr, and Brother Taylor Davis.

Names of Establishments Seen in Our Travels. Adan [sic] & Eve Auto Parts -- Pieces and Accessories; Plop Plop Dry Cleaning; Trinity Hair Cuts; Brothers in Christ – Charge Batteries; Douce Macosse (a Haitian candy) Eternal & Grand; Pharmacie Saint Esprit; Bientot (Soon) Projects de Construction; Immaculate Conception Bric a Brac (Pawn Shop); Pere Celeste (Father in Heaven) Lottery. And our favorite, "Thy Will Be Done Hair Salon."

###

Date: 5 Oct 2001
Subject: A Conference Tidbit from Haiti!

FYI

Yesterday, Michael received the following note in the pouch--

"We thought you would like to know that your hymn, "Testimony" will be performed at the October 6, Saturday afternoon session of general conference. A combined choir from Pleasant Grove, Lindon, and Cedar Hills will be singing at the meeting."

"Best wished in your continued creative efforts."

Three cheers for this form letter Michael created years ago. It wasn't something he had to do but something he thought people would enjoy receiving and here we are on the receiving end.

General Conference Weekend is a happy family memory. We were all together. Have a good one!

We love you "more than tuncan tell,"
Michael and Maria

P.S. Be sure you have ample treats on hand with plenty of sugar-coated cereal!

Where did June, July, & August go? Yesterday we sent 11 Haitian missionaries to the Santo Domingo MTC -- 7 elders & 4 sisters. Wednesday 7 new elders will arrive from the Provo MTC. Friday Elder Scott arrives -- a whirlwind of meetings scheduled Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday including one for all of our missionaries on Saturday morning. What an extraordinary time for our missionaries, our leadership, our brothers and sisters here in Haiti.

Love to all, The Haitian Moodies

Port-au-Prince, Haiti HotlineHaïti No. 12 . 30 Apr 2001 "Graduations and Weddings"

Mother's Graduation. This was a season of tender mercies. Mother would relish the timing of her "graduation" (April 6th)–the day of the birth of the Savior, and the organization of the Church. Now Joseph and Ila would be able to celebrate their 63rd Anniversary together on April 10th at her Graduation Services.

While Michael interviews the elders in a district in the early morning hours, I conduct a study group. For example, on April 10th we went to Bas Delmas. Each missionary shared one of his favorite hymns and told why he liked it. We studied the scripture verses listed with the hymn and then sang the hymn. The last hymn, selected by Elder Leavitt, was "Count Your Blessings," one of the hymns being sung at mother's services that very day–perhaps a small miracle of love from above.

Elder Fatal's Appendicitis. Elder Fatal's appendix burst on Tuesday, the 10th of April, but it was diagnosed as malaria, and he wasn't operated on until Sunday, five days later. Gratefully excellent medical service was rendered and he's back in the missionfield. It could have been fatal.

Quick Trip to Utah. Maria flew home from April 23 to May 2. This was a whirlwind visit, with BYU Graduation Services on April 26th and 27th for Eliza and Michael J, an openhouse for Katina & Michael in the early evening on the 27th; and the marriage ceremony bright and early on the morning of April 28th. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple with President James E. Faust officiating. The new temple grounds plaza was stunningly beautiful. The Salt Lake Temple seemed even more open and inviting with lower gates.

Thanks to Kimberly, aunts, and neighbors, everything was efficiently organized, and even the weather cooperated. Aunt Judy took a cardboard figure of Bill Clinton, and put Michael F.'s head on it so he could be in the line. It was a hit, albeit slightly scarey.

On Maria's returned flight to Haiti she joined a group of new elders flying to Haiti from the MTC–they are from Montana (Chapman), Britian (Glenister), & Australia (Paea).

Father of the Bride's Husband. Michael F sent a letter from Haiti to be read to the bride and groom. In it he noted, "This is an unforgettable day for me. I am thankful to be here in Haiti, involved in the great work of love. Don't feel sorry for me–I am enjoying every minute, and I see the beauty of today's special event with a sublime perspective. My memories will be priceless."

During the wedding weekend Michael traveled with Arthur Coombs, president of the new Santo Domingo Temple, and Elder Spencer V. Jones, area authority, on Haiti's most famous bumpy road, to the Gonaives District Conference.

Hats Off to all of the Moody Children. How grateful we are for family ties. Twice in the month of April, all of the Moody children gathered to share in the love of families. Mary and Joanna, each with a new little baby, came with David from Texas for Mother's Services. Eliza came from New York. Now just a little more than two weeks later they were all back again to join with Michael J and Katina for their special day. Thank you!

Four Couples in Haiti. With the arrival of the Alexanders (LDS Charities) and the Clarks (CES) in April, we now have four dedicated senior couples serving with us. The Reids (Finance & Distribution), and Huxfords (Leadership, Family History, Secretarial) came in January. They all have music talent, and are bringing music training to Haiti.

Fourth of July Week Greetings from the Caribbean 
- Feb Update

Port-au-Prince, Haiti HotlineHaïti No. 10 . 28 Feb 2001

Ho hum–Another Day in Paradise. We enjoy constantly-beautiful weather here in the sunny Caribbean. The only time we feel cold is when we open our refrigerator which, by the way, is defrosting as we speak because our generator isn't working. It should be fixed in a couple of days after all of the repairman are through celebrating Mardi Gras, or Carnival as they call it here.

Medical Tour. Michael's brother Lyman, a medical internist from Provo, and his wife Evelyn came to Haiti the first of February for two weeks. We visited all the cities in Haiti where we have missionaries. Lyman helped us identify doctors who could take care of our missionaries. We found that many of the doctors here are well-trained but are limited in what they can do because of lack of equipment and trained personnel in their clinics and hospitals. We were impressed with these competent professionals who have chosen to stay here and serve the people of Haiti at a personal sacrifice. Lyman and Evelyn did a great work in not only helping us identify suitable medical resources but in speaking with the missionaries collectively and individually. Evelyn's French skills came in handy when she translated the health needs of the sisters for Lyman.

Dr. Dugué. The doctor recommended to be our primary care doctor in Cap Haitien turned out to be a member of the Church. Lyman told her about E-bay and how to use it to buy medical equipment. Since our visit, the missionaries have been teaching her husband and her son.

The Primary in Petite Goâve. Primary is held under the big tree by the baptismal font in back of the rented home used for Church meetings in Petite Goâve. Keyboards with batteries work well under the blue sky. It's a beautiful setting and a beautiful scene–these well-dressed, bright-eyed Haitian children learning the gospel through the Children's songs of the Church.

Multiple uses for missionary name tags with clips. They come in very handy for holding pages of music in place while the fans do their work.

Jeanne Petithomme. Michael had to go interview Sister Petithomme for baptism. We drove to Croix de Mission, walked away from the highway down a very muddy road to a little one room hovel with an adjacent open air room with a wall made of woven coconut fronds. Two thirds of the room was taken up by two twin-sized mattresses. There was a rope hanging above one of the mattresses that had the clothing of her six children. Although she had very little of this world's goods, she was a woman of great faith, and is excited about her testimony of the gospel. As we left she asked us when we would be able to come back to visit her. We were touched as she waved goodbye. Her husband died four months ago. As Michael interviewed her, she quoted scriptures at great length that supported the truths of the restored gospel in which she had long believed.

Peanuts on the Kitcher Floor. We get our protein from the roasted peanuts that are plentifully available here. But since we have one of those "nothing will show" terrazzo floors, finding a dropped peanut is like finding the first piece of a 1,000-piece puzzle. Oh, the tribulations of life in the tropics.

Mr. Micro-Trash. Many mornings Michael goes out at 5:30 a.m. with a plastic bag in hand to glean any non-biodegradable trash. The people in the street, which are many at that hour, are so amazed to see a "blanc"(white person) picking up trash, and often ask why. He loves it. And he thinks he's got something going. He suspects others are starting to do it too, and hopes maybe people will be hesitant to drop trash in such a spotless neighborhood!

Feb 2001 & 30 Nov 2000

Greetings! We just returned from our northern medical tour with Lyman & Evelyn and are heading out today for the southern tour. We almost drove into a demonstration but Dad turned around, took off on a side road and avoided the whole thing. It was a part of the inauguration flap. There was a truck in the front that had a Haitian swat team in it. As you can tell, we are having lots of fun! We'll be back home late Sunday night.

We have all been impressed with several of the doctors we have met who are so committed to being here and to help the people. There is skill here but not the equipment that is needed. Lyman told one of the doctors about how he had found a piece of equipment on E-bay for much less than he could have purchased it elsewhere. She was delighted with the info. It was something she needed too. Lyman told her how to go about using E-Bay.

--------------------

Port-au-Prince, Haiti HotlineHaiti No. 7 . 30 Nov 2000

Jacob Moody Christensen arrives Nov 21!

The Mission Presidents Seminar in Atlanta was a great blessing and insight into the variety of challenges and opportunities each mission faces. We were encouraged and uplifted by our Area Presidency, Elders Allred, Watts, Cornish and their wives, as well as by all of the mission presidents and wives. It was a privilege to meet John Christian Mills' Mission President and to hear such a fine report about Elder Mills. It was heartwarming to smell "fall" in the air and to see the autumn leaves after living in the ever-green tropics.

Atlanta Shopping List.

Can you imagine Wal-Mart being a highlight of a trip to the United States? A number of these items are available in Haiti but not under one roof and not the selection and not all the time: Jelly Bellys . Reading Glasses . Ping Pong Set (to go with Ping Pong Table on patio). Batteries . Hooks&Eyes . Needles . TapeMeasure . Film . PictureWire . InkJetPaper . Twine. Slips . CurlingIron . ContactPaper . WD40 . Lunchbox . PrinterCartridges . MeasuringCups . ZiplocBags . SinkStoppers . Spatula . BrightNapkins . Whisks . Slacks for MFM . Pill Spliter.

Strainer . Spray Bottles . Net . Plastic Tablecloth . DoorView . Calendar . Gingerpeach Potpourri Spray . Gum . Tofu . Boullion Cubes

Baptisms in Carrefour. It was touching to watch the members of the Martissant Ward climb in two tap-taps right after church to go to the Carrefour Ward building for the baptisms of two new members in their ward. They arrived at the Carrefour Ward singing the hymns.

Branch President's Family to the Temple. The fruits of missionary work were seen as President Simonez and his family got on the bus to go to the Santo Domingo Temple with the two elders (Bird & Verna) who had

been instruments in bringing the gospel to them. These elders had completed their missions. Elder Bird's mother and sister came from Idaho to pick him up and go on the temple excursion. Elder Bird's sister was telling the young women of her ward that the parents had enough money for them to go but not enough for the children. One of the less active young women in her class who wore a number of earrings said to her, "You mean there are families who want to go to the temple who can't afford to take their children?" The next week this young sister came to the class with money she had earned to contribute to the family. Later her mother called Elder Bird's sister and said "I don't know what you've done but there has been a great change in the attitude of our daughter. She has gone beyond her own needs to see the needs of others."

An Early Christmas. Dave brought an early Christmas with him when he arrived November 21 to spend a month with us. He had quite a harrowing experience getting here. His flight from Miami had pressurization problems and turned back after 20 minutes in the air. Most of the passengers were unaware that one of the flight attendants lost his life while opening the door. A fellow attendant told Dave he felt the flight attendant knew that he might lose his life but did it to prevent an explosion.

Arrival of Jacob Moody Christensen. The afternoon of Tues, Nov 21, Jacob arrived in Dallas. We received the word in the city of Les Cayes where we had gone after picking up Dave at the airport. Michael was helping the branch presidents prepare to divide two branches into three branches. The office elders called us at the Meridian Hotel on Wednesday afternoon to let us know what was happening with the elections in Haiti. Elder Strong came on the phone and said we had an e-mail that Jacob Moody Christensen had been born on Tuesday. We were so excited. When we told the clerk at the desk that we had a new "pitit, pitit" (grandchild), she was excited too.

Elections in Haiti. Many Aristide flyers were dropped over Port-au-Prince–over 60 on our roof! Generally people stayed in their homes during the election weekend. There was no hustle and bustle. It was almost eerie going on the streets because there was so little activity. Our Petion-Ville Ward just held Sacrament Meeting on that Sunday with very few people there. Missionaries were to stay in their areas. There were some incidents but not to the extent the alarmist press would indicate.

Out of Africa. Just after Dave came, we thought it would be nice to watch a video. Out of Africa was on the shelf. None of us had seen it. We put it in and rolled with laughter as we saw a homemade "church" film on the growth of the Church in Africa. Our neighbors, the Carrs, are currently serving in the areas that were high-lighted--Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti Hotline Haïti No. 8 . 31 Dec 2001 Amy Maria Dutson arrives Dec 31st!

The Priesthood Leadership Gathered in Haiti. President Coombs, the Santo Domingo Temple President, came to train Priesthood leaders about the temple. Later President Allred, our area president, and Elder Jones came to train mission, stake, and district leaders regarding the missionary work in Haiti. In preparation for these meetings, two booklets were published– "Directoire des Dirigeants en Haïti" and "Se Préparer à Aller au Temple."

Elder Gray. Elder Gray, recently arrived from England, was bearing his testimony at Zone Conference. Commenting on what he liked about Haiti, he said he really likes "picklees" (pickled cabbage). In Creole, one of the elders asked him if he had had diarrhea. Elder Gray said "No, I haven't tried that yet.." The room exploded with laughter.

Haitian Adventures with Dave. David got a real feel for Haiti, riding the Tap -taps and buses, eating street food, visiting the markets, and making friends with the locals. He did his best to move us beyond our comfort zone, and he did a good job.

The Citadel. We all visited the Citadel and Basin Bleu. The Citadel is a huge fortress built by King Christophe to ward off the troops of Napoleon. It worked. Neither Napoleon nor anyone else ever came. There were stunning views in every direction from the top of the fortress. It was a healthy hike too.

Basin Bleu. This scenic wonder consists of three ponds of water. For the final pond, you have to let yourself down a rock with a large rope provided (for a fee) by a local. We did it. Dave even took a swim with others from our Haitian entourage.

Dave returned home December 20 to join most of the Moody children in Texas. It was the best of all Christmas gifts we could have had to have him here. He helped us "get up to speed" with our electronic equipment, spoke Creole with us, and shared his love of adventure and seeing the world with "new eyes."

Being an Example. While standing in the line with Dave at the airport, Michael was talking with a minister on his way back to the US. The minister the missionary badge and said he had a neighbor who was a Mormon. Michael asked him if the neighbor was a good man. He said, "I can recommend him next to Jesus."

Dave's Comment on Returning to the US. "Flying into Miami made me think of someone seeing ancient Rome for the first time--just seeing row after row of perfectly straight homes, seeing nicely manicured golf courses and even seeing normal office buildings that would not normally be impressive made it seem like I was coming into the most opulent and advanced civilization ever. It did make me proud to live in the States so for a brief instant, I appreciated my American citizenship. After being in Haiti, you don't take for granted the kind of elements that it takes just to be able to afford having straight walls to hold up your home. Anyway, I really enjoyed my time in Haiti ..."

This Year's Christmas Song. Check the New Era Dec 2000 for a surprise on the inside of the back cover–a re-run of "Let It Come Quietly." The text for Gentle Jesus was translated into French for our missionaries.

Christmas Season in Haiti. The good news is that we enjoyed perfect tropical weather for the holidays. The bad news is that it didn't seem like Christmas. Here in Haiti the wealthy celebrate Christmas as well as the New Year with major fireworks displays. We almost got whip-lash from watching the "circle-rama" exhibits of affluent neighbors from the flat roof-top of our home.

There was not so much of the Christmas hustle and bustle here. Our stake scheduled a temple excursion for the Christmas weekend. Twenty members went to the temple and returned home on Christmas Day! The Mission Home was not lonesome during this season with missionaries coming and going and two staying for several days in the sick bay. It was like a "bed & breakfast."

Christmas Day at the Orphanage. At the last minute we decided to respond to an invitation to provide a little Christmas for the Orphelinat D'Amour. We bought little gifts at the Iron Market and delivered sixty Christmas sacks in the late afternoon. The children presented a special program for us. We had not intended to make the whole day a day of service, but when we finally got home in the evening we were too tired to open gifts and do the Christmas things we'd planned. But looking back, it was a beautiful day, unique among Christmases.

What were the Moody Children Doing for Christmas? The Texas contingent (Christensens, Dutsons, Dave, Eliza, Michael & Katina, Catherine) shuffled back and forth between Dallas and Austin in snow-storms. There was great excitement in wondering exactly when a new Dutson baby would arrive. Holiday events included a visit to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, the annual Inlaw /Outlaw Basketball Challenge, Hawaiian Haystacks, Pseudo Mexican Dinner, the New Year's Appetizer Fest.. Joanna noted: "It is nice to have so many of us together. Of course we miss you both and Jon and Kim too. Everyone is so cooperative and helpful. The dishes get done in a snap! It is amazing that we can fit 17 people in this little 1150-square foot house. " Jon & Kimberly celebrated Christmas in California attending Kimberly's sister's wedding reception during the holidays. Cal & Del were in Arizona with their families.

Arrival of Amy Maria Dutson. Amy arrived on a beautiful Sabbath morning (December 31), just as her mother had done. We were preparing to go pick up four new elders arriving from the States. As Bill noted in an email: "Good news! Joanna had her baby at about 5:00 a.m. this morning. Her name is Amy Maria Dutson. She's healthy and beautiful...more details to come! Joanna sounds wonderful (and we're all very impressed that she was able to get the baby here before the new year in order to get the tax break!)." Dave, Eliza, and Catherine stayed in Austin to lend a hand for a few days!

That's all folks!

Port-au-Prince, Haiti Hotline Haïti No. 9 . 31 Jan 2001 Michael & Katina engaged 29th Jan!

Ground-breaking for new chapel in Petite Goâve. Over seventy members attended this important event in the history of the Petite Goâve Branch on January 9th. Michael offered the dedicatory prayer. The chapel will be set amidst lush tropical vegetation along the ocean front. Right now there are about 160 people meeting every week in a small run-down house.

Two new couples arrive in Haiti. The "strongsinhaiti" have returned home to Canada, and the Reids and Huxfords have joined us. What a blessing these seasoned travelers are. The Reids are replacing the Strongs as the office couple. The Huxfords will be serving as a leadership couple to help the branches in the south become part of a stake and a district.

Mission/Stake President Training in Santo Domingo. Michael enjoyed a few days away to attend the temple and the training sessions presided over by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. While there, Michael helped our stake president and his wife, President & Sister Saint-Loius through the temple with his French, and served as a witness for their sealing.

Lyman & Evelyn. Lyman and Evelyn arrived yesterday to help us check out the medical facilities and doctors so we'll have a sense of what to use for our missionaries. Evelyn coordinated shopping lists that had been sent to her and they came loaded with two large suitcases full of things--Christmas in January. Tomorrow we're off to visit the cities in the provinces of Haiti.

"Sweetheart". The assistants were helping to change the battery in the car. Maria said to Michael, "Sweetheart, could you help me." Elder Hart, not hearing the "sweet" turned around and asked how he could help.

Primary in Leogane. We visited a little branch in the South of Haiti last Sunday. Two Primary leaders with twenty-nine children of all ages were gathered in a room about the size of our Third Ward clerks' office. We were touched as they sang every verse of "Follow the Prophet"at the top of their lungs. The Primary President had listened to the Children's Music Tapes and then taught the children. How big the world is, yet how small as we attend Church and find the same basic spirit and message of the gospel everywhere.

Brother Alexander Paul. Brother Paul, the father of one of our missionaries, has been a political prisoner here for 33 months. He has a law degree from BYU. As we have visited him in prison, we feel his dignity. He is a remarkable man. He said he felt it would be through our prayers [the members and missionaries] that he would be liberated.

Katina and Michael Engaged. The official announcement in Haiti came Tuesday (Jan 30) morning at 8:00 a.m. We are so delighted. The temple ceremony is scheduled for 7:40 a.m. in the Salt Lake Temple on Saturday, April 28th. An openhouse will be held the night before on Friday, April 27th.

In commenting on the annual Inlaw/Outlaw Basketball Challenge held in Austin Texas during the holidays, Bill noted that with Katina's help the Inlaws won the challenge: "Finally, the monkey is off our back. This was only the second time in 8 years that the Inlaws have won, and the first time MJ has lost (the other Inlaw victory was the first year of MJ's mission.) I told Katina that I was previously trying to show restraint, but now I would unabashedly plead for her to marry MJ. Alan suggested that we periodically send her flowers and gifts saying, `Katina, we love you...and so does MJ. Please marry us. Love, Alan and Bill.''"

Merry Christmas 2000 Video with Superstars: Thanks to the Christensens--Michael, Sarah, Beth, Jacob; the Dutsons--Jonathan, Spencer, Christopher, Andrew; the Moodys--Michael, Makayla; and the Johnsons–Tyler, Tanner, Taryn for a stunning performance. We loved every second of it–dancing, playing, raking leaves, singing, playing the piano, scripture reading, kisses on the screen, coming home from school. What a group!

Eliza in New York: Eliza's NY address . 230 W 108th St. #4B . NY NY 10025 . 212-316-9016 (home) . 212-367-6888 (work) . 917-434-3508 (cell)

The End

To all of our dear family members--Thank you for Christmas cards, emails--including pictures and creative lists, thoughtful greetings, etc.

Love to all! Your Haitian Relatives