Most Difficult Mission?

More than once, we have heard the West Indies Mission is the most difficult mission in the church, and for many reasons.

First, because there are 11 countries within the boundaries of the mission with 12 different governments and many complicated government regulations for immigration.

Second, there are multiple languages spoken (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Suriname Tonga and Creole).

Third, there are 7 currencies. For example in Trinidad/Tobago, the money is called “TT” and is exchanged at a rate of 6.34 to 1(US $), in Grenada and a few other islands the money is called Eastern Caribbean Dollars, the exchange is 2.67 to 1, while in Guyana the exchange rate is 200 to 1 – Guyanese money is worthless anywhere except in Guyana.

Fourth, the geography of the West Indies makes for difficulties as well. Since most of the mission includes Islands, the only way to access many of the members is by boat or airplane – which also makes it very expensive for missionary transfers and for priesthood leader visits.

Food is really not as much of a problem although our diet has changed. For instance we don’t eat much meat. Chicken and fish are the staples in that food group. There are a couple American restaurants: KFC & Subway but we don’t eat out often – a big change for us. We have tried some foods new to us like Lambie (Conch), Salt Fish, Callaloo, Wax Apples, Cashew fruit, Yams, & Breadfruit. Of course we also get lots of Paw Paw (Papaya), Mangos, bananas (cooked and fresh) & and my personal favorite Passion Fruit juice. There are roadside stands all over where people sell fresh fruits and vegetables – tomatoes are ever present, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, watermelon and more. Needless to say we are not starving.

Relating to time, no one is concerned about being anywhere “on time” so when appointments are set it doesn’t really mean too much. Culturally, the West Indies is a mixed bag of every race, creed and ethnicity. It is fun to learn about different cultures. We are daily interacting with people who have ancestry from East India, Africa, Amerindian and Indonesian.

Few get married. Working – or not - is “no big deal” and many – especially the young people are absolutely content with the “status quo” so there is only a small percentage of young people who want to better themselves! It is common in some areas to find adults who cannot read.
Travel is very challenging. Not many own cars so they travel by bus. The buses are vans that hold 8 -15 passengers. Because of no set schedules you may wait just a minute or so or maybe a half hour or one may never come that is going your way.

But, while these issues make administration of the West Indies Mission difficult, they are also contributing to making our mission service rich and rewarding as we learn to appreciate, explore, accept and most important - love! Despite these seeming concerns, it is a great adventure!

Thanks to Elder and Sister Harris, who also serve in this mission, for much of the info in this post. Sorry about no pictures.