Primary in Guyana

This photo of the New Amsterdam primary in Guyana from Sister Bullock (via Elder Lauritzen) caught my eye. Don't you love the fancy dresses? If you could see the challenging living conditions of many of these children, you would be amazed they could arrive at church looking so beautiful and clean.

I smiled as I looked at each individual child's face and imagined the impact of the Church and primary.

I thought I'd crop out a few closer views for you.

These two have got to be a brother and sister


These two also - aren't they darling?


She looks so serene (and beautiful) in the midst of 'chaos'


Another brother and sister?


You can see the two cultures that are so prominent in this mission


Trouble!


Oh, if we could only keep them strong - can you imagine these young boys as missionaries?


Children love primary here in the West Indies.

They love the Church

They love the missionaries

President Robison has a strict policy that the elders can only baptize children with a 'link' - usually a family member in the Church. They have to call for permission each time they want to baptize a child whose parents aren't members and he only allows it if they have a member of the church close to them. The elders cannot teach children alone.

I wish we had the means to bring them all into the fold and nourish them - they are so sweet and life has so many challenges.

The Church is growing and someday we will have wonderfully organized primaries all over Guyana to bless the lives of the little children.