Hunting For Ancestors

Family History continues to be one of my main interests in life so I have been grateful to be involved in some unique experiences here in the mission field doing  genealogy research. It is part of the work of Salvation, as our President reminds us.

What a pleasure it was to spend four days driving across Newfoundland, from Gander to Twillingate, then about 4-5 hours south to Harbor Breton and Head' Bay D'espoire, where Sister Leavitt's parents were born and raised.

 These small coastal communities, sitting right on the harbors, are wonderful --- isolated, small towns that depend on fishing and sometimes tourism for their income.

We started out in Twillingate, then hit the road and took turns driving or sitting in the back and falling asleep. We talked, joked, ate junk food, and took lots of pictures along the way.

Best of all, we found and walked through several old cemeteries, hunting for Sister Leavitt's ancestors. We loved it!! 

This was the first time that Sister Leavitt had ever been to these small towns where her parents lived, so it was extra special for her and we were excited to be with her.

We tromped through several old, and overgrown graveyards, plus some that were more current and overlooked the beautiful harbours.

It was an incredible experience to walk through the mist and rain, peering at old headstones, trying to locate anyone by the last name of "Rose" and "Roberts", Sister Leavitt's family names.

This was the best one of all, to actually find her Grandfathers grave!  What a moment this was, and look at the view from this cemetery!  Imagine this on resurrection morning!   Wonderful!

We felt very blessed to have these few days together,.. these memories will last a life time. We clearly felt and knew that we were being guided by the Lord in our search and we now look forward to getting these family names entered into the Leavitt Family Tree so that she and her family can take these ancestors names through the sacred Temple.

Missions are full of experiences like these --- unique experiences that you have the opportunity to participate in, that you would not get to do anywhere else. This has been a real blessing in our lives.

We send our blessings  and prayers to you all in the great work that you also do in your homes, communities and church callings. No work is too small, no kind act goes unnoticed. I bear you my testimony that the Great Jehovah leads and guides this church, that He loves you and me more than we comprehend. May you fell this in your heart today ----
Sister and Elder Harding