Monday—April 15, 2013

          This was our first day of training as temple missionaries.  We met in the Salt Lake Temple where introductions were made and our missionary name-tags given out.   Our group is the first group of temple missionaries to train in the SLC Temple for many years.  Previously, training has been done in Provo.  We had an opening song and Elder Mel Hammond asked if anyone could play the organ.  Guess who volunteered?  It was a pipe organ and I haven’t played one for a long time but was happy to help all three days.

          Along with Elder Hammond, Pres. Aldridge, the Salt Lake Temple President; his wife; and the Executive Director of the Church Temple Department, Brother Blake Rosenthal also gave presentations.  The messages were beautiful and started us on the path to new insight into the temple and the rich symbolism and spiritual learning that we are going to experience. Our testimonies of the divinity of our Savior and His work and our closeness to Him are blessings we are anticipating.  Those who work in the temple know that the veil is thin there and they can feel His presence. 

          Sister Aldridge shared the words to a Primary song that she felt was so appropriate as a temple song.  The association is beautiful.

“If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do,

Would I think of his commandments and try harder to be true? 

Would I follow His example; would I live more righteously,

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

“If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?

Would my words be true and kind if He was never far away? 

Would I try to share the gospel; would I seek for better things,

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

“He is always near me, though I do not see His face;

And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care. 

So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be,

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.”

         Elder Hammond talked about how important the patrons are and about our responsibility to love and care for them.  He quoted Pres. (McKay or Hinckley?) who said it is better to have a broken rule than a broken heart and told about experiences where temple workers had been unkind and scolded patrons who would take away hurt hearts in their memory of their temple experience—one being a 12-year old boy who walked to the glass to watch his friend doing baptisms for the dead and was roughly moved away with harsh, reproving tones.

         He shared that we should never, ever offend anyone.  Along with that, we also should never be offended.  These are such Christ-like characteristics and actions I need to improve upon.

        The Temple President taught us from the scriptures—from Exodus and the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 11—about the temple ordinances and the promised blessings from covenants made and kept.

        We did initiatory work for five persons each and I loved hearing again all of the blessings that we can receive.  It was beautiful.

        The training ended with instruction from the Church Security specialist about safety when we travel and in the places where we live. 

        We made new friends today.  Our group is comprised of thirteen couples all called to serve temple missions.  Temple missionaries are trained only once a month.  There are three couples going to Cebu Philippines, two to Guatemala, others to Chile’, Washington D.C.; Manhatten, NY; Hawaii; London, England; Manti, Utah; Atlanta, Georgia; and, of course—Honduras.

Tuesday—April 16, 2013

          Day two found us a little more comfortable finding our way around in the SLC Temple.  What a blessing it is to train here.  We viewed more training films, had lunch in the president’s dining room, and then participated in an endowment session. 

         This historic building is phenomenal with paintings, sculptures, and décor that would welcome royalty.  The craftsmanship and artistry create a breath-taking visual feast.  The endowment presentation is done with live actors in huge ordinance rooms.  For years after Glade and I were married, the sessions were all done with live actors.  After the films were developed, all the temples ended live presentations except Salt Lake and Manti.  (We think)

         Again we were counseled to put the patrons first.  Making corrections to details is almost always inappropriate and not worth the risk of making someone feel uncomfortable or incompetent.  We should err on the side of charity and love.

         After our day in the temple, Glade and I spent some time in the work-out area and then caught a quick bite to eat in the Residence Inn dining area.  Laundry was on our agenda, too, so that we are all ready to pack our bags again after the last of the training tomorrow. 
         It felt good to talk to Justin, Kristie, and Tracen tonight and to text with Alexis again.  I just love my family so much and am counting on their prayers for peace, safety, and success in the work.  I can’t even think about missing them—it is just to tender right now.       

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

          This last day of temple training was wonderful.  We really grew closer to the other temple missionary couples.  We did sealings today and one of the sisters had prepared so she and her husband could be sealed together for her parents.  It created an environment and atmosphere that deepened our testimonies of the reality of life beyond the veil and the importance of this great work.  She will be sealed to her parents when they get to the Cebu Temple.

          We learned about the history of the temple and saw enlarged black and white photos of the progress on the building of this temple—quarrying the granite, laying the foundation and stones, etc. to the finished edifice.  It was a truly amazing feat—a miracle.  The rare pictures were enlarged for a recent celebration; and after the event, there was no place to house these unique photos.  The suggestion was made to line the halls of the engineering area of the temple with them and it seems a good choice.

          We were privileged to go to the 5^th floor to the solemn assembly room.  Very few people ever get to see this room, but our director was able to get special permission for this group of missionaries to visit and learn more about the history of the temple.  It was breath-takingly beautiful.  Everything was cream/white—the walls, pillars, floors—and gold paint embellished everything.  There was so much detail and the craftsmanship was remarkable.  The tiered seating for the general authorities and the First Presidency was upholstered in red/burgundy velvet.  It was stunning.  There were choir seats with old fashioned fold-down wood seats, an organ, and a beautiful white with gold trim Steinway grand piano that someone didn’t want and had given to the Church.  It was not originally planned for this room, but when it was received, they knew exactly where it was to go.  This room was so beautiful and full of such a special spirit—I just didn’t want to leave.  We saw the room where James E. Talmage wrote Jesus the Christ.  He wrote several papers on the life of Christ and the Brethren asked him to compile his writings into a book.  He was “sent” to this room behind the tiered seats to “think” and work on this book.  There were several spiral staircases, lots of columns and a balcony—typical of many of the old tabernacles like the ones in Rigby and Rexburg where Glade and I attended growing up.

          Blake Rosenthal taught us about “temple drift” and how even in the temples and even after extensive training films and instruction, there are still things introduced by well-meaning folks that are inappropriate and have to be corrected.  (We are not underwear monitors! etc.)

         Elder Schweitzer talked to us at the end of the day and gave great remarks.  The temple is about ordinances, but it is also all about the Savior.   We need to take time to get the temple “into us” and not just go about our duties.  I need to open my heart and mind to the Spirit so the Holy Ghost can teach me what I need to know and so I can feel close to my Savior in the temple.   Studying the Old Testament can teach us about the temple.

         After the temple training we packed our luggage again and took it to the exercise area where there were large scales.  My bags were both over the limit—are we surprised?  They were, however, fine when we left home.  Adjustments were made; we ate a little dinner; and then waited for the shuttle.

         We arrived at the Salt Lake Airport before 11:00 p.m. and breezed through the late-night check-in and security.  Our flight from Salt Lake to Atlanta was packed—every seat was filled.  The first hour was smooth, but turbulence kept us awake the rest of the way. 

Thursday, April 18.2013

         The lay-over in Atlanta wasn’t bad and soon we were on the next plane and headed to Tegucigalpa.  Suddenly, everyone was speaking Spanish and the overhead announcements were in Spanish and I just teared-up realizing finally that we were leaving home, our comfort zone, and everything familiar.  Our adventure had truly begun!

         This plane was smaller and the ride smoother.  I slept a little and then watched a movie.  By that time, we were approaching the famous “dangerous landing.”  It proved to be “a piece of cake” and wasn’t even scary!  I was so glad.  Now I had become the complete minority in a sea of Spanish culture.

         This building is where we live.  One section houses the temple presidency and the temple missionaries.  The other larger section houses those patrons who travel long distances and need  over night accomodations.

         Pres. Cazier, his wife, and a very young temple recorder came for us in a car that just barely accommodated all of us and our luggage.  They drove us to our beautiful apartment, helped us in with all of our “stuff,” and then took us to the grocery to get food and necessities for the next several days.   After getting our goods home and somewhat put away, we changed clothes and went with Pres. Cazier to meet the temple president, Pres. Ocampo.  Glade and I were set apart—in Spanish—as ordinance workers in the Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple.  He then asked about my music and said he really wanted someone “live” to play the organ instead of just having the recordings.   He would also like me to help teach others who play a little piano to play the organ.

         Pres. and Sister Cazier prepared a lovely meal for us and invited Pres. and Sister Amado, the second counselor in the presidency, and the 80-year-old senior missionary couple, the Bassetts.  It was mostly English around that table and I was glad.  We felt very welcome, needed, and comfortable.  Our accommodations were wonderful; it was not too hot or humid; and we felt safe in the compound.  Now we just had to go to work.  The schedule had us reporting to the temple Friday at noon.

Friday, April 19, 2013

          First-day jitters had settled in as we faced the unknown—at least unknown for me.  Our shift at the temple was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. so we started our day with an exercise walk around the compound.  We went about two miles and really had a workout going up and down the steep hills.  The weather was very pleasant.

          It was good to get our first day of service behind us.  Glade went right to work helping with the ordinances and I went right to work studying.  I hit a low point trying to find my way around, not being able to communicate with anyone, and feeling that learning all those parts would never happen.

          Pres. Amada, who is a Spanish and English teacher by profession, shared some tips with me in his office about learning Spanish.  He was so kind and helpful.

          I kept studying the first part I was learning, trying to overcome being a little sad and very emotional.  “Just toughen up and do this” was my self-talk, but it didn’t seem to help much.  I finally felt I had learned the first assignment and could pass it off with Sister Amada; but my confidence was bruised and my emotions unstable, so I put it off thinking that I would have better success tomorrow.  Finally, however, about 6:00 p.m. I decided that being useless was a waste, so I took the first step, went to Sister Amado’s office, and recited the first assignment.  Sister Amado said “perfecto!” and took me right upstairs to start using what I had learned.  That was a little terrifying, but I forged ahead with faith and was able to perform my part for several sisters.  I felt much better having taken that first tentative leap of faith.  There were a few smiles—at my pronunciation I’m sure—but everyone was kind and receptive.

          We didn’t get back to our apartment until about 8:30 and we were very tired—emotionally and physically.  It was too late to try to Clorox and fix any kind of a meal, so I had a can of mandarin oranges and a piece of toast, and Glade had a peanut-butter/raspberry jam sandwich and banana bread.

These have to be related to the rhododendrens we loved in Oregon.

These pictures were taken on our walk around the temple grounds.  Everything is so beautiful and well cared for.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

  

          Our days became really mixed up and we could hardly tell the difference from one to the next since we had spent so many days in the past week dressed up and in the temple.  It actually felt really good.   We put in our two miles again, and then Glade went back to the bakery to get us another loaf of wonderful bread.  The bakery is located just across the street from the church grounds where a member bakes fresh bread every day.  What a treat for us!

          Our shift actually started at noon today instead of 1:00, but we didn’t get the message and were a little late.  However, they put us right to work again—Glade worked steadily and I studied again.  Then Pres. Cazier asked us to help with sealings where they needed more couples.  We spent the next two and a half hours in that capacity.  It was very pleasant to feel useful.

          Glade’s back has really hurt because of the things he has had to do the last two days.  He will have to make his limitations known and take needed breaks from the things that cause him pain.  He has given a lot of service already and I know that this presidency has great expectations from him. 

          When we arrived home this evening about 8:00-ish, it was time to figure out a system for doing dishes and making them sanitary and finding something to eat.  We hadn’t eaten since mid-morning.  We ended up having grilled tuna sandwiches and green beans and they tasted wonderful!  Glade found a couple of ice cream novelties when he went to get bread today, so he had something for his dessert.  I still can’t bring myself to drink the “safe” water in our apartment and I am running out of bottled water. 

          Not knowing Spanish has been a real detriment to my feeling useful and helpful.  Everyone keeps telling us that we are an answer to their prayers and that they need us so much, but I am not doing anything yet to make much difference.  It is a good thing that Glade is so adept and has been able to step right in and go to work.  It has only been a few days, however; so I must be patient, faithful, and work hard.

          It is a beautiful experience to see so many people coming to this temple.  In just two days we have seen several busses filled with young people who have come to do baptisms for the dead, and people are bringing in their family names to have all of their work done.  The endowment sessions are busy as are all the other areas in the temple.  We have been amazed at how young the leadership is here.  We have met bishops who must be in their mid-twenties; the temple recorder is also very, very young.  They handle themselves so very well and are more than capable of doing what is required of them.

Heading out on our morning walk.

One of the houses acrross the street.  Houses typicall have gates, fences that surround them,
and rolls of wire on top of  everything for security.  

       

Sunday, April 21, 2013  (GP)

          Here I Go, Strapped—in with my back brace with Mom as my posture police to assure that my back lives to see another day.

          Sunday, a day of rest, a day of respite from the cares of the world; however, when the past week has been filled with one spiritual high after another, I can say it was more of the same wonderment. I awoke at 6:00, church was at 9:00 so I took the opportunity to let Mom sleep a bit, put on some Sunday clothes and walk outside around our little compound confines in the cool morning [60 degrees.] Some of the Priesthood leaders were already arriving for early morning meetings and the 24/7 Security guards were faithfully at their posts; a great wake-up experience!.

          Church was great! The Honduran Saints are full of the Spirit in song, words, and temple attendance.  As I watched them lead out in their duties, I thought of my feelings on Friday, our first day at work in the temple.  They asked that I do initiatory at 5 PM.  Young Honduran fathers and returned missionaries came in by the dozens with dozens of names each.  Family member names, they were, whom they had researched and were anxious to have them receive the saving ordinances.  Their spirit was remarkable!  They reminded me of Moroni’s 2000 stripling Warriors. I was overcome and could hardly do my part. We worked solid for over two hours.  0ne hundred and thirty names were done in initiatory Friday.

          The Bassets are an 80-year-old couple from Lovell, Wyoming, serving their 5^th mission.  I sat next to him in Priesthood Meeting and he marveled at the growth and assumption of responsibility by the Saints here since he and his wife served their first mission 27 years ago.

          Mom is going to do fine with the language but it will take time and a willingness to take a step into the dark before she sees the light.  I was impressed that she recognized the meaning of some Spanish words the teacher put on the board in Sunday School.  I’ve never known your Mom/Grandma to not put her heart and soul into a worthy task. This experience is certainly drawing us closer together.  We have a common focus without distractions and time to expand our learning and love for each other and for this wonderful, faithful people.

          We love all of you and thanks for your prayers and support.

I took this pictue from the balcony in our building.

Also taken from our balcony is this picture of the Chapel where we attend our Sunday meetings.

This photo shows that the temple is on a hill and the city  lights are displayed below.

This is a picture of the living space in our apartment.

Monday, April 22, 2013

          Three couples squeezed into the missionary car (that seats five) to make a grocery run to the PriceSmart store.  It is much like a Sam’s Club and Pres. Cazier let us each use his membership card until we can get our own.  

          It was a rather harrowing drive—the traffic was just plain crazy with cars, buses, taxis, motorcycles all vying for space three vehicles across in a two lane road with everyone cutting in and out of traffic constantly.  The driver had a GPS on his tablet, but it didn’t always keep up the pace and sometimes lost signal so was unreliable.  Lost is an understatement of our situation.  It took us over an hour and a half to make a twenty minute drive.  But we finally made it after going around and around in circles—often seeing the destination, but not able to reach it. 

          Noon was our deadline to be back, so our shopping time was cut and; wow, did we hurry through that big store.  We found lots of things, but had to cut it short to keep to the schedule.  Who knows how long it will be before we try that trip again!!!

          Pres. and Sister Ocampo (Temple President) took us to lunch as soon as we returned from shopping.  It was pleasant and tasted good.  You know me, however.  I was afraid of everything—the water, the ice, the chicken, the lettuce that might embellish the meal.  They all just smiled, assured me that everything was safe, and said “poco a poco”—little by little I would “get it.”

          After a quick nap, Glade and I went with the Ocampos back to the temple to see about playing the organ.  (The temple is closed on Mondays.)  The pedal board wasn’t working, so I started an email conversation with tech-support in SLC.  The kind man responded right back to me and made suggestions to be tried on Tuesday when we are back in the temple.

          Our Home Evening was shared with the Temple Presidency and two other temple missionary couples—Glade translated for me.  They are a delightful group and we love them already.  

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

          Today we were in the temple from 12:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Glade kept busy again going from one assignment to another.  The variety today was much better on his back.  The only detail we have yet to address is that there is no lunch break of any kind and it is hard to come home extremely hungry and eat very late at night. 

          We have felt the humidity a little more now.  The hang-nails around the fingersnails have started to disappear and our skin is much softer.  It’s easier to get “drippy,” too!

          I moved to phase two today and spent the first half of the shift studying again, and then helped out at the next level/assignment for the last three or four sessions.  Wow!  Learning Spanish by immersion feels like drowning in a sea of unknowns—like being thrown into that sea and someone says—sink or swim!   I have had great pronunciation tutoring from Glade, Pres. Amado, and Spanish for Dummies so I said the words according to what seemed correct, but what I heard around me was pretty foreign.  It is only the third day so I must be patient.  It feels good to be so tired at the end of the day.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

          This was the best day so far.  I had one assignment for the entire day which meant there was a lot more variety.  Studying and participating were alternated all day and it cheered me on. 

          Three people actually talked to me in some English today and it was like a life-line.  One was a young woman who had learned English on her mission; another was a woman who is a teacher and offered to help me learn Spanish; and the third is the maintenance man who is going to work with me tomorrow on the organ.  

          I am posting this message at about the same time of night that we were at the SLC Airport just a week ago to begin this journey.  We are glad to be here and have a week of “firsts” behind us.  Familiarity brings peace and comfort.

          Love you all.  Set your goals in accordance with the Plan of Salvation and keep striving to be obedient.  Take care, everyone!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

          When we did our major shopping trip on Monday, we found a large bag of good trail mix that has M & M’s in it.  Hooray!!  We can have a little chocolate!!  It’s a good thing the PriceSmart is so far away.  It will help us to not satisfy our cravings so often as if it were close. 

          We studied Spanish this morning before our shift at 1:00.  Sometimes it feels like starting all over again.  By the end of a day when repetition has made the words familiar, I can feel a little comfortable and a little more hopeful than in the early morning when it all seems foreign again.  However, the phrases and words keep rushing randomly through my brain all the time.  That is good.

          Pres. Cazier ground fresh wheat for us this morning—some flour-fine and some for cracked wheat cereal.  I cooked some for breakfast with our milk and a little vanilla extract and it was actually pretty wonderful!   Our Cloroxed grapes and apples rounded out the meal and we felt very fortunate for such healthy and tasty resources.

          Every day so far there have been several groups of youth come to the temple to do baptisms.  They come from as far away as four hours and are so happy to be here.  Some people come for the first time, some for weddings, some bringing stacks of family names, and some are seasoned patrons who know the process perfectly!  They are seasoned temple patrons and a great example.  What a blessing this temple is and how blessed we are to be here.  We still get home late and have to eat late.  That needs a remedy.  

Friday, April 26, 2013

          Our schedule after a week has become pretty set—We do our walking, soak fruits and veggies for the day in Clorox water, study, leave the apartment at 12:45, and return very hungry about 9:30-9:45.   We eat a late dinner, share our experiences from the day, clean up, and crash into sleep.

          There were no plastic gloves to be found on our shopping trip last Monday, so my poor hands always smell like Clorox from dish washing.  Maybe our next trip will turn some up or these hands are going to disintegrate!!

          There was a lot of variety in our work today and new training in untried areas of temple work.  Many valiant people here serve long hours day after day and a lot of work is being done.  As you probably know, family history work is to be done laterally—or horizontally—now.  We are to research not only our direct line, but all of their brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and cousins.  Our work is definitely cut out for us when we finish this mission and that is to figure out just where we stand with our family history and then get going on something productive that will allow us to find and submit names for temple work.  Even though I have had a little hand in it all of my life, it has just been compiling and reorganizing work that other people have done.  It is time to make a difference for someone!!!

          We hope you all take advantage of the temples close to you and attend when you can.  There is much to learn there, and abundant blessings to receive. 

Saturday, April, 27, 2013

          It was a great start to a beautiful day.  The smog that had hung over the city every day had lifted a little and the sun was bright and warm as we started our morning walk.  We were outside the compound near the bakery when I stepped on an uneven place in the broken up sidewalk and sprained my ankle.  Ooooh it hurt.  Glade helped me back up the hill and to our apartment where I spent the day nursing a swollen and painful ankle.  I felt so bad to not be able to go to the temple—and guilty, although I really don’t make a huge contribution outside of training, practicing, and studying.  I read conference talks and scriptures, and practiced Spanish from the Rosetta Stone and my Spanish for Dummies.

          Glade went to the shift as usual and had another busy day.  His back is bothering him, so he is going to have to make more adjustments so he can keep going. 

          We had a chance to Skype with Alexis and Scott and family today and I loved it!!  It makes it seem like we are not so far away from family.  Scott mowed the lawn today and turned all the sprinklers on while his kids jumped on the trampoline, shot a few hoops, and played on the swings.  Emily made sure the cats food was in order.  It will go a long way in helping our home looked taken care of and inhabited.   Thanks so much!!

          We missed Tracen’s Skype so we’ll catch him later.   It is hard to Skype during the week because we get home so late.  I guess Sundays and Mondays will work best.  

          Wow!  It’s been two whole weeks since we left home.  They have been busy, full, and rewarding.  We are comfortable, safe, and thrilled to be here.  BP

Sunday, April 28, 2013  GP

          Beverly was asleep as I slipped out to go to church.  She is staying off the sprained ankle as much as possible.  Tomorrow I’ll head to a drug store for an ace wrap.  

         Right before sacrament meeting started an Hermana was looking for someone to play the piano.  I couldn’t do that for Bev. The Hondurans all know how to sing beautifully and they don’t hold back. The young women did a special number and it was really good!

          President and Sister Ocampo stopped by our apartment this evening to wish Bev well and leave a treat as did the Bassets earlier.  At church, several sisters were asking about Bev.  

We enjoyed receiving Skype calls from some family, always nice.

          Beverly and I planned out our p-day to max our time since there isn’t much time during the week and we spent an hour working on Bev’s pronunciation.  She is coming along fine.  GP

Monday, April 29, 2013

          This was our P-Day and Glade kept busy doing his exercises, the shopping, and the laundry.  I tried to keep off my feet and work on my Spanish.  Glade picked up an ace bandage for my ankle and it will help stabilize it.  If I can get a shoe on tomorrow, I will go to the Temple.  

          We had no water for a while today and it made me realize I need a backup—an emergency supply.  The cooling system was down for most of the day as well, and we really felt the humidity.

          The Home Evening tonight was all in Spanish again and that will not change.  I just try to concentrate on what is being said, hoping to pick up a word or phrase occasionally.  The lesson was about prophets, taught by the Temple President.  After his presentation, the discussion focused on comments from each attendee about which prophet they had been particularly influenced by and what that message was.  Our assignment was to go home and read a talk given by that prophet and reconnect with his impact on us.  The experiences were varied and some had actually met a prophet at one time.  (Glade translates all this for me J)  They served homemade pizza, fresh pineapple, and watermelon.

          I am so grateful for Skype, Emails, and Facebook which enable us to keep in touch with family!   It makes being so far away bearable.  

Glade with his exercise ball--he is religious about helping his back!!

 Tuesday, April 30, 2013

          Glade went to the temple without me again today.  There was still too much swelling in my ankle to be on my feet for 8-9 hours but I felt so guilty.  I am going tomorrow for sure, however; even if I can’t stay all day.  My day was spent studying Spanish and reading.  It’s driving me a little crazy to not be active.  Hurt ankle or not, it’s time to get moving!!

          The day was easier on Glade as he spent most of it at the front desk.  He led a session at the end of the day; but overall it was a rather light day. 

          We haven’t been able to find any plastic gloves for dishwashing and cleaning.  There is not much hot water—in fact it is just warm, so I am heating water for dish washing and just hurrying through the morning shower.  Sometimes I feel like we are at the cabin.  J

          Life is great and we are so blessed.  Sweet children:  I hope you are reading the Conference talks.  They are full of great counsel, needed wisdom, answers to the questions of our day, and the peace that comes with hope in Christ.