Wednesday, July 31, 2013

This is a photo of one of the youth groups posing for a leader to take thier picture this morning.
 It wouldn't attach with the text I wrote for today, so I had to do it separately.

  

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

         

          After the morning routine I sat down at the computer to start studying and realized my “piano” glasses were missing.  They are perfect for all my computer work; I have to have them to read the ordinance cards on the wall in a particular place in the temple where I spend a lot of time; and of course, they are critical for reading music at the piano.  The apartment search was fruitless and all the scenarios of how I was going to function without these glasses began swimming in my head.  

          The temple was the only place they could have been, so we prayed, dressed appropriately, and headed there hoping someone had found them and left them at the lost and found.  My locker is in the baptistry where the youth dress and there were three buses that brought kids for baptisms early this morning.  The bedlam that prevails in that small locker-room left little comfort that the glasses would survive the press of kids changing clothes. 

          While I checked through the locker room and my locker, Glade went to the office.  When I returned to the front desk, there he was—standing with my glasses in hand saying that someone had found them and turned them in to the office.  You can imagine the great wave of relief I felt and extreme gratitude for yet another tender mercy.

          It was another beautiful day in the temple.        

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

          Two young Elders and a Sister who all have their mission calls came to the temple today for their endowments and were so excited to be preparing for missions to serve the Lord.  The Sister is going to Argentina, and the two Elders to Peru and El Salvador. 

          Attendance was down a little so it was a slower pace today.  However, I kept very busy with a variety of responsibilities and did some difficult work at the veil tonight that earned me a “thumbs-up” from the Temple Matron!   Hooray!  That grade is hard to come by.  It’s also an especially great day when Glade and I participate in sealings and lead a session together—icing on the cake!

          I am so grateful my children are arriving back home one-by-one safe and sound.  Only two families to go next week and then I can relax.  Love to Everyone!!   

Monday, July 29, 2013

Monday, July 29, 2013

          Laundry and an early walk started our P-Day.  Sister Starkey walked with me for most of the time and we had a great talk. 

We are trying to set up an account with a mailing service so we can receive packages for medications or anything else we might need.  It works by giving us a PO Box in Miami.  From there, this company does secure shipping to several countries and we would receive mail at their Tegucigalpa office.  In order to set this up on line, we had to have a cell phone.  So, we hailed a taxi again at the bottom of our steep hill and headed downtown to find one.

          There is a very “upscale” mall next to the PriceMart where we occasionally shop, and right inside the doors we found a kiosk offering cell phones.  How lucky!  We purchased an inexpensive one and a pre-paid option.  Then we were taken upstairs where they asked for a passport number and set us up on a plan and gave us a phone number.  The kind young salesman was very helpful, changed the language on the phone to English, and showed us how to turn it on and make a call!!!  You may think that’s funny—well, I guess it was to see two old people bending over this little black phone with reading glasses on trying to figure out how to use it.  It worked, however, and we were able to call our friendly taxi driver and tell him what time to pick us up for our return trip. 

          Then it was on to PriceMart for groceries.  It is like a Sam’s Club, so selection is limited, but we were able to get a few things in bulk that we use all the time.  It is great to get North American products!  We also bought a printer—the “bottom-of-the line” HP, some paper (800 sheets which will last through three missions) and of course, ink cartridges.  We haven’t set that up yet.  We were exhausted by the time we got home and we had to finish the laundry and get ready for FHE.  We’ll do our best to get it set up and working but will probably have to call one of our tech-savvy kids for help.

          The FHE lesson was on the “Tree of Life” stone from “Lehi’s Dream.”  Brother Amado had copies for each couple and then discussed each part of the diagram telling about the symbolism and the meaning.  It was very interesting.  Glade always sits next to me and translates, but tonight I was actually able to recognize and understand many of the Spanish words.

          Glade keeps interrupting me tonight—he has his Bose headphones on and is listening to his favorite music and singing along!  He is just like a kid and sometimes gets way too loud.  He even found Christmas Music on the Jango that he has on his old cell phone and brought it over for me to hear!

          It is back to the temple tomorrow—one more week on the afternoon schedule.  Hope we are rested enough to get back to it!!  

            

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Sunday, July 28, 2013—GP—

We told people when we left church early today that we were attending a grandson’s blessing in Utah but we would be back in an hour or two.  How special it was, this whole week to see and talk to each of you.  Thanks to all who made this possible. 

This past week on one of my exercise loops around the temple grounds I noticed a gentleman taking many pictures of the temple from all different  directions.  I stopped and talked to him.  He was from Nicaragua.  I knew there was a group at the temple from there and asked if he had been into the temple yet.  He said that he was only recently baptized but came with group when the sister missionaries who had found and taught him had urged him to do so.  He had already set the date when it would be possible.  

While talking, I learned that he was very educated, had studied religions in depth for many years, and been drawn closest to the beliefs of the Messianic Judaism.  Then the missionaries were guided to him and had answered his remaining doubts, leading to his baptism.  It was very inspiring to listen to him.  The people in these two countries are very grateful for the missionaries.  Nearly all older adults are converts having joined after being found and taught by North American Missionaries.  As temple missionaries we are given that same love and respect which they hold for those who brought them the Gospel.  

“Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever.”

BP -- We loved being part of Grover’s blessing and seeing everyone today.  I hope all of you travelers have safely reached your destinations and pray that your continued journeys tomorrow will be safe as well.  Hear from you soon---

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Saturday, July 27, 2013

          Believe it or not, we had an Idaho wind that blew all day here.  It is usually so calm and wind has been unexpected.  It made us feel right at home.

          There hasn’t been time to get groceries for more than a couple of weeks and the cupboard was looking pretty bare.  So, Glade walked to the grocery store for his exercise this morning (about 20 minutes down the hill and 30 back up) and picked up a few things that he could carry back home.  Monday will be the big day to stock up again.  It seems to come around pretty fast.

          We are excited to hear about this reunion day and hope everyone had fun.  Tracen said he would send us a copy of the 2013 slideshow via Dropbox, and we will look for reunion and other pictures there as well as on the Family Blog.  We’ll “see” you in the morning!!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Friday, July 26, 2013

           What a great day!  We are happy and grateful that everyone made it for the sealing and that it went so well.  Congratulations to you, Tracen and Melissa, on reaching and taking the final steps in having Grover become part of your forever family!  Our prayers are full of gratitude tonight.  It was very difficult for us to miss being with all of you in the beautiful spiritual setting that we heard was in the temple for this event.  It is such a blessing for everyone to be reminded of the goals that matter most on our earthly journey and that we can be eternally connected as a family. 

          We loved skyping today!  It made us feel a little bit a part of the activities and everybody looked and sounded wonderful!   Please share with us how the rest of the day went as well as the days to follow while you are together.  Lots of pictures and “stories” would be perfect.

          It was a day for new experiences in the temple and a great variety of things to do.  Some of them I can’t share here, but I did get to be a veil coordinator for the first time.  I have also been mentoring new workers in the same capacity by listening to them assist the patrons, and helping them successfully get through the process.  It’s great!

          Enjoy this reunion and love being together.  We are so proud of each of you and love you so much!!  

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Thursday, July 25, 2013

          It is 10:15 p.m. and some of you are still traveling to Utah and I am praying for you to all arrive safely.  Of course, we wish we could be with you all for the sealing in the morning and all the activities after that, but we will be with you in spirit and send our love.  I am just so happy that you will all be together and hope you will treasure the moments. 

          Today is Grandpa Cook’s birthday.  He taught me about integrity, hard work, giving service, and many other skills and values that I still use and depend on today.  I loved to hear him laugh!  He was a great man—my hero—and I still miss him.  I was truly born of goodly parents.

          Good night!  Till tomorrow---

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

          Happy July 24^th, Everyone!  The Utah people, we assume, had celebrations of some kind.  It is a good time for us to reflect on the rich heritage of generations of pioneer grandparents  in our family who made unimaginable sacrifices and paved the way for us to enjoy so many, many blessings.   It’s a week-end that is too busy for reading histories, but maybe when your schedules settle down a little you could take some time to share a few stories with your children about their pioneer ancestors. 

          There were a few English-speaking people in the temple today and one was a young woman from Utah.  She wanted to do baptisms.  She was here with her family doing service—again, dental service.  She is a dental hygienist and is visiting and working in a clinic here assessing needs for materials, supplies, etc. for a week.  The she will return home, collect the needed supplies, and return to Tegucigalpa with them.  She was in her early twenties and was able to join a group of young people who were doing baptisms. 

          Glade and I assisted a North American couple in two sessions today who were from Grantsville, Utah.  One of their daughters works for Delta Airlines and gets free airline tickets for them.  They are on a journey to visit and participate in as many temples as possible—Tegucigalpa was number 109!  They just finished Central America and the lady said that the easy ones are all done.

          They just fly stand-by knowing that there may not be a seat for them, but they seem unconcerned and just go with the flow.  They don’t make any reservations and just look for accommodations on the fly and rent a car when they arrive in an airport.  They have been to some scary places in the middle of the night, but seem to have guardian angels to keep them safe.  If they can’t get on a flight to the destination they had in mind, they just choose someplace else to go and wait in line again until they get two seats and then they are off!

          These two pictures are of a grounds keeper who is weed-whipping the steep lawn on the North side of the temple.  I really thought it was just a weed whip like we use at home, but it actually uses a small blade—about ten inches long—that looks like a lawn mower blade.  There is no way a lawn mower could be used on the hills here, and these men get really good at cutting the grass in even sweeps and making it look good.

          Again, Happy Twenty-Fourth!  I’m sending you bunches of love!! Miss you!

It's hard to see him, but there is a man weilding a weed whip next to a tree in the center of this photo.

There he is!  It doesn't look very steep in this photo, but it is steep.  These guys must have strong muscles in their arms and legs.  They work on one section or another all week long--at least several days each week.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

          Glade was working at the desk this afternoon when a group of eight to ten English-speaking youth aged 15 to 21 came into the temple.  It turned out that most of them were from Arizona and they were here doing service with the LDS Dental Academy—you know, the one in Provo that we supported for so many years.  They were accompanied by a man who is a dentist, his wife, and their two daughters from St. George.  One of the temple workers who first greeted them told them that Glade was a dentist and worked in the temple.   So, when this man saw Glade, he went right up to him and said, “I hear you are a dentist.”  What a coincidence.  They had a great conversation. 

Just a little later, a lady was leaving the temple and had just opened the door to leave when the wind from a sudden storm outside caught the door and slammed it open and against the outside wall shattering the beautiful cut glass that made up the huge door.  It shattered like safety glass in a windshield in that it didn’t fall to pieces, but stayed together in pieces seemingly held together with fibers of some kind.  It was all covered and taped tonight when we left--so sad.  It was lucky that no one was hurt.  The glass in this huge door was the same as the other beautiful glass windows that I have described in earlier posts.

          Here are a few more random photos from Monday’s outing.

These are oranges of some kind that were growing on the grounds of the restaurant where we ate.

Another banana photo--notice the big purple shape at the end of the "tail."

It's hard to tell from the pictures, but this road was very, very steep!

Random house in the town of Santa Lucia where most of these pictures were taken.  The couple who drove wanted us to see the sights in this town.  The streets were very narrow and very scary-steep.

Taken from the car while driving.

This one gives a better idea about the steep roads.

Wash Day!

Roof samples.  There were several housetops with these baked-clay bricks that had
plants and weeds growing up from them.  It would be pretty funny to have to weed your roof!

The view was beautiful, but the pictures don't show it very well.
 There were too many obstacles in the way and it was a little hazy.

More of the view.

More of the town.

Last one of the town.

This is the only pond we have seen since we have been here and it appeared on our drive home.
 Glade was trying to get a picture of the one duck in the water.  If there were any fish in there,
 they wouldn't be fit to eat because of the contaminated water.

Monday's Post Page 2

Monday, July 22, 2013  Page Two

          I didn’t know how many pictures could be added to one post, so I opted to break it up into two.  Here are some more from our outing today that should be at the end of the first post, but they are not—sorry.

          There are a few more.  I will send them tomorrow.

This is the restaurant where we had lunch.  We ate outdoors and the weather was perfect.  

Ready for lunch

Dad with our friends.  Notice the man's coat--he wore it most of the day, but it must have been about 68 degrees.
Of course, we were just right.  We learned that there are places in Honduras that do get cold.

Putting tables together.

This friendly rooster wandered through our space several times today.
Perhaps it helps keep the bugs down or is kept on hand in case there are lots of people wanting chicken for dinner.

The grounds were beautiful with wonderful plants and lots of hammocks.

Spotted this in a nearby tree.

These were growing right over the tables.

More seating for patrons

Photo taken from the car as we were leaving

More driving scenes

We are on our way out of town.

There were lots of dogs in this town and they all looked hungry.

One last look as we left.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Monday, July 22, 2013

          A very nice couple in our ward, who are also temple workers, invited us to go on an excursion with them today and visit a town called Valle de Angeles where artisans sell their wares.  He picked us up at 7:30 a.m. and the four of us and the bishop’s wife set out in his SUV to drive for over an hour through the town and out into the Honduran countryside.  It was a beautiful drive with the recent showers having freshened the landscape with greenness! 

          The young bishop’s wife left her five children at home and was probably invited because she speaks a little English.  We visited, the three women in the back, fairly well with lots of explaining, translating, and sharing. 

          It is a good thing that Brother Flores had four-wheel drive because we needed it on the hilly cobbled streets.  Some were so narrow that two cars could barely pass and there were often vehicles parked randomly here and there that moving cars had to dodge.  We visited a small town called Santa Lucia on the way back and the streets were so steep that I couldn’t look—it was like looking down from the top of a roller coaster!  I wasn’t really nervous about anything though—that has been the norm for me since we have been here which is very out of character as you all know.  It is another tender mercy—a blessing of peace.

          We were delivered back to the temple grounds and our apartment about 3:30 p.m. and were too tired to go for groceries.  Besides, our Home Evening started at 5:00.  The Caziers set up a TV in the lounge, made popcorn and scones, and served them with grapes and cheese while we watched “The Work and the Glory.”  Thank goodness for me it was in English with Spanish sub-titles.  Tonight I was the lucky one who was actually getting everything!!

          There are quite a few pictures.  Once I start posting it will be easier to see if some should be sent tomorrow.

          The family traveling will begin soon.  Please be careful.  Please drive rested and not when you are too tired.  I am proof that no one plans to drift off; it just creeps up on you.  Enjoy your travels and have a wonderful time.  You are all getting extra prayers this week and until everyone is home again safe and sound.  Love to Everyone.   

The designs in this wall were made from everyday things like
 the bottom end of 2-liter drink containers, broken colored glass pieces, small stones, etc.

One of the city streets.  We shopped in the store that has the two roosters on the top!

Tourist Traps!!

There were lots of these little tuk-tuks available to take people around the town.

A nice plaza for picture-taking

Our friends Brother and Sister Flores on the left and Sister Matute on the right.

Caught shopping!!

More wares for sale

More "tuk-tuks"--not sure of the spellling--

Fruit stand--a few veggies, too.

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There were so  many streets!  We didn't walk down all of them, of course.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Sunday, 21 de Julio, 2013 -- GP!

GP--The ward is already preparing for Christmas so Beverly is in her element.  Sister Cazier, the wife of the First Counselor in the Temple Presidency, with her husband’s help, made some chimes and is teaching a music class after church, preparing some very enthusiastic members to have a Christmas recital.  Beverly is the accompanist and plays a keyboard.

With kind efforts to keep my back in business here, the Temple Presidency will have me be at the desk frequently to greet, direct, check recommends, and otherwise help the people who come.  In the slower times it allows me long moments of reflection and in-depth conversations with patrons and learning of their stories.  Other times there may be fifty or sixty people arriving at once, many wanting to enter a session that is already almost filled and ready to start.  In addition, at the same time arrive twenty or thirty youth, anxious for baptisms after many hours on a bus.  My school board experience prepared me for these moments.  As it was, twisted nerves of steel underneath a smiling countenance and sympathetic eyes.

I very much enjoy getting to know the Honduran and Nicaraguan people in the temple and out as I walk the “Angel Moroni Rush” route daily including outside the compound.  I’ve made some good friends.  One sweet, humble Hermana from Nicaragua could only gather enough money for her and her husband to travel fourteen hours, one-way, to be sealed, and none for their six kids to come, or for the return trip, or for food.  The temple missionary couples helped them with the food and return fare.  There are some remote places off the coast of Nicaragua where members travel hours on a boat before they get on a bus.  What has been our temple scenario?  “Well, should we go north for fifteen minutes and eat afterwards at Applebees or south for fifteen minutes and then do Sizzler?”

Joseph Smith taught that “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”

We love you.

BP— Just had to mention that I was finally able to get some piano time this evening at the church.  It has been weeks and I am rusty but grateful for whatever chances come.  It is such a great outlet of emotion for me and medium of expression.  Music is a beautiful blessing.

Saturday, July 20,2013

Saturday, July 20, 2013

          We were at the temple by 5:00 a.m. and led the 5:30 session together.  It was steady work all day and I didn’t get home until 2:00 p.m.  It was a very busy nine hours.  Walking every day really helps my stamina and I’m so grateful that it isn’t too hot to be outside getting some exercise.  We are really ready for our day of rest tomorrow! 

          A few years ago Shirleen sent me a recipe for whole wheat chocolate chip oatmeal cookies that I made for Glade today.  We don’t have many treats (he does buy ice cream when we get groceries) so I used the whole wheat that our neighbors ground for us and altered the recipe slightly since we haven’t found nutmeg or cloves; and the cookies turned out pretty good.  I sent this recipe to several of you on decorator recipe cards a couple of years ago.  Have any of you tried them?  They are healthy but taste really good.  I added semi-sweet chocolate chips; and you could add craisins, nuts, raisins, dried apricots, or ground dates to make them even healthier.  

          Have a restful and spiritual Sabbath!  Love to all of you. 

Friday, July 19, 2013

Friday, July 19, 2013

          It was a busy day for us—which is good—with no down time, and that made the time fly.  It will be a busy morning as well.  When we were walking tonight, we saw a big bus pull in and unload lots of people including kids who will be doing baptisms for sure.

          We walked and talked down the hill tonight with a sister who is from San Pedro Sula.  She has voluntarily come to stay here with her brother and his wife for a year so that she can work in the temple.  She comes four days a week.  That is faith and commitment in action! 

          Glade likes to visit in Spanish with everyone he sees on our walks.  He has become really great friends with most of the guards who all want to improve their broken English to better their employment.  Glade was telling this particular one all about irrigation in Idaho from the sub-irrigation used in Plano (until sprinkling systems replaced that form) to the systems of reservoirs, canals, and ditches that bring water to the crops on the farms.  They rely on rainfall here for the crops; and as I mentioned several weeks ago, are concerned because there is not enough moisture for their crops.

          This will be our last morning to get up so early for a couple of weeks—the first session is at 5:30 so we have to be there by 5:00 a.m.  Good night, Everyone!  

Just one more picture--it always looks so beautiful that it is hard to resist a photo.

         

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Thursday, July 18, 2013

          The Spanish lessons went well today and hinted at some measure of success with lots of repetition.  Also, a caring sister spent some time helping me with a few words and even found a paper and pencil to write them down.  That helps since the spelling is necessary for me to figure out the pronunciation.

          It was “hair color” day and it’s so nice to have that done!!  I cut my own hair this time and had to have Glade do a little trimming in the back where it is awkward and out of sight.  That was scary!   A diagram of the angle and the hoped-for result helped little.

          We met Sister Starkey near our apartment as we finished our walk.  She had been gathering food and money to help a couple who had come to the temple to be sealed.  They had managed to save enough money to get here, but had nothing left for food or bus fare back to their home and were beginning to feel a little desperate.  It’s hard to imagine that kind of situation.  They had left their children at home. 

Sister Starkey only had time to share a short version of the story and had to hurry back to the temple and didn’t say where they were from.  There were two big groups here today—one from about nine hours away and the other from Lima which is near San Pedro Sula—about four-five hours away.  Perhaps we’ll get the rest of the story tomorrow. 

These pictures were from our walk this evening.

This rain storm looked like a snow storm to me!

It's dusk and the lights are just coming on across the hills.
          I wish the camera could capture the awesome clouds we see.  

Our beautiful temple--again.

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

          Another milestone in the “Grover Saga” was reached today and we are sharing in Tracen and Melissa’s happiness over the finalization of the adoption, and it means the temple sealing and blessing will be able to proceed right on schedule next week.  What great blessings for our family!

          Pres. Amado showed me a Spanish program today he says is the best he knows and helped me get it downloaded on my laptop.  He is a Spanish and English teacher and has lots of experience.  The pressure is on now!!  Somehow it didn’t register with me that I would really learn Spanish here except for the temple—that assumption was very wrong! 

The sweet sisters in the temple try to help me with Spanish, but I can’t seem to remember much of what they say long enough to get home and write it down.  My memory is not very good.  It still makes me smile that they change tactics when I can’t get what they are saying and whisper right in my ear very loud, slow way down, or just say it again and again.  It is the translation I need!!!  But they are so cute and we all just keep trying.

There was a bus full of people who came from a little town about nine hours away bringing people to the temple.  They drove all night and arrived here around 4:30 this morning.  This group was not nearly as experienced as other groups who come more frequently.  They all needed clothing and they all needed help.  Their purchases really put a dent in the supply at the Distribution Center, but how wonderful for them that it is right here.  There were new endowments, sealings, and those coming to renew covenants.  It was such a beautiful experience to watch them with light and anticipation in their eyes.  Early this afternoon they gathered themselves back on the big old bus and headed home.

Beautiful thunder clouds and showers kept our afternoon walk cool—a lot cooler than where most of you are.  J  Good Night!  Sending Lots of Love Your Way!    

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

          The usual sleepless night preceded today’s temple work and it was hard to stay awake and think straight this morning.  Having no nap today should help sleep come easily tonight.  Glade ended up taking a sleeping pill, but I can’t do that.

          We continue praying for Tracen, Melissa, and baby Grover that all will go well tomorrow when they meet with the judge to finalize Grover’s adoption.  We will be anxiously waiting to hear from them.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Monday, July 15, 2013

          It was nice to spend a day here in our apartment with low-key activities like doing laundry, catching up on a few emails, preparing for Home Evening, and studying.  Our shift this next week will be mornings so our days will start at 5:00 a.m.  Once we are up and going, it is my favorite schedule; but “mind over mattress” isn’t easy.  The anxiety created by just knowing we have to get up to an alarm makes it hard to sleep.  But the week goes by whether we are sleepy or wide awake and we just make the best of it.

          Late Sunday afternoon and into the early evening Glade and I walked around the temple grounds and enjoyed a beautiful setting.  The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was crystal clear, and it was so still we could hear individual sounds coming from way across the city—distinct voices, barking dogs, and bird songs.  We talked as we watched the lights come on all across the “bowl” of the city and up the hillsides. 

There were a couple of men in the Church, but it was locked and we waited to see if someone would come and open the door so I could get in to play the piano.  They never did notice us, but our time was well spent and we were renewed.  Maybe next week I can get to the piano.

Our “treat cupboard” is always bare so today I made Rice Krispie Treats for Glade.  We found one lone bag of “stuck together” marshmallows on our last shopping trip and a box of Rice Krispies.  How lucky could we get?  They actually turned out great.  The Home Evening treat was whole wheat waffles with bowls of fresh fruit, a jar of honey, natural peanut butter, and a spray can of whipped cream for toppings.  Pretty Yummy!!  It was a great treat dayJ

          Our Home Evening was a discussion of symbols that we felt helped bring our children to the temple which ultimately brings us all to Christ.  We are so blessed to have all of our children—that includes the spouses whom we also call our children—worthy and able to attend the temple.   We pray that everyone will remember the covenants made there, and recognize in that sacred setting away from temporal encumbrances and distractions what the most important things in this short life really are.  It is easy to get side-tracked by worldly acquisitions and the competition of social, economic, and academic status that can allow pride to wield its destroying influence.  The temple is a place of peace, and a house of learning.  We hope you find time to prepare and to attend.   Love to All - - -        

July 14, 2013

14 de Julio 2013 El Blog, El domingo, GP

GP  I have been reading the conference talks in Spanish from General Conference April, 2012.  As I was reading Pres. Eyring’s talk given in the Priesthood session entitled “Families Under Covenant,” I was impressed; and it brought to mind two very spiritual personal experiences of this week.  I feel strongly the need to share them with you.

On Tuesday I was asked to officiate a large endowment session.  Among this group were 12 full-time Elders from the United States, returning home the next day after completing their missions.  Accompanying them was their Mission President and his wife from The Dominican Republic.  As I shared those wonderful two hours with them, their eyes revealed to me a confirmation of the Spirit in their souls that two years of labor bringing the Honduran people to baptism opened the gates for the eternal temple ordinances.  After the session some of the Elders were returning their clothes to the area where the Baptistry is located.  I happened to notice one of them, alone, looking wistfully across the empty baptismal font.  I could read his mind.  I spoke with him about his reluctant departure and felt again the confirmation of the Spirit testifying to him and to me of the urgency of God’s Eternal Plan of Happiness to gather the House of Israel.

On Wednesday I was at the recommend desk when some members from Nicaragua came in for a session.  One hermano, about 30 years old, had no use of either his left leg or left arm. He was coming to receive his own endowment and the friend with him, a little older, was to be his escort.  This escort brother whispered nervously in my ear that he would need some help because he had just had his blessings restored after being excommunicated and this was his first time in awhile.  I was asked to officiate their session as well and asked this hermano if he and his wife would serve as the witness couple.  Throughout this session as well, the Spirit bore strong testimony of the power of the redeeming principles of the gospel as I looked into the eyes of those who had experienced the Atonement. 

Each session has different mortal as well as immortal influences.  With that influence, each session brings a different but almost tangible verification of the Spirit moving throughout this people.  Experiences like these and this people’s faith make me feel as though we are in Book of Mormon times with their ancestors as the Savior made His appearance 2000 years ago.

Nada que haya ocurrido o que ocurrira en su familia es de tanta importancia como las bendiciones del sellamiento.

Nothing that has occurred or will occur in your family is of as much importance as the blessing of the sealing.

We send you all of our love.  BP

Saturday, July 13, 2013

          It has been three months today since we attended Ethan’s baptism and left home to start our mission.  It is amazing to me that so much time has gone by already and that the calendar didn’t just stand still in April for ever.  The events of the summer that everyone was planning are well under way and the reunion will be upon all of you in no time at all.  It does make me a little homesick to think of our visitors in Idaho without us.  Our days are filled with routine and temple work, however; so we have little time to dwell on what we are missing—most of the time. 

You will all be in our prayers as you travel and gather in the next two weeks in Utah for Lagoon, camping, Grover’s court date and sealing, and the reunion.  Please be careful and watch out for your little ones.  We love you all so much and will pray for safety and success in all your activities.  We will watch for all of the happenings you capture in photos!

Have a spiritually renewing Sabbath.