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.