El blog, el miercoles, 30 del octubre, 2013—GP!

We were surprised to receive this call to serve as “temple missionaries” rather than serving in leadership training and member activation or even proselytizing.  However, for our situation, it has turned out best.  We have safe, comfortable living conditions and a spiritual work environment where we feel regular spiritual confirmations of the truthfulness of the Plan of Exaltation.

The confinement due to security risks is hard for me.  The invariability of our daily routine is a stark contrast to my missionary experiences as a young man.   As far as introducing the Gospel to others, opportunities are almost non-existent.  However, we are blessed to experience with the faithful Hondurans and Nicaraguans the apex of their earthly spiritual progress as they receive the saving ordinances for themselves and their loved ones.  This culmination of their introduction to the Gospel by young missionaries of the past brings very strong spiritual affirmations to me of the purpose of life and the importance of bringing the gospel message to all of God’s children.

Physical activity has always been an important part of my life and in recent years has taken on a survival mode due to arthritis and associated back difficulties.  I left behind a swimming pool, racquetball court, bicycle, and treadmill and was introduced to a gated compound with eight security guards.  These guards work rotating twelve hour shifts at two stations.  One station is at the top of the hill, the other at the bottom.  They rotate assignments throughout the day, patrolling the temple grounds, our apartment building, and other parts of the compound.  They check every individual and vehicle which enters and have an elaborate camera system with monitors in both stations to see all areas, including inside the entrance to the temple. My physical “patrolling” two hours every day takes me from the upper guard station to the lower and back eight times then behind the apartment building where there is a wrought iron fence, a terraced series of ten foot rock and cement walls, a patio, and some grass.  Here I do a number of back strengthening exercises prescribed by my physical therapist.

Tomorrow I will tell how I have combined my compound exercise routine with a “compounding” desire to share the gospel.  

                                 Love Dad/Grandpa

This is Mom and Grandma Bev now, sending Halloween greetings and wishes for fun and extra safety tomorrow for everyone! 

Glade took the camera outside today and took a group of pictures that he liked.  Again, it shows the path we walk everyday and the areas where he finishes his exercises. 

On the way down the hill--guard station is small white square just above photo center

Approaching the top of the hill and nearing the temple--steps on the right

The near-empty parking lot with only a few maintenance crew cars

This is the far East end of our building.  The grass area goes around to the right and that is where Glade exercises.

This is the far West end of our building.  I love it that there are flowers in the terraced areas.
The garbage cans are behind the short gates.
You can see the outer security wall (with levels) just above this inside wall.

This is the patio behind our building that is just off from the eating area.
Glade hooks his resistance bands around the fence that separates the cement from the grass.

Another view of the walled-patio area in the back of our building.

Another view of the back area showing landscaping and security walls.

Glade couldn't resist taking just one more photo--I am doing mending and really wish I had my sewing machine!!
This hand-work takes forever and isn't nearly as secure.  At least I have a needle and thread to match.