Monday, March 31, 2014

          March has ended and whether the exit was like a lamb or a lion, it’s probably time for spring in Southeast Idaho!  We hear that it is still cold and snowy and hope it doesn’t last much longer. 

          On Sunday, a very kind family invited us to their home for FHE tonight.  We went to our own with the missionaries, and then went down to the front door where Brother Valledares picked us up.  As we approached his car, we noticed the sister missionaries across the street near the chapel and they started waving and coming toward us.  We waited so we could talk to them.  They were so excited and said they had been teaching one of the guards at the temple.  He has even set a baptism date.  They wanted Glade to come sit in on one of the lessons with them. 

          Glade asked the sisters what the guard’s name was and they said, “Jose.”  As it turned out, these sisters didn’t know that he was the guard that had asked Glade to come have prayer with them every morning and that Glade had given him a Book of Mormon and introduced him to the Church.  What a coincidence!  Glade said he knew right from his first meeting with Jose that he would be receptive to the Gospel.  We were all so excited to share this good news, and we will be able to attend the baptism which is set for April 25. 

          Then, we got into this wonderful new SUV for a ten-minute drive to the home of our hosts.  It has to be the first time since being here that I have worn a seat belt and it felt good!  Of course, they live in a gated community with a guard, and they have a beautiful home.  There was a small enclosed courtyard right off the street and it was filled with plants and trees and noisy birds, a small table and a few lizards.

          The inside was beautiful with tiled floors and pretty furnishings.  The walls were decorated with LDS Gospel Art and a marvelous large wood carving of the Tree of Life that an acquaintance of theirs had made with intricate details in everything.  It was just beautiful. 

          The mom in the family is a microbiologist and works in the health field and speaks a little English.  The dad was a banker for 25 years and is now leading the church’s self-sufficiency program here.  They have been married for 25 years and have four amazing children who attended the private bi-lingual school near the health club where Glade swims.  The oldest daughter, Karen (Kah` ren) graduated from BYU Provo and is currently teaching Spanish-immersion in a school in Orem.  She will work on her Master’s degree now at BYU.  Their daughter Katie (Kah` tee ah) returned last week from a mission in the Mesa, AZ Temple Visitor’s Center and will start her senior year at university here this next week.  Their oldest son is currently serving a mission in Argentina, and their youngest son, Nephi  (Nehf` ee) is finishing his junior year in high school and is already planning on his mission as soon as he graduates next year.  What a special family.  You can just feel their goodness.

           The newly returned missionary gave a lovely lesson and then they served a light meal:  a taco salad-like dish with chicken, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and chicken over a bed of chips and topped with a home-made dressing drizzle.  There were small confections and a fresh strawberry drink.  It was yummy!  I had to throw all care to the wind about what came from where and what was washed with what and just eat with grace and a grateful heart for their kindness and hospitality.

          One of the sisters who works in the temple is related to this family and lives there with them while she serves.  She lives in San Pedro Sula (where it is very hot!) and will finish her mission in July.

         

Glade, Katie (newly returned missionary) and her dad.

Brother and Sister Valledares (?) with Brother and Sister Peterson 

Our delicious meal.

Nephi, his mom, Sister Pavon`--temple missionary, Peterson's, and the host.

The same group, except that Nephi and Katie took turns with the camera.

This is our new treadmill--in the laundry room.  That odd black
thing on the left is my kindle.  I have to use headphones to hear
my music, but Jengo is wonderful and keeps boredom at bay!

This is one side of the laundry room.

This is the other side of the laundry room.

These are the stairs in the guest house that we take every day coming and going to the temple.

This is the reception desk in the guest house.  A missionary couple, the Cruz's, man the desk every day and their apartment is through the door behind the desk--center of photo.  They receive all the overnight guessts, make room assignments, and keep everything in order.  Notice our guard friend at the front door.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

          Church was great today.  A Bishopric member and Primary President presented awards to 15 or 20 Primary children again for memorizing Articles of Faith.  Some of them are so little and they are all so adorable.  Some learned only a few, and others had learned them all and they just beamed!

          There is another “recital” for the members of the music class the week after Conference and there was a practice today.  Glade is singing in a quartet with other missionaries and I am accompanying lots again.  The kids are making great progress and this is a good chance for them to share.

          Our apartment had no hot water today.  I noticed it going out last night and knew there wouldn’t be any this morning.  There are no engineers here on Sunday, but we hope the problem will be remedied tomorrow.  It’s a good thing we can heat water on the stove for dishes and clean up.  It’s just awesome to wash in the shower with a pan of hot water and a washcloth, but it was better than a cold shower.

          Good night and love to you all--  

Saturday, March 29, 2014

          It was a very pleasant day lacking stress and schedule demands and was a welcome rest.  We still exercised, studied, did laundry, etc., but at a leisurely and relaxing pace.   

          We heard from our missionary friends serving in the Santiago, Chile temple who said they have experienced hundreds of earthquakes!  Sister Turley said “there were actually 300 quakes in one area in northern Chile in the space of just a few weeks—one which was nearly a 7!  You may have heard that they evacuated that city on the coast expecting a tsunami, but that didn’t happen so everything here is just back to normal.  No one takes them seriously here.”  However, she said it was very frightening for her and every time there was a “trembler,” as they call them, her heart would race until things settled down again. 

          This sweet sister missionary has contracted E-coli and has been home-bound for two months and unable to serve.  They have tried everything possible and nothing seems to be helping her.  She has asked for our prayers in her behalf to be healed so she can return to her work in the temple.  The prayers that we all offer every day for the missionaries around the world are needed in so many ways; and if we pray in faith, the blessings for them will flow.

          The historic General Women’s Meeting held tonight was beautifully done and rendered me teary-eyed several times.  The music, the videos, and the sight of thousands of women, mothers and daughters, the old and the young joining together to be taught was powerful.  The messages by the auxiliary general presidents spanned the age groups so well; and, of course, we love Pres. Eyring.  I loved the meeting.

          Tegucigalpa, Honduras; 57 degrees with clear skies; and a beautiful, calm evening.  Good Night!   

Friday, March 28, 2014

          This is a short week for us since the temple will be closed tomorrow afternoon to allow the sisters who work in the temple to attend the General Women’s Meeting.  We didn’t know that until tonight and it was a pleasant surprise knowing we will have a little extra time.  It will be interesting to see the focus and approach of this meeting since the eight-year old girls have been included in the invitation.  There are 12 women in our family who can view this broadcast this year!  And that number will just keep growing! 

I’m so, so grateful for a computer and the Internet that will allow me to see and hear it and to hear it in English.  I am finding that it is extremely important to study the Gospel in one’s own language.    

Thursday, March 27, 2014

        At 6:00 a.m. the piercing screams of the fire alarm jolted us even though we were already awake.  We keep our Bose headphones close by and Glade brought mine to me where I was burrowed under the covers with my fingers jammed into my ears!  He grabbed his and then went out into the hall to see if there was any smoke or any action—nothing—as usual.  It is far too common a false alarm experience and we never take it seriously.  We just wait it out until the engineer figures out what the problem is and shuts the system off.  If there is ever a real fire, we will be in trouble.

          About 6:30 I came across a missionary couple headed to the temple for the early shift and commented that they didn’t even need their alarm clock this morning because of the fire alarm.  The brother sheepishly ducked his head and said, “It was us who set it off this time.”  He had been making toast with the crust-end of a loaf of bread and it got stuck in the toaster and he couldn’t get it out!  Burned toast is pretty smoky!

          We are so excited for General Conference!!  It is like cool refreshing water to a thirsty parched throat and I can’t wait. 

          It was a great day in the temple.  We are striving to feel the Spirit and be discerning of the patrons’ needs to make sure we don’t let the routine and sameness of what we do detract from the sacredness and spiritual experiences available if we are prepared to receive.  May you all choose to find time for temple attendance where you can separate yourselves from the world, remember why we are here, and receive personal direction.     

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

          The temple was over-whelmed by patrons today.  Glade manned the front desk for hours directing large groups of youth for baptisms, giving out fichas for the afternoon sessions which filled early in the afternoon, and fielding zillions of questions.  At one point he broke his reading glasses in half, sent someone to find me, and sent me hurrying to the apartment to get him another pair.  Age really speaks up when you can’t read without those glasses!

          As for me, I was thrown right back into the middle of that river again in the roperia—giving out clothes for baptisms and trying to field questions I didn’t understand.  Pantomime, trial and error, and finding help have become second nature and sometimes it’s pretty funny!  Everything always works out somehow, so all is well!

          There were crowds of people on the grounds tonight waiting for the last of their groups to finish.  Finally, the buses pulled up for loading and everyone climbed on board and settled in for their ride home.  Some were from Tegucigalpa and others were from out of town. 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

          The following is given in response to a question about why exercise is done indoors now.  At one of the temples in Central American, people started coming to the temple grounds to do their jogging, etc., because it was safe, clean, and beautiful.  They were not church members and only came to exercise.  I’m not sure why the gates were not kept closed to solve the issue, but the Area Authority made a policy statement that there should be no exercising on the temple property when the temple is open, and it applies to all the Central American temples. 

          This morning I broke-in the new treadmill and it is a really nice one.  Some of the read-outs seem a little off; but it is smooth, wide, and easy to use.  A new blister and a stressed toe appeared as a reward because I actually did some running!  It has been over a year and I’m still tentative; but it seemed okay. 

          Glade walked to the grocery store to get his exercise, so he’ll have to try it out another day.

          The temple was full again today and it was great to see all systems working and lots of work being done.

           Tegucigalpa is currently at 75 degrees and had a high of 91 with mostly sunny skies.  It is really warming up.  9:20 p.m. and all is well.

Monday, March 24, 2014

          Mondays just go by too fast because we pack them full!  I spent a lot of time on Spanish today and wish that it showed in my ability to communicate.  But the learning is mostly academic and my Spanish files are filling up.  Someday, maybe.

          Two exercise machines were purchased for us to use in our building—an elliptical and a nice Pro-Form treadmill.  The “powers that be” want us to work-out indoors.  The elliptical is in the stairwell—no AC—but the treadmill is in the laundry room and there is a mini-split AC if we can get a remote for it early in the day.  It won’t get us outdoors for fresh air and sunshine, but at least it will keep us going.  We are hoping the Internet works there so we can use our kindles on the go.

          Our FHE was great.  The Caziers showed us about 45 minutes of Mormon Messages video clips; and even though they were in Spanish, I recognized several of them and they were great.  One was about the man who saved all his money for a cruise; and, trying to be economical, took an extra suitcase filled with food—beans and crackers—so he didn’t have to purchase the extravagant meals on the ship.  Neither did he participate in the activities thinking he was saving money, and he spent nearly all of his time in his cabin.  Do you remember the rest of the story?  You all know how to find these videos, I’m sure; but here is a little detail if you want to peruse any of them:  It was in a talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf on “Your Potential, Your Privilege” @ http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages  

          I hope you all a great time with FHE tonight as well.  Love and miss you! 

Sunday, March 23, 2014

          Two families were baptized yesterday and confirmed in Sacrament Meeting today.  New members are confirmed several times a month and the ward is growing fast. 

          It was a beautiful day, but when we went out to walk at dusk it was very smoky and breezy.  Glade was worried about his sinus issue returning, so we cut it very short.  

         The last of the temple training meetings for the workers was held this evening (in the temple), and a Youth Conference meeting for the youth took place at the same time in the chapel.  Sister Cazier said there were about 800 youth in attendance. 

          Until tomorrow!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

          The grounds were teaming with humanity today and it made me think of an ant hill!  There were people everywhere—inside and out—either participating or waiting for their turn.  The laundry could hardly keep up with dry clothes for baptisms and chairs had to be added in the sessions.  It’s a thrill to be a part of this work and to help these brothers and sisters in bringing salvation to their families.

          Later in the day it was time for lots of “housekeeping” including our own laundry, haircut/color (I’m getting a little faster now) study time, exercise, and a short nap.  We are trying not to feel old and tired, but could surely use three-day week-ends!  It’s hard to know if lots of work keeps us younger or just wears us out fast!  Actually, we have no complaints.  We are so blessed!

          Good night again!

Friday, March 21, 2014

          Glade bounced back fast and was right on track today.  After our temple shift he even went to the fitness center to swim, etc.  That is good!

          We worked with another group that stayed all day and will be here again tomorrow.  I love working with them through one step after another.  By the end of the day, we feel like old friends--or should it be new friends?  

          A very kind man who is a sealer and worked opposite me today at the end of the session took time to grasp my hands and voice a compliment and share appreciation for the success of the experience.  That is another one of those blessings that gives me such a lift and will keep me going for a while.  It was a small gesture on his part, but it meant the world to me and made me happy.    There is a lesson here-- that we can each make a difference in someone’s life by giving a little genuine recognition and taking a few minutes to be kind.  I will always remember his kindness to me today.

          Krizia came again this afternoon for a Spanish lesson and we walked through the temple grounds identifying everything in sight and writing descriptive sentences.  She also is such a kind person to initiate this interaction.  From the temple, she walks 15 minutes to a bus stop; waits for the bus; then has a 45-minute ride to her home.  All I have to do is walk across the street.  I pray she will be blessed for her sacrifices.

          Love to everyone and Good Night!         

Thursday, March 20, 2014

          Glade stayed home today.  He has had a bad sinus headache again and takes lots of OTC meds.  Last night he decided to omit the sleeping pill because he doesn’t like the resultant mood changes; so needless to say, he didn’t sleep at all.  We walked outside in the wind (or no wind J) several nights in a row and he thinks it is probably allergy related.  We are hoping for a good night for him and will just have to see what tomorrow brings.  There was no exercise tonight so the routine described last night just went awry!  J

          A bus arrived early this morning and its occupants filled the empty spaces in the temple with anxious enthusiasm.  It was great to see it busier again.  Even though Glade wasn’t there, I still helped with a session and kept very busy.  It is still amazing that I am able to say so much Spanish from memory.  We are so grateful for the Lord’s blessings which are evident every day and on many fronts.    

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

          It was a very slow day, but with workers helping, there were enough people for all the sessions.  Glade and I led two of them and then did sealings.

          A sweet young woman who works in the temple and teaches Spanish at a bi-lingual high school offered to help me with some on learning the language.  Her name is Krizia and she is always so kind and helpful when we are in the temple.  Her English is pretty good, so we communicated quite well and kept a dictionary close at hand.

          Our walk was late and in the dark again.  It’s so much easier to go first thing in the morning.  Our routine is set, though; so we just go whether we want to or not (does Glade ever not want to exercise? J) 

Breezy, 72 degrees, and partly cloudy. 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The workers out-numbered the patrons this morning, but there was a group of people from a town about four hours away that arrived early and kept the work going.  Glade and I lead a session which we do nearly every day with very few exceptions, and we really enjoy that. 

We waited until after dark to do our three-mile walk tonight and it was so pleasant outside.  There are plenty of lights and it is much cooler than in the afternoon.

There is nothing of interest to write about, so I’ll close.  We’ll do our reading and then try for some “beauty” rest.  Somehow the nights don’t yield much on either count—the beauty or the rest. J

Good night!!    

Monday, March 17, 2014

          Glade’s birthday and St. Patrick’s Day are all rolled into one great event.  He enjoyed his day that started with a trip to the fitness center sporting his big green crocks!  He wears them every day and nearly everywhere he goes except to church and to the temple.  

          Since we grocery shopped and did housekeeping on Saturday, it was a peaceful day without stress or rushing to get everything done.  Family Home Evening was nice and Glade topped off his taco soup and chips with Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia Ice Cream and the birthday cake made on Saturday.  So, it felt a little like a birthday—especially when everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to him tonight.

We sauntered down to the bakery for bread this afternoon and realized that it is getting hot here!  We are so grateful for the blessing of air conditioning both in our apartment and in the temple. 

          Thanks to everyone who sent birthday greetings to Glade via Skype, Facebook, and email.  It’s extra nice since we are so far away from everyone and it brings you all close to us. 

          Time to turn in.  We start the early schedule in the morning.

          Sweet Dreams, Everyone!  Know you are loved J  

Sunday, March 16, 2014

          Today’s Stake Conference was a broadcast from Salt Lake.  Chairs were packed into every conceivable space in the chapel, cultural hall, and over-flow rooms, including chairs in the aisles.  People actually came early and were rewarded with a slideshow of the Open House and Cultural Events from last year’s opening of this temple.  The dedication was just a year ago, March 17, and happened on the day that Glade and I spoke in Sacrament Meeting prior to leaving for Honduras—also his birthday J 

          The choir was scheduled to practice—its one and only practice for this meeting—at 9:00 a.m.  The choir director and I and a couple of members watched and waited, but no choir arrived.  About 9:40 I started playing prelude.   Just before 10:00 a.m. a dozen Primary kids came to the stand to sing their sweet special number, and choir members randomly filled in the seats behind them and made ready to sing.  There was no practice, so we just “winged” it and it was great.  The choir director is awesome, easy to follow, and all’s well that ends well!  Glade said the people here will live longer because they are so casual about many things and don’t stress over things like we do at home.

          Cheers came today by way of success in solving a computer issue all on my own J!!  I just started searching and paying attention to options and was led to a tutorial on Windows 7 that listed a topic I thought might be related!  And it was!  A few more clicks and the answer came up right in front of me with instructions and a visual!  Oh Happy Day!!  I just had to give myself a little pat on the back since that doesn’t happen very often.

          We walked outside tonight after dark and watched a huge, bright yellow moon climb up over the eastern mountains and light up the clouds.  I suddenly thought that it is the same bright yellow moon that you-all see (at some point in time) where you live as well.  It somehow shortened the distance and lessened the chasm that separates us.

          It’s a warm breezy 81 degrees and partly cloudy.  (I think it is actually a little cooler up here on our hill than down in the city—it doesn’t feel like 81 but more like 71.)        

Saturday, March 15, 2014

          Because of stake conference meetings this afternoon throughout the region, the temple was closed at noon and we didn’t have a shift.  I played for a couple of choirs and played prelude for the meeting which started at 3:00 p.m.  The choirs practiced at 2:00—at least they were scheduled to practice at 2:00 but were late J--and the meeting went until 5:00 p.m.  I would have excused myself after the songs were finished, but they decided last minute to have a closing song. . . There was a Priesthood meeting immediately following, but Glade’s back had reached its limit, so we went to our apartment.

          We were headed out about 8:30 tonight to walk when we encountered the Amado’s just leaving with a brother who is a temple sealer in his nice car to go to La Colonia for a few groceries and invited us to go.  So, Glade grabbed his credit card and I changed my shoes and off we went.  It was great—we only had 30 minutes until the store closed so decision making was at a minimum and we really hurried.  Now, we won’t have to go on Monday nor pay for a taxi. 

I decided to try making frosting one last time before completely giving up.  We found a grade of powdered sugar that is much more refined than we have had before and guess what?!  Walah--it worked beautifully!  It tasted heavenly and will be a real treat on the orange cake it covers.  This is Glade's birthday cake which he will start eating tomorrow although his birthday isn't until Monday.  We haven't tasted real frosting for 11 months and it was mouth-watering.  Since it is such a "healthy" item, however, we probably won't have any again for another 11 months!  --Gotta stay on program :)

Friday, March 14, 2014

          Happy Pi Day!  Did anyone get pie?

          A young couple, temple workers, left the temple tonight with helmets in hand and climbed onto a motorcycle for a windy ride home through dark bumpy streets in a city where the citizens shouldn’t be out after dark.  It is an inexpensive way to travel, but they must surely be accompanied by lots of prayers.  They smiled and waved as they left and I decided not to worry J

Thursday, March 13, 2014

          Wow!  This week is flying by.  There isn’t much to tell about tonight and that is becoming the norm.  Attendance seems to have fallen off since the first of the year so we miss out on some of the human interest stories.  There were, however, a couple of buses today whose occupants kept the sessions pretty full. 

          Good night!  9:56 p.m. and 71 degrees with intermittent clouds.  

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

          Glade reminded me that last year at this time we were preparing talks for Sacrament meeting and Glade's birthday meal for friends and family.  What a year it has been!  

I’m so grateful for parents who gave me hard jobs to do and taught me that I could do hard things.  This has been a hard thing to unexpectedly have to tackle a foreign language.  But I can’t “talk the talk” to my kids and grandchildren unless I “walk the walk.”  So—we can all do hard things!!  Tackle whatever is on your plate, whatever goal you are striving for, whatever hill you have to climb with faith and all the hard work you can muster.  And God bless you in that climb.  Love to you--

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

          This was a pretty slow day; but there were enough people in the temple to keep everything going—just at a slower pace.  I had a few minutes to read from an English Liahona during a little down time and again was so impressed by the wonderful and appropriate messages from our Prophet, apostles, and other leaders.  These messages provide guidance and encouragement to us in these days when evil is found at every turn.  We must be of good cheer, have faith and not fear, keep our covenants, and hold to the iron rod with all of our strength!    

Monday, March 10, 2014

          Glade went to the fitness center this morning and then studied his lesson for FHE tonight.  I made some charts as handouts for him and prepared dinner.  He made me prepare two scriptures to give in Spanish and I tried not to be grumpy. J  It just makes me self-conscious since everyone else either has a handle on the language or it is their native language. 

In the beginning couples were to provide “refreshments” at the end of the lesson.  However, over time those refreshments have evolved into being a whole meal.  No one has been willing to scale back a little so we were right there making a whole dinner.  I fixed haystacks and served them with sliced almonds, grated cheese, broken green onion Pringles, and peas and carrots.  I mixed the chicken with cream of chicken soup and we had it all over brown rice.  It all turned out great and seemed to make a hit. 

Glade ordered cinnamon rolls from our bakery that were delivered mid-meeting, warm, and smelling Heavenly!  We opened our gallon size can of mandarin oranges and served them with the rolls.

I was late getting there since there was another incident with the stove.  Long story about figuring out the rice, but the short story is that the knobs on the stove that turn on the burners are reversed from ours at home and from every other stove I have ever used.  We mix them up all the time.  Well, I keep strips of foil over the stove top to keep crumbs and food from getting into the burners and to keep the clean up to a minimum.  There is very little counter space and working over the stove is common.  The front half of the foil was folded back over the back burner, the large kettle of water placed on the exposed burner, and the stove turned on.  I worked on other things while waiting for the water to boil.  Glade walked through the kitchen and I asked him to see if the water was boiling.  He said, “Not yet, but just about.”  Later when I went to check, the foil over the back burner was glowing red and starting to flame!  The wrong burner was turned on again and the stove nearly went up in flames!!  The water for the rice was still cool.  That did not save on the clean up time at all!  Oh, well.  It is all taken care of now, except that we will have to buy a new drip pan for the burner.

I hope you all had a fabulous FHE!  Good night!  Love to all--

Sunday, March 09, 2014

          This was just a normal Sunday with Church, a nice dinner, and a peaceful walk-and-talk around the temple grounds in the pre-dark evening.  We were even able to sleep in a little this morning which is so rare!  We are grateful for this missionary experience, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for our amazing family.  Love to you all!

Saturday, March 08, 2014

          Yesterday I watched a little boy about four years old all dressed in white—long-sleeved shirt, tie, pants, shoes and socks—walk down the high-ceilinged hallway in the temple toward the sealing room holding his big brother’s hand.  His brother was also dressed in white and must have been about 13 years old.  They were on their way to be sealed to their parents and it was such a precious sight; it just melted my heart.  I had assisted the couple earlier in the day and it was sweet to see it all come together with the family sealing.

          Two other families made similar journeys today and had children sealed to parents.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ has brought happiness and joy to their lives and blessings are flowing for them.

          If we were in Idaho, we would be “springing forward” an hour with all of you; but there is no Daylight Savings Time here.   J  Lucky us!

          Tegucigalpa, Honduras; 70 degrees with heavy clouds; 9:50 p.m.

Friday, March 07, 2014

          Glade walked 35 minutes to our grocery store for his exercise this morning.  Getting a taxi to get the goods home was a given, especially since  the uphill grade back to the temple grounds is steep!  It is our turn for FHE on Monday and we needed a few things. 

          It was a very busy day and that always makes up happy.  We hope you are all well and happy, too.  Sending our love--  

Thursday, March 06, 2014

          Just after the 2:00 o’clock session started this afternoon, a bulb broke in the projection system which, of course, put everything on hold.  The patrons were directed to the chapel where they sat, read, or napped for about 50 minutes until the bulb was replaced and the film was up and running again.  The next session was cancelled since they can’t overlap; but the last one was back on track and Glade and I officiated.  (He officiates, of course; I support.)

          When we left tonight, rain was streaming from the sky, accompanied by glorious thunder.  The days are warming and it has been a long time since it rained; so it was welcomed.  Hooray!  

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

          Numbers were low today, but there were enough patrons to keep the work going.  There was even a group of youth who came tonight at 7:00 to do baptisms.  The kids are back in school, so they have to come in the evenings.  

          The pictures below were taken in the early morning as a new group arrived by bus, one of two, and headed right to the temple doors. 

 

Tuesday, March  04, 2014

          The weather is changing a little and the days seem warmer than previous weeks.  Our walk needs to be pretty early to beat the heat that is coming although it is never really hot!  Glade loves the sun, of course, and is very tanned.  My big yellow hat shades me perfectly and saves my skin from blotches and freckles.  We often exhibit the “ying” and the “yang” in our experiences.

          Sister Starkey joined me for a few laps walking this morning and when the armored car drove up to the Distribution Center, she wanted pictures.  I took out my phone, set the camera mode, and gave it to her.  She walked right up to the outside guard and took several pictures.  You know me; I wouldn’t get close and be conspicuous.  Sister Starkey isn’t afraid of anything!   
          Apparently this truck comes twice a day for pick-up and delivery of the day’s money—once in the morning and then again in the evening.  It’s not a big deal, just photos to share!  J   It feels so out of place to see this element on the Church property and so near the temple grounds.

Monday, March  03, 2014

          The week-end flew by but it was renewing and we are ready to be back in the temple.  We count our blessings every day and are so grateful for this mission experience and the things we are learning.  Even though we are freed temporarily from many of our temporal concerns, there never seems to be quite enough time for study and learning at the rate we would like.  So it seems like a race against time and we fill our days as full as possible. 

          I pray that each of you can feel Heavenly Father’s love for you and see His hand in your lives.  All you have to do is search your heart and feel deeply, gratitude for your blessings.

          Partly cloudy and 79 degrees in Tegucigalpa, Honduras--

Sunday, March 02, 2014

          Sister Sierra asked me a couple of weeks ago to play the music for Sacrament Meeting today, and it was nice to know the songs ahead of time and be able to prepare something for prelude. 

          The testimony-bearing part of Sacrament meeting here is a great treat.  The people throng the stand several at a time to wait for a turn at the pulpit.  A member of the bishopric has to stand at some point and advise the congregation that there will only be time for those already in the front to participate and the rest will have to wait for another opportunity. 

          Many of them come to the pulpit in families or as couples.  It is very sweet to see them standing there together supporting each other.  The first two today were a man and his son who had just received his mission call to Las Vegas, Nevada.  The young man spoke first with his dad beside him, and then the dad spoke.  As his father began to speak, this young missionary-to-be put his arm around his dad’s shoulders and held it there for several minutes while the dad bore his testimony and kept it there as they left the stand together. 

Another father, mother, and two teen-age daughters came to the pulpit together and huddled close as each took a turn speaking.  One teary-eyed girl hugged her mom after she finished and they all listened as their emotional dad thanked the Lord for their blessings. 

Another young couple came up together as well.  They have been married about a year—she is Latin and teaches seminary in our building and has a job as an engineer.  Her young husband is from Wyoming and they met at an institute dance at the University of Wyoming where they were both going to school.  She was there on scholarship and he had just returned from serving a mission in France.  They fell in love and married.  She and her family are from Tegucigalpa and the newly-weds returned here so she can get her papers approved to move to the USA.  While they wait, he is continuing his undergraduate university studies here, in Spanish--which he had to learn after getting here just a little while ago.  He wants to be a dentist and is anxious to get back to the United States.  They have been living with her parents.  They are a wonderful couple!

And so on and so on . . .  The meeting was great.

The temple presidency is giving a training meeting to stake presidents from Nicaragua.  They have been planning and preparing the technology all week and told us today that we would be without Internet service from 1:30 until 6:00 p.m.  It’s funny how it feels to be “disconnected”!  It’s a little like having the power go off since we depend on the use of our computers and the Internet for so many things. 

Have a wonderful day, everyone.  Love you all so much and miss you!

I took this picture tonight on our walk.  Does is resemble your March Ensign Cover Photo?
(Minus the glare on the right side from the sun :)

Just us "young" folks here!

Saturday, March 01, 2014

          March doesn’t seem to come in like a lion in Honduras, but it sounds like it did in SE Idaho today.  Glade is so glad to be here out of the wintry weather.

          Week-ends are such a blessing and we are past ready for a rest.  Glade did the laundry this afternoon and I played the piano so we could stay awake and not nap.  We took our walk as the sun went down, and then relaxed—trying to prepare for sleep.  Music played on the TV and we alternated between Glade’s “Easy Listening” station, which has mostly older music from the era he likes, and “Pop Classics” which has the classical genre I love.  Ah—such compromise and togetherness!  J

This is Glade's "study station" where he reads from the
Old Testament--Religion 301--course manual in Spanish.   He studies with
his notepad and dictionary and has a whole notebook full of new vocabulary!

This is the start of our three-mile exercise course.

Every loop we walked saw the sun dip lower and lower.

It finally disappeared and we finished in the dark.

Have you seen the cover of the new Ensign?  (March)
This isn't the same angle, but it is from the same side of the temple.