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.