Sunday, April 27, 2014

          This was a long day, but worth all the struggles and stress that happen when you travel a great distance.  We arrived safely at our destination, but not until we had weathered a few “storms.”  The crew that fueled the airplane in Atlanta over-filled the tanks on one side so the plane was out of balance and there was debate as to whether or not it was an important issue.  It must have been since more fuel was added to the light side—which, however, resulted in the over-fueling of the plane.  Therefore, the pilot was not allowed to use the assigned runway since it was too short to reach the required speed to get the heavy bird in the air.  By now, as you can imagine, I am getting a little stressed!  The pilot kept his cheerful updates to us as positive as he could and finally said, “Now we will just hustle over to a longer runway!”  So began the drive of the aircraft across the tarmac.  It was strange.  After sitting on the plane for over an hour, we were finally given clearance to take off.  All went well, but the four-hour flight to Salt Lake was filled with more turbulence than we have ever experienced!  But we made it and within a reasonable time delay.  Tracen was there waiting for us and whisked us off in the rain to Kaysville!

Saturday, April 24, 2014

          Our day in the temple was very rewarding and we were able to meet and assist a couple from North America.  He works in Afghanistan; and when he is off for a while, they choose a country to visit and this time they traveled to Honduras.  When I was presenting her at the end of the session, my mind went completely blank when I tried to speak in English.  I had to think of the words in Spanish and what they meant before the words came.  It was really a strange experience to have it come more easily in Spanish!   Wow!

          Sweet dreams to you all.

Friday, April 24, 2014

        There were very few patrons today and the sessions were mostly made up of obreras and obreras.  So, it was quiet and peaceful.  At home, it seems that Friday nights are very busy times in the temple with date-night, etc.—obviously not so here.  There were no overnight excursions, but we expect some day trips tomorrow.

          We have been cleaning, organizing, and preparing for our trip while the temple is closed for maintenance—only one more day in the temple.  A crew will actually deep-clean our apartment and that is always a little uncomfortable for me.  Oh, well—it will get a good cleaning and that will be great. 

Thursday, April 24, 2014

          It is extremely dry here and fires burning in the hills leave a haze over the city and send wafts of smoke into our apartment at night making it hard for Glade to sleep.  His temperamental sinuses don’t like it at all.  We are happy to be up high, however, and out of the smog of the city.  It looks quite polluted right now.  The rainy season is still out a ways and didn’t actually rain nearly as much as we expected last year. 

          Good night, Everyone.  Love and prayers to you all.   

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

          I took a few minutes and looked back at the blog posts for April 2013.  Wow.  We have come such a long way.  We have learned a lot about ourselves, about the temple, and about how the Lord blesses those who are in His service.  We know He loves us.  We know the Savior is directing His work on the earth today, and we are so blessed to have a living prophet to give us counsel.  What a great opportunity and blessing this experience has been and continues to be for us.  We will always be grateful for our time here.  It will start to sail now. 

Drake returned home to Boise today.  It is hard to believe his mission is finished already. 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

          Our senior missionary friend in Chile who is suffering from E-coli has still not been able to return to work in the temple.  It has been about three months.  Her husband goes every day without her and it is hard for both of them.  He said they have done everything they can and it is in the Lord’s hands.  They just continue each day the best they can and trust that everything will work out.  Their mission is for 18 months, so they only have six months left.  We keep them in our prayers and appreciate their example of hope and faith.

Monday, April 21, 2014

        Today was full of miscellaneous tasks and the usual house-keeping to get ready for the new week.  Glade ran down a Phillips screw driver and put together the fan we bought a couple of weeks ago to put next to the treadmill and elliptical to see if it will help keep us a little cooler.   

          We are looking forward to being back in the temple tomorrow.  It is such a blessing even though our experience here is not without challenge.  That’s where the growth comes from—overcoming and becoming submissive. 

Sunday, April 20, 2014

          It was a beautiful Easter Sunday and we hope you each were enriched as you paused to recognize the blessing of the Resurrection, the Infinite Atonement, and the gift of life hereafter from our Savior, Jesus Christ.   There were so many inspirational videos available about the Savior’s life and I appreciate those who made them accessible to me.

          The missionaries from one of the two missions here sponsored another investigator/new member fireside this afternoon and it was a huge success.  Buses from everywhere in the city brought scores of people who filled the chapel and cultural hall to overflowing.  Fifty missionaries filled the choir seats and there were that many more scattered in the congregation and standing all along the back wall.  The choir sang with enthusiasm and conviction and Katia’s number was so beautiful.  The music was interspersed with testimonies from newly baptized families and videos about the Savior.  The testimonies were powerful real-life experiences that these individuals had had as they journeyed toward baptism.  A couple of them had just recently been to the temple to be sealed.  I know that hearts were touched. 

People mingled on the grounds for a long time afterward where we watched missionaries sharing their testimonies with small groups of people.  It was an amazing feeling to watch it all take place and know that hearts were being turned to the truth by the Spirit.  Glade said that there was never anything like that when he was a missionary and what they wouldn’t have given to have had such an opportunity.

          Another recently baptized family was confirmed in Sacrament Meeting today—father, mother, and two children—and a toddler received a name and a blessing.  Tentative new missionaries are arriving and many with marvelous experiences behind them are preparing to return home.  The Lord’s work is moving forward and it is inspiring to see how it unfolds here.  Someone asked Glade to speak to a group of 60-80 investigators that will be coming here May 25^th.  He is to talk to them about the work we do in the temple and he is very excited.

          Happy Easter to all of you.  We love you so much and hope you had an exceptionally great day!   

            

Saturday, April 19, 2014

          The last of the buses was loading people for the long ride home as I left the temple tonight.  It has been a very busy few days.  I was able to participate in the last session of the day as a participant and it was a nice change in perspective.

          The missionary choir practiced today for an investigator fireside tomorrow.  The director is very talented and has this 50-voice choir sounding so good.  However, he was late to the practice, and I didn’t get the music until today.  That is typical of how things go here, but the practice was successful in spite of the challenges; and the choir numbers will be a great asset to the meeting.  This is the same meeting where Katia will be singing again as well.  It makes me so grateful for my music experience and that I have someething to offer.

          I’m not sure birthdays have been mentioned on the blog before, but maybe that will change during this second year.  Happy Birthday, Tracen!!  Hope you had a super day celebrating.

          Another week down!  Wow!  

  

Friday, April 18, 2014

          The people stayed and the sessions were full again today.  It was great.

          One year ago today we arrived in Tegucigalpa and started this amazing mission.  We celebrate the Lord’s countless blessings to us we grateful hearts and continued service.  Love to all and thanks so much for your prayers and support.

Thursday, April l 17, 2014

          There were at least eight very large buses that unloaded patrons on the temple grounds today.   Rotating meetings were held in the chapel of our church--instructions or firesides or testimony meetings; not sure what--and; of course, the sessions, etc., were full.  What a great day for temple work and it’s a good kind of tired at the end of such a busy day.  All is well.

           

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

          Sister Torres sent me home a little early today after a few hours straight on my feet and I was so glad.  There were plenty of workers to finish the last session, so I took her up on her offer.

          More people want help with music accompaniment and I’m happy to comply with their requests.  The missionary choir is singing again—oh-oh, I can’t remember when!—and the sweet returned missionary sister who sang such a beautiful number at the recital on Sunday has been asked to sing at a special meeting on Sunday.  It is a blessing for me and I love working with them.

          Good  Night to All!   Thanks again for your prayers and remember you are in ours—always! 

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

          There are several music stations that are available on our TV.  While I was cleaning up in the kitchen last night, I heard this “drip!” “drip!” “drip!” and tried to figure out what faucet was out of order.  The sound led me to the TV where the Nature Sounds CD was playing a selection called—Deep Cave Drip!  Can you believe that—nothing but the sound of a giant drip over and over again!  Glade likes CD’s like that and we listened to jungle sounds and lots of birds.  It was bed time and the jungle birds were just getting my adrenaline going, so he had to give it up for the night!

          It was so pleasant being in the temple today and it felt good to start another week.  We love being there and love the people we work with more and more as time goes by. 

          The wind was gone to day!  I hope it doesn’t come back.  It’s 10:00 p.m. and a very pleasant 77 degrees.  Good Night!!

Monday, April 14, 2014

          David (taxi driver) didn’t show up this morning to take Glade to the fitness center.  They have a standing appointment at 7:00 a.m. every Monday, and he is usually right on time or early.  He has a cell phone, but doesn’t know how to retrieve messages or doesn’t understand them.  He didn’t call, but something must have come up.  Anyway, Glade ended up walking to and from the center and it was very hot.  He could have hailed another taxi, but thinks it’s okay to walk.  Grrr

          I did my three miles outside again since the temple is closed on Mondays, and it was good to get sun and fresh air.  The guards, the parking lot scrubbers, the banister polishers, the weed-ers, the flower water-ers, grass cutters, and sidewalk washers are all our friends and make the time outside feel comfortable.  The Monday chores are all finished, FHE was short and sweet, and we are all ready for a new week!  Hope you all enjoy yours and make the most of every day we are blessed with. 

           

Sunday, April 13, 2014

          One year ago today we put our suitcases in the car, locked up the house, and tried not to look back as we left home for our 23-month mission in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.  Our first stop was a mile away at Ethan’s baptism, which we were so happy to be able to attend.  Then, it was on to Salt Lake and up and away!!

          It has been quite a journey with ups and downs and so much to learn—not only about serving in the temple, but how we personally deal with challenges.  It has been a spiritual high, but an experience laced with physical hardships and the difficulty of a foreign language barrier.  There are many blessings that have been life-sustaining—a clean, safe apartment; a temperature-controlled environment to work in; safe food, water, and resources; and Internet services that keep us connected to family as often as we want.  We have met dozens of wonderful people who are so loving and kind.  Glade has loved his interaction with people every day, and I have been blessed with language skills to fulfill my assignment and with the opportunity to communicate with music.  And what better spiritual environment could there be than within the sacred walls of the Lord’s temple.  Our marriage is stronger and our families have been blessed.

          This afternoon was Sister Cazier’s music recital and it was great.  There were about 25 young children who played elementary church music—some on keyboards and others a little more advanced on the piano.  There was a vocal/guitar number, a flute-a-phone/piano number, a few vocal ensembles (Glade sang with the missionaries), Primary and Young Women’s songs, a “bell’s choir” and the numbers I accompanied.  Gina’s viola number was beautiful and Katia’s vocal was exceptionally good as well.  People are gearing up already for the next recital which will be in August.

          Scott just emailed us a map showing the new ward boundaries in the Rigby South Stake.  We are still in the Garfield 2^nd Ward, but none of you will know the new leadership except maybe one.  A Garfield 6^th Ward was created and all the other ward boundaries adjusted.  Garfield 2^nd will now meet in the Stake Center instead of the building we have me in for 34 ½ years.  Ahhh—change!

          Take care, everyone.  We love you!

Saturday, April 12, 2014

          Today ended our week on the early schedule and it went by so fast.  The last two days were low on patrons, but there were several groups here today and we were busy.  One sister came through the “preliminaries” clutching a family name—it was her mother.  It was so touching to share in her feelings and I could hardly speak to do my part. 

          The blind gentleman who comes several times a week brought his grandfather’s name today and wanted to do all the proxy work himself.  It just so happened that there was a group there doing baptisms, so Glade was able to get him started there.  He didn’t bring his clothes to actually do the baptism, but he was there and then did the confirmation.  The timing worked out great for him and he was able to do all the work himself right up to the sealing—which will come sometime later.  That doesn’t always happen because everything has to be recorded and stamped after each ordinance and often takes lots of time.   

          During the session, this man, who comes all day every Tuesday and Saturday, actually helped the man sitting next to him who was having a hard time with the clothing.  He just felt his way along the man’s clothing and helped him with several adjustments.  It must have made him feel so good to be able to help someone.  He does so well on his own, but still has to place his hand on the shoulder of the man next to him to move from place to place.  I just thought it was a nice turn of events.

          Our fast tomorrow is a fast of gratitude to Heavenly Father for blessings he has given us and our family.  Thank you for your prayers, and remember you are in ours always.

          Good night, everyone.      

The treadmill in the laundry room just didn't work for me today, so I waited until nearly dark
 and then walked outside.  It is hard to be indoors all the time and I needed fresh air and a little sunshine.  The sunset boasted a giant red fireball as the earth turned away from the sun, but it moved so fast I couldn't catch up to it as I tried to get the camera out and dodge the trees, etc.  However, here is a little taste minus the brilliant red color.  It was still very windy, but walking outside was still better than indoors today.  

Friday, April 11, 2014

          This is one of those days when we have seen the hand of the Lord in the life of our family and we are so grateful.  Our daily prayers, and yours, for our family were answered when Emily and little Amelia were spared serious injury when their car hit a deer last night on I-15 near the Downy/Preston exit.  Emily did not even see the deer that darted out of the dark and right in front of the car which was traveling at 75 mph.  Angels watched over them and we will forever be grateful to Heavenly Father that they are all right.

          We love you all and continue to pray for you every day, for wisdom in your decisions, for righteous desires in your hearts, for strength to hold to the iron rod and cast off the ways of the world, for your good health, and for your safety.  

          Good night everyone.  We love you all so much! 

Thursday, April 10, 2014

          Perhaps after the break in May I’ll rethink posting every day and maybe choose to write every week or only when something seems “post-worthy.”  

          Glade and I led the first session this morning and it was full.  Things were pretty quiet after that.  This afternoon was great since there was time to practice the piano for an hour or so (recital is Sunday) tackle the treadmill again, and study.   It was a great day and I hope yours was, too.

          Good night.  

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

          It was a quiet and uneventful day except for strong winds that really challenged a sweet bride and her photographer.  I felt bad for her.  Maybe they can come back on a calm and beautiful day and take more pictures. 

          The overnight guests have gone and we are hoping for more patrons tomorrow.  Good night everyone.  We send our love. 

9:10 p.m. with lots of clouds and a cool wind—quite unusual.

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

          The early schedule is great; but since neither of us slept last night, it was a very sleepy day.  It was pleasant, however, and we kept busy. 

          One of the sisters who is a temple worker has been gone for a month to visit family and she was back today.  I was so happy to see her (she speaks no English, but we are great friends and she is so nice to me) and we shared hugs and greetings and it made me happy.  I realized just how much we will miss the friends we have made here when it is time to leave them.  It is a great blessing to see the love the people share with us and with each other.

          Two men came to fumigate our apartment yesterday.  Apparently there are a few small cucarachas on the lower floor and they want to spray before they grow bigger and spread.  We have not seen any bugs in our “house” and are so grateful.  They sprayed the interior perimeters with a sprayer like Glade uses for weeds, and it left a wet margin all around that definitely smelled like insecticide.    

Monday, April 07, 2014

          It was a busy day preparing for a week on the early schedule.  Glade went to the fitness center and I walked outside since the temple was closed.  Then we called David and taxied for groceries.  Two new grocery stores are opening here soon, so for the last several weeks remodeling and renovation have been bringing our store up to standard—I’m sure—so they can be competitive.  It's great!

          Before purchasing edibles to keep us going for three weeks, we went to the City Mall across the parking lot to get cash for taxis and miscellaneous expenses like bread from the bakery, etc.  There are lots of ATMs around, but for some reason, they are not user-friendly for us.  So we ended up finding a bank and waiting in line for a chance to get money that way. 

While we were waiting a women next to me handed me a pamphlet and starting talking and talking about something.  I was just telling her that I didn’t understand when Glade finished and came to my rescue.  She happened to be a Jehovah Witness and was telling me all about her faith.  Glade told her we were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were serving here as missionaries.  She said, “Well, at least we both read the bible.”  It made us smile!  We kept the pamphlet, exchanged pleasantries, and wished her a nice day!

          We found a GNC in the mall so Glade could get his Whey Protein.  Just like at home, there is a good discount if you purchase products during the first week of the month.  Then we went into a store new to us called Lady Lee where we found a fan for Glade to use with the elliptical he uses under the stairs where there is no AC.  So he had a great day.

Glade at Lady Lee buying his fan and a couple of pillows.

It's difficult to shop without a car because we have to carry everything and most stores won't allow you to bring packages inside.  Lady Lee had lockers, so we used those here.  When we got to La Colonia, we had several bags to check.  Each store has guards at the entrance that point you to a place to leave your things.  We were pretty loaded down by the time we added groceries to the mix.  But we made it!!  It's great to always have taxis available, but we miss having our own car and being independent.  

Sunday, April 06, 2014

          Conference was at its best today and we loved hearing from new General Authorities with whom we are not familiar as well as those we have come to depend on for rich presentations and motivation.  It was all such a spiritual feast and we hope that each of you came to the table to partake. 

          We walked around the temple between the sessions and met up with two North American missionary couples.  One couple serves as specialists in the perpetual education program and we have met them before.  The other couple has just arrived and is being trained to replace the first couple who will be going back to The States in a week.  They work out of central Tegucigalpa and were just here visiting the temple grounds.  The new couple is from Gilbert, AZ, where of course, the newest temple was just dedicated; and they will be here for two years.  He learned Spanish as a missionary in Guatemala; she has taken a few classes, but says she doesn’t speak all that well.  I realized how quickly our first year has gone by and I’m sure the second will just fly.

          My phone said the high temp today here was 90 degrees and it really felt every bit that hot.  The hottest months are just ahead of us now.  We are so grateful for AC! 

          We pray that the Lord will continue to bless each of you, and that your desires will be to follow the Savior's teachings.  May we feel gratitude at every turn and express it every day.  Love to you all ------

   

Saturday, April 05, 2014

              Today we are grateful beyond words for the ability of technology to bring us the live broadcast of General Conference on our laptops right in our apartment—and in our own language.  What a blessing and what a wonderful first day of Conference.  Just as food is to a hungry body, so are Conference messages in English to the parched soul of one who hears only Spanish every day.  My well is being filled.
           Sister Sierra came by this afternoon and asked me if I would accompany her while she plays the viola in next week’s recital at the Church.  We practiced ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desire” at the chapel between Conference sessions and it was beautiful.  She studied music at BYU and has played with several symphonies in the U.S.  She teaches music at a school here in Tegucigalpa where all of her students own their own violas.  But as the teacher, she has to use one of the school’s because she doesn’t have her own.  It is her goal to get one and she has been saving money for that purchase.  However, she told me today that after listening to Conference, she felt that maybe it just wasn’t that important and she should concentrate on things that are really important.  She has four young children and her husband was just sustained as our ward Bishop.  She was so sweet and humble in her feelings and tears spilled onto her cheeks as we talked about our commitment as LDS women to teach and nurture our families and serve our fellowmen and to not aspire to selfish pursuits. 

          However, she has such a gift and talent from the Lord.  I think it remains a personal challenge to know exactly how to differentiate between developing and using our talents, and expanding them at the expense of time with our families and pursuing spiritual development.  I just felt bad for her resignation to just use the school’s viola, and that it wasn’t really that important for her to have her own.  If I had one, I would give it to her!  She is a great lady and her life is filled with service.

          The only sad thing about Conference week-end is that it goes by so fast.  It is half over already and we will soon be back to our same routine.  But what a blessing to receive these inspired messages.  Enjoy, Everyone.

  

Even though the area is experiencing a drought, most of the trees and plants on the temple grounds are doing well.  The trees at the top are only a few of several of this variety.  These two are doing okay and are blooing beautifully, but many of the others only have a few leaves and even fewer blooms.    

Friday, April 04, 2014

          Since the temple is closed tomorrow for General Conference, there were no overnight excursions, but patrons on day trips kept us busy and it was a pleasant day.  Knowing that Alexis was going to have her baby today made it hard to leave my laptop and I just wanted to stay in our apartment and read the updates.  However, I realized that there was no better place for me to be today than in the temple; and so I went.  Welcome to the world, Emma Mae; and congratulations to Marc and Alexis!  What a beautiful day!!!    

Thursday, April 03, 2014

          Our temple missionary friends in Chile were spared the effects of the most recent earthquakes, but our hearts go out to those whose lives have been turned upside down by the devastation. 

          Elder and Sister Starkey, the temple missionaries here from Kaysville, UT, turned in their papers for another mission to come on the heels of this one.  Their mission here is for 18 months and will finish in October.  They have kids living in their house and since they wanted to serve again anyway, decided to just do it now.  They received their call today to Coban, Guatemala; and they report for an office experience mission in mid-January.  They arrived here in this mission after we did, will leave in October, and be on their next mission in Guatemala before we leave Tegucigalpa.  Wow.  I’m definitely not ready to do that yet, but admire them for continuing their service.  

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

          A North American couple was in the temple today and I escorted them upstairs, asking what had brought them to Honduras.  They replied that their daughter was finishing her mission today and that the missionaries going home with her were coming to the temple for the 2:00 p.m. session which Glade and I were to lead.  They had not seen her yet and were so anxious.  The missionaries hadn’t arrived at 15minutes before the hour and there was a question about what to do if they didn’t get there in time for the session.  Then—here they came—just in time.  The reunion took place in the hallway and was so sweet.  Her dad saw her first and they embraced, hugging and crying; and then the mom came out, too; and there was more hugging and sobbing.  Of course, it just made me cry!  I had to look away or I would have been sobbing, too.  They were able to collect themselves, recover, and make the session in time.  What a sweet reunion.  There were half a dozen other young men and women on their way home today as well.  I hope their reunions were as sweet!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

            It was good to get back to the temple.  Although we need a break from our routine after several days, we would have a hard time feeling productive with too much time off. 

          Just a note in closing tonight—the Ensigns are such a nourishing resource filled with testimonies, personal experiences, encouragement, and counsel.  There is always something in one of the articles that each of us can relate to and keep us headed on the path to happiness, perfection, and salvation.  Happy Reading!!   And Good Night J