Saturday, May 31, 2014

         This was another early-start day and we were in the temple by 5:30 a.m.  There were people everywhere both in and out of the temple with so many buses delivering people and so much activity.  Every aspect of temple work took place and it was marvelous to see and to participate.  Needless to say, this old missionary couple is “done-in” and ready for a rest.   

         May is over and it’s hard to believe that June is here already.  The actual months on the calendar don’t affect us much because the seasons change so little here, our routine is the same, and we don’t get outside often.  Realizing that summer in Idaho is approaching does make me want to work the flower beds and plant my petunias, marigolds, lobelia, and alyssum.  I miss the peonies, daisies, and black-eyed Susans and am excited to plant pumpkins and zuchinni.  We will return next season with renewed excitement about growing our own berries and fresh veggies, too.  They are sorely missed.

         The intermittent rain showers that have blessed us the last couple of days have brought amazing green results to the hills that have been so brown and barren.  Even the trees are turning green and new life is carpeting the scenery.

         9:20 p.m. partly cloudy with thundershowers and a humid 70 degrees.

Friday, May 30, 2014

         A major thunderstorm blessed us last night after I posted.  Thunder crackled and lightening lit up the sky as the heaven’s opened and delivered drenching rain to a parched city!  Maybe this will be the start of something good to ease the drought!

         We both enjoyed a fruitful day in the temple and loved this privilege to serve.  We watched people new to the experience approach it humbly and then embrace it with tender hearts.  There were also more missionaries and we can hardly believe that they just keep coming.  Talking to the North Americans is a treat for them and for me and their eyes light up when they hear English and we always exchange “Where are you from?” and “How long have you been here?”  Most of them are from Utah and very few are from other parts of the U.S.

         David took us to get groceries this afternoon and it was a fun break.  The remodeling of La Colonia seems to be finished and it turned out great!  Everything looks relatively modern and up-to-date and it was very comfortable.  We saw missionaries in the store, on the sidewalk on the way to the store, and even more climbing a hill near houses on the way back.  They are definitely out striving, searching, and working!

         Good night, everyone!  Sending love and prayers your way, as always.  

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Our day started early and was long and very busy, but rewarding.  Helping people in the temple never gets old and always feels great.

         We hadn’t been home long when there was a phone call from Lupe.  Her husband is in the bishopric in the new ward that was divided from ours and they were looking for help with music for what she called a “viewing” at the chapel for a young man who had been killed.  It was supposed to start at 2:30 and her call came at 2:40—Latin time she said—but she presumed it would start by 3:00 p.m.  So I changed and hurried right over.

         Not knowing what to expect for a viewing, I contemplated my music.  I had asked Alexis to go back to the house with Scott several weeks ago when she was home and get me more music, in particular a binder that had copies of hymn preludes organized by key signature for easier modulation and enlarged for easier reading.  She took it to Logan and I brought it here.  Well, I grabbed that stack and my hymnbook and set out into the unknown.  

         I arrived about 2:50.  The chapel was empty, but members of the bishopric and stake presidency were coming in so I could ask about what was needed.  It turned out the “viewing” was just like what we would call a funeral, and they wanted an opening and closing song.  They discussed other music and I understood “prelude” so I told them I could do prelude.  They were happy!   At 2:55 I started playing and the only audience was a group of four people with brooms and dustpans who quickly and thoroughly swept the entire chapel—remember the floor is tiled.  I kept playing.  At 3:15 people suddenly started to arrive and it was just like they had all been gathered together somewhere and came en mass to the chapel.  For fifteen minutes they filed in and completely filled the chapel—it is a large chapel.  Then the casket was brought in and the meeting started at 3:30.   The two leaders previously mentioned each spoke and then the family of the young man who died came together to the pulpit and gave emotional tributes.  His sister is serving a mission and was not able to attend, but they recorded “via-skype” her tribute onto a tablet and played it into the microphone.  Then there was a closing song and I played postlude for a while.  I was so grateful for the blessing of having that music that had journeyed from Garfield to Tegucigalpa with such perfect timing.  It was so unusual for this to occur when we were home and not in the temple.  It would have all happened without me and my music, of course.  There would have been no prelude and the director would have led the hymns a capella and it would have all worked out, but I hope it was nice for them to have the music.

         The man who died was 25 years old and not active in the Church but some of his family members are.  He was making collections for his job near a motor cycle shop when some men approached the shop and started shooting.  He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and didn’t have a chance.  It is so sad for his family.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

         More missionaries packed the temple again, and people from an excursion were trying to get into the sessions as well.  

         I was able to help two new sisters again today.  It is so beautiful when they look into your eyes with such emotion and listen intently to what you are telling them.  Our hearts are immediately on the same wavelength and it is one of those special blessings of serving here.

Pres. Cazier asked us if we would be willing to come dressed and ready by 5:30 a.m. so they can provide an extra session for the people from La Ceiba, so we are calling it a day and hoping for some sleep.  Good Night!

 Tuesday, May 27, 2014

         Glade felt well enough to go back to the temple today and we did the first session together.  The temple was filled with four zones of missionaries and extra chairs had to be brought in for the two sessions they participated in.  We love it when the missionaries come and it was so great to see the sisters again who have moved out of our area.  The rest of the day was busy as well and although Glade’s voice was nearly gone by day’s end, he felt okay and lasted the whole time.

         I played the piano again for a whole hour this afternoon and loved it.  It is such a strong medium of expression and gives me an outlet I need.

         After noticing Glade’s empty left hand today, he confessed to having lost his wedding ring on our trip “home”—probably in Utah.  It has been loose for some time since he is so “skinny” and he has needed one that fits anyway.  Maybe we’ll go shopping on our anniversary next month and find him a new one.  That would be a unique keepsake from our mission!         

Monday, May 26, 2014

         Other than Glade being sick, it was a good preparation day.  It was so refreshing to walk outside for exercise today!  I loved it so much more than working on the treadmill even though it was a little humid outside.  I spent lots of time with Spanish study, took care of lots of “house-keeping” things, played the piano, and prepared the FHE refreshments.  The whole refreshment part of the FHE has escalated into a full meal and some are not too happy about the cost and the stress.  So, we decided to set a new precedent and keep it simple.  It included chips and salsa, a bowl of check mix snacks, a plate of small-sized whole bananas and carrots, a plate of chocolate cupcakes—unfrosted—but served with a can of “Real Whipped Topping,” and some Crystal Light.  It was so much easier than the preparations in the past.  Glade had prepared the lesson, but Pres. Cazier offered to trade with him and give tonight's lesson.  That was great.  

         There was no hot water yesterday or this morning.  It eventually came back a little at a time and there was enough for a shower late this afternoon.  I had to heat water for dishes and every time I do, I think of being at the cabin.  Those are really strong memories.

         Glade is feeling a little better, but is still coughing and doesn’t have much of a voice.  He may still be home tomorrow recuperating.

         I hope you all had a great Memorial Day and are safely back at home.  Love you all; Good Night! 

Sunday, May 25, 2014

         Glade’s cold/sinus problem kept him home from church today, but it isn’t getting worse.  I went to Sacrament Meeting by myself.  Our ward was divided while we were away and our new schedule has Relief Society and Priesthood meeting first at 8:30 a.m. with Sacrament Meeting last.  We overlap schedules with the new ward which starts Sacrament Meeting at 9:00 a.m.  The ward is much smaller now and will give more people an opportunity to serve and learn and grow in new callings.  However, we will really miss the people we won’t see anymore.  That part of change is always hard.

         Brother Bassett and Brother Starkey came over after Sacrament Meeting and gave Glade a blessing.  He is counting on giving his FHE lesson tomorrow night.  We’ll see how that goes!

         I started reading the new Conference issue of the Ensign and it is so inspiring; it’s hard to put it down.  I just wish I could remember everything that impresses me.  It will just take multiple readings. 

         I have included a few pictures taken while I was in Utah.  Sometimes I didn’t have my phone with me to take pictures, so a lot was missed, but Glade took some that helped fill in.  If any of you have photos you want to share, please send them to me.  Thanks. 

         Following the pictures is a late post of an email I wanted to save to this journal.  

We got to see Kristie for one whole day and a half for which we were grateful!

Our first meal in Logan at the Crepe shope--I don't remember what it is called.

Lola loved holding her new little cousin, Emma, and was so careful with her.

Bear had his truck, of course, and was looking for dirt to dig in.

Hey, Kevin, you are looking pretty comfortable with that sweet baby!

Looking pretty as ever; we were so happy you came to Logan so we could see you!!

Sunday morning on our way to Church with Tracen and Melissa, Grover and Eloise.  What a way to travel.

This is great--they can entertain each other all the way to Church!!  They look so perfect in their church clothes!!

Mama Alexis and her sweet Emma

Three generations!!

Proud Mom and Dad with baby Emma in Grandma's favorite outfit!!

Sweet Lola being entertained by Uncle Marc's efforts!

Grandpa and Barek at Lake Tahoe.

Bear and Kevin!  It looks cold, but notice the shorts!  

Grover is such a cutie!!

And so is his little sister Eloise -- Loi!

Happy Anniversary!  and Good job on your races!

Sweet baby girl!

Soon to move from this apartment and out of Logan.

Glade and Scott rode bikes in Grand Teton National Park.

Lookin' good, Scott.

Millie and Mom-Emily in their backyard.

Fun in Garfield at Scott's house with Keegan and Ethan.

Scott's Birthday!! 

We still have at least one cat!!  Glade mowed our lawn while he was in Garfield.

Marc's graduation from Utah State University

An awesome bike ride in a park in Salem.  Louisa even rode her own bike which she had only had for a week!  David is in the covered trailer.  Jeff, Louisa, Rachel, James, and Emil.  I think it was a cold ride even though it looks warm and sunny!

The Boise gang!  Front:  Megan, Dustin, and Adan; then Damien, Christi, Mike, Dylan, Cael, and Welcome Home Drake!!

Grandpa wanted a crazy candid shot and this is what he got!

We loved having Justin hang out with us and we were so happy he braved another plane flight to come!!

Happy Grandma!

Fun in the hotel pool--they loved the water.

Justin was so good to play with and help watch the kids since Grandma doesn't do swimming pools.
From left:  Justin, Amelia, Ethan, and Keegan.

Late Post -- Monday, May 19,2014

Hi, Wonderful Family,

Tracen, accompanied by Justin, drove us to the airport last night to catch our 12:45 a.m. red-eye to Atlanta.  The bags with clothing and gifts for our friend Lupe's children from her mom in SLC went through the baggage check and customs with no problems.  Our bags each weighed in just under the limit and we felt relieved and very blessed that all went so smoothly.  The flights were great although every time we fly, we feel like the allotted space per passenger gets smaller and smaller.  The seats don't recline anymore and one can hardly climb over an empty seat to wiggle into place and maneuver a small personal item under the seat in front of you.    

However, we survived the thrilling Toncontin Airport landing and all the passengers cheered and clapped after we had braced during the "braking" and safely taxied down the runway.  It felt so familiar and we relived last year's arrival when the newness and the unknown faced us head-on.  It was all second nature this time and quite comfortable.

We were hustled through customs and the check-out process where the bags were all scanned again.  Then a man literally threw our bags onto a cart and wheeled them, while nearly running through the airport, out to the street to help us hail a van--not a taxi this time.  We had a lot of luggage with both of Lupe's things added to our own.  

We arrived at our apartment about noon finding it clean and tidy and ready for habitation.    Lupe came and picked up the things her mom had sent and it was like Christmas for her three little kids.  They could hardly wait to get the bags home to have some "face-time" with Grandma while they opened their surprises.  She was so grateful that we were able to get them to her--thanks, Jeff.  We probably couldn't have done it without your help.    

It didn't take too long to settle in, but we are stiff and tired and feeling our age.  It is good to be back, to greet our friends, and prepare to return to the temple. 

We loved the time we had with each of you and feel renewed, energized, and ready to give the last ten months our very best.  It was hard to leave, but we will settle back into our routine starting tomorrow feeling blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive family and so grateful for the chance to be with you.  We love you all so much and are so proud of each of you and your families and the great things you are all doing.  Please keep us in touch and send pictures when you can.  That helps keep me going.

Thanks to everyone who made sacrifices and special efforts to make our trip so wonderful.  Thanks for all the extra travel and for making time to support us and each other.  You are the best family there is!!   

Love you all so much!

Good Night

Your Loving Mom   :)  

Saturday, May 24, 2014

         Glade spent the day in the apartment nursing another bout of sinus troubles.  Hopefully, he can nip it in the bud and maybe it won’t turn into a long siege.  It’s our turn for FHE on Monday, so he was able to plan the lesson during his down time.  Now he just has to translate it into Spanish so he doesn’t have to do it on the spot.  I’m glad to just do the food!!

It was strange to go alone to the temple this afternoon, but I ended up having a very nice day and felt very useful.

Enjoy your Sabbath day and sing some hymns for me in English!  J  

Friday, May 23, 2014

         The sessions I participated in today were over filled with participants again and it was awesome.  This temple is definitely “fulfilling the measure of its creation” by providing the venue for so much work to be done.

         It still amazes me that there are so many people who come who are impaired in some way.  There were two sisters in each session who had to use canes and some had to have special help.  The level of their education and experience in the Church makes it challenging for some of them to grasp the scope of what they are doing; but they come, nonetheless, with faith and humility, ready to learn and do their very best.  What an inspiration they are and you can just feel the love that Heavenly Father has for each one of them.

         Lupe took us to the new PriceMart this morning so we could stock up on a few things.  It just opened while we were “home” and it felt just like being in Sam’s Club in Idaho Falls.  It was great!!

         Good Night, Everyone!  Keep doing great things and follow the words of the Prophet.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

         A dearth in the number of workers today left us extremely busy as we hustled to keep up with three busloads of people.  Of course, being busy is preferable to searching for something productive to fill the time. 

         Glade coordinated the baptisms for two wards tonight and enjoyed this change of pace.  We led the first session this afternoon where a man with cerebral palsy participated with his ward and was assisted by a friend.  It was humbling to watch him struggle and lose the battle to control his limbs, etc.; but he smiled and just kept trying and finished well.  What a great example of perseverance and courage.

         We will go to bed tired, but satisfied tonight! 

         I took the photos below on my three-mile morning (most but not all mornings!) walk in Logan. This hill doesn't look too steep, but it must be the steepest 45-degree angle slope I have ever climbed!    The sun on the trees and the snow in the mountains made a breath-taking view.

I walked East from Marc and Alexis's apartment to campus and then from one side of campus to the other.  The spring blooms adorned the trees and it was so beautiful. 

At the far end of campus past the dorms, I started back West on Canyon Road.

I cut back into campus on the big curve to avoid the traffice and started down hill at this point.
Notice the temple in the center of the photo.

This downhill plunge was fun--except that on at least two days, the sprinklers were on and I really had a brain puzzle going on to gauge zigging and zagging all the sprays to keep from getting wet.  At least I had a hoody and it kept my hair dry when I mis-judged the speed of the water!!

Then it was back through the residential streets which were all beautifully tree-lined
 even though this photo doesn't do justice to how pretty it was.

  

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

         A group from Nicaragua came by bus yesterday and was here today as well.  We love it when people are here long enough to become familiar and we get to see them over and over again during two or three days.  They quickly feel like friends.

         There was a little rain last night and the sky is still overcast although it doesn’t seem to promise much rain.  Even though the country is in a drought, we felt the heat and humidity upon arriving back here that we had become accustomed to before traveling to the U.S.  We are so grateful for our AC and comfortable surroundings.

         Good night.  

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

          The temple was closed for maintenance and the “down time” allowed us to travel to the U.S. to visit family.  The last post, April 27, described our journey to and arrival in Utah.  The trip was so rejuvenating and we have returned to our work in the temple and our time in Honduras with new energy knowing that our family is doing great and the things that we left behind are still there! 

         We were able to see two beautiful new babies and hug kids and grand children who are growing up and making us proud.  Glade traveled during the break and visited most of the family while I stayed close to the babies!!--and visited with everyone who came to Logan.  Every day my emotional cup was filled and the trip and the visits were a major blessing to me.

         We shopped for things difficult to find in Tegucigalpa and stocked up on clothes and pharmacy items for the remaining ten months of our mission.  We soaked up the joy of each visitor and savored the time.  Glade mowed our lawn in Garfield and spent a week in Reno getting new crowns.  He traveled to Boise and Salem and had fun with the families he visited and loved the activities he could be a part of. 

         On our last day, Sunday, lots of family traveled to participate in little Emma-Mae’s blessing.  We loved the time with family, both at the beginning of our visit and at the end for the blessing.  These were precious days and it makes us realize even more how much Heavenly Father has blessed us and our family during the last year.  We are grateful for families, jobs, education, successes, security, missionaries, baptisms, Priesthood ordinations, baby blessings, a sealing, answers to prayers, safety and protection, and a temple-worthy, covenant-keeping family who love and support one another.  All these things lifted us, filled our hearts, and allowed us to return renewed.    

         It felt good to be back in the temple although it took some genuine mind-work and concentration to recall all the Spanish learned last year.  It came back very quickly, however, which was a great thing since it was a very busy day with the number of workers fewer than usual.  It is so nice to feel needed.

         Good night, everyone, and keep striving!! J