Monday, June 30, 2014

         Groceries were in low supply and Glade needed a couple of things, so we called David and employed his taxi services this morning.  When we were in San Pedro Sula last November, we went to a store called Diunsa where Glade found good swimming goggles.  Since he lost his last week when he went to the fitness center, he has been very anxious for new ones.  We found a Diunsa here in our city and made that our first stop.  This store was not as nice as the first one we went to, but—hooray—they had good goggles for Glade; and he found a nice “Honduras” cap so it was worth the trip. 

         We checked out a grocery store near Diunsa but decided against shopping there.  A short McDonald’s counter offered soft-serve cones and a McFlurry, however; so we had a treat while we waited for David to come back for us.  He taxied us to our favorite grocery store where it was mercifully air-conditioned and we were able to stock up for the next three weeks or so. 

         Gina brought me music last night and asked me to accompany her viola number in August for Sister Cazier’s recital.  It’s a good thing she gave me a little time since it will take work to prepare.  It is the “Barcarolla” Movement of a Sonata in B Flat for Viola and Klavier.  I can’t pronounce the composer’s name, but it will be a difficult number.  The challenge will be good—I hope! 

I went to the Church to practice after the grocery trip and before FHE, but there was an extremely strong smell in the building—especially in the chapel—like a pesticide had been sprayed throughout.  The benches had all been moved out from the walls, but nothing had been cleaned.  Anyway, I turned the banks of fans on and opened the window next to the piano.  But I could only stand to play through it once since I was worried the smell would make me very sick. 

         Our FHE lesson was on diminishing the stress in our lives and it was good.  This post is too long to write about it now, so I’ll save it for tomorrow.

         Love to all--

This is a picture of the hill across the street from the temple taken about last February when the drought had left the hills looking black and dead.  

  

This is the same hill after our recent rainstorms.  I thought that all the trees and bushes had died for sure and that they would never recover.  However, just look at this miracle after only a few rainy days!  It's amazing that they "greened" right up again!

Just thought I would add these since I took them
at the same time this morning on my walk.

We really do enjoy amazing views from where we are located.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

         Wow!  There is no post for yesterday, Saturday.  I think that is a first.  We were dead tired after a long week.  After our day in the temple, I fixed some food for Sunday dinner, did a little Spanish to keep my “streak” going, planned music for Sunday, and Glade typed a long email to a friend.  Then I guess we just crashed!

         So today, Sunday, was great.  There was no music in our combined Relief Society and Priesthood Meeting, but I played a duet with Sister Starkey in Sacrament Meeting.  Also, there was no choir practice after Church so we had time to have a nice Sunday dinner before the Coordinator’s meeting in the temple.  Pres. Ocampo asked me to play organ prelude in the temple for the meeting and for an opening song.  I haven’t played the organ for so long that I just hoped everything I had learned would come back automatically!  It worked out okay, but would have been better if there had been time to practice with better settings.  Then, I went home and Glade stayed to do his presentation. 

         There were more investigators at Church today and we saw lots of friend shipping and fellow shipping by the members.  The topic of the combined meeting was about missionary work, goals, and what the ward members could do to move the work forward and introduce the Gospel to their friends and neighbors.  Our enthusiastic bishop gave the presentation and had everyone pumped-up and excited to “go and do.”

         Have a great new week, everyone, as you welcome July and all that comes with celebrating the Fourth and summer fun!  Love you all.  Good Night!

Friday, June 27, 2014

         Katia called this morning and asked me if I would play for her since she was singing at a baptism in our building tonight.  Of course, permission was required to leave the temple early, but Sister Amado said it would be fine.   So I worked full-speed ahead up until about 6:20 and then left to get ready.

         The baptism was for a family and the couple was married in a ceremony at 6:00 p.m. just ahead of the baptism.  I don’t know why they weren’t married already, but it seems to be a fairly common situation here among people with few means.  The missionaries have to make sure a couple gets legally married before they are baptized.  They have six daughters, five of whom were old enough to be baptized.  The youngest looked like she was about a year old.

         Everything went according to Latin American procedure and timing.  I arrived about 6:45 to make sure there was time to find the right place and see what song Katia was singing, etc., etc.  The wedding was still going on and the font was filling but it looked like a wait was in store.  It seems that so many preparations are made as needed and on the spot, or after arriving for an event.  So I just relaxed and tried not to think too much about the down time.  Long story shortened—the baptism, scheduled for 7:00, started about 8:10.  In the mean time, they asked me to play prelude, which I was happy to do, and play for an opening and closing song—if I planned to stay.  Of course I did! J  Clothes had to be found, people had to dress, a video was prepared, and missionaries and visitors milled in and out during the hour-plus wait. 

         I visited with Katia and her friend (I forgot her name already but it was something like Marisha).  They both speak very good English.  Beautiful Katia is a returned missionary and will graduate next year from a university here.  Marisha is studying medicine and wants to be an oncologist or a pediatrician.  She is tall and beautiful and is learning Italian because she loves learning languages.  She is 21 years old and said that in her country/culture, she was nearly past the “marrying” age.   She wants to get married and have a family, but feels like her time for that is passing her by.  Wow! 

         Her grandmother was a pioneer in the Gospel in Honduras and was baptized when she was 17 years old.  The Church has only been in Honduras for about 55 or 60 years (I didn’t look that up, so don’t quote me; but it is close) so her heritage is rare.  She said “I was born and raised in the Church” and not many people can say that—at least for another generation. 

         All in all it was a great night and such an inspiration to see this beautiful family go into the waters of baptism and begin their covenant journey.  I was happy to be a small part of their special night.            

Thursday, June 26, 2014

         Today I’m grateful for all of my blessings.  Facing the hard things about any day can be eased by being grateful for each blessing we have, and the list is usually longer than we think.   I’m grateful tonight for a sweet young sister missionary who cautiously started a conversation with me while we waited in the baptistery together.  She is from Tegucigalpa and knows about as much English as I do Spanish.  But it was amazing how we seemed to really connect and we had a time talking together.  She was very kind and was a tender mercy for me today. 

         Watching people moved to tears during their experience in the temple always touches my heart and makes me realize how important this work is to them.  The environment makes it so easy to feel the Spirit and to share in part what others are feeling--another great blessing. 

         You can tease me again for talking about the weather, but it just seems to matter to me.  It is windy again!  There really was no wind last year for months after our arrival.  Oh, well.  It isn’t as bad as an Idaho wind, but still diminishes a hard-earned hairdo to naught in very quick order!

         Love and prayers to you.  Good Night!  

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

         Yesterday’s post certainly left something to be desired!  It’s easy to tell that fatigue over-ruled any attempt at good writing.  Tonight is not much different.  It was a busy day and we are bushed.  Glade had more baptisms tonight, and we followed up with more work for those same names after that.  People are so anxious to connect their families and do their work.  It is great! 

         It’s 9:25 p.m. partly cloudy, and 73 breezy degrees.  All is well.  Good Night! 

         By the way, we would love to get emails from you J

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

         The afternoon schedule definitely has advantages and we are happy to be back there.  The work was steady, and by the end of the day it was really busy for Glade.  He did two groups of baptisms back to back and was way late getting home.  All in all, it was a great day.

         Here are just a couple of pictures from yesterday’s travels—repeats, but with an added thought.

This is the picture I meant to post with the little boy perched on the railing around his house (red shirt and Levis mid-left).  He just looked so content with what he was doing, but it made me wonder what he does with the rest of his time.  Perhaps he has a bike to get around on, and maybe that dog and he are great buddies! 

This man was demonstrating to Glade how some Hondurans react to North American visitors,
and that they (we) need to be careful and watchful about where we are and what we do.  

Monday, June 23, 2014

         The couple missionaries boarded a black van this morning about 8:00 and headed out of the city to visit a little town called Santa Lucia and the tourist “village” of Valle de Angeles.  Lucky for us the skies were overcast and the temperature very moderate so we were very comfortable and even enjoyed a few rain sprinkles. 

         Wearing seat belts is not important here.  Glade and I were able to find ours, however, and dug them out from under the seat backs and made them work.  They have probably never been used before, but I felt much safer on the crazy drive knowing we were “belted” in.  It was a pretty rough ride, but we made it and had a lovely day.  Last year about this time, a couple from our ward took us to the same sites, but it was nice to go again just to have a change of pace from our steady routine here and to go with the other missionaries.  Also, one of the presidency members went with us and was responsible for planning the excursion.  We appreciated the efforts made on our behalf.  There are a few pictures below.

        We arrived back here about 3:00 p.m. and had plenty of time to do laundry and catch up on chores a little before heading to bed.  Just after dark a major thunderstorm had me opening curtains and windows so we could see the lightning brighten the sky and hear the thunder.  It was so loud it made us jump and want to run for cover!!  It rained really hard for a while, but all is quiet now.

Brother and Sister Bassett

Brother and Sister Starkey

Brother and Sister Peterson

Cobble-stone streets that were so narrow there was often only room for one vehicle and so steep that going up felt just like going up the initial climb on a roller-coaster!

This is the van we traveled in.

I was thinking how glad I was not to be driving my own car on these streets!

Just a view

There were lots of gorgeous and colorful flowering bushes and trees, but most of them were seen while we were driving and I just couldn't get pictures.  

Brother and Sister Cruz--and on the right is our van driver.

This little boy was sitting on the fence by his house engaged in eating or playing with something and the driver stopped to ask him directions.  

This is looking past the little boy and further up the street from his house.

There are heavy cables everywhere we have been and I assume they are for electricity.

This pond was actually very, very green; but it did have a couple of brave ducks in it.

This is our group again.

Just another view

It is difficult to see, but the houses are built close together and go right up the hill.  Igt reminded us of similar housing in Brazil.

Glade always finds people to talk to where ever we go and these three had quite an animated conversation.  They complemented him on his excellent Spanish.

We are heading down to board the van.  Pres. and Sister Cazier stopped to take a photo.

These are very upscale homes and the first ones we have seenn that actually have grass and landscaping.  Of coures, there are the cables in the way again!

A painted wall

This is probably the biggest dog I have ever seen.  I had a great view of it next to some kids that would give perspective as to its size, but just as I took the picture a bicyclist rode between us and then the dog moved.  But it was really huge!!  There were lots of dogs every where and most of them were very skinny.

It really is a big dog!

This is where we had our lunch.  The tables were outside and the atmosphere was very nice.

Outdoor landscaping at the restaurant.

Last one--and the last look at the courtyard at the restaurant.  

Sunday, June 22, 2014

         We are getting used to the new schedule with an 8:30 a.m. start time for Priesthood Meeting and Relief Society.  The first thing I do is collect the power cord and pedal attachment for the electric piano in the Relief Society room, from the library and then stand on my head to get under the keyboard and find the outlet connections.  It is a very nice piano and I’m surprised at the flexibility in the “touch” of the keyboard and the expression that can be created from an electric instrument.  It is a step up from regular keyboards and looks like a small, slim-line piano. 

         Glade had a meeting at the temple this afternoon for coordinators and helped with a presentation.  He said it was a good meeting and afterward, everyone was treated with refreshments back here in our building in the comedor—cafeteria.

         It was nearly dark by the time he returned, but we went outside for a walk anyway.  It was a beautiful evening, even though heavy clouds threatened rain so I came back for my umbrella.  We passed several people walking around the grounds and learned that the missionaries had brought  guests on a bus to see the temple from the outside and hear a Gospel message.  Everyone was very friendly.  There was also a meeting in the chapel for parents and youth and it felt just like at home—activities going on all the time at the Church!   Then it started to rain in earnest and the wind came up blowing us right back inside the building.  It was a short walk, but great while it lasted.

         There is an excursion planned for the missionaries tomorrow to a small tourist town a couple of hours away.  A kind couple from our ward took us there last year after we first arrived; so we have been there once already, but thought it would be good to have an outing.

         Good Night, Everyone.  We send our love and prayers.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

         It was a crazy busy day and Glade had to juggle and manage dozens of youth in the baptistery who did an incredible number of baptisms.  There were lots of people coming for the first time to do their own work and that is always such a rewarding experience.  I love watching them participate for the first time and seeing how touched their hearts are.  It was a beautiful day.

         A thought for today:  “Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christ-like attributes!  A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues. . . May we live in thanksgiving daily.”

Friday, June 20, 2014

         Glade recovered quickly and was back in the temple with me this morning.  Two or three buses arrived during the day so it was busy and there were little children everywhere outside.  They are so beautiful all dressed up in their Sunday clothes and look so happy playing together while they wait for sealings and for grown-ups to finish their work.  The patrons continue to be an inspiration to me with their faith and diligence in serving family and others by doing their temple work.  What a great joy it is to be here and be inspired by them.

         We walked down to a little shop next to our bakery this afternoon that sells items you would see in Deseret Book or Seagull Book at home.  It is very, very small and has limited inventory, but we thought they might have a CTR ring that we could buy for Glade to replace his lost wedding ring.  His hand looks so bare to me without it.  They did have some very nice rings, but the sweet salesgirl announced that they were “one-size-fits-all” which was rather funny to us.  But, sadly, the half dozen rings they had were all the same size—much too big; so we left empty-handed and will have to look elsewhere. 

We bought some yummy bread from the bakery, however, and Glade found some frozen orange crème bars in the pharmacy; so we didn’t go home completely empty-handed.

Good Night!   --  Warm and windy! 

Thursday, June 19, 2014

         The first session was fairly full, but it was the only one with the others serving only a few patrons.  It seems to be feast or famine as far as attendance goes.  The week-end may bring more excursions and keep us busier tomorrow and Saturday.

         Glade has picked up a bug again—head, sinus, and this time added a distressed stomach.  He went to the temple this morning but didn’t feel well and has been down all afternoon.  We are exposed to so many people in the temple who come sick and cough and sneeze, etc. all through the day.  We are in fairly close proximity to them and just have to depend on our own immunity to keep us healthy.  I wonder if we are building more immunity by this exposure.  Hope so.

         Here is a thought from a Conference talk.  “Your brain cannot concentrate on two things at once.  Multitasking amounts to quickly shifting your focus from one thing to another.  An old proverb says, ‘If you chase two rabbits, you won’t catch either one.’”     Perhaps I could have used that advice several years ago, but am not sure I would have kept up!  The thought was to encourage us to “Be where you are when you are there.  When you are driving, drive.  When you are in class, focus on the lesson.  When you are with your friends, give them the gift of your attention.”  Ensign, May 2014 pg 58.

         I’m not sure how the ADD/ADHD people in our family will deal with that advice, but it might be nice to try J

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

         Hooray!!  The pool at the fitness center was ready for Glade’s swim today and he was pretty happy.  I just settled for the treadmill, but remain happy that there is some AC in the laundry room where we “tread,” and a fan.

         The North American nurses, who are older sister missionaries, were in the temple again today; and it always makes me happy when they come.  We have become good friends, but they will be leaving August 12 and I will really miss them.  

         I helped with two sessions today—the first and the last—and Glade led the one in the middle!   We like it better when we work together; but some days, like today when there was a shortage of workers, it just doesn’t work out that way. 

         No rain today—just very warm and humid!  

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

         We are back on the morning shift this week and it is nice to be home in the late afternoon and evening.  There were a couple of buses parked outside today bringing at least one group for a day trip and the patrons kept us very busy.  The other group is still here. 

         We spend most of our “free time” studying.  Glade is still working his way through the Old Testament syllabus in Spanish and I just work on Spanish period!  The days just keep flying off the calendar and June will soon be winding down.  I had hoped to do more Gospel study while I served a mission, but the work of learning Spanish takes most of my time.  I am grateful for the Ensigns and Book of Mormon in English which feel so familiar and comforting.  We read together from the Liahona in Spanish, though, and that is a good experience.

         Good Night, Everyone.  We send our love and prayers.  Take care! 

Monday, June 16, 2014

         Glade walked for groceries and carried two heavy bags up our huge hill and had to have his second shower of the day.  He went to the fitness center this morning first, but the pool still isn’t ready.  He biked instead.  He gave a great FHE lesson and we were happy that the Caziers provided the food.

         A little over a week ago, a young married sister in our ward who attends Institute here told me that the current teacher had just been called as a mission president and wouldn’t be able to teach the class any longer.  The class is a college level Book of Mormon 120-121 and is part of the Pathways program for students who are preparing to attend BYUI.  Students who complete the course receive college credits.  The remaining classes will go to next March. 

She asked me to teach this class!  The course is taught in English and they need a native English-speaking teacher.  Wow!  I was somewhat overwhelmed!  I looked up the course material online and, of course, they are currently studying Isaiah in Second Nephi.  I realized that it would take a lot of work and study to even attempt to do this. 

Once Glade and I started talking about it, one obstacle after another appeared.  First, I felt inadequate, although the class was very small, since I have never taught Book of Mormon on that level; second, it was a drive of at least 25 minutes across town and in the dark; third, it would take both of us away from part of a shift in the Temple one day a week for the remainder of the mission--I wouldn’t travel without him; fourth, we had no transportation of our own; fifth, there should be no travel away from the compound after dark.  Add to that a heightened stress level on a daily basis for the next nine months and less time to study Spanish or anything else; and I was not feeling too comfortable about accepting.   Besides, Glade is indispensible at the temple,

Somewhere along the road of life we get programmed to serve when asked, to help out when we can, and to accept the callings extended to us (although this was not a calling from a Priesthood leader); so even though it looked bleak, I was feeling guilty about saying “No” but couldn’t imagine how it would ever work out.

Pres. Amado (counselor) told me when I sought his counsel, to carefully weigh both sides, count the cost of doing something good away from my mission assignment, and then make the decision about what I wanted to do.  He reminded me about the Brother of Jared who was faced with the dilemma of having no light in the barges for the ocean journey and asked the Lord for help.  He knew he couldn’t build a fire and there were no windows, but the Lord asked him what he wanted Him to do?  That’s how I felt—I laid everything out on the table and Pres. Amado asked me what I wanted to do!!  Even though the answer seemed obvious, I felt so guilty about disappointing this sweet sister and about saying “no” to an opportunity that might bring rich experiences, that I actually considered giving it a try.

However, after “studying it out in my mind,” and seeking help from Heavenly Father, I decided the cost was too great and I could not accept. 

Well, the bottom line here is that the temple presidency would have to give their approval and permission for me to leave my temple assignment (and Glade, too) before I could accept.  They were going to discuss it in their Tuesday meeting, but since I had decided not to do it, I told Pres. Amado not to put the issue on their agenda. 

Tonight after FHE, Pres. Amado said “I have news for you.”  The presidency traveled together for speaking assignments on Sunday and discussed the matter ahead of their scheduled meeting.  Their consensus was the same as mine!  I was so grateful to be “let off the hook,” so to speak, and to not feel guilty about saying “No.”  I was also grateful that I had “studied it out in my own mind,” sought guidance for my own answer, and that it was confirmed by the presidency’s decision.  It was a lesson in learning to perceive spiritual direction.  I’ll never know what might have been, but the decision is right.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

         Today is my parents’ wedding anniversary.  They were married in 1945 so this would be their 69^th year together.  I am wishing them a Happy Anniversary and feeling so grateful for “goodly parents” who taught integrity and Gospel principals by precept and example.  I am truly blessed.

         And, Happy Father’s Day to the father of my children who has blessed their lives and mine with unwavering devotion to what he knows is right. 

         And, Happy Father’s Day to my own dad who will always be my hero.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

         Thunder rolled, the clouds broke, and rain nourished the thirsty hills and valleys.  There is just something so nostalgic about thunderstorms.  I only wish we had a better view from our apartment of the rain and cloudy “gloom” that I love, but we can feel the “aura” anyway.

         At one point during the session today I was lost in thought and feeling a little low about some minor discomforts when I noticed a sweet lady participant.  Suddenly, I became aware that the fingers on both of her hands were crippled; but there she was, in the temple doing service for others.  I quickly repented and counted my blessings while appreciating the courageous example of this faithful sister. 

         While reading the Conference Issue of the Ensign, I came to Elder Zivic’s talk about not losing sight of the way that will lead us to Heaven.  Perhaps you remember his “hiking” story. 

         “Several years ago I went to Arches National Park with my wife; our daughter, Evelin; and a family friend.  One of the most famous arches there is called Delicate Arch.  We decided to walk about 1.5 miles . . ., climbing the mountain in order to reach the arch.

            “We started off on our pathway with great enthusiasm, but after walking a short stretch, the others needed to rest.  Because of my desire to get there, I decided to continue on alone.  Without paying attention to the path I ought to take, I followed a man in front of me who seemed to be moving forward with great surety.  The pathway became more and more difficult, and I had to jump from one rock to another.  Because of the difficulty, I was sure the women in my group would never make it.  Suddenly I saw Delicate Arch, but to my great surprise, I saw that it was in an area inaccessible to me.

            “With great frustration, I decided to go back.  I waited impatiently until we met up again.  My immediate question was ‘Did you reach Delicate Arch?’  They happily told me that they had.  They explained that they had followed the signs showing the way, and with care and effort, they had reached their destination.

            “Unfortunately, I had taken the wrong way.  What a great lesson I learned that day!

            “How often do we make a mistake about the right way, letting ourselves be led along by the trends of the world?  We need to continually ask ourselves if we are being doers of the words of Jesus Christ.”

         Elder Anderson said that “The only safety we have as members of this church is to . . . give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet;” . . . embrace the powerful protection of the Book of Mormon, and “Stand . . . in holy places, and be not moved.”

         I was impressed with these words as I read them again and just wanted to share.  Hope you all have a spiritually renewing Sabbath Day. 

Love to everyone! 

Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 70 degrees and wonderfully rainy

Friday, June 13, 2014

         Happy Friday the Thirteenth!  Hope this superstitious day was kind to everyone.  There were no ladders about today to threaten us and the skinny black cat that frequently sneaks through the grounds was no place to be seen.  So we were safe!!

         On a serious note, our day in the temple was very busy.  I just love the reciprocating smiles I get from people all day long.  We don’t talk a lot, but those smiles are from the heart and the feelings rich.  It was a great day!  

         Have a safe week-end everyone!  We send our love and prayers for you.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

         Happy Anniversary to my sweetheart!  We celebrated 44 years of marriage today serving in the Tegucigalpa Temple and looked back to where it all began, in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 12, 1970.  Our love has grown beyond expectations.  We have been blessed with the best family ever and have experienced the highs and lows in our lives that have provided stretching, learning, loving, and finding joy. 

Eight fantastic children challenged and enriched us, brought us eight additional sons and daughters (the awesome in-laws) 27 plus one on-the-way adorable grandchildren, and the launch of the next generation with a granddaughter-in-law, two great grandsons, and a soon-to-be grandson-in-law.  The ripples from our family’s small beginning have been set in motion and continue to spread far and wide, helping to make the world a better place.  Our greatest joy is to see our children making and keeping sacred covenants, loving each other, and loving and serving the Lord.  May it ever be so.

Perhaps our best years are yet to come as we devote our time to each other and to our service.  All my love to my wonderful husband!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

         It was a nice quiet day with no buses bringing patrons from far away.  Local groups had ward activities here and there were more baptisms. 

There was no rain, only a little shower while we were in the temple.  It wasn’t so warm today and it was cool enough in our apartment when we got home tonight that I enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate—just wanted a little comfort food!

Hugs and love to everyone!  

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

         Wonderful thunderstorms watered everything this evening and it was still raining when we walked home from the temple.  The hills are really “greening up” and look so much better—really nourished!

         When I walked to the chapel to play the piano this morning, I encountered a Honduran snake on the sidewalk right by the building and it stopped me right in my tracks!  Two gardeners, closer to it than I was, talked to me about the critter in Spanish; but their words didn’t make much sense.  It was a small snake, thank goodness, and was only about 16 inches long, brown, and skinny.  When I recovered, I just gave it a wide berth and went on ahead.

         The people who came to the temple today made it such a pleasant afternoon and evening—not too busy, but steady.   We are truly blessed.

Monday, June 09, 2014

         Mondays are great because we get to exercise outside!  It was partly cloudy, almost hot, and a little humid; but it was great to be outside! 

         While Glade was out, he saw a man dressed in a white shirt and tie arrive at the gate in a taxi.  He paid the driver and sent him on his way.  He walked all the way up to the temple doors only to find them locked.  He sat down on a bench and waited.  Since he was still there when Glade came around some time later, he walked over to him and said “Hola!”  He found out that the man had come to participate in the temple not realizing that it was closed on Mondays.  He was quite disappointed that he couldn’t get in to do anything, that there were no workers there, and that he would have to return another time.  So he decided to walk around the grounds for a while before getting another taxi back home.  Perhaps the opportunity for pondering and meditating in such a beautiful and peaceful setting was just what he needed.  We felt bad for him, though.

         Pres. Amado told a very inspiring story in FHE tonight.  He gave us a copy and I wanted to share it here, but it is in Spanish and he doesn’t have a copy in English.  So Glade will have to translate it and then I can share it another time.  I’m still working on Spanish every day, but am still missing out on a lot.

         Have a great week, keep working on your goals, and “Be of good cheer”!   (That’s my advice to myselfJ)   Good Night, Everyone!

El blog de 7 de junio, 2014 (per Glade)

The chairs at our ward building that are in the classrooms are particularly uncomfortable for my back.  I’ve been enduring them in pain for the past 14 months.  Until our ward was divided a few weeks ago the High Priests met in the chapel and I only had to make it through Sunday School.  With the division, we were moved into a classroom making it two straight hours required on the chairs.  Hermano Pavon, a High Priest, recognized my plight, marched me down to the Stake President’s office and told him that I needed one of his cushy chairs with a high back.  Today was the most comfortable Sunday of my mission.

A year ago when I was making my exercise rounds every day near the temple, I made it a habit to talk to as many Hondurenos as possible.  With some, a friendship progressed daily to conversations about the church, giving them a copy of the Book of Mormon, and inviting them to receive the missionaries.  With others, only a “buenos dias, como esta?  Today at church a man, obviously not a member, sat down near me who looked familiar.  Elder Basset, one of the other temple missionaries, had invited him.  He introduced me to him with the words, “I think you two have met.”  The man then told me that a year ago I had stopped and talked to him on the street by his newly built house.  [This is the house, as it was being built, in front of which I had frequently talked to the overnight guard who ended up being taught by the missionaries.]  I had talked to the owner of the house only a time or two. The man went on to say that he had thought about my words but hadn’t seen me for a long time.  Last week he had noticed a North American man on the street who he thought was me and told him he wanted to learn about and come to the church.  Brother Bassett complied.  The lessons I learned from this experience are:

·       You don’t always need to do a lot of talking for the Spirit to do the work.

·       Maintain a frequent contact with the people whom you introduce to the gospel so they don’t think you are now 81 years old when last year you were 65.  [Yes, Elder Bassett is short and bald but he is 81 yrs. old!]

·       The field is white [like our hair] and ready for the harvest!

Saturday, June 07, 2014

         Glade took an after-dinner walk around the temple grounds tonight after dark and noticed a young couple near the gate talking to the guards.  The young man waved him over as they entered the grounds and they began a conversation with the usual exchange of information.  Then the young man said that they were celebrating a special occasion tonight and asked Glade if he would take their picture in front of the temple.  All of a sudden the power failed and everything was cast into complete darkness including all the temple lights.  They waited patiently and in a few minutes, everything was bathed in light again.  Glade asked him if this was their anniversary and he said no, but wished that it were. 

         Then it was time for the photo—and when they posed in front of the temple, the young man got down on one knee and presented an engagement ring to this young girl and proposed to her!  It was all captured in a couple of pictures that Glade took, and then the young man gave his new fiancé a big hug and a kiss.  It was all so romantic!

         A family with six children were all sealed together tonight in the temple for time and all eternity.  It is always such a tender experience to watch the children gather for this priceless event all dressed in white and ready to become an eternal family. 

         We are blessed with rich experiences as we serve here and see first-hand how the Gospel blesses lives as God’s children make commitments and covenants to Him and to each other.  There was other work done today as well:  live sealings were performed; a young sister—soon to be a missionary—entered for the first time; families found during genealogical research were sealed together; and others were baptized.  It was such a great day!

Friday, June 06, 2014

         A couple who are relatives of both the Cazier’s and Starkey’s were here from Utah for a visit.  They were in the temple today doing sealings for distant family members.  We were invited to attend and participate in the sealings and it was beautiful to hear everything in English and remember exactly what the words are.  

Thursday, June 05, 2014

         Life would be so much simpler if I didn’t have to color my hair!  However, it looks so much better tonight that I guess I’ll just have to keep doing it!!

         Lots of sweet sisters came to the temple today and it was such a pleasure to work with them and to serve them.

         It is another beautiful evening and the grounds are filled with groups of people visiting, children laughing and playing, and others just enjoying the aura of the setting.  It feels like a warm evening in Idaho just before it starts to get that bit of chill in the air; but it is dark and a little humid.  We are still grateful for our air conditioning; we would soon wilt without it.    

Wednesday, June 04, 2014

         There was no hot water again this morning, so I just waited it out; and when it was about time to get ready for the temple, there was just enough warm water to shower.  Glade went to the fitness center again, but the pool was still closed.  It might be a couple of weeks before it is open again.  He was disappointed, but still got his workout.  

         The work in the temple continued as usual.  It is a beautiful evening.  Good Night, Everyone!

Tuesday, June 03, 2014

         People from an excursion kept us very busy all day and there were two groups of baptisms tonight that were still going when we left the temple.  It’s always wonderful to see so much activity and so much work being done.  We are tired tonight and hope to recover so we can do it all again tomorrow!

Monday, June 02, 2014

         Housekeeping was first on our to-do list today and it feels good to have everything clean and tidy.  Since we got our groceries at the end of last week, we didn’t have to go out today and enjoyed just staying here.  Glade did go to the fitness center, however, but was so disappointed to find that the pool was closed for maintenance!  He did the stationery bike and the elliptical and then cancelled his taxi and walked home.  Part of the reason he goes is to get some sun while swimming!!  Next week—

         Since it was Monday, I was able to exercise outside this morning.  It was hot and humid in the beginning, but by the time I finished, the clouds had covered the sun and I knew there would be more rain.  Sure enough, it came while I was walking to the chapel for piano practice.  My paraguas (umbrella) is always in my purse so I was saved from getting drenched.

         I hope you all had a great FHE.  Our lesson was on family history and the programs that are available for searching out family names.  To get better informed and get involved is one of my goals.  Everything has moved ahead of me so far and so fast that I am lost.  Finding the time will be a challenge, but there will be a way.

         Good Night!! 

Sunday, June 1, 2014

         This was a peaceful, restful Sabbath day although it could have been stressful.  Glade wore his brace to Church today and decided to take it off for Sacrament Meeting where the chapel seats are padded and more comfortable.  He laid his Kindle on the restroom counter to remove the brace and forgot to pick it up when he left.  Just before Sacrament Meeting started he realized he didn’t have it with him and left to start the search for it.  After alerting everyone in sight--mostly the other ward members--to his loss and asking for their help in finding it, he returned empty-handed to our meeting.  He had resolved during the meeting that it wouldn’t be found and that he would just have to live without it.  However, after the meeting ended, someone had given it to our bishop who held it up in front for him to see.  He was sooo relieved! 

         I just opened the windows so we could hear the thunder again.  We walked earlier around the temple and the weather was perfect with cool air and lovely heavy clouds.  (That isn’t really an oxymoron, I just like heavy clouds and think they are “lovely.”)  There is also an insect that makes a constant metallic sound similar to a cricket, but not so chirpy, that is filling in the spaces between thunder rolls, and it all feels quite cozy.  Anyway—it is a beautiful evening.

         I hope you all had a renewing Sunday and are ready for a new season—summer is coming, school is out, moves have been made, and new horizons are beckoning!  Enjoy every part of your life and make each day the very best day!

         It just started to rain!