Thursday, November 27, 2014

         We worked the early shift today so that we could accept a dinner invitation this evening with wonderful friends.  They provided our transportation to their beautiful home, since we don’t drive, and presented a traditional Thanksgiving feast that was delicious.  The details of our day are posted with the photos.

         Right now it is 59 degrees, the coolest it has been since we have been here.  It is the beginning of the next rainy season and there has been severe flooding in northern Honduras.  One of the first sisters in the temple this morning wore a winter coat just like mine at home, thick tights, a knitted hat pulled down over her head, and a scarf.  It just made me smile because we are loving the cool weather.  It is rather hard on those here who are used to the heat! 

         We missed you all today and missed being together to celebrate, but are happy that you are celebrating in your own ways and giving thanks to Heavenly Father for the multitude of blessings sent to our family.  Please share photos and your fun activities.

          Happy Thanksgiving and love to you all!!

Since there was a repeat showing, we were able to see
part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! 

Seeing bits of the parade was great and so nostalgic.

Our friend Brother Navas, the bakery specialist, made
this pumpkin cheesecake just for us and delivered it this afternoon.
It is absolutely rich and delicious.  It will take us a month to eat it! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving again!!

The next few photos are of the Smart's beautiful home.   Brother
Smart is a broker and buys and sells Honduran art.  He shows 6' x 6' paintings in his home where buyers often come to see the artwork
and make purchases.  This is his hobby.  He has a very successful
job in insurance, but sometimes his art business--the work he loves--does better than his "real" job.

On the left you can see one of the paintings.

More artwork is shown on the right.

This is the dining room where part of the guests ate dinner.

Here is Sister Smart, the hostess, in her kitchen.

This is a nativity piece--Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus,
and the donkey in the foreground.

This is the family's garden.  It is all enclosed by walls and
has a little grass.  Yards are rare here and this one is
beautiful.  The tables were set out here for the little kids.

A guest and our friend Brother Valladares with Glade.

From left:  Karin, Mother of the Host, Brother and Sister Valladares

Bert, the turkey--and it was delicious!  Accompanying the turkey was a green salad, green beans, sweet potatoes, roast pork, and rolls.  Pork is the favorite dish for Christmas.

Karin's brothers.

Karin, and Bev.  Karin lived in Provo for six years
where she earned her degree from BYU and then worked for
a year.  She now teaches kindergarten at the school
behind the Casa Campo where Glade swims.

Sisters Karin and Katia Valladares.  Katia, right, has a beautiful voice and I have accompanied her singing several times.

Bev, Karin, Carmen--the hostess--and my friend Lupe

Lupe's husband is still in Mexico working on the temple, but will be home December 21st.  She and her kids are counting down the days!  

Ahh!  Dessert!  They don't eat pumpkin pie here, but Karin made her
first for this Thanksgiving celebration.  Banana cream and apple were offered, too.  People here don't seem to eat sweets like we do at home.  The pies were cut into tiny wedges and there was half of each one left after everyone had been served a slice or two.