Monday, December 15, 2014

         This morning a sweet sister who works in the temple called and asked if Glade and I would like to go with her and her husband to see some Christmas sights.  She said we could go early and come back whenever we were ready, so we assumed we could be back for at least part of our FHE. 

         They picked us up outside the gates at 3:30 and we had a wonderful afternoon and evening—arriving back home about 8:30.  We missed our usual FHE but this was a welcome change.  We visited a government park of some kind that is situated high above the city where the view lets you see full circle.  Details are captioned with the photos that follow.

         On our way to the next stop, we passed a Baskin Robbins.  Actually we were stopped in traffic next to it, so we detoured for ice cream and banana splits.

         Then we were off to a huge mall where Brother Casteñada thought another nativity display was set-up.  We drove around and around all the levels of the parking structure for at least 15 or 20 minutes waiting for a car to leave so we could have a parking space.  It was completely full.  When we finally parked and went inside, he discovered it was the wrong mall!  But all of a sudden this pretty little girl dressed in choir attire came up to me and gave me a hug.  It was Lupe’s little girl, and her school class was there to give a concert!  What an amazing coincidence to meet there so far away from where we both live.  We visited with her family while the choir made final preparations and then stayed to hear their first number.  

         The traffic was just crazy and makes me wonder how anyone gets any place.  There were cars everywhere cramming every road beyond capacity, so it was rather slow going.  However, our driver just took it all in stride which is what one has to do to cope.  We have been in heavy traffic in the USA, of course, but at least there are rules, adequate streets and highways, and a semblance of order.  Some of the driving here is just chaos!

         We visited a beautiful Nativity display provided by a bank and it is one of the best ones we have ever seen.  It was huge—not the individual pieces, but the scope of two cities and the landscape.  The pictures that follow show details.

         Our last stop was at a second mall where another shop was set up with displays.  We walked through it enjoying the different items and then enjoyed sauntering through the mall taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas shoppers and decorations.  It was such a lovely excursion and we were so grateful for kind and caring friends who would take so much of their time to share this experience with us.  We have been greatly blessed.

         Good Night!  Wishing you all the full joy of this season!  

Not sure what was so funny, but here we are way up high enjoying the view below.

Our friends Brother and Sister Castañada

The plain slopes of the hills in the back were once covered with houses.
But during Hurricane Mitch they were leveled and destroyed with great loss of life.  Gullies were created to help water flow in the future.  Nearby cemeteries hold the casualties from the hurricane.  

Honduran Flag

Lupe's boys at the mall waiting for the concert

Lupe and Bev in the back with Darren and Malory in the front.

Malory's choir--it is the school's first year to participate at the mall.  

The flutaphones are getting organized.

Almost ready!

The stop for banana splits.

The next several photos are of the Nativity that was so beautiful.  It started with Jerusalem on the left and moved to the countryside and Bethlehem.

There was such wonderful detail in the figures and their activities.

Notice the three Wisemen crossing the bridge.

This is a display at the second mall.  I'll post a few more photos tomorrow. 

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