adin

Monday, August 25, 2014

         Today’s excursion was our last with this group of missionaries.  A van was hired and the driver took us to an agricultural university that was an hour’s drive from where we live.  It is the biggest agricultural school in Central America and was helped in its launch and early years with funding from the United States.  Most students attend with the help of grants, many of which are from Guatemala. 

         The tattered van has seen better days for sure, but it chugged up the hills and just kept going.  With the windows open there was a comfortable breeze that kept us from roasting.  The scenery was beautiful and the mountainsides were covered in a canopy of trees so thick it was nearly solid.  At home, we often see space between the trees!  

         The school was huge and spread over several acres.  Most of our tour was done from the van for which we were grateful.  It included a dairy section where they raise cattle and make all the familiar milk products from cottage cheese and chocolate milk to yogurt and ice cream.  However, there were no samples for the visitors.  L

         They grow fruits, organic foods, a few grains but not wheat, chickens, cattle, fish, and some vegetables.  There is an area marked off where each student is given a plot of ground where he is to prepare the soil, plan, plant, care for, and harvest his produce. 

After we returned to our apartments, we met in the cafeteria where tables had been set up for our lunch.  Before we ate, each of us was given an opportunity to express our feelings to the two couples who are leaving the soonest, about our experience working in the temple together.  Sister Ocampo had even composed a song and sang it all by herself for us.  It was very touching.

Then we were treated to delicious pizza, fresh fruit, yogurt, and drinks.  It is very sad to see these people leave and hard for me to know that they will be replaced by Latin Americans, which means I will have less contact with the English language than ever.  Oh, well.  I am accustomed and will thrive in spite of that fact. J

There are pictures below that show and describe a few of the things we saw today.

 This is the dairy building where the milk products are made.
The picture was taken through a viewing window

These are old milk cans like both of our dads used when Glade and I were growing up.  I have one
at home that I want to paint and use for a plant stand.  This photo is to help remember to do it!!

Upon our arrival we did a short walking tour.  The umbrellas are to keep the sun at bay--not the rain!

My handsome sweetie!

Not sure what this building is used for, but I liked it and wanted a picture.
The roof and style are typical of other buildings we saw.

There were lots of big and beautiful trees!  If they had fall here,
these would create a beautiful and stunning display of color!

This is one of several recycling stations around the huge campus.

This is our van and driver.  

The water in the upper third part of the photo is part of a tilapia farm.

This is another part of the tilapia farm.

Sorry, this is not a good photo but was taken from our moving vehicle.
 It is just a group of cattle standing in the shade of these trees--a very familiar scene to us.

This is a fruit tree, but I don't know what kind.  Can you tell I love trees!

This was taken through a tinted van window of a garden that included huge sun flowers.

These are hops

 This is one of the storage granaries.
They produce lots of corn that is fed to the cattle, beans, but no wheat.

Avocados are handing in this tree!!

More unique trees that I liked :)

The last of the trees--the big one in the center was covered in round orange fruit,
but again I don't know what kind.

Here's our group getting ready to leave.  The driver took the picture for us.  

Heading to the van to start the journey back to Tegucigalpa.

Oops!  I was wrong.  Here are more cool trees--
pines growing with branches and needles pointing up!

Glade in front of the convenience store which was actually our last stop on the way out.  We bought apples, a tomato, two boxed juice drinks and a few Ritz crackers--oh, and Peanut M&M's for Glade!

Entrance to the market.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Glade has a meeting today with the two families he home teaches.  They are both taking the temple preparation classes.  Then we'll go to stake choir practice at 5:00

Here are a few pictures from the dinner last night.  And just a side note, the event was scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.  At 7:00 p.m. all of the North American couples were there and the food was being brought to the serving table.  We started with the fruit from the appetizer table; but it would be an hour before the meal started as people slowly trickled in--coming to the table on typical Latin time :)  It was a beautiful evening and they treated us all so well.  We are so very grateful for their love and kindness!

From the appetizer table

More appetizers.  The plate on the right included a few wafers, a chips mix, and those cute little square cookies topped with pink, white, and purple marshmallows.
They are not big on desserts or sweets here, but the fruit was delicious.

A table setting.  Each had two pots with live flower plants although this one only shows one plant.
They gave us each one to take home at the end of the evening.
In the center are the Caziers and Cruzs are on the right.

President and Sister Ocampo--Temple President and Matron

Brother and Sister Cruz whose assignment as temple missionaries is to oversee the Guesthouse and supervise the groups that come here to stay overnight.  They have a huge job and have done it beautifully.  They do get to work in the temple on Wednesday afternoons.

Pres. and Sister Cazier who leave for their home in Florida this Saturday, August 30.

Brother and Sister Bassett who leave for their home in Lovell, Wyoming, next week on September 4.

This super sweet lady, Sister Lagos, used to be in our ward, but she moved a few months ago.  I still see her in the temple and recently she has been coming as a worker.  She will soon be moving to Florida for the first time.

Brother and Sister Starkey who will leave for their home in Kaysville, UT, just before the temple maintenance closing at the end of October.  They already have their next mission call to Guatemala and will begin serving there in January 2015.

We didn't get a picture of us on our camera last night, so here we are after church this morning

Standing next to Glade's "pineapple tree"!

After the meal, a group of leaders formed a semi-circle and each missionary couple walked from one end to the and exchanged greetings.  The sister in the front foreground is our Primary President and her little daughter.  From the left are a couple in the stake presidency, President and Sister Fortuna--Mission President of the Comaguela Mission and a member of our ward--we don't kow the young couple in the center, and the last couple are Bishop and Sister Smart.  We were in the same ward before the division and he was made the bishop of the new ward.

In the center are our bishop and his wife, Bishop and Gina Sierra.
The Bassetts are on the right making their way around the group.

Pres. and Sister Amado, tenple presidency counselor and his wife, are in the center;
 and Brother and Sister Duarte, temple workers,  are on the right.

Someone with a nice camera was invited to come and take pictures, and he picked up my phone and took this wide view.

These sisters served our dinner of chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, and a roll.  It was delicious!
And they gave Glade and I each an extra plate to take home for Sunday dinner.

The lady in the center in the blue blouse is the stake choir director, Sister Valledares.
Her husband, Ricardo Valladares the area authority seventy, is Glade's home teaching companion.
Bless the server's hearts, they even wore hair nets and looked like official cooks.

Bishop and Sister Sierra.  This is Gina, the sister who plays the viola.  We played in the recital together.
Her parents are the temple president and his wife and their children and Rebbecca, Raquel, Moroni and Nephi.

This is our first bishop and his wife, Brother and Sister Matutue.
He is now serving as a counselor in the stake presidency.

Each of the missionary couples was presented with a framed, hand-stitched picture of our temple.
Sister Barrientos, who serves as a temple worker but is not in our ward or stake, stitched them,
and then they were framed.  These will be treasured mementos from our missionary experience.

This is the potted dianthus I got to bring home.  

Saturday, August 23, 2014

         The temple is such a great place to spend the day and we love sharing experiences with the people who come.  They are always kind, and grateful for any little bit of help we give them.  They are so easy to love and we have become attached.

         Last Sunday the Stake President invited us to a dinner that was held tonight in our church across the street.  It was an appreciation and farewell event for all the missionaries who are leaving in the next weeks and months, and we were included even though we are the only ones staying for another 6 ½ months (except for the other counselor, President Amado, and his wife).  It was a beautiful and thoughtful presentation and one we were not expecting.  It’s too late tonight, but tomorrow I’ll post a few photos with some details. 

         Love you all so much.  Have a spiritually fortifying Sabbath to help you through the next week.  Good Night!

Friday, August 22, 2014

         It was very busy in the temple today and so fun to recognize yesterday’s faces returning again this morning.  That’s the best part of big groups coming to stay for two or three days—you quickly become familiar friends as they return again and again until the buses sound the “it’s time to leave” notice.   Then they gather, climb aboard, and are gone. 

         Hair color day and now I’m good to go for another 5 ½ weeks.  Glade went to the fitness center again this afternoon.  He has had to cut back on the elliptical and lots of walking since it aggravates his back.  So he is doing more back exercises and more swimming if he can work it into the schedule.

         Have a great week-end!  Love you all so much!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

         This afternoon I substituted exercise time for family history time and tried to apply what Pres. Cazier showed us last week.  Glade and I were successful in getting subscriptions to Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, and FindMyPast.com by emailing from Family Search and requesting them.  However, when I sat down to “find an ancestor” to research, I couldn’t navigate the system even with the notes we were given.  So, since the Cazier’s door was open (their apartment is across the hall from ours) I went there for help.  

It was a good session, but everything is still new to me and my thought processes aren’t trained yet in knowing just what to look for and how to recognize what’s in front of me; so I still have a long way to go.  But I took my laptop so the lesson was hands-on.  

We were successful, though, in finding—on the lateral lines like a cousin probably) the wife of a man, her name and birthday, her parents—which I won’t need since they aren’t relatives—and this couple's marriage date.  I learned how to move resources from online records to this man’s page in my family history and have reserved their names so I can do all of the ordinances for her in the temple and then have them sealed to each other.  His ordinance work has all been done.  All I have to do is hit “print” and the information will be in my hand to take to the temple just across the street where they will print out the cards for me.  It was quite rewarding, but I’m not sure I can do it again without help.  It will require more lessons I’m sure. 

The Caziers leave on August 30, so I told him I may need a lesson every day until they leave.   He has done thousands of names for his own family and has helped other missionaries by finding hundreds of names for them. 

Love and prayers to everyone!  

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

         Another day has rushed by and the week will soon be winding down—already!  A day trip brought people to the temple today and kept us all with work to do.  There is supposed to be a big group coming in the morning, which is good news.

         I know it is back-to-school time for everybody and I really miss that.  Even though it has been a long time since there were children at home for me to get ready for school, I still love the “season.”  Every year the ads, the talk, and the feeling in the air still create excitement in my day and I just have to buy a few notebooks, nice pens, a folder or two and whatever else strikes a nostalgic chord.  Electronics have changed everything, however, and I’m surely out of touch now.  Anyway, good luck with all the fun of getting kids back into school!

         Recognize your worth as individuals and remember that Heavenly Father knows who you are and has great expectations of you.  Listen for guidance, be positive about yourself and your accomplishments, read and study and then listen again for guidance.  Many answers to our questions and pleas have already been given to us and we just need to search them out.  They can be found in the scriptures and the words of the prophets.  They can be found in the peace that comes into our hearts and minds just as the Lord has explained.  (D&C 6:22-23)  “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter?  What greater witness can you have than from God?”

         Thanks for all of your love and prayers.  We feel them every day.

Good night--

  

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

         There were no excursions today so it was quieter in the temple and the pace a little slower.   We kept busy enough, however; and sometimes it’s nice to have a little more relaxed day.  I had a chance to practice the piano again this afternoon and started playing a little new-age Christmas music.  I didn’t bring very much music, but love what I have.

         This evening while on the treadmill I listened to a CES fireside given at BYU-Idaho by William Walker on May 5, 2013.  He talked about our Prophet, Pres. Monson, and told many experiences from his life.  He also talked about the prophets that other generations have grown up with and how much influence each one has had on the lives of Church members.  Pres. McKay was the prophet of my growing up years and I thought he should be the prophet for ever—at least for all of my life.  He was a great leader.

         Brother Walker talked about how Pres. Monson strives to follow the Savior’s example and the patterns He taught.  He included the scripture in 3 Nephi 27:27 where Jesus taught:  “What manner of men ought ye to be?  Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”  “That is our principal goal—to be like Him."

         He told about the painting Pres. Monson has in his office that is a beautiful portrayal of the Savior.  He said, “Whenever I have had a difficult decision to make, I have always looked at that picture and asked myself, ‘What would He do?’  Then I try to do it."

         One of his favorite scriptures is from Proverbs 3:5-6:  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  One of my favorite songs was included in his counsel:  "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus."  Then Brother Walker said:  “And I’m trying to be like His prophet.”

         Good night, everyone.  Love and prayers are sent your way.

Monday, August 18, 2014

         We hit the ground running this morning with our exercise, as usual; and then the “barbershop” was open for Glade’s haircut—and mine.  I don’t mind cutting is hair, but it is somewhat of a chore to do my own.  That’s one thing greatly anticipated when we get home—the beauty salon where Jenn can put me back together!

         A young couple who are friends of ours and who work occasionally in the temple, invited us to lunch today.  They picked us up at noon and we drove for about 30 minutes traversing the meandering streets of our city.  We ended up in a nice area near the mission home and came to a stop at a restaurant of their choice for a treat to us.  It was spacious with large openings to the outside on two sides which allowed a comfortable breeze to flow right through and keep the temperature just right.  We ordered grilled kabobs—Glade had pork and I, of course, had chicken.  The appetizers were yummy and came in two small hot clay pots with a heating system of some kind underneath that kept the cheese and re-fried beans with butter simmering.  (See photos below.)  They provided toppings for tortilla chips and it was all very tasty.  The atmosphere was very relaxed and music played in the background.

         At one point a mariachi band of two—one who played the guitar and one who played the accordion—appeared and began to serenade the family at the table next to us.  No--mariachi bands are not Honduran but Spanish as you would expect.  Anyway, it was quite expensive to pay for your own serenade, but we were close enough to get the full effect anyway.  

         On the way back to our apartment, the car window was down because I wanted to take some pictures.  When we stopped at a stoplight, he told me to roll it up since it was very dangerous to drive with the windows down.  So up it went and the photo-shoot with it!

         This couple has four children ages 15, 9, 7, and 3; and they are making plans to move to the United States permanently.  They don’t want to raise their children in this dangerous place and have been getting their papers ready to move for some time.  Yes, they are going legally!  She works at the immigration office and he is an electrician.  They will be moving to Provo where they have a friend who will let them stay with him until they can get a job and a place to live.  He leaves on September 1 and she will leave with the children about September 15.  They both speak pretty good English but are a little nervous about finding a job.  They are a super couple and have confidence and good skills.  They will fit in well and do just great, but they will be leaving extended family behind and that will be hard.  Glade has already invited them to come and stay with us next summer when he wants to take them to Yellowstone.  

         Hope you all had a successful Home Evening.  Good Night, everyone.  Love you all!

Glade and the Diaz couple.  Her name is Gloria; I can't remember what his name is--he is just Brother Diaz :)

My turn :)

Just a look at part of the interior of the restaurant

These guys were "stationed" in the center of the room

The mariachi band--sorry there is so much back-light;  it isn't a very good picture.

Inside looking out into the parking lot--again, sorry about the back-light

These are the little "hot pots" with the appetizers.  They actually got so hot that the fillings were boiling and steam was
coming out of the holes on the sides.  You could feel the heat radiating from them and they were untouchable.
We had bottled Sprite to drink.

I think these were cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes in a salsa for the meat.

Ahh--a photo together.

I was a little slow to get this photo, but they are all holding the kabobs by the ring on one end of the metal stick and
pushing the food off onto their plates with a fork.   The yellow food in the bowl is rice.

Entrance to the restaurant

View of the restaurant from the street

Leaving the restaurant

This is just an example of the scarcity of parking places for homes and businesses.  Notice the gate on the right.
Everything is gated here and most of the homes we have seen have this size of a courtyard and that is all.
You can tell this is a high-end area because of the care and the neat and clean appearance of eveerything.
This is not typical of what we see here since this is a very poor country.
There were so many things I wanted to take pictures of, but because of the safety issue I was made aware of,
I didn't get to take them.  I thought it wouldn't be conspicuous inside a car, but forgot the close proximity
of other vehicles and people on the street.  Oh, well.  "Come what may and love it!"  :)

Sunday, August 17, 2014

         It was a great Sunday and the evening was calm enough for us to have a really nice walk around the temple grounds and enjoy the panoramic view of the lights spread across the city. 

         Sister Valladares started the practices today for the stake choir which will sing for Stake Conference in November.  I get to accompany again and Glade is leading the bass section.  She kept the practice  pretty close to an hour, so that was good.  The piano bench gets really hard to keep sitting on after much more than that.  She is a cute and feisty little lady and I really like her.  We communicate through sign language, music knowledge, and other people, and do just great together.  Before long the practices for the Christmas choir will begin and will probably piggy-back with the stake conference practices.  It really does seem like we just did this!!

         Hope you all had a wonderful Sabbath day and are spiritually renewed for another week.  The evils of our world are crowding in around us and we need all of the spiritual strength and constant renewal that we can get.  Love and prayers for all of you—Good night!

Saturday, August 16, 2014

         The new mission president and his wife, the Bowlers from Elko, Nevada, came to our apartment this morning for a visit before we all went to the temple.  He called a couple of days ago so we knew they were coming, and Glade ordered cinnamon rolls from our friends at the bakery for a late morning refreshment. 

         They have been here for about two months now and are pretty settled in to their work.  We loved our social time together and it was a “happy-day” maker for me to speak and hear an hour of English!!  They are great people and we have new friends.

         The cinnamon rolls were mouth-wateringly delicious!  I haven’t tasted anything so good for ages and I know they could compete with anything at home.  Since we indulged again after our day at the temple, we are over-satisfied and “stuffed” but happy. 

         The temple work was great; there was a brief storm of wind and rain; and we are ready for our week-end although those two days are seldom restful. 

Friday, August 15, 2014

         Today we met a missionary couple who are serving in Tela, Honduras, which is North of San Pedro Sula on the Caribbean Coast.  They have been here for two months, and we learned that they are from Spanish Fork, UT, and know Jeff!  In fact, Jeff filled the position in the Nebo School District that this man, Brother Web, left vacant when he retired.  He said that Jeff is a great man!  Jeff had told the Webs that Glade and I were serving here so they were keeping a watchful eye out hoping to meet us.  What a coincidence that we were working at the right time to see them today and be able to help them through the session.  It continues to be shown to us that it indeed is a small world!

         They are serving as member-support missionaries and neither one of them speaks Spanish.  They did get two months of training in the MTC, but now they are on their own.  They seem to be doing okay and have great attitudes.  They make visits with the missionaries often.  Sister Web said one of her challenges is dealing with the bugs—meaning the mosquitoes!  It is also very hot where they are.  It is a five-hour drive and they traveled here in a large van with other members who came for a temple excursion.  Sister Web loves the people and is already attached!

         One of my dear young friends here was a temple worker when we first arrived.   She speaks English and was wonderfully helpful and encouraging when I was so new to everything.  A few months later, she came only as a patron and excitedly told me one day that she and her husband were going to have their first baby!  I saw her occasionally after that and we hugged and shared excitement about her baby. 

         After helping at the end of the session, I waited in that magnificently beautiful room where people paused to ponder, pray, and meditate.  It was not my assignment to be there, but I just felt like going in to check on everyone.  This sweet sister was there and was the last to leave.   I noticed that she didn’t look like she was expecting a baby.  I couldn’t remember the time frame for her due date, but I was concerned.  So I followed her into the dressing room and sat next to her while she waited for her locker.  We exchanged greetings and then I asked her carefully about her baby.  With tears in her eyes she told me that her daughter had been born, but had passed away six days later.  My heart just broke for her.  Her little girl had been born pre-maturely, at about six months.  All I could do was hug her and hold her while she cried.  When hearts are still grieving, there are not a lot of words that help except expressions of love.  Nothing will “fix” this loss and only time and Heavenly Father’s love and peace will heal the parents’ broken hearts.  How wonderful as members of the Lord’s Church that we know we will be reunited with loved ones again.

         Hug your children and tell them how much you love them.  And thank Heavenly Father for sending them to you and entrusting you with their care.  Love and prayers to you all. 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

          It is a beautiful evening as the day draws to a close on patrons milling outside near the temple entrance sharing the experiences of the day.  One group from Nicaragua left just after noon but another group is here taking their place.  People just keep coming and coming and it is so wonderful to be a part of the work they are doing.

         Good Night.  Love to each of you.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

         No news is good news and also, I’m out of ideas for the blog.  The sessions were full today, and the work just keeps moving forward so that is good.  People are still loving and kind, acting in faith, and making sacrifices.  All is well.  Good Night!   

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

         My good friends, the nurses, have finished their missions and left Tegucigalpa today for their respective homes in Utah.  It will be sad to not see them come to the temple anymore, and I am really going to miss them.  Getting to visit with them always brighten my day and gave me perspective.  They will not be replaced with more nurses since there just aren’t enough medical people to go around to all the missions.  So the mission president’s wife will be in charge of the health of the missionaries.  In the U.S. there would be lots of support; here it is a little different.  But the Lord will watch over them and make up the shortfalls.

         There were thunderstorms late last evening and we opened the windows to enjoy the ambiance.  Right now it is a beautiful, calm evening, @ 9:50 p.m. and 75 degrees with intermittent clouds! 

         Good night!  Be safe; be happy; be good!!  

Monday, August 11, 2014

         When I was walking this morning I happened to look up at the temple spire and noticed a big black blob on Moroni’s trumpet!  I kept looking and realized that it was one of those giant vultures that are continually swooping around the grounds.  They must nest in all the forestry of the hill we live on.  After another round of walking I looked up and saw that this bird had been joined by a friend who was perched and preening on the very tip of the horn!  In my mind I was shouting at them to get off from Moroni and go find a tree!  Then as I watched, the bird on the rim seemed to fall right off and swooped away—followed by his friend!

         There were some nice compliments tonight at FHE about the music at last night’s recital.  Getting some “warm fuzzies” now and then is a good thing, and it also justified the practice time.   Accompanying is just so second nature to me and I loved being a part of the groups that did so well.

         We are going to read from “Preach My Gospel” now and then read some Spanish from the “Liahona.”  We are ready for another week.

All is well—Good Night!!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

         Relief has washed over me this evening since the recital is behind us now.  It was a great program and I’m so happy to have had the chance to participate and help with so many numbers.  The numbers with the flute and viola were my biggest concern and they turned out great—not perfect, but rewarding.  Gina and her brother are such talented musicians and it was a treat to have them perform and get to play with them. 

The program was long but there was great variety with lots of beginning piano students playing with teacher back-up; vocal ensembles including Primary children, Young Women, and senior missionaries, a beautiful sister duet, and a mother and son duet; and instrumental ensembles including a flutaphone solo and our piano duet.  Pres. Cazier, a beginner, played a hymn on the keyboard; and Sister Amado debuted with a hymn on the piano.  The final presentation was by the young students—fifteen or so—playing the “bells” (pipes cut into different lengths for the notes of the scale that were struck by a bar creating a beautiful tone) with four hymns while the congregation sang a verse or two of each.  Pres. Cazier cut and made all of the “bells.”  

Sister Cazier has worked very hard to bring music to the lives of these families.  Most don’t have any means of practicing at home and lots of the music was copied by hand by the teachers.  She made time in her schedule to help anyone who needed it. 

Sister Ocampo surprised us with a home-made pizza for our dinner today after Church.  It was so thoughtful, especially with her having a house full of company.  It even had pineapple on it, so Glade was happy!

It rained on and off again today—a real treat for me!  And tonight I’m grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for my precious family, for my awesome husband, for the wonderful friends made here, for the privilege of working in this beautiful temple next door to us, and for the many lessons learned from the experiences of this mission.

Love and prayers coming your way!!  

Saturday, August 09, 2014

         The viewing/funeral services for the baby who passed away yesterday continued today and I was told that those events last for 24 hours.  Therefore, I didn’t get some much needed practice time on the piano before going to the temple.  After our shift, however, I was able to practice with the Ocampos for their mother and son vocal duet, the son and his family who are singing the new Primary song from the 2014 Sharing Time theme, and also his flute solo.  He is a true “music major” and an excellent musician.

         It was fun to go the Ocampo’s apartment to practice late this afternoon.  Their son, the flautist, and his family are visiting from San Pedro Sula.  The President’s apartment, of course, is much larger than ours in order to accommodate visitors and guests that the temple president might be called upon to entertain.  Anyway, the “house” was filled with family, little kids playing, someone watching television, the mom and grandma baking a birthday cake in the kitchen, and Pres. Ocampo practicing his new skills on the piano, and it all felt wonderful—just like our busy and hectic days at home when a dozen things are going on all at once.  And in the midst of the activities, we practiced three different numbers on their nice electric piano.

Later tonight, about 8:30 I was able to go to the Church and practice with Gina for her viola solo.  There were several days during this last week and the week before when the church was not available for me to practice.  So, the preparation will be lacking a little.  But tomorrow will come and go and we will all pray a lot and just do the best we can.

         We heard thunder this afternoon and watched the wind whip the rain in sheets across the parking lot and egg-beater the poor leaning palm trees.  Tonight, all is calm.

         Love and prayers to you for a spiritually renewing Sunday.

Friday, August 08, 2014

         Another Friday arrived and with it came some very sad news for a young couple here.  Their new little baby was born pre-mature and developed serious complications.   He underwent surgery last night, but I think he was just too tiny to survive the trauma and passed away this morning.  We know the grandfather who is a stake patriarch and comes to the temple often.

         Laurene and I went to the chapel to practice our duet for Sunday’s recital this morning when we learned about this family’s tragedy.  The services they have here are so different from what we know.  A bishop’s wife told us that the chapel would be open all day and people would be coming and going all during that time.  There was a more “formal” funeral at about 11:00 a.m.  A CD provided a few Primary songs in the background while people visited.  I have never seen such a tiny little casket and it just broke your heart to look at it. 

         We ended up playing our duet—a very nice arrangement by Sally deFord of “My Heavenly Father Loves Me”—and it seemed nice to have live music.  Sister Ocampo and I were going to practice her song at the chapel as well, but that was pre-empted, too.  So instead, an impromptu group including the Ocampos, our bishop and his wife, and a couple of other people sang several songs from the Primary Children’s Songbook and I played for them.  It was very nice.  Everything was so informal and protocol seemed to be missing, but people just seem to “go with the flow” here and everything works out fine.  They really love and care about each other.  It was just so sad and we felt bad for this sweet young couple. 

         It was a great day in the temple, however; and I saw many sweet sisters who have become my dear friends—both workers and patrons—and I loved the exchanges of smiles and hugs that really make my day and keep me going.

         Hug your children tonight and may we all count our many blessings.

Thursday, August 07, 2014

         Glade visited with a coordinator today who told him stories about his life.  At the age of 12 years, he was living on the streets getting a little work here and a little there to support himself.  He had no family—don’t know why—except for an uncle who helped him with money to travel to nearby countries in search of work when he was about 15. 

When he returned to Tegucigalpa later he was again living on the streets and looking for more work.  He found a job, but at one point was accused of stealing, which he didn’t do. He was threatened with torture and was turned over to the police.  An investigation took place and he helped the police learn that he had been set up by the director at his work and one of the director’s relatives.

After he was cleared of the charges, the police director helped him get a job with the Ministry of Finance.  He worked hard and put himself through school.  He started at the lower end of the job scale and worked his way up at the Ministry of Finance from one level to another right to the top.  He worked there for about 26years and is now retired.  Because he worked there for so long, he knows people in high places and it has kept him from being mugged or robbed.  He is about 67 years old and has never been sick a day in his life.

That was rather a whirlwind sketch of what Glade told me.  He said the man talked about mile a minute (very fast) and he could hardly keep up listening to him.  His sharing was shy of details, but it still made an interesting story of hardship, and hard work to overcome his situation.  When I hear stories like that, it stops whining in its tracks!!

Good Night Everyone!   

Wednesday, August 06, 2014

         Our session with Pres. Cazier and Family Search lasted about an hour and we were amazed and overwhelmed.  This is definitely a life-long project and one that will never be finished.  I just hope we understand it enough to do a little good, find some family names, and get them ready for the temple.  There will never be enough time because a person could spend days, weeks, months, and just keep going.  It’s fascinating!  We will need refresher lessons here for a while till we get the hang of it.

         Sweet dreams, and love and prayers headed your way!

           

Tuesday, August 05, 2014

         Cockroach Story Number Two:  When Glade was finished for the day, he went upstairs to his locker to change into his street clothes before going home.  Each cubicle has three full-length lockers and four short ones.  His locker is a tall one.  He put his key in the lock, turned it, and opened the locker.  There on the inside of the door about eye level was a big brown cockroach just clinging to the metal!  Amazingly it didn’t flee, which is so typical, but just stayed there on the door.  He searched frantically for a “weapon” and finally grabbed his glass case and whapped it!  Well, of course, it disappeared and he couldn’t find it any place.  He gingerly lifted each sock and checked in his shoes—no cockroach.  Next he cautiously lifted his lunch bag and zooooooooooooom, that bug was on the run.  He grabbed his shoe and whapped it again—this time scoring a hit!  He scooped it up in a tissue and that was that!  It is a good thing it was in his locker and not mine.  I will be so nervous for days now!

         While I was on the treadmill this morning, I listened to Pres. Packer’s talk from the April 2013 General Conference which was just two weeks before we left on our mission.  It was such a great talk and it kept me inspired all day.  I also watched several Church video clips on my kindle, which I haven’t done much before, and found them to be wonderful.  It was a nice change from just listening to music, although that is a good option, too.

         Love and prayers to you all!  Good Night!  

Monday, August 04, 2014

         Glade was just checking out the bruises on his knees from his fall the other day and discovered they were detectable, but not serious.  His knuckles are healing and there is no sign of injury to his head whatsoever.  He is blessed.

         FHE tonight included several Church video clips on Family History.  Of course, they were in Spanish so I didn’t get much from them; but Pres. Cazier is going to help us get started on some research Wednesday morning.  We gave him our seven-digit ID numbers (although most of them are letters not numbers) and names and numbers of our parents and grandparents so he can get a head start on how to help us.  We are excited—yes, WE—as in both of us J  We will probably be looking for lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles.     

         We were just sharing a hearty laugh together as we talked about the music here in this part of the world.  I am playing for about seven numbers for the recital on Sunday, and am playing for Sacrament Meeting, too.  The other ward—maybe I mentioned this already—has no one who can play, so they use a recording of the hymns on a CD for Sacrament Meeting.  They make do the best they can.

There was a reason for our mirth which I started out to describe.  When they sing without a keyboard, the chorister usually sings the first line of the song which reminds people of the tune and gives them a pitch.  Then everyone joins in from the beginning.  When an authority from Salt Lake visited our temple not too long ago, he suggested that the daily training meeting be started with a hymn.  So they have complied.  The problem is that there is no keyboard to provide accompaniment.  If one of the sisters leads and knows the hymn, she might sing a phrase and then they start together.  If one of the brothers leads, he just says “one, two, three” and then they all start to sing—each one with a starting pitch of his or her own choosing—and heartily.  Not meaning to be irreverent—but it is sometimes just hilarious and we can hardly sing for cringing and smiling at the way the hymn sounds.  Some have probably never heard or learned the hymns correctly, but they sing with all their hearts, just the same.  I hope it doesn’t sound like I am making fun of them—just observing their predicament and appreciating their efforts to raise their voices in song.  I would love to teach people to play, but that hasn’t been in the cards.  We love them to pieces for their heartfelt efforts!

We worked hard today and are ready for another week.  Glade went to the gym and it was my pleasure to exercise outside!  Glade also did 2½ hours of continuing education on his computer for his license renewal in October.  He probably won’t need it, but is going to be prepared—just in case.   Everything is clean and we are rested—sort of!  It was a great day!

Love and prayers to all of you.  Good night!

Sunday, August 03, 2014

         Sister Pavon finished her service as a temple missionary at the end of the week and will be returning to her home in San Pedro Sula.  I will miss her so much.  She is one of the first temple workers we met here; and although she speaks no English, we have become such good friends and she has always been so friendly and kind to me.  The language barrier did not keep us from being friends; and I will miss the smiles, the hugs, and the Spanglish banter between us that helped keep me going!

         The Relief Society teacher asked about ten women to come to the front of the room during her lesson this morning and I was one of them.  I didn’t understand what she wanted us to talk about, but Sister Cazier said to share something about doing missionary work and how it makes people feel.

         Well, I was the last “woman” standing and began my comments with an apology in Spanish about not speaking the language and then proceeded in English to share my feelings about how important a good example is in missionary work.  As we act in faith and our testimonies grow, the Gospel becomes part of our being; it becomes who we are.  We are expected to stand as witnesses for Christ at all times, in all places, and in all things.  We must never “check our religion at the door” but live it to the fullest in every aspect of our lives.  Then when people look at us, they will recognize light and truth.  Has anyone ever said to you, “Are you a Mormon?” or “You must be a Mormon!”?  What a compliment to be caught living your religion and letting others see in your life something so special that they want the same thing in theirs.  What a perfect invitation to introduce someone to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  May we always live so that our example shines with that invitation.  

Saturday, August 02, 2014

         One by one the buses filled with tired patrons this afternoon and, leaving behind a trail of diesel fumes, rolled down the hill to start their long journeys home.  Some groups have spent a night or two here, but one group left their town at 3:00 a.m. today, spent several hours in the temple, and then left the parking lot for the return trip 1:00 p.m.  They were all pretty tired but feeling blessed to be able to make the trip.  At least they were on a bus and didn’t have to drive—hopefully the bus driver slept during the day.  We often see the drivers stretched out on the concrete next to their buses trying to get some zzzzzzzzs!

         We are both exhausted and so ready for a rest.  We feel healthy and take good care of ourselves, but we really reach our physical limits with five long, busy days in a row.  We couldn’t be getting old or anything!!!

         All is well.  Hold to the Iron Rod and Follow the Prophet!  Love to you all.  

Friday, August 01, 2014

         After our busy, busy day at the temple, Glade decided to walk to the City Mall and then stop at the store for a few groceries.  An obrero who was leaving about the same time offered him a ride; and since it was pretty hot outside, he gratefully accepted.  At the mall he found computer paper, which we are nearly out of; an insulated lunch carrier to take to the temple instead of green plastic grocery bags; and his giant protein powder drink mix from GNC which is always a percent off during the first week of the month. 

         With the “mall” list completed and heavy laden with his parcels, he started his short walk to the grocery store where he would “check” those purchases at the front of the store while shopping.  The sidewalk is narrow, uneven, and in places broken.  Traffic on the busy street is an arms-length away and the sidewalk is always crowded with people and today was no exception.  Well, all of a sudden, he tripped on broken incline and went down!   His hands were full so he couldn’t really catch himself very well and one knee and a few knuckles took the brunt, followed by his head.  He had his cap on and that saved him breaking the skin on his head.  It sounds worse than it ended up being, but he had people on all sides of him coming to his aid and asking him if he was all right.  He said everyone was very concerned and very kind.  It’s amazing, but he didn’t even raise a lump on his head and his bleeding hand soon did okay so he could remove the napkin wrapped around it.  He doesn’t seem much worse for the “wear” tonight, thank goodness.  I’m sure it was because of the prayers I sent upward for him as he left.