Tuesday, September 23, 2014

         The over-night quests filled the temple today and kept us busy.  They will certainly be back tomorrow.  There were several sisters who were here for the first time today and I loved helping them.

         The writing style has changed over the years and some of these words and expressions may seem a little unusual to our ears which are accustomed to carefulness and political correctness.  Nonetheless, here is Fundamental #3 from Pres. Benson:

“Third:  The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.”

“The living prophet has the power of TNT.  By that I mean “Today’s News Today.”  God’s revelations to Adam did not instruct Noah how to build the ark.  Noah needed his own revelation.  Therefore, the most important prophet, so far as you and I are concerned, is the one living in our day and age to whom the Lord is currently revealing His will for us.  . . . Our marching orders for each six months are found in the general conference addresses . . .”

I really liked the part about our “marching orders”!

It rained on us tonight walking home from the temple.  My sweet husband arrived at our apartment ahead of me after our shift, left his damp suit jacket on a chair, picked up an umbrella, and returned to the temple to provide cover from the rain for me while we walked back together under shelter.  J

Love to Each One!!  

  

Monday, September 22, 2014

Here is the second Fundamental in Following the Prophet given by Pres. Ezra Taft Benson at BYU in 1980:

         “Second:  The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.”

During a meeting in Kirtland in the early days of the Church, Brigham Young said:  “. . . those books do not convey the word of God direct to us now, as do the words of a Prophet or a man bearing the Holy Priesthood in our day and generation. I would rather have the living oracles than all the writing in the books.”  The Prophet Joseph Smith confirmed his words and said, “Brother Brigham has told you the word of the Lord, and he has told you the truth.”  [In Conference Report, October 1897, pp. 18–19]

         Glade went for groceries by himself today and started out walking down the hill.  He didn’t get too far before—just by coincidence—David, our regular taxi driver, happened by, slowed his car and called through the window, “Are you walking for exercise?”  Glade realized that it was hot outside and decided to take him up on his offer of a ride.  He returned back here loaded down with his finds even though he was only going for a few things!

         Good Night, Everyone.  

Sunday, September 21, 2014

         I asked Glade to share a thought for the blog today.  He continues to study the Old Testament and read today from the Book of Lamentations which told how distraught the Prophet Jeremiah was that the Lord’s children would not follow the prophet.  They were very wicked and spurned the words of the Lord.   Babylon was coming to capture the people and the city of Jerusalem was going to be destroyed.  The people refused to repent.

Glade said, “Our modern-day ‘Babylon’” is working to capture and destroy our souls today, and following our living prophet is critical to our salvation.”  The following reference was given in his reading; and since we are all preparing for General Conference, it seemed like great counsel to share!

The talk, “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet” given by Ezra Taft Benson February 26, 1980 at BYU, can be found at:

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=88  Following are a few excerpts.

“To help you pass the crucial tests which lie ahead I am going to give you today several facets of a grand key which, if you will honor them, will crown you with God’s glory and bring you out victorious in spite of Satan’s fury.

“Here is the grand key—FOLLOW THE PROPHET.

“And here now are “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Our salvation hangs on them.

“First:  The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.”

D&C  21:4-6  “Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.  For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.”

         It would be way too long to give you all fourteen, so I’ll send them one or two at a time.

         Love to you all.  Have a great new week!!

Saturday, September 20, 2014

About 5:00 a.m. we heard the power shut down, the circulation system, and the water.  The power came back first, but could have been generator-driven since nothing else came back on line.  By 7:00 there was water and at 2:00 p.m. everything else was working as well.  It really makes me appreciate every “luxury” we enjoy here from the air conditioning to clean water.

         Stayed home again today—still not 100%.  Watched a heavy gentle rain through the windows and smelled its freshness.  The rains usually come without wind which is different from our storms at home.  It was cozy and comforting.

         Love to Everyone—Enjoy your Sunday!

Friday, September 19, 2014

         It was not the busiest of days, but fair.  There are still two busloads of people staying here and they will be back again tomorrow I’m sure.

         In just enough time to get ready for the last session, I saw my sweet young friend who lost her baby a couple of months ago, enter the temple and head toward the stairs.  We hugged and shared “hellos” and I asked her how she was doing.  She said “much better” and she looked so beautiful and was all smiles.  Time heals our pain, but so does the Savior’s Atonement; and I know Heavenly Father is blessing her with peace and the ability to move on.  And what a coincidence --I was able to help her pass into the last room.  She was the only sister I helped tonight since I had to wait until the men were finished, and it was such a happy way to end the day.

         Good Night

         10:50 and raining  J

Thursday, September 18, 2914

         It was back to the temple today and I appreciated all the kind words of concern about missing yesterday and the bonus of extra hugs.

         Our work and circumstances here are so easy, and we realize it when we learn about the challenging circumstances many of those around us encounter.  One of the workers in the temple told Glade today that he left San Pedro Sula at 3:00 a.m. on Monday to be here for the extra day that the temple was open.  He is still here and will be here until Friday night when he will return to San Pedro (about four hours away), turn around and come back with his wife for Saturday.  His wife has not been to the temple yet and doesn’t seem interested which must be a heart break for him.  But he is so faithful in going the extra mile with his service and we pray that Heavenly Father will bless his family and that his wife will feel the Spirit and allow it to open her heart to the truth.

         We are feeling sad about missing Daynah and Tony’s wedding on Saturday.  It is one of those required sacrifices and is numbered with the other events we have missed.  We will be in the temple on Saturday, however, and will be thinking about all the events throughout the day and praying that everything goes smoothly.  I’m sure it will be wonderful.

         Love to everyone.   

         Recent rain paved our way home tonight and there seems the promise of more thundershowers to come.  It is 67 degrees @ 9:45 p.m. and a little humid!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

         The sessions were full again today which makes for happy workers.  Glade’s little bug that kept us home from the birthday party on Saturday kept me home today—not really that sick, just not well.  Once in a year and a half isn’t a bad record. 

         Prayers are going Heaven-ward for all of you as always, and gratitude is part of every prayer.  Love to everyone!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

         The temple was full of people today who did a lot of work.  It was a great day.  It’s rather relaxing to be on the p.m. shift and we like not feeling the pressure of having to be up and out early.  There are upsides to both shifts so we just love the one we are one. 

         Pleasant dreams, everyone. 

Monday, September 15, 2014

         The sounds of a heavy downpour through our open window sent us scurrying to gaze out at the storm tonight.  I love the rainy season and this one promises to be the best yet!

         Today was Independence Day in Central America.  We know that some businesses were closed and schools were closed, but not everyone had a day off.  We heard there were lots of parades in the city, but none close to us.  Interestingly, the temple was open—and on a Monday.  Since many people had a day off, it was an opportunity for them to come to the temple since some don’t end their work day in time to get here.  The presidency asked for volunteers among the temple workers and had plenty of people to help.  One bus from Nicaragua arrived here at 3:00 a.m.  All the other patrons were local people and the sessions were full!  All of those people are gone now and new ones have arrived in the guest house for tomorrow’s sessions.

         We expected fireworks since that is what we have at home.  However, there were none.  Perhaps it was because of the rain—or they are just saved for Christmas and New Year’s!

         This afternoon our Family Home Evening was a dinner prepared by Sister Ocampo (Maybe others helped her; I don’t know.) to say goodbye to the Cruzes who leave in a few days, and the Starkeys who leave in October.  It was also to welcome the three new couples who have arrived.  Sister Ocampo sang another song acapella in her clear sweet voice that warmed our hearts.  The meal was served in their apartment which is two or three times the size of ours and designed for the temple president to entertain.  It was a lovely afternoon.

         The pictures below were all taken at our FHE dinner this afternoon.

         Good Night Everyone!  We love you!!

Getting the table set.  From left foreground:  Sister Ocampo, Pres. Ocampo,
Brother and Sister Casceres, the new couple who will be managing the guest house.

Waiting for the prayer.  From left:  Brother and Sister Caceres, Brother and Sister Cruz--leaving in a few days,
Brother Starkey on the far right, and Pres. Amado in the foreground. 

The two men in white shirts and ties work in the temple in the office.  Elder Alverado, the temple Recorder, is on the left,
 and Elder Gallo, the bishop of his ward, is on the right and is the assistant Recorder.  (We are not sure of their exact
titles or positions, but they do the work of the Recorder and work opposite shifts.) 

Pretty table.

This apartment is on the second level and has a long balcony on the North side.
The view is different higher up, so I had to get a few photos.

This is the view the Ocampos have from their balcony.

This view is on the West side of the Temple and shows some of the grounds.

Yes, I still love the clouds; and these soon emptied rain over us.

Our walled yard on the East of the building where we live.
On the far upper right you can see sections of the white security wall.

The men:  Back left:  Brother Caceres, Brother Starkey, Brother Gomez, Pres. Valle, Brother Peterson, Brother Cruz.
From the left in the front:  Pres. Amado, Pres. Ocampo

The women:  Back left:  Sister Ocampo, Sister Amado, Sister Cruz, Sister Gomez, Sister Caceres.
From the left in the front:  Sister Peterson, Sister Starkey, Sister Valle

Pres. Ocampo

Our chapel

Everybody!

Clouds!  Gotta love 'em!

If you look carefully, you can see airplanes just right of center and at the end of the green grassy strip.
That is the famous Toncontin Airport!

Sunday, September 14, 2014

         It was a great day and Glade felt well enough to go to Sacrament Meeting and finish out the day much improved.  There are great people in our ward and we have come to know many families well and love them.  Today I realized that we will really miss them when we leave.  For so long I have felt like we will be here forever, but now realize how short our time really is.

         Choir practices are in full swing now and it seems like just yesterday that it was last year and we were doing the same thing—except for a year’s experience in between.  The songs we are practicing now are for stake conference sometime in November—the date doesn’t seem set yet—and the Christmas music will start overlapping in the practices before long.  I found the viola and piano music online for Marshall McDonald’s arrangement of Steven Sharp Nelsen and Jon Schmidt’s “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” and Gina and I are going to play it together.

         On our way to choir practice this evening, we met the new missionary couple who will be replacing the Cruz’s—the couple who manage the housing in our building and work in the temple one shift a week.  Their name is Caceres and they are from San Pedro Sula which is about four hours North of Tegucigalpa.  Of course, they seem so very nice and Sister Caceres was so excited about choir practice!  They just went right to their room, picked up their hymn books, and came with us!

         More thunder enclosed us and showers freshened the evening air giving peaceful closure to our Sunday.

         Good Night!  Hope you all have a wonderful week!  Sending love and hugs!

Saturday, September 13, 2014

         Another week has sped by and another Sunday approaches.  A rest is always in order after our week on the early schedule. 

         A man in our ward had a birthday party in his home which is on a hill across from the temple, and he invited everyone in our ward to attend.   He passed out invitations last week and encouraged everyone to come.  It was in our plans to go, but Glade wasn’t feeling well tonight and didn’t dare go.  So he watched football instead and rested while I worked on my Spanish programs.  We stepped out on the balcony a little while ago and could hear the loud Spanish dance music coming from the party!  It rained again so we would have had a wet walk had we gone.  Oh well, maybe next time J

         Have a great Sunday!

Friday, September 12, 2014

         More missionaries again today!!  They are obviously quite a force here and were so welcome this week since there were few excursions--and those were just day trips.

         Glade had plans to meet an investigator at his home with the Sister Missionaries tonight, but it was cancelled last minute since they had to go out of town.  It is the man who owns the house part way down the hill from the temple on the West side—the house that we showed pictures of as it was being built.  It was back when we were still walking outside and walked all the way around the compound.  His wife and children are members and his testimony is growing all the time.  He has been to church several times, and it will be a blessing for his whole family when he joins with them in membership.

         We pray that Heavenly Father will bless each of you with everything you need to ward off the ways of the world and to hold firmly to the “iron rod.” 

         Sending Hugs and Prayers for You!

Thursday, September 11, 2014

         Another surge of missionaries filled the first session this morning, and we were happy to see them all.  It is hard to believe that there are so many of them.  Other patrons were few in number, however; and when it was time for the last session, there was only one participant, so the session was cancelled.

         I’m thinking the rainy season has started or at least is sharing a preview.  We have the windows open tonight and are listening to a chorus of thunder outside and loving the stormy feeling.

         Sending hugs and greetings—missing you all!    

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

         The morning sessions were filled with missionaries again and kept us scurrying to provide clothing for them.  This temple was not designed to provide clothing for everyone and patrons are encouraged to bring their own.  However, it is provided for the missionaries; but they don’t usually come all at once like they did today.  There is a Distribution Center at one end of our building where patrons can make their clothing purchases before entering the temple.

         Glade met and talked with an elder from Lewisville, Idaho, who was excited to know that Glade was from Rigby and remembered his dad.  His name was Geisler and Alexis is familiar with two of his sisters.  Corey probably knows him, too.

         It has been rainy here creating a lovely cozy atmosphere and is much more welcome than the unseasonable rains at home that have done so much damage. 

I love this season of harvest:  “Tis the season” to stock up all you can for the winter and the year ahead.  We have heard the warning to be prepared in all things.   

         Good Night.  You are in our hearts and our prayers.  

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

         We are on the morning shift now and love it.  Our walk to the temple in the early hour does make us wish we were out for a run or a hike, though.  The weather is beautiful, the winds calm, and the fresh day beckoning.  The hardest thing about the early schedule is having to do the treadmill in the afternoon!  I shouldn’t complain, however, since we are lucky to have one at all.  After studying awhile, Glade needed activity, so he walked down to the grocery store and picked up a few items that weren’t too heavy to carry back up the hill—no taxi! 

         The first session was full of missionaries this morning and we love it when they come.  There are very few North American faces in these groups whether sisters or elders.  I visited today with one sweet sister from Phoenix, AZ, who is going home in November and says she loves her mission and isn’t ready to return home yet.  Some are new and seem so young, but they are spiritually strong and growing!  It made me think of Clint Bradbeer (Stephanie Peterson’s oldest son) who is in the MTC in Mexico City and will soon be headed to Nicaragua.  The missionaries can’t leave their mission area to come here to the temple, so we won’t see him, but it’s fun to think that he will soon be close to us.

         We are missing our home-canned fruit and summer’s end garden produce.  Apparently the Honeycrisp apple crop in Milo froze in the spring so there won’t be any applesauce from that source this year.  We understand, too, that because of all the rains, grain crops are being plowed under or sold at a low price for feed, and that the potato crop is at risk as well.  Is there a message here we should pay attention to--

         Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  We know the Lord is blessing us and helping us with our challenges.  We are preparing for General Conference and hope you are excited about it, too. 

         Love and prayers to each of you!!  

I tried to get a key to the Church to practice today, but the Brother and Sister Cruz were not available.  The photos below are just random pictures taken as I walked back to our apartment building.   

It's too dark to see, but the green area in the lower left was lit by the lowering sun and was beautiful.
It wasn't captured very well, but the clouds look great!!

New construction is taking place across the way right in the center of the photo--the gray walls are hard to see.
We'll be watching to see what it turns out to be.

This sidewalk leads to one side of the Chapel.  I love the flowering border.

Monday, September 08, 2014

         It was a super “P-Day” and we got a lot done.  Actually a few more hours would have helped get the rest of the list finished, but there will be another day.  I put up the lights and leaves and a pumpkin that a sweet daughter sent me last year and plugged in a spicy smell from another family and instantly—it is fall!  Love it!!

         Home Evening tonight included the two new couples.  They are so sweet and easy to be around.  However, I'm even more isolated now.  I made time for piano practice and played some non-carol Christmas music and loved it!  A little early, I know--that's typical, though, right? 

         Below are a few of the pictures Glade took of the fitness center he visits twice a week and loves.      

The Pool--He says it is a little too warm for the kind of swimming he does, but he swims anyway!
He is getting very tan and quite thin with all his working-out!  

The building in the background is where the exercise equipment is located.  There is a big room where classes like aerobics and karate are taught, and there is a great weight room.
Besides swimming, Glade spends time on the elliptical and the stationery bike.

In the background is a private international bilingual high school.
The foreground shows one of the six tennis courts available at the fitness center.

There is a pool-side restaurant with food, drinks, and TV's.
 There is also a little kids' wading pool with a unique waterfall.

Sunday, September 07, 2014

         We are so happy September is here and a whole week of it has passed already!  We are looking forward to the Women’s Broadcast and General Conference both of which will be here so soon. 

         Glade took some photos of his fitness center, Casa Campo, last week; but I haven’t tried yet to see if there is a way to get them from his phone to my computer.  If I can figure it out, I’ll post those tomorrow.  It is a beautiful facility and he loves his time there. 

         Sundays are always a little hard for me and never seem to meet my expectations.  I am looking for that spiritual lift from attending meetings, but can’t understand most of it.  Relying on the Ensigns and reading the lessons on the kindle help, but I really miss the personal interaction and getting the full gist of the messages and testimonies.  Some day Church will be in my own language again and I will appreciate it more than I can say!!

         Hope your Sabbath gave you all a spiritual boost to meet the week ahead!

         Love and Hugs to Everyone—Good Night!

Saturday, September 06, 2014

          It was a busy day clear to the end of the last session, which Glade and I officiated, and was very rewarding.  Now, we are ready for our week-end. 

         We hope you enjoy yours as well.

Friday, September 05, 2014

         Bus loads of people were here today and kept the temple workers busy.  We love it when there is a lot to do.  Sometime tomorrow they will all be gone and it will be a quiet week-end. 

         No news.  All is well.  Love to Everyone!

70 Degrees and Cloudy at 8:20 p.m.

Thursday, September 04, 2014

         This was a rather odd day, or perhaps I should say unique.  The coordinator suggested I sit near the front desk, where Glade was stationed, and act as a guide!  Well, that’s pretty funny since I’m just full of unspoken information!  However, hand gestures, body language, and hand motions to “follow me” worked out just fine, especially since Glade was a great translator.

         Our sweet 81-year-old friends the Bassetts left for home in The United States this morning.  This was their fifth mission in Central America, and although a couple of them were short, that is an amazing history to me.  Neither of them spoke Spanish when they were first called, so they have done exceptionally well.  We will miss them.

         Sweet Dreams-----

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

         I am feeling grateful today for countless blessings that Heavenly Father showers over Glade and me continually.  We are comfortable here, feel safe, are surrounded by wonderful people, feel needed in our work, love being in the sacred House of the Lord every day, and love being part of this great work.  Our children and their families have been blessed and we are so grateful.  The blessings received always over-shadow the challenges, and the General Conference talks I study keep me focused on the positive and what is expected of us.

         Good Night, Everyone!  Lots of love and prayers are coming your way!!

Tuesday, September 02, 2014

         Whenever I am asked what my favorite scripture is, my mind spins since there are many favorites on my list.  However, reciting chapter and verse has never been a strong point with me and I need to do better.

         While searching for a particular scripture reference, these words from Elder Richard G. Scott came on the computer screen and, of course, they were meant  me.  Just thought I would share because the words were encouraging and comforting.

          “The scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when they are cited correctly.  They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar.  They are always available when needed.  Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost.  Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.

          “Great power can come from memorizing scriptures.  To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship.  It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.”

          Then Elder Scott quoted a scripture he memorized that became a source of power and understanding for him.  It is also one I like and the one I had been looking for.   

        “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.  Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil…”  Proverbs 3:5-7

I loved how he talked about the scriptures becoming our friends and how memorizing scriptures could be the forging of new friends.  I’ve heard it before, but somehow it was much more personal this time. 

Love and prayers to everyone!  

Monday, September 01, 2014

         Happy Labor Day, everyone.  We hope your picnics and hikes, etc. with your families were fun, and that perhaps there was a hint that the season is changing.

         Of course, there is no Labor Day here; and even if there were, our day would have been spent just the same—housekeeping, grocery shopping and having FHE with our temple missionary friends.

         The Bassetts (they are our 81-year-old friends from Lovell Wyoming) were in charge of the Home Evening and you can’t imagine what they had us do!  They used to be dance directors in their earlier years and taught some of those dances to the Latin Americans in their previous missions as well.  So tonight, it was our turn.  Most of you reading this won’t even know what dance directors  were and won’t remember having them as part of the Mutual program.  Anyway, they had a cassette tape player and played music for us to dance the Hokey Pockey, a “round” dance that I don’t know the name of, and the Virginia Reel!  It was pretty funny and I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out so well.  It made me smile and that was good!  Then we had pizza and sang a farewell song to them that Sister Ocampo had written.

         The new Second Counselor and his wife have not moved in yet although they officially began their new calling on Saturday; so they were not here tonight.  But the new missionary couple who will be replacing the Bassetts arrived today accompanied by a brother and his wife, so they joined us for FHE.  It was a nice evening, but rather sad to be saying goodbye to friends.  It will be hard to see this sweet couple leave.

Brother Gomez, Pres. Ocampo, Sister Gomez
Sister Gomez was raised in California although she was born  in Guatemala.  Brother Gomez is from  Nicaragua.  They met in California where they married and lived for 27 years.  She speaks English, but not fluently.  They seem so nice and we are excited to get to know them and work with them.

Clark and Carol Bassett.  She was born on Christmas Day; hence the name Carol!

Pres. and Sister Amado

Pres. and Sister Ocampo, Temple President and his wife

Brother and Sister Gomez again.

Parting words

Glade and I needed crates to stand on to be seen in this group photo.  We really are in there at the back!
From left:  Brother to the new missionary and his wife; Brother and Sister Cruz who will be leaving in about three weeks; behind them are the Starkeys, then the new couple Gomez; The Bassetts; in the back, the Petersons :) then the Ocampos and on the far right, the Amados.

This is a terrible picture so I'm not going to enlarge it.  

Sunday, August 31, 2014

         The meeting with a family that was on Glade’s schedule for this afternoon was cancelled since the family went out of town, and there was no choir practice because of multiple other meetings for ward members; so that left us with a free afternoon and evening that was welcome indeed!  We just finished our 10:00 p.m. stroll around the temple, but tonight there was no rain.  Although it rained earlier in the day, the night was clear and we could see the lighted city in all its night-time splendor.  We visited with one of the guards for a bit who has a long lonely night ahead of him.  At least he has a job.

         The combined Relief Society and Priesthood Meeting today was on Family History and how to search for family members.  It was a great presentation but moved a little fast for people with less-than-expert computer skills.  We have a long way to go to navigate all the sites and avenues now so readily available for genealogy work and family searches for ancestors and relatives.  We'll keep learning and trying.

         Hugs and prayers to you all.  Good night!

Saturday, August 30, 2014

         Just a little before 9:00 a.m. we went across the hall to the Cazier’s apartment to wish them well and tell them good bye as they headed back to Florida.  They were the first to greet us when we arrived, took us for groceries, and gave us hints and helps about everything they thought we would need.  They treated us to dinner our first night here, along with the other missionary couples, and were a big help to us.  Their leaving will be a big loss for me since it will be one less couple who speak English.  They were only going to Florida, but had to go by way of Texas and won’t be arriving until midnight tonight.  Their travel plans really took them the long way around.  We will miss this special couple.

         There were some really great people in the temple today and the sessions were full.  I helped some sisters who were so grateful for little things and blessed me with beautiful and genuine smiles and hugs.  Laundry was piled high, but even a few experienced hands can make fairly quick work of the folding.  The machines just kept working load after load.

It rained hard this afternoon which made for a difficult photo-shoot for a bride and her wedding group.  They huddled near the front door of the temple where there is a little protection, but not enough. 

         Last night and tonight about 10:00 p.m. Glade and I took a walk in the rain that had gentled in its falling and loved being the only ones outside enjoying a new side of nature.  We encountered giant slugs, long skinny worms, and skittering spiders.  Glade scared up a big frog a few nights ago when he was out strolling, and the rain brought it out again.  Each time we came around the path there it was, sitting out in the rain, until it perceived us; and then it leapt on long frog-legs into the grass (ground-cover actually) and sat perfectly still thinking to be hidden.  The “little boy” in Glade was all over that one and tonight we took its picture.

         Whoever thought a missionary blog would be reporting about rain, slugs, and frogs!

         May your Sabbath day be spiritually renewing and restful!   

 Here is Glade's frog friend.

It was about the size of two fists together.  Glade couldn't get close enough to put his hand out for perspective.
Oh, well.  It's just a frog!

It was very dark outside, but the flash and the close range captured it great!  

Friday, August 29, 2014

Friday, August 29, 2014

         I think I’m missing the advent of fall this year--although it is only Labor Day--even more than I did last year—not sure why.  Perhaps we need a change from the steady sameness of our routine.    

         Have a safe holiday for anyone traveling or vacationing this week-end.  Love and prayers are sent from us to all of you.  

         Thundershowers and 68 degrees at 9:50 p.m. in Tegucigalpa.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

         There were a few buses parked outside when we went to the temple this afternoon, so that meant lots of people.  The best days are the busy ones.  It was a great day. 

         Until tomorrow---

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

         One of the temple workers brought food for a “fiesta” of sorts --if you can have such a thing in the temple--in the comedor where the treats were shared in recognition of the missionaries who are leaving.    

         It is a blessing and a privilege to serve in the temple every day, and I’m trying to remember that and not take this experience for granted.  Sometimes we don’t miss what is around us in great abundance until we don’t have it any more.  Happiness is often right in front of us but sometimes we forget to look. 

         Love you all and miss you.  You are in our hearts and in our prayers.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

         The evenings have been cloudy and rain fell last night as we were getting ready for bed.  We opened our huge windows, turned off the lights, and watched the lightshow in the sky, listened to the rumble of the thunder, and enjoyed the steady rain as it refreshed the thirsty landscape.

         The new counselor in the temple presidency has been announced and it is a man who already serves in the temple here, Brother Valle.  He is a great man and his wife is wonderful as well.  They will begin their new assignment next week.

         We haven’t received our September Ensign and Liahona yet, but there are copies in the temple and I had a few spare minutes today to read from the Liahona.  The articles continue to be applicable to each of us and each family with counsel, warnings, and encouragement.  Pres. Monson started right out with a review of the importance of personal and family preparedness on all levels.  The brethren can’t really come out and say—things are going to get worse and soon, so be ready—or there would be chaos as everyone scrambled to ramp up their stores and reduce their unnecessary debt, etc.  But if we are aware of the world around us and are discerning, we can feel the necessity of focusing on the things that matter most and take steps to be prepared as counseled.  We must take some time for spiritual renewal and testimony building every day. 

We pray that Heavenly Father will bless each of you with the direction you need for your own families.  Seek his guidance and lean on His words.

         We love you and pray for you every day!   And I so miss those wonderful “back-to-school” days!  Enjoy some fresh strawberries and new zucchini bread for us!