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. 

.

 Sunday, December 14, 2014

         A call for help with music last night from the other ward who meets in our building filled my morning with more accompanying.  I played for Relief Society for my ward, a practice for the other ward’s Ward Conference, then for the choir and congregation for the ward conference, followed by a practice for that ward’s Primary Christmas program for Sacrament Meeting next week, and then for my own ward’s choir practice for special numbers for our ward Christmas party on Friday night—even though we will be in the temple Friday night and may not even make it to the program if it is busy.  I love having something to offer even if it keeps me very busy.  Glade went with me to the other ward’s choir practice and was immediately recruited to help.  They were few in numbers, although they had good strong voices; and he ended up being the only man in the choir, surrounded by sweet sisters who appreciated his help. J  After the busy morning, we had a relaxing afternoon which we really needed.

         Love and Happy Christmas Wishes to everyone!   

Here are a few more pictures from our outing the other night. 

Our second stop of the night was at the
Presidential Residence where another
free display for the public was available.

The Sierra kids are waiting in the "face-painting" line. 

This photo is just to show the palm trees in the background.

--The giant lighted tree and the city's Marriott Hotel--

There was a train ride here, too; but I just couldn't get a good photo.

Rebeca is in the white sweater and Moroni is getting a lion face!

The eating area with lots of cooking happening.
It smelled good, but we didn't eat anything.

At one end of the parking lot a stage was set up and there was a variety of entertainment--singing, dancing, karaoke, etc.  The whole atmosphere had the sounds and feel of a state fair.

Surrounding the large lighted tree was a circle of trees displayed
from different districts of Honduras.  Next to each was a small stand with a description and information about the area.   

This tree obviously represented an
area that grows lots of bananas.

This school group sang several English Christmas songs and
sounded great!

There was an area designated as "Nativity Displays" with an organized line for people to move through to see the displays.
We couldn't quite figure out what the "nativity" part of it
was because there was only one real nativity.
All the rest showed different things about Honduras.

Just a small section of people waiting in line for the displays.

The next few pictures show a small sampling of the displays.

This is a replica of the statue of Christ in a park called Picacho that stands high on a hill overlooking the city of Tegucigalpa.
On a clear day, we can see it from the temple grounds; and we visited it soon after we arrived here. 

This is the only real nativity in the entire display.

Group picture on our departure.
From left front:  Rebeca, Raquel, Nefi, Moroni with his lion face.
From left back:  Gina with her lighted Minni-Mouse bow, an orange-clad fund-raiser entertainer, Glade, and Bev.    

Saturday, December 13, 2014

         The group that left this afternoon kept us really busy this morning.  Our early week was packed with work and long hours. 

The temple closed early this afternoon for the temple workers’ Christmas party at our church.  Last night a sister gave me a program with several hymns and an outline for a nativity enactment with singing.  With this unexpected addition of responsibilities and the fact that the piano pedal is not working, I decided to go to the chapel and practice and organize.  It was 2:30 p.m. and the lady over-seeing the nativity enactment was there and gave me a preview of what they wanted to do and said that there was a practice at 3:30 p.m.  So I hurried home to frost the cupcakes made last night, change clothes, and return to the church with everything. 

Well, the practice really didn’t start until about 4:00, and when it did, the director did a great job putting together the program, giving instructions, practicing, and having it all ready for the meeting.  Glade came early to bring the cupcakes and they assigned him right away to be a shepherd.  They even had an old sheet with a wide border for him to wear, and a bright towel with a necktie to go with it for his shepherd costume.   He was thrilled.  J Some of the shepherds carried staffs and one even had a big white paper mache sheep!  The presentation included singing shepherds, singing and heralding angels, a video, two hymns, and narration by a narrator and an “angel.”  Because of time and distance it was all put together and rehearsed right before the meeting and it all came together quite nicely!  We have just learned to “roll” with so many things here and not “sweat the small stuff” or even the “big stuff.”  Those have been good lessons for me.

Gina and I played “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and I loved playing it with her.  The only problem is that the piano still sounds pretty bad.  I mentioned it to the Temple Recorder who happened to be there and wow did he go into action.  He took the front part above the keyboard off to check for any foreign objects; then he removed the wide front panel under the keyboard and continued his search.  He took out his cell phone and called a piano tuner or adjuster he knew and worked with him trying one thing after another—even taking a phone pic and sending it to his helper.  This all took place in the front of the chapel after the start time.  Anyway, he was so wonderful to try and help even if his efforts weren’t successful.  The music didn’t sound perfect, but the singing and Gina’s viola covered for much of the deficit.  Gina and I were still able to have that special experience in music when you connect musically, spirit to spirit, and play as one.

There was tons of food and they divided the people into several groups (per colored cards) and served the meal in four different areas so that there were no long lines.  It worked out great and was an impressive work of organization!  It was a special night and fun to see our temple friends in a new environment and in church clothes.   

Good Night!   More pictures tomorrow!

Friday, December 12, 2014

         The temple was full of people when we arrived early this morning and we went right to work without even having a training/prayer meeting with the temple workers.  The work continued non-stop until the shift ended and we came home bone-tired.  One more extra-early morning and then we can rest a little.  Those are always the best days, however, when we are really busy.

         Our apartment smelled yummy tonight as the aromatic magic of lemon wafted from the cupcakes in the oven and tempted Glade to indulge.  They are for the temple workers’ Christmas party tomorrow after the temple closes.

         Below are a few of the pictures we took on our outing with the Sierra’s last night.

         Keep enjoying the Christmas season—the sights and sounds, the music and the memories, the pageants and the programs—and keep Christ and His love in your hearts! 

         Love you all—Good night! 

We visited a new outside display of lights, activities, and food vendors.  Last year this site was a neglected vacant lot shrouded with metal siding sheets and overgrown weeds.  It was an extremely dangerous area that people would definitely avoid.  The overhaul by the new Honduran president was wonderful and now provides an inviting and safer place for families to visit.  The hope is that it will grow in popularity and should since it is one of the few free places people can visit. Above, we have just arrived and are leaving the parking lot.

This huge tree was beautiful and filled
with decorations you can't see in the photo.

There was a small petting zoo area for kids to
interact with stable animals

--Gina and two of her kids feeding lettuce to the donkey--

--Lighted decorations at the base of the giant Christmas tree--
Music played from large speaker throughout the displays
and much of it was English, North American music.

These nativity figures were set back into a "cave" and family after family took pictures of their children with the figures.  Moroni, Nefi, Raquel, and Rebeca took their turn.  The baby Jesus is not placed into the nativity displays here until Christmas Eve.
Also, there is a strong Catholic influence in most things here.

Since we didn't have kids or grand kids to take pictures of, we just took pictures of the Sierra children.  Here they are posing with Santa.  Of course we have only seen a few Santa stations, but each one has been only for picture-taking with Santa--not about giving him a wish list.

Light display

This is what was across the street in the background!
A bit North Americanized!

Icicle lights were draped through some of the trees and
with a slight breeze were really enchanting and so pretty.

Giant lighted gift-boxes were spread throughout the display.

I think I want some! 

It was hard to get a good picture, but there was a train ride
through the displays and the kids loved it.

Just us! 

Thursday, December 11, 2014

          Yesterday’s groups were gone this morning, but new ones arrived to keep us working all day.  It’s a vote of confidence each time a coordinator gives me the opportunity to help the “new sisters” (the ones coming to the temple for the first time to do their own work).  It tells me my humble Spanish must be passable J

         Gina and her family invited us to join them for a Christmas activity tonight.  They are both so busy—he is the Bishop of our ward and she is the Young Women’s President—and it was extremely kind and thoughtful of them to invite us.  We climbed into their mini-van along with them and their four children and headed across town, in the dark no less, to see some Christmas lights and activities.  It was so good to have a break and see something outside of our station here.  The hour is late and we still have to get up early, so I’ll post pictures tomorrow.  Here is just one for tonight.

         Just two weeks until Christmas—keep loving the season!

         Good Night!

You can tell by our jackets that it was a cool evening.  More pictures tomorrow--

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

         Something has happened to the piano that I practice on at the Church.  It was okay on Sunday before the regional choir practice, but since then the pedal doesn’t function on most of the keyboard while the upper range has a sustaining problem that won’t release the sound—the opposite of no pedal.  The touch is off and it is impossible to have a productive or even enjoyable session.  There is still all of the Christmas music to get through in the next two weeks and it will be a challenge.  I am trying not to be sad, but it is really a let-down.  Thinking of all my blessings always helps my attitude, however; so I’ll start counting. J

         Love and hugs.  Good night! 

Tuesday, December 09, 2014

         People came as expected and it was a busy day.  I helped a sweet older lady at the end of the session to complete her part and it was challenging.  She couldn’t read the name, didn’t understand what she was supposed to do, and couldn’t hear but from one ear and that was limited.  But she was all smiles and eager so we “gave it a go.”  It took forever, but I didn’t want to give up on her or me and she was really trying.  Eventually she caught on enough that we made progress and by the end of our experience together, she was doing well enough to succeed!  It was such a “feel good” experience to have stayed the course and not given up.  It would have been easy to have a Latin sister step in and help her, but it felt so much better to work through this challenge with her.  I just kept my arm around her and kept smiling encouragement, and she just kept trying—and we did it!  It kept me smiling for quite a while.

         The busy afternoon at our apartment went by so quickly and bed time has come before my list is done—again. 

         Good night to everyone and lots of love!  

Monday, December 08, 2014

         Shopping wasn’t on our agenda today and that gave us some extra time.  It was just a productive preparation day and now we are ready for our early week in the temple.  During our FHE tonight, we learned that a huge group of people from Nicaragua have already arrived, and a second group was just getting here.  As you can imagine, that means lots of work tomorrow and it will start early.

         I miss the snow, and glow of winter lights at home; but it sounds like the weather is warm enough that we aren’t really missing it.  We are so busy that there isn’t much time to lament not being home for Christmas.  Every day is much the same as the day before and I still feel challenged and have to focus and work to remember what I have learned and to interpret what is important for me to know.  It’s good brain work, right?

         Good Night.  Love you, everyone!

Sunday, December 07, 2014

         We just finished a short mile-walk outside around the temple grounds and it felt just like a late fall night in Idaho with a cold and blustery wind.  It was refreshing, if a bit chilly, after a lot of sitting; so we kept it short. 

         The Christmas devotional messages were uplifting and the music so amazing as always.  We also watched the Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas program and loved it.  The decorations, choreography, and music were just wonderful and helped us feel the joy of this wonderful season.

         I was impressed by an article in the December Ensign about discovering and developing our spiritual gifts and talents.  Here are a few thoughts from Elder Mervyn B. Arnold of the Seventy:

         “Where are we on our journey along the covenant path to eternal life?  What gifts and talents did our Heavenly Father give us in the pre-mortal life to help us along this path?  What other gifts and talents are we to gain as we strive to become who the Lord would have us become?”

            “Father in Heaven knows who we are and what we did before we came here.  He has chosen the time and place for each of us to be born so we can learn the lessons we personally need and do the most good with our individual talents and personalities.”

            “Much of our potential is not visible on the surface and must be discovered and developed.  The Lord teaches us to ‘seek ye earnestly the best gifts;’ (D&C 46:8) and ‘that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold’ (D&C 82:18)”

“Let me review some of these less-conspicuous gifts:  the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.” (Marvin J. Ashton)

            Sometimes trials “are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more.  He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion [two very important gifts] which polish you for your everlasting benefit.  To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.”

            “Yes, obtaining talents requires work, but how great shall be our joy when we hear the Lord tell us, ‘Well done.  Thy gifts and talents shall be multiplied because of thy diligence.’”

               I’m not sure why, but it felt right and important to share these thoughts tonight. 

Love to everyone!  Good Night!  And have a great week!

Saturday, December 06, 2014

         Glade's back felt much better this morning and he returned to the temple for our shift today.  It was very busy and we were short on help.  I actually love those days when we have to move quickly from one activity to another often overlapping responsibilities and when we are really needed.  It was great.

         It is always nice to get home a couple of hours earlier on Saturday since we start earlier.  It gave me a chance tonight to make a casserole for dinner tomorrow and some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for Glade.  He made caramel microwave popcorn and munched it while he kept up with several football games.  The commercials were offset enough that we even watched a network showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and it felt very nostalgic and Christmassy.  I love the message in that old movie.

         ‘Tis the season for concerts, programs, traditions, gatherings and parties.  Enjoy each one and treasure the memories you are building.  I especially miss the lights, the wonderful magi of anticipation, and of course, my precious family.  I hope you have a chance to see the First Presidency Christmas Devotional tomorrow.  We feel so blessed to be able to get it here when we are so far away.

         Love you all so much.  Good Night!       

Friday, December 05, 2014

         For whatever reason—not sure just what—Glade’s back was really hurting this morning, both lower and upper.  The lower back problems are newer and don’t seem to recuperate with rest and reclining like the upper back does.  He faithfully did all the prescribed exercises, but that coupled with a night’s rest didn’t help.  He spent the day in the apartment trying to calm the pain and rest a little more.  He feels somewhat better tonight, but it might not be good enough to get him back to work tomorrow. 

         I walked to the bread store alone and it took two trips since the first one found the bread baked but too hot to slice.  So I purchased banana bread and ½ dozen whole-wheat rolls and trudged back up the hill.  Thirty minutes later when I should have been getting ready for the temple, the second trip was made and it was successful.  Four sliced, fresh loaves soon sat on the kitchen counter waiting the final cool down and filled our space with the wonderful aroma that only fresh bread can give.

         It was another busy day.  Often there are not enough men to fill all of the assignments and there seems always to be a shortage of their help.  Part of the problem is that working men do not get finished with their day’s work soon enough to get to the temple.  Another factor is that there is no retirement here so most people have to just keep on working.  That fact has been on the blog before, but it helps explain why the men who do come carry an extra load. 

         Good Night!  Happy Christmas season!!

The completed Nativity just inside the temple gates.

Thursday, December 04, 2014

         Another busy day is done and Glade is really ready for a rest!  There was a serious shortage of men to work in the temple today and he had to carry an extra load including organizing and over-seeing huge groups of baptisms.  It is good to be busy, and then it is good to rest! 

         It is still unusually cold and windy--unusual, at least, when compared to our experience from last year at this time.  We only remember warm, sunny, calm days that were perfectly beautiful.  When David took Glade to swim this morning, he said it will probably be like this until January.  So perhaps there are seasons here after all.

         Keep loving each exciting day of December and fill each one with love and peace amid the hectic schedules and extra demands.  Be happy and hug the children.

         Love and Christmas Joy to Everyone!! 

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

         December is marching forward and the season is unfolding an array of possibilities to help us celebrate and enjoy!  The vast resources for beautiful Christ-centered music and videos help us keep focused on God’s love for us through the Gift of His Son, and the gift of service and love we can share with friends, neighbors, and those among us with great needs. 

I am so grateful for the Internet that lets us keep in touch with Christmas at home in the United States and enjoy programs and Christmas presentations.   We have learned how easy it is to take our blessings for granted.  Even with all of the trouble and challenges facing our country, it is still a blessed land full of opportunities and blessings that can’t be found other places.

Make it a great night and have a wonderful day tomorrow!

Love to everyone!  

Tuesday, December 02, 2014

         Perhaps some of you are reading a Christmas story every morning or evening and sharing the spirit of Christmas with your families.  If any of you have added new stories, I would love it if you would share them with me.  My old favorites are still wonderful, but new ones can soon become part of the "favorites" list! 

         People just keep coming to the temple and they continue to be an inspiration to us in their faithfulness and willingness to sacrifice.  It is a great blessing to be here and learn from their humility and goodness. 

         May you all enjoy each precious day of this season. 

         Love you all, Good night!!

Monday, December 01, 2014

         Saturday evening Pres. Valle informed us that there would be no power to our building Monday—today—from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 or 2:00 p.m.  This morning I filled containers with drinking water and kettles for other purposes.  We both exercised early (it was Glade’s day to swim at Casa Campo) and I showered in tepid water and got ready for the day all before 8:00 a.m.  Then I went to the chapel and practiced the piano.

         A very kind man in our ward who is retired had offered to take us shopping or anyplace else we needed or wanted to go.  Glade asked him if he would mind taking us for our groceries today and for a quick stop at “Lady Lee” in the mall for Christmas decorations for our FHE dinner.  It was a great trip and we planned the end of the shopping to coincide with the power coming back on so we could put food in the fridge.

         Are you familiar now with the term “Latin time”?  Finally, at 5:45 the power came back on and it was a good thing since it was getting very dark!  We managed to fill our time and rearranged the furniture to better accommodate our Christmas tree and give Glade a better place for his books, notes, computer, etc.  Those phrases “Come what may and love it” and “Be of good cheer” helped us have a great day in spite of feeling like pioneers.

         Good Night, Everyone J