Monday, February 17, 2014

Feb 17, 2014

Hello to all of you,

It's Monday morning and I am at the church while your dad is off getting us signed up for the internet. It was good to talk to you all on Sat. via face time. We loved seeing the littles. We miss seeing the Ut kids on a day to day basis.

We had a great Valentine's party at the branch which I told you about but I will repeat it for my records. The party was supposed to start at 8 but we finally got going around 9. We had a brief program. A gentleman from the branch sang a song from an opera a cappella. He had a very nice voice. Then the district pres. and his wife gave a short talk about strengthening marriage. We started eating around 10 (which is typical spanish dinner time). We had meatballs with marinara sauce, potato salad (ensalada rusa) rice and bread. It was all very delicious. Apparently Spaniards don't salt as heavily as Americans which was evident in the potato salad. Most likely a better habit. Then the dancing began at 11. Most of the branch members have a latin american heritage so needless to say they were awesome dancers. It was really great to watch them all dance. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly to us that we felt right at home even though I really had a hard time understanding a lot. (Fast talkers) They all seemed to have the time of their lives and were so lively and full of fun. The party was still going strong when Larry and I snuck out.

Saturday we helped teach english with the elders to three men. Two young guys in their twenties and one gentleman about 50ish. He is a banker and I got the impression quite successful. He has been taking these classes for a while just to improve himself he says. He is such a family man with three kids and a wife. He is very Catholic so the elders said that is a problem (as far as teaching the gospel) when they are so devoted to their family they don't want to change the status quo. One of the young men is a chef and wants to move to England so he comes here to learn. The other just wants to learn english. They were all just great so friendly and fun to teach. 

Yesterday, Sunday our day began at 8 when we drove 2 hours to Ferrol north of here. We followed the District Pres. and Ex. Sec. in his car. We took Hermana Maron a counselor in the district RS with us. We enjoyed getting to know her. She is single in her thirties I would guess and lives alone. Her mom recently passed away and her dad is in a care center. She was accepted to LDS business college and had everything ready to go to the states but when she went to get her visa they tore her papers up and told her there was no reason for her to go to the states. She has a sister in Draper that was going to sponser her. It made me so sad for her espcially when I consider all the people in the states illegally and nothing happens to them.

The branch conference was really good and we met so many wondeful people. Again they were so warm and welcoming.We were able to meet with the YSA during Sunday School. Such a good group of kids. Two of the young men are preparing for missions. We gave them a brief message and planned some activities with them. We're going to try to attend one activity a month with these kids. The toll charges for our round trip yesterday was $47 so I am not sure how we can work such an expense into our budget if we make the trip a few times a month but we will try because the district president would like us to be able to meet with all the YSA in all the branches (six) at least monthly. The youth are really struggling here and need a lot of support. They really need another Senior couple up here.

We didn't get back to Vigo until 5:30 and then we met with the YSA here in our branch at 6. Only four came to our planning meeting but the YSA leader Tairi says that when the other senior couple was here attendance really increased so she thinks the same thing will happen again. We planned the rest of Feb. and part of March. Next week we will have FHE at our apt. After our planning meeting we stayed for their institute class. What an awesome teacher sister Avila is. In fact these Saints here know and love the gospel, and are as strong as any members in the world. Such an inspiration to be here with them.

Today we will pick up a new sister at the train station that was transferred here from another part of the mission. So sad to lose hermana Rica after knowing her only a week. Then the Elders want us to go to lunch with them at Domino's Pizza. Apparently they have an all you can eat buffet for $7 on Monday. (P day) Lunch is usually mid afternoon here. 

Saturday we wanted to go eat somewhere around 4. When we got out we realized almost all of the restaurants close at 4 and don't open again until 8. We wanted to be home getting ready for the next day before that. Finally we found Tommy Mel's diner which I mentioned in another email that is open all day. So we ate there. The food was American and really good.
Next time we go eat we will plan better. 

We miss everyone so much and love hearing about your day to day lives. None of it is boring or trivial to us. All of you take care and keep us informed of the happenings in your families. 

We love you all.

Mom and Dad

No comments:

Post a Comment