Feb 23, 2015

Hi all,

t seems to be that time of the week again to catch you up on the happenings here in Vigo. Today is P-day but it is also the beginning of the food making and baking for the week. I started the morning by mixing up a double batch of snickerdoodle dough and will start baking them soon for JAS tomorrow night and our Zone meeting in Santiago Wednesday morning. We did a little sight seeing jaunt with the sisters so they could take some photos for a school project for a younger brother.

Photo taken with iPhone
at TGIFridays

The main event last week was our trip to Madrid for the Mission Tour. Elder and Sister Dyches from the area presidency in Frankfurt, Germany came to conduct the meetings and teach us. We were very well taught by both of them as well as President and Sister Jackson. We left for Madrid Tuesday morning and arrived in Madrid about 4. We didn't do much that evening, in fact we ate dinner at the hotel because we were tired. Wednesday morning we attended a temple session and the spent the afternoon on the hunt for the nativities that were requested. The stores where I used to get them were all closed up (not sure if it was siesta or permanent) because stores all around them were open. I finally found a store with the figurines in the window but when I inquired inside the woman said they were all sold out from Christmas and they would be getting more the beginning of March. Finally we had given up and were leaving Plaza Mayor when I saw some figures in a storefront on a side street. There was a door and then stairs and at the top of the stairs a small counter with shelves behind it jammed full of souvenir type items. And that was it, that was the store. I wasn't too encouraged but when I asked the gentleman behind the counter he said that they had plenty but they came in sets and you had to buy a complete set. Well  that was actually great for me so I said I would like five. After seeing the sets and realizing there were no shepherds included I asked if he had shepherds and he did. He had to call upstairs to someone to bring all of the stuff down to get enough of everything so I assume there is more upstairs but I never looked because I was so happy to have found them after thinking I would have to try the previous store when we go in April with my family. After shopping and eating we went to see "The Lion King". It was amazing even in Spanish and in spite of missing the jokes. It is such a beautifully done musical production.

Percussion section El Rey León

We were up early to be at the stake center by 9a.m. to practice singing before the meeting started. We sang "We'll Bring the World His Truth" and other random hymns to welcome Elder and Sister Dyches. The meeting was 4 hours long and full of wonderful instruction and council. Sister Jackson spoke about bearing pure testimony. President Jackson talked about serving diligently with our motivation being love for the Savior. Sister Dyches encouraged us with the challenge to do "hard things". Elder Dyches covered the subjects of overcoming what may seem like obstructions until we understand the Lord's plan, Priesthood keys, and being master teachers through simplicity, love, patience, listening and without making assumptions. It was a long lovely day. We went back to the hotel and rested then took a taxi to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was way too expensive but a nice little luxury to remind us of home. Actually I don't think we've ever eaten in a HRC in the states but it still feels and tastes like home. We arrived back in Vigo Friday around 4p.m. 

Mercado San Miquel

Photo by iPhone
 from PDF El Boletín

I was supposed to help the sisters with a lesson at 7  after we got home but the gentlemen never came. Which happens from time to time. I'm supposed to help them  today in 15 minutes (different man) with another lesson and I hope he comes. This guy usually does make it to his appointments. 

The above paragraphs were written a few days ago and never sent. So instead of continuing writing and updating I'll send the email or it will not make it.

You all take care. We love you.

Mom and Dad

Photo by iPhone
 from PDF El Boletín Madrid Skyline