Monday, March 16, 2015

March 16, 2015

"Time flies on wings of lightening" has taken on a new meaning as we serve a mission. It amazes me how quickly the days have passed over the last year and few months since we have been here in Vigo. It has been ten days since writing my last email and it seems like only yesterday. 

We spent last P-Day with the sisters and drove up to Monte Alba to see the magnificent view of Vigo, the bay, and surrounding countryside. It was a little hazy so the scenery didn't have the pristine appearance as past excursions but still impressive. We then drove to the beach for a relaxing stroll and enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean. I never get tired of the beach and its enchantment. We then went to an Italian restaurant for some good food to top off our fun day.


We had planned to watch a regional YSA devotional for our activity with the kids this past Tuesday but when we got to the church that evening a ping pong table just arrived and was still in the box for our branch meetinghouse. So we decided that we would set it up for a "service project" and then play ping pong and other games instead. Everyone pitched in reading instructions, sorting parts, and figuring out how to put it together. It was a larger project than we thought so we only had it about half complete when it was time to go. We organized everything and tucked it into a corner of the foyer hoping to get back to it with the Elders during the week but we never got the chance. We'll finish it with YSA this Tuesday and then take them for frozen yogurt afterward for a reward.

We had a typical Wednesday with district meeting in the morning then English class and FHE that evening. Your poor dad was sick the whole day with a fever and chills but he pushed through and participated in everything and drove missionaries to and from the bus stop. In between I made him rest. 

We did some Elder "babysitting" and transporting Thursday and Friday so the Elders could have intercambios. That can be a challenge for these missionaries if there are no matrimonios around to pick up the slack during the time travel gaps. We're always happy to do that for them. We made a few visits, delivered food to an elderly lady, helped with a couple of lessons and just had the usual missionary days. Friday night Larry got a call to speak in sacrament meeting since the man assigned was in the hospital so his evening was devoted to talk preparation. 

Saturday morning Larry got a call to go help move a sister in the branch from her apt. to a different location. He and the elders barely made it in time to teach english. After english I hurried home to make cupcakes for a YMYW movie night activity and after we were invited to have lunch along with the elders at the home of a sister in the branch. She made us delicious paella and we had the biggest sweetest strawberries for dessert. She has the most adorable house that reminded us of a 50's CA style Spanish bungalow. Which is ironic since said style has its origins from Spain. We had great conversation and it was an enjoyable afternoon. We then went to take the cupcakes to the church and to support the activity. Later that evening we were invited to our YSA leader's, Tairi, home to celebrate her birthday. Both the Elders and sisters came and we had such a fun evening just getting to know the family better and hearing her parents conversions, and wedding stories along with how they ended up in Spain from Venezuela.

We arrived at church Sunday morning and a counselor in the Branch Presidency pulled Larry aside and told him he didn't need to give a talk as there would be a lot of branch changes made that would fill the time. A new branch president was called as well as a new counselor with the other counselor remaining as part of the presidency. The new counselor had been serving in the district presidency as a counselor so he was released and our old branch president was sustained as the new counselor in the district presidency. A good trade off for all concerned. Our new branch president has only  been a member a little over a year but is the best and most humble man. As he walked up to sit on the stand he looked like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. The meeting was very sweet and emotional for these men that shared their feelings as they ended and began new phases of church service. I am so glad they made the change while we are here in Vigo it's so exciting to be part of change in the leadership of the church units. 

Our most happy moment these last several days was of course the birth of our 12h grandchild and 2nd granddaughter Zoey Marie. We are glad she is the newest member of our family and well loved by all. Take care dear children and know that we love you.
  
Mom and Dad

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