tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25945334113238237172024-03-14T00:21:08.458-07:00Letters from SpainLarry and Kathleen Arnett serving in the Spain Madrid mission. It is a Young Single Adult mission and they live in Vigo, Spain.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-16100707988190113982015-06-09T06:45:00.001-07:002015-06-09T06:45:23.155-07:00May 30, 2015<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYVLXgVdCrA/VXbrggjh-TI/AAAAAAAABXw/9bBPEbAyorw/s1600/2015%2B05%2B28%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BGijon%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYVLXgVdCrA/VXbrggjh-TI/AAAAAAAABXw/9bBPEbAyorw/s200/2015%2B05%2B28%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BGijon%2B4.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gijon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zmdi0_gYjww/VXbrxFivsMI/AAAAAAAABX4/DKmSQwn-nnA/s1600/2015%2B05%2B28%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BOviedo%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zmdi0_gYjww/VXbrxFivsMI/AAAAAAAABX4/DKmSQwn-nnA/s200/2015%2B05%2B28%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BOviedo%2B4.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oviedo</td></tr>
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Your dad and I just got home from a short trip to the region of Spain known as Asturias. It is east of the northern part of <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Galicia. We first stopped in Gijon which is a city right on the north Atlantic coast. We walked along the top of the sea wall and looked at the gorgeous blue waters of the Bay of Biscay, the beach, and the part of the city that lines the sea wall. The wind was blowing quite strongly so the waves were large and the water rough. When we arrived in Feb. of 2014 Gijon and other cities along the northern Atlantic </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">were having</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> furious storms and the water was coming up over the sea walls into the cities. We found a pretty good Mexican restaurant on the street facing the ocean and enjoyed the 2nd time we've had Mexican food in Spain. We stayed overnight in Oviedo which is about 20 miles inland and just walked around the city's charming old town, beautiful main park, and admired the quaint architecture up and down the streets. It was almost like being in Switzerland.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDnh_svSWDA/VXbtvJEZxwI/AAAAAAAABYc/4f75WW5mYmY/s1600/2015%2B05%2B26%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BVigo%2BJAS%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDnh_svSWDA/VXbtvJEZxwI/AAAAAAAABYc/4f75WW5mYmY/s200/2015%2B05%2B26%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BVigo%2BJAS%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our YSA group has been dwindling for a while but attendance is improving a bit. One of the young women in the branch turned 18 so we had a birthday/welcome to YSA activity for her. He older nonmember sister has been coming with her so that is nice. This girl had come to YSA for a while and then stopped so it's good to have her back. We also have a new YSA from Cuba that was just recently baptized along with her mother. She never misses anything. She comes to YSA, FHE, english class, and choir practice plus all her Sunday meetings. She is quite a wonderful addition to the group. This past Tuesday after watching a conference talk we took all the kids to get a frozen yogurt and had a nice chat with them as we walked and as we ate at the yogurt place. The sister missionaries are teaching a YSA age girl from Guatemala, although she works most evenings until 8 ,but we're trying to get her to an activity. Saturday is her only day off so she hasn't been able to come to church so that is very unfortunate. Such a hard life some people live with less choices than we're accustomed to having.</span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sj7-65-m3U0/VXbsaoXR7NI/AAAAAAAABYQ/R_lX2d51zPg/s1600/2015%2B05%2B30%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BVigo%2BEng%2BClass%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sj7-65-m3U0/VXbsaoXR7NI/AAAAAAAABYQ/R_lX2d51zPg/s200/2015%2B05%2B30%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BVigo%2BEng%2BClass%2B3.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />Three adults from our advanced english class have had the first missionary lesson as of last Friday. We went along with the elders to their home to be supportive and add any comments or testimony. One married couple and the wife's sister come to english twice a week. The sister's husband came to the lesson so that was a nice surprise. I think it went really well. The agreed to read the BofM and the sisters agreed to pray. One husband is agnostic but of very high moral character and the other believes but doesn't practice religion. We'll just have to see. They are such a good family with so much love for each other.They told us they were coming to our District Conference tomorrow in Santiago. (like Stake Conference) They came to the baptism of the mother and daughter a couple weeks ago. It's very exciting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pioneer Barbie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lK93T3C0mE4/VXbsI_GbrYI/AAAAAAAABYI/WMPNR0wsfiQ/s1600/2015%2B05%2B23%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BVigo%2BRS%2Bparty%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lK93T3C0mE4/VXbsI_GbrYI/AAAAAAAABYI/WMPNR0wsfiQ/s200/2015%2B05%2B23%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BVigo%2BRS%2Bparty%2B15.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />Last Saturday the Relief Society celebrated the anniversary of the founding of our great organization with a pioneer theme. We met two weeks before to make pioneer bonnets, aprons, and some made long skirts for the big day. Some of the ladies learned a line dance and performed it. Another group sang and 2 women and the RS president spoke. Everyone brought something to eat from appetizers to mains, sides and a few sweet treats. We have a lady from the Philippines in our branch and her sister delivered 100 spring rolls right as we began eating and there were none left on the plate after about 5 minutes. Luckily a lady sitting by me went and got some on a plate and shared with those around her so I got to have a couple. They were so delicious. I was asked to make a big red velvet sheet cake to serve everyone. It was a bit o<br />
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f a struggle to get it made, trimmed and frosted to look like only one cake, (I made two cake mixes in a big roasting pan and did that again and put both large cakes together)and then delivered to the church, but with the help of the elders to carry it in from the car we made it fine and it was a hit. I think the cream cheese frosting is the best part of the cake myself. It was a really well planned and fun activity.<br />
<br />We had a guest for a few days last week. He is a former missionary from this mission although he never served in Vigo. He has been writing a young woman whose family lives in Vigo and attend the branch. She goes to the a University in Madrid and lives in Alcala just outside Madrid and he served there which is how they met. They've gotten serious so he came to spend some time with her and then here to meet her family. We didn't see him much because he mainly just slept at our house and then was with her and her family the rest of the time. She's going back to the states to do the same for a couple of months. I don't think they are "officially" engaged but I know she shopped for a wedding dress while she was in Vigo. He is a great guy and she is a wonderful girl so I hope that everything works out right for them.<br />
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Larry is at the church for Priesthood Leadership meeting and then we have the adult session of conference following at 7 so I had better get going. I hope you all have a wonderful week and your families stay well.<br />Love,<br />Mom and DadUnknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-33480827721746502602015-05-25T01:42:00.005-07:002015-05-25T01:42:38.742-07:00May 15, 2015<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">It's time to get an email out to one and all. We had a wonderful
two weeks so full of learning, service, travel, uplift, and fun. My last email
was full of info about the visit from family and the Madrid trip. Since then we
made another trip to Madrid. We left early Tuesday morning of May 5th to be at
a mission conference that every missionary in the entire mission would be
attending Thursday morning. The first time that has happened since the
Canary Islands were added to the Spain, Madrid mission in 2010. Thirty missionaries
flew in from the islands and the rest of the mission outside of Madrid took
trains to be there. Elder Dyches, from the area Presidency, along with his
wife, and Elder Allen, who is Managing director of the missionary dept. for the
church and his wife, came to teach and train the elders and sisters about using
all the tools at our disposal to do missionary work with a focus on the iPad as
one of the newest tools. Two new manuals were given to all the missionaries
"Missionary Work in the Digital Age" and "Safeguards for Using
technology" The meeting was exceptionally informative and uplifting with
an emphasis on the obedience, the trust that God has in us as missionaries, and
our obligation to trust in the Lord so that we can better bring souls to Him.</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xhd4_YH_Szc/VWLfmnsK31I/AAAAAAAABUE/ZyTaMt_CZrU/s1600/2015%2B05%2B06%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BAlcala%2B10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xhd4_YH_Szc/VWLfmnsK31I/AAAAAAAABUE/ZyTaMt_CZrU/s200/2015%2B05%2B06%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BAlcala%2B10.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcDtk9rHVVg/VWLfmr4I59I/AAAAAAAABUA/JF_XyfFx47Y/s1600/2015%2B05%2B05%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BEl%2BEscorial%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcDtk9rHVVg/VWLfmr4I59I/AAAAAAAABUA/JF_XyfFx47Y/s200/2015%2B05%2B05%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BEl%2BEscorial%2B6.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tuesday we stopped on our way to Madrid to visit </span></b><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">the town <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Lorenzo_de_El_Escorial"><span style="color: #0a006d;">San Lorenzo de El Escorial</span></a>. </span></b><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">It is one of
the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_royal_sites"><span style="color: #0a006d; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Spanish royal
sites</span></a> and functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum, and
school. The building was impressive but the palace part was very plain and not
as luxurious as other royal residences we've seen. Still the town was in a
beautiful area among the hillsides outside of Madrid in a very picturesque and
inviting location. Wednesday we </span></b><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">went to see the city of Alcala de Henares that
is also not far from Madrid in the opposite direction. This is the birthplace
of Cervantes and also the location for the university of Alcala one of the
oldest universities in the world. BYU has it's study abroad program located
here now instead of Madrid. The city was charming and we enjoyed walking around
and just observing the beautiful architecture, the small town feel of the
center square, and the fun of seeing a new part of Spain. We met up for a
little while with one of the sisters that had been in Vigo previously and had a
good talk with her and her companion. It's so good to see familiar faces in
unfamiliar surroundings. Later that night we had dinner with Elder and Sister
Brown who work with the YSA in Oviedo. We enjoyed being with them and since
they are having family come soon they wanted to get ideas from us as to what
would be good to do in and around Madrid.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--keLPGO5xgc/VWLdoaaesRI/AAAAAAAABSo/6rcP62eu0Ss/s1600/2015%2B05%2B07%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2Ball%2Bmission%2B34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--keLPGO5xgc/VWLdoaaesRI/AAAAAAAABSo/6rcP62eu0Ss/s200/2015%2B05%2B07%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2Ball%2Bmission%2B34.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thursday morning we were up early to have breakfast and to get
to the stake center by 9 so we could help get the young missionaries seated by
zo</span></b><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">nes and just make sure everything was ready by 10. All went well and we were
able to take a group picture after the 4 hour meeting and enjoy a lunch of
Domino's pizza, soda and brownies. Feeding over 200 missionaries isn't easy or
inexpensive. We've eaten a lot of Domino's pizza since coming to Spain and the
young missionaries seem to love it.</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Friday we drove straight back to Vigo and Saturday we settled
back into the routine with English class at noon. Our advanced English
conversation class is going really well and we have a few regulars that never
miss. We have had some amazing conversations with these lovely people. Three of
them are from the same family. The are intelligent, well informed, and such
good people of high moral character. We have had some great religious
discussions with them. We are all (6 Missionaries) invited to their house for
dinner the first Saturday in June. They also said they would like to attend the
baptism the elders are having this Sunday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really hope they come they are such good
people. The elders are baptizing a mother and daughter, and the daughter is YSA
age and has never missed any meeting since the elders started teaching her. She
is great!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sunday we had the elders and sisters over for an enchilada
dinner and to skype with their families for Mother's Day. It was a long but fun
afternoon. Choir practice started later in the evening to prepare for district
conference the last Sunday in May. I can't believe it was a whole year ago we
did this for the first time. It seems like yesterday.</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdlqZKS6LY8/VWLcpw3rlqI/AAAAAAAABSM/XVOJMsBnmus/s1600/IMG_4434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdlqZKS6LY8/VWLcpw3rlqI/AAAAAAAABSM/XVOJMsBnmus/s200/IMG_4434.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Monday was Pday and the start of zone conference. The Jacksons
and the AP's arrived later than expected because the Vigo airport was fogged in
and they had to land in Santiago and take a bus to Vigo. We had to delay our
departure to the Islas Cíes for an hour to give them time to get here. Luckily
we had </span></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9RDXEIFNhJE/VWLcqFz8UKI/AAAAAAAABSQ/0cBmzigm0Jg/s1600/Islas%2BCies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9RDXEIFNhJE/VWLcqFz8UKI/AAAAAAAABSQ/0cBmzigm0Jg/s200/Islas%2BCies.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">chartered our own ferry so we were able to ask for a later departure
time. Instead of 11am we left the docks at 12:30. We had a 45 minute ferry ride
to the islands and the young missionaries were all having a ball taking photos
and letting the wind blow in their faces as we sailed across the bay. The islands
are gorgeous with an amazing beach, crystal blue water, lots of hiking </span></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbxLhg6w-7k/VWLdpi2dq1I/AAAAAAAABSs/adGnGRwpr-4/s1600/2015%2B05%2B11%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BIslas%2BCies%2B48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbxLhg6w-7k/VWLdpi2dq1I/AAAAAAAABSs/adGnGRwpr-4/s200/2015%2B05%2B11%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BIslas%2BCies%2B48.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">trails,
birdlife, and two lighthouses. The islands were declared a national reserve in
1980 so only so many people are allowed on them at one time. We were the only
ones there for a while and then about 3 sailboats came and so there were a few
others on the islands during our 4 hours. We hiked up to the highest lighthouse
and I was just astounded by the magnificent views </span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXrfQS8Q87A/VWLdrnSuttI/AAAAAAAABTE/MMwfBuRFzSo/s1600/2015%2B05%2B11%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BIslas%2BCies%2B62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXrfQS8Q87A/VWLdrnSuttI/AAAAAAAABTE/MMwfBuRFzSo/s200/2015%2B05%2B11%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BIslas%2BCies%2B62.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">all around us. Beauty
everywhere we looked. I wanted to die about 3/4 of the way up the hill about
when we hit the switchbacks, but I kept going and was well rewarded for the
effort. After the hike it was soccer and playtime on the beach for the young
missionaries and rest time for us and the Jacksons. A fun day.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UweGQqclacQ/VWLdtOkatZI/AAAAAAAABTY/dhQunRucU2Y/s1600/2015%2B05%2B12%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BVigo%2BZone%2BConf%2B13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UweGQqclacQ/VWLdtOkatZI/AAAAAAAABTY/dhQunRucU2Y/s320/2015%2B05%2B12%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BVigo%2BZone%2BConf%2B13.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tuesday zone conference started at 10 but Larry and some of the
elders went over to set up the room for the meeting and another room for lunch.
We were in charge of lunch so that meant setting tables, ordering pizza, making
a salad and ranch dressing, making brownies, and whatever other odds and ends
go into pulling off lunch for 26 people. We have an elder in our zone who must
eat gluten free so I was happy to find some gluten free pizza crusts at the
store and I was able to make him two personal pizzas and I saved a rice krispie
treat from the day before in lieu of a brownie for him. The messages during the
meeting were as always timely and edifying. The assistants taught us about the
importance of the covenants we have made and the consequences to be had as we
honor those commitments we've made with the Lord. Sister Jackson spoke about
the need to be bold as missionaries and use this boldness to teach the gospel.
Or in other words recognize the authority we have from God as missionaries,
that are set apart to preach the gospel, and use that authority humbly and
confidently. President Jackson was very inspiring as he reminded the
missionaries that these two years or 18 months are a once in a lifetime chance
to serve the Lord in this manner. He encouraged everyone to do their best and
"go for it."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">It's been a good two weeks and we are feeling so blessed as a
missionary couple to have had so many wonderful experiences packed into a short
year plus. The Lord has been good to us and we have seen so many remarkable
things come to pass as we have served. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">We love you all and pray for your well-being daily.</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-34343785621929519802015-05-01T09:05:00.002-07:002015-05-01T09:05:20.662-07:00May 1, 2015<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
Since last writing Grant, Diane, and Joyce have made their visit to Spain and we all had a wonderful time seeing the sights here in Galicia and Madrid. They arrived <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720335" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> morning around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720336" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11:40</span></span> at the Porto, Portugal airport without their checked in luggage. Grant's and Joyce's luggage was in Madrid and hadn't made it on to the plane because of a short layover but Diane's never left NYC. We did all that could be done at the airport to make sure the luggage made it to the hotel in Vigo and then left to have an afternoon of sightseeing in Portugal and with the further goal of keeping the travelers awake so they could adjust to the time change more quickly. We hit Valenca, Portugal where we saw the old walled city and had lunch at an Italian restaurant. Then we went to A Guarda and walked among the Celtlc ruins of Santa Tecla and then climbed the steps to the top of the hill for an amazing view. We went through Baiona, Spain, a lovely beach town and on into Vigo where we dropped the tired travelers at the hotel Palacio De Vigo.<span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></div>
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We got a later than planned start <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720337" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> because it's hard missing a complete night of sleep. But after finding a delicious bakery restaurant for breakfast and a stop to buy a charger for a mobile we were on our way to Santiago. We had a great day of driving, seeing the cathedral, the resort town of LaToja. We weren't very adventurous as far as eating and ate at the mall in Santiago at Foster's Hollywood. Grant and Joyce's suitcases made it to the hotel early Sat. morning but Diane's didn't arrive until early <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720338" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span>. Everyone attended church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720339" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> morning then we had lunch at our house after that we saw some sights around Vigo before we flew to Madrid in the evening. </div>
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We checked in to the Senator hotel on Gran Via and hit Puerta Del Sol and Plaza Mayor. We started <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720340" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> morning with churros and chocolate at San Gines, a famous spot for this traditional Spanish fare. We went to see the temple, my old residencia, walked to Retiro Park and the Prado museum then took a taxi to Hard Rock Cafe for a late lunch. We tried to go to the national palace but it was closed so we shopped and walked around the downtown area and found a great gelato place for an end of the day treat.</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720341" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> we took the hop on hop off bus tour of New Madrid. We saw so much of the modern areas of Madrid and many other sights along the way. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720342" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> was the Old Madrid hop on hop off tour and again we enjoyed the marvelous sights of the magnificent city. We spent a couple of hours at the Prado museum and saw a temporary exhibit of Goya paintings and also some Picasso's. We did some browsing of the permanent collections and enjoyed our time there. We ate at a random Spanish restaurant we found as we walked towards Puerta del Sol. We did some shopping and had churros and chocolate again to end a great day. </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720345" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> morning the three returning to the USA were up early to leave for the airport. It was hard to believe our trip of a lifetime had come to an end. We certainly saw a lot of wonderful places but more enjoyable was spending time with each other and feeling the joy of strengthening family ties. I am so grateful for my siblings and the wonderful people they are. I feel so blessed that we were all able to share time together in Spain. We sure wish everyone had been able to come.<br />
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We flew home to Vigo around 3 and hit the ground running. Larry had to prepare a talk for Sacrament meeting the next day and we had a <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720346" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> School lesson to prepare. It was good to get back in the swing of missionary work. I have been playing the piano for Sacrament meeting lately (not knowing ahead of time) so I came prepared <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720347" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> morning with a list of songs instead of having to rush to pick out songs minutes before the meeting begins. I have prepared songs for the next month just in case. I sure wish my piano skills were better but I do take every opportunity to practice.</div>
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We met with our YSA <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720348" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> evening and had a despedida (good bye party) for Anghy, who is going to Canada for several months to work. We ordered Domino's pizza, wrote notes to be opened by Anghy on her flight and just enjoyed a fun night all together. Tairi had made a cute hanging arrangement of YSA activity photos for Anghy and I gave her a plane survival kit. We are going to miss her so much. There is a young woman that is YSA age investigating the church and she has been at our last 4 activities so as we loose some of our group we hopefully can gain a few more. We actually had 3 nonmembers at our activity <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720349" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span>!</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720350" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> we had our district meeting ,which our zone leaders visited because of intercambios. It was good to have those two great elders with us. We talked about tools we have to help us accomplish missionary work more effectively such as the the Spirit, prayer, members, pass along cards, PMG, Agendas, mobile phones and so many more. How blessed we are as missionaries to have so many sources of help and support that can be accessed to bless the lives of others as we try to do the Lord's work. We just found out our mission will be getting iPads for all missionaries within the week. The entire mission will be gathering in Madrid <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1792720351" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">next Thursday</span></span> to receive the devices and be trained how to use them. What a wonderful tool the iPads will be. It looks like we will be making another trip to Madrid. </div>
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We miss all of you so much and are looking forward to a happy reunion in less than two months. We can't wait to meet our new grand babies and continue spoiling all of them. Love to you all.</div>
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Mom and Dad.<br />
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Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-64555880699780563632015-04-14T06:51:00.000-07:002015-04-14T07:03:02.591-07:00April 13, 2015<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My update on mission life seem to be stretching into two week periods. It doesn't seem like we are more busy than normal but my writing hasn't kept pace with the passing time. Where to begin. Really mission life is moving along as always and our routine stays fairly steady as we chauffeur, companion up with single missionaries during transfers and intercambios, visit branch members, help the elders and sisters with lessons, work with the YSA, teach english and serve branch members however we can. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Conference weekend was wonderful, and is, no matter where you may be in the world. I get as excited here as I do back home where we are just a forty five minute drive to the heart of conference happenings. I felt just as much a part of the wonderful spirit of conference being an ocean away and on a different continent. We planned an Easter dinner for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099161" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> after the first session of conference which began here at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099162" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6:00 p.m.</span></span> All the YSA were invited to come and not one of them showed up which really disappointed me however, we fed all the branch members that came to the church to watch the session as well as the missionaries. We had a wonderful dinner of lasagna and the people that came were happy and surprised to have a nice dinner after the meeting. Sunday we were at the church for the women's session and and priesthood at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099163" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11 am</span></span> then back at 6 for the Sunday morning meeting. As usual we were in charge of setting up for any who wanted to watch in english. There are always a handful that prefer english.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUvx1mhhkdg/VS0b6BObWtI/AAAAAAAAA8c/kjU-ijy8GgU/s1600/2015%2B04%2B07%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BJas%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUvx1mhhkdg/VS0b6BObWtI/AAAAAAAAA8c/kjU-ijy8GgU/s1600/2015%2B04%2B07%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BJas%2B3.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099164" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> for our YSA activity we watched Elder Ballard's talk from the Priesthood session after a lasagna dinner. We had an entire pan of lasagna left from Sat. night so once I got over my disappointment from the lack of YSA attendance I decided to go ahead and feed them <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099165" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> night anyway. Elder Ballard's talk was so powerful and directed at young adults so I hope the kids listened and will be inspired to follow his counsel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We took one of our YSA adult women to lunch with the sisters last week. We just wanted to spend some time with her since her work schedule prevents her from being able to attend any of our mid week activities. She is such a delight and we thoroughly enjoyed the couple of hours we got to be together with her. So many of our group have gotten jobs which they need and it's great for them but our attendance has been diminished because of conflicting schedules. We are so grateful for our time that we spend teaching them during Sunday School since not all of them are available for activities. We are trying to be more proactive at spending time with them in different ways.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hbkFTe2nmA/VS0cA5ANqiI/AAAAAAAAA80/IVAf4sw6MkE/s1600/2015%2B04%2B13%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BHillman%2BDespedida%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hbkFTe2nmA/VS0cA5ANqiI/AAAAAAAAA80/IVAf4sw6MkE/s1600/2015%2B04%2B13%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BHillman%2BDespedida%2B4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow is transfers and Sister Hillman is leaving for the Madrid area and a new sister will come to replace her. Sister H. is Canadian and the sister replacing her is from Canada as well. There are only a handful of Canadians in this mission so what are the odds of having Canadian sisters back to back in Vigo. </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nW87v3ORQjs/VS0cQ9nmOWI/AAAAAAAAA9E/FHBI09t1xmg/s1600/2015%2B04%2B13%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BPilling%2Barrival%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nW87v3ORQjs/VS0cQ9nmOWI/AAAAAAAAA9E/FHBI09t1xmg/s1600/2015%2B04%2B13%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BPilling%2Barrival%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">This new sister will continue to train sister Edmonds for the next six weeks. We'll have sister Edmunds all day tomorrow because her new companion doesn't get here until </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099166" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:30</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> in the evening and sister Hillman leaves at </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099167" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8am</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> so we are taking her and the elders on an excursion </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI_ClMi1U0M/VS0cKinyymI/AAAAAAAAA88/l0myQBxqd4E/s1600/2015%2B04%2B13%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BPday%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI_ClMi1U0M/VS0cKinyymI/AAAAAAAAA88/l0myQBxqd4E/s1600/2015%2B04%2B13%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BPday%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">around the city to some lookouts and ruins then to lunch. I'm not sure what we'll do when </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099168" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6pm</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> comes and P-day is over but we'll figure it out.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcpJqiYhEyg/VS0b6ieCsRI/AAAAAAAAA8g/jbhENe8A2es/s1600/2015%2B04%2B12%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BHillman%2BLunch%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcpJqiYhEyg/VS0b6ieCsRI/AAAAAAAAA8g/jbhENe8A2es/s1600/2015%2B04%2B12%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BVigo%2BHillman%2BLunch%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The elders and sisters came for lunch today since it was the last time to be together for all of us. They were all so excited to have a typical mormon Sunday dinner of roast, mashed potatoes, and carrots etc. Everyone they eat with makes great food but they said it's nice to have some American cooking like home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spent the afternoon at Tomasa's home visiting with her. She is such a delight and has reached her year mark of church membership and is trying to get to the temple. Her health is decent but she has knee problems and cares for her sick son and daughter-in-law. She is 87 and someone needs to be taking care of her but she never complains and is always so cheerful. She has more faith than most lifelong members and we just love being around her. We're going to see if we can get her to the temple or possibly take her ourselves. She said she dreamed her husband told her she needs to get there and get his work done. I know she would love to be sealed to him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We went to hear the Galicia Symphony this past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099169" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday</span></span> and spent a really nice hour and half listening to wonderful music. I didn't recognize the composers or the pieces but enjoyed the concert anyway because the musicians were excellent, the hall was beautiful, and it was nice to do something different. Before the concert started and we were outside waiting for the doors to open a photographer from a local newspaper asked if she could photograph us. I don't know if our photo made the paper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few weeks ago a newspaper photographer came to the church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1639099170" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> morning and took pictures of our english class and a YMYW activity that was going on at the same time. The photos were to go with an article in the paper about the chapel that the church is building here in Vigo. Finally all the obstacles have been overcome and within two years there should be a normal freestanding church building for these wonderful members. They have been crowded into what is referred to as a "bajo" which is the street level of a high rise that has been converted to serve as the branch meeting house. The church does a nice job with the conversions of these buildings but when the branch has outgrown them it is really tough. There are no cultural halls so the chapel double as a multipurpose room. We are constantly setting up, taking down, and rearranging chairs in that room. The baptismal font is actually set up in the chapel when there is a baptism. The members here are so excited to finally have a building that will meet their needs. It will be a great blessing for this branch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The economic situation here in Spain is not improving in fact it is getting worse. Some of our branch members have lost jobs and are really struggling. One family is moving to the states, another single sister is leaving for the Canary islands, one father has gone to Canada to work for 7 months and two of his adult kids (our YSA) are following him the beginning of May. It just breaks my heart to see how difficult life can be for some of these dear people. I know I need to count my blessings and take nothing for granted and also to try to be of help in anyway I can. I often think of the words to one of my favorite hymns "Because I have been given much I too must give." I feel very keenly the meaning of those words and think about them often.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you all have a good week and are enjoying life and all it has to offer. We love each of you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mom and Dad</span></div>
Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-72413251238355379622015-03-31T04:00:00.001-07:002015-04-14T07:04:42.158-07:00March 28, 2015<span style="font-size: large;">It's Saturday afternoon and we, along with the sisters, just got back from visiting our dear friend Mavick. Our main activity while there is singing hymns and after an hour of singing my voice is a little hoarse but it was a great hour well spent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> For english class this morning your dad had the idea to make and eat pancakes with our group. We taught cooking terms and they learned the names of kitchen tools with the added bonus of eating. Larry found the McDonald's pancake recipe online so he wanted to use that for the class. The recipes uses Sprite or 7up</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> as the liquid instead of milk which I imagine is cheaper but not very nutritious. The pancakes were actually pretty good and surprisingly similar to those from McDonald's. We used the last of the maple flavoring with the batch of syrup we had for the class so I hope we have no more need for maple syrup. You can buy it here at the import store but it is so very expensive.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5q_pZuh0b7U/VRqDVyrNu1I/AAAAAAAAA6w/H5bWfHPLHBM/s1600/2015%2B03%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BPorto%2BPortugal%2B20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5q_pZuh0b7U/VRqDVyrNu1I/AAAAAAAAA6w/H5bWfHPLHBM/s1600/2015%2B03%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BPorto%2BPortugal%2B20.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gO1gokeWHIQ/VRqDXMJTpvI/AAAAAAAAA7A/ZDD21kBzYTk/s1600/2015%2B03%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BPorto%2BPortugal%2B33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gO1gokeWHIQ/VRqDXMJTpvI/AAAAAAAAA7A/ZDD21kBzYTk/s1600/2015%2B03%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BPorto%2BPortugal%2B33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gO1gokeWHIQ/VRqDXMJTpvI/AAAAAAAAA7A/ZDD21kBzYTk/s1600/2015%2B03%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BPorto%2BPortugal%2B33.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4J7A-QWzrQo/VRqDU_1EkGI/AAAAAAAAA6s/JSaxyOe61kQ/s1600/2015%2B03%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BPorto%2BPortugal%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4J7A-QWzrQo/VRqDU_1EkGI/AAAAAAAAA6s/JSaxyOe61kQ/s1600/2015%2B03%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BPorto%2BPortugal%2B1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday we drove to Porto, Portugal to make a trial run to the airport so that we know what we're doing when we pick up my family in 3 weeks. We left the car at the airport and took the light rail into the city. After we got there we discovered they have hop on hop off tourist buses so we bought tickets and spent the day seeing the city via bus. The city was very picturesque with the Douro river running through it into the ocean. The city is built up on both sides of the river and along the ocean. It is a city of 2 million people so it also reaches inland quite a bit. We had lunch at a restaurant right on the river and really enjoyed the view and watching all the happenings on the water. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CI3K_1gWI3E/VRqDTWiUKhI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/rzCWKokJxf8/s1600/2015%2B03%2B19%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BPlaya%2Bde%2Blos%2BCatedrales%2B25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CI3K_1gWI3E/VRqDTWiUKhI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/rzCWKokJxf8/s1600/2015%2B03%2B19%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BPlaya%2Bde%2Blos%2BCatedrales%2B25.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1IJ73m-164/VRqDUu_kyMI/AAAAAAAAA6g/1uNgDwA4FUY/s1600/2015%2B03%2B19%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BA%2BCoruna%2BTorre%2Bde%2BHercules%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1IJ73m-164/VRqDUu_kyMI/AAAAAAAAA6g/1uNgDwA4FUY/s1600/2015%2B03%2B19%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BA%2BCoruna%2BTorre%2Bde%2BHercules%2B4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nI8At1utcLo/VRqDUF8cqFI/AAAAAAAAA6c/SneB_vPlnZc/s1600/2015%2B03%2B19%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BA%2BCoruna%2BChapel%2BConst%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nI8At1utcLo/VRqDUF8cqFI/AAAAAAAAA6c/SneB_vPlnZc/s1600/2015%2B03%2B19%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMisssion%2BA%2BCoruna%2BChapel%2BConst%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Last Thursday we spent the day a couple of hours north of here part of the time in the city of A Coruna and the other part at Cathedral beach. The tide was in while at the beach so we couldn't walk on the sand in between the rock formations but there are several lookouts along the top with stairs leading down to the beach so at one point we did go down as far as we could. The rock formations look like they have randomly risen out of the ground at different angles which makes a very impressive sight. We also visited the world's oldest functioning lighthouse and saw the chapel that is being constructed in A Coruña which is the first chapel in this district. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This past Wednesday I made a huge batch of chicken noodle soup and your dad chauffeured the sisters and me around the city as we delivered it to sick families. There are two young families in our branch with all kids and the mothers sick so we thought a meal of soup and bread might be a bit of help. We also took soup to a couple of other families that we though could use some extra love.
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This past Tuesday we watched the movie "Secretariat" with our JAS. The movie teaches some valuable lessons and is such an inspiring true story. At first the kids seemed not super interested but they finally got into the movie and by the end they were all cheering and clapping. It was a fun night. The week before we used the ping pong table for the first time, played Forty two, Jenga, and Uno. One of our young men text that he was coming and bringing his girlfriend (non member) but she was at a practice of some sort and couldn't get away. They showed up just as we were all leaving the church so I took them and the rest of the JAS that were still there to a nearby restaurant for some ice cream and we had a great time getting to know the girlfriend and just chatting in a relaxed atmosphere. At the time Larry was taking the elders and sisters home but he was able to join us a little later. She came again to watch the movie this week and the elders are teaching her the lessons so we hope she will listen and come to know. Another one of our JAS brings his girlfriend every week to the activities and the elders have just recently started teaching her also. We have high hopes for these two darling girls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Sunday Larry had to speak in our branch as the district high councilor and then go to another branch and speak there also so that left me to teach Sunday School for the JAS. All went well but thankfully two of our JAS speak fluent english and helped me when I was stuck for words during the lesson. Your dad also gave two very good talks even though I only heard one of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Another two weeks gone in a flash but busy and filled with good experiences, great people and wonderful opportunities for growth. We love the time we get to spend here doing the Lord's work. We pray that you all will be blessed and happy. We love you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Mom and Dad</span>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">"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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t40xcXqLrmY/VQcRJGots3I/AAAAAAAAA28/0Fvm8Q_YFvA/s1600/2015%2B03%2B09%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2B1st%2BPday%2BEdmunds%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t40xcXqLrmY/VQcRJGots3I/AAAAAAAAA28/0Fvm8Q_YFvA/s1600/2015%2B03%2B09%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2B1st%2BPday%2BEdmunds%2B8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaCIL415hJs/VQcRHm1KgjI/AAAAAAAAA2o/K_g2S-H_V84/s1600/2015%2B03%2B09%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2B1st%2BPday%2BEdmunds%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaCIL415hJs/VQcRHm1KgjI/AAAAAAAAA2o/K_g2S-H_V84/s1600/2015%2B03%2B09%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2B1st%2BPday%2BEdmunds%2B5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">We spent last P-D</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">ay 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.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">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.<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">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. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">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. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_TVHHziEeU/VQgF9x4x3eI/AAAAAAAAA4M/ytpXbFU4fZ8/s1600/2015%2B03%2B14%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BIsabel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_TVHHziEeU/VQgF9x4x3eI/AAAAAAAAA4M/ytpXbFU4fZ8/s1600/2015%2B03%2B14%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BIsabel.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4j07w8rPLtk/VQgF_N1mB7I/AAAAAAAAA4U/jQZEP4x28h0/s1600/2015%2B03%2B14%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BIsabel%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4j07w8rPLtk/VQgF_N1mB7I/AAAAAAAAA4U/jQZEP4x28h0/s1600/2015%2B03%2B14%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BIsabel%2B1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">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.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4WbahJU5I/VQcRKL7B_xI/AAAAAAAAA3U/T9qMlDtRj48/s1600/2015%2B03%2B14%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BTairi%2BBday%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4WbahJU5I/VQcRKL7B_xI/AAAAAAAAA3U/T9qMlDtRj48/s1600/2015%2B03%2B14%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BTairi%2BBday%2B2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">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. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">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.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Mom
and Dad</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-51658500594740850012015-03-13T02:09:00.004-07:002015-04-14T07:05:48.709-07:00March 5, 2015<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">It's time for an update as to what we are doing here in Vigo as
we continue our mission. There was a branch baptism Sunday evening for an eight
year old boy that we attended. The family except for the grandmother is less
active. She is faithful and brings her young grandkids to church. Two of her
older grandkids are JAS age and actually came to the baptism so we were able to
talk to them and invite them to our Tuesday activities. We knew the young man
but had never met his sister. The missionaries also invited them to a family
home evening with a branch family. They didn't come to either activity but we
are going to take some of the JAS and try and visit them at home and see if we
can help them become enthused again about the gospel. They have both been active
in the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBdiw4Cq5OQ/VQKm4otkprI/AAAAAAAAA1A/iOEyU44VdYc/s1600/2015%2B03%2B02%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BBennett%2BDespedida%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBdiw4Cq5OQ/VQKm4otkprI/AAAAAAAAA1A/iOEyU44VdYc/s1600/2015%2B03%2B02%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BBennett%2BDespedida%2B2.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-In7uJd7zzIQ/VQKm4y-bEtI/AAAAAAAAA1E/4-7U7EQZUaE/s1600/2015%2B03%2B01%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BRawson%2BDespedida%2B14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-In7uJd7zzIQ/VQKm4y-bEtI/AAAAAAAAA1E/4-7U7EQZUaE/s1600/2015%2B03%2B01%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BRawson%2BDespedida%2B14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-In7uJd7zzIQ/VQKm4y-bEtI/AAAAAAAAA1E/4-7U7EQZUaE/s1600/2015%2B03%2B01%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BRawson%2BDespedida%2B14.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYvwMQ9kESk/VQKm5zKEBVI/AAAAAAAAA1U/S2yFrcZd2gQ/s1600/2015%2B03%2B02%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BBennett%2BDespedida%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYvwMQ9kESk/VQKm5zKEBVI/AAAAAAAAA1U/S2yFrcZd2gQ/s1600/2015%2B03%2B02%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BBennett%2BDespedida%2B3.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Sunday evening was the beginning of transfers. One of our Elders
left Sunday night so Larry was companion to the remaining until the elders from
Pontevedre came to stay the night because one of them was leaving the next
morning and his companion would stay here. We were at the train station to say
goodbye and then hurried over to the baptism. We picked up the sisters early
Monday morning to put one of them on the train to Madrid and the other stayed
with us until Wed. morning when her new companion came fresh from the Madrid
MTC. Another "greenie" Elder arrived also to be companions with the
remaining Pontevedre Elder. The new Elder that would be in Vigo arrived
Monday afternoon at 1:30. It's hard to be new in the field but
everyone goes through it and it is amazing to see how fast these young
missionaries grow and progress in such a short time. But they do have the
"deer in the headlights" look when they arrive. One thing that is
constant in the mission field is change. I didn't like it at first but I now
see the blessings that come with changes and am amazed at how quickly everyone
adapts to new situations and fits right in with new companions, districts, and
branches. The members here are so used to the constant coming and going of the
missionaries that they seem to get to know and love them in record time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Monday a family in the branch, that has recently immigrated from
Venezuela, invited all the missionaries to their home for FHE. They were just
recently able to move into their own apartment and were so excited to
offer us their hospitality. They are a wonderful couple with two adorable small
children. We had such a nice time together with them and the young
missionaries. They are still in the process of furnishing their home so we had
to bring our camping chairs and two folding chairs so we could have enough
seating. They are starting with nothing since leaving their home country but
they have a lot of faith and a very positive attitude. They have been called as
branch missionaries so we have been able to get to know them really well as we
work together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NuhbVlrPs2I/VQKmQ2tw2RI/AAAAAAAAA00/ry2UotRU0XA/s1600/IMG_0534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NuhbVlrPs2I/VQKmQ2tw2RI/AAAAAAAAA00/ry2UotRU0XA/s1600/IMG_0534.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jI5tBePurLk/VQKmQyz0veI/AAAAAAAAA0w/6FEb-T6wF_M/s1600/IMG_0513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jI5tBePurLk/VQKmQyz0veI/AAAAAAAAA0w/6FEb-T6wF_M/s1600/IMG_0513.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Since 4 of the JAS have March birthdays we decided to have a birthday celebration as our activity this past Tuesday. We played games,
danced, ate pizza and cupcakes, and made birthday tributes. Also we had a JAS
that was moving out of Vigo so it was a goodbye party for him as well. I hope Domino's
Pizza appreciates our patronage. We had a great turnout and it was a lively
party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">We continue enjoying our work with the Young Single Adults, the
other branch members and the young missionaries. There are so many wonderful
people here in this part of the "vineyard". We feel very blessed to
be having this experience, far more blessed than any kind of sacrifice involved
in serving a mission. The Lord always rewards one in numerous ways as we serve
so that the gains far exceed any losses we may incur from service. It even
feels wrong to use the word loss in regards to service in the kingdom of God.
Take care and we love you all. We are excited to hear soon of the birth of our
2nd granddaughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Mom and Dad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-In7uJd7zzIQ%2FVQKm4y-bEtI%2FAAAAAAAAA1E%2F4-7U7EQZUaE%2Fs1600%2F2015%252B03%252B01%252BSpain%252BMadrid%252BMission%252BRawson%252BDespedida%252B14.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-In7uJd7zzIQ/VQKm4y-bEtI/AAAAAAAAA1E/4-7U7EQZUaE/s1600/2015%2B03%2B01%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BRawson%2BDespedida%2B14.JPG" -->Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-2654082882884871792015-02-26T02:14:00.002-08:002015-02-26T02:39:14.258-08:00Feb 23, 2015<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi all,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">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 </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_812440378" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> night and our Zone meeting in Santiago </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_812440379" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> 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.</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4OF6FAovkM/VO72Cjp07rI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/if_61keeJOE/s1600/IMG_1079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4OF6FAovkM/VO72Cjp07rI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/if_61keeJOE/s1600/IMG_1079.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken with iPhone<br />at TGIFridays</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">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 <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_812440380" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> 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. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_812440381" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> 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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We were up early to be at the stake center by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_812440382" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9a.m.</span></span> 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 <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_812440383" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday around 4p.m.</span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You all take care. We love you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mom and Dad</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by iPhone<br /> from PDF El Boletín Madrid Skyline</td></tr>
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Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-65210288600125205432015-02-23T04:18:00.001-08:002015-03-16T11:26:13.040-07:00Feb 13, 2015<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">It has been two weeks since my last email and I think that is the longest I have gone without writing something to all of you. Today was one of our slower days so I could catch up with cleaning, grocery shopping etc. We did go with the sisters to visit Mavick ,which we do a couple of times a week ,and while there we spend part of the time singing hymns with him. He says he really loves it and it gives him spiritual strength. He was able to come to church last week after weeks of not attending so he does seem to be improving. Larry picked him for up church along with the Elders and they also drove him home. Today while we were there in his apartment he said he didn't need Larry to pick him up Sunday because he was going to walk. He lives very close to the church, about a 6-7 minute walk. He is such a good man.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO4bnH-BDv0/VOygXRVx6VI/AAAAAAAAAwA/NOaP62hFFF8/s1600/2015%2B02%2B10%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BJAS%2BBday%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO4bnH-BDv0/VOygXRVx6VI/AAAAAAAAAwA/NOaP62hFFF8/s1600/2015%2B02%2B10%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BJAS%2BBday%2B3.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEQy_dIlgoA/VOygWEsTzjI/AAAAAAAAAvw/tbjkBlVpHhE/s1600/2015%2B01%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BJAS%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEQy_dIlgoA/VOygWEsTzjI/AAAAAAAAAvw/tbjkBlVpHhE/s1600/2015%2B01%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BJAS%2B1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Our last three JAS activities have been fairly well attended considering how busy some of these kids are with school. They all seem to have classes at night. I think it is just normal here that they spend their day and evening at school. The University here is so far out of town but not all of them go to the University some go to other institutions. One week the sisters taught the kids how to make pancakes and then we just played games and socialized. The next week President Bamio (District President) came and talked about the Book of Mormon and gave a power point presentation about Lehi's journey from Jerusalem to the Americas and showed pictures of the actual places they traveled before crossing the ocean. We spent a wonderful hour with him learning so many things about this wonderful book and the incredible faith of Lehi and Nephi as they led the families to the Promised Land. We hope it helped to enthuse our young adults to accept the challenge to read the Book of Mormon before we leave at the end of June. This last Tuesday we had a birthday celebration for Jhosias and your dad. We decorated Valentine cookies, played ping pong, ate pizza, and had a quiz about "Who knows Elder Arnett the best." That brought a lot of laughs and the kids were surprised by some of the things they learned.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qp0xqr-tPQ/VOygWhRhl1I/AAAAAAAAAv4/bTiMHr6iq0g/s1600/2015%2B02%2B05%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BDist%2Blunch%2Bwith%2BJacksons%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qp0xqr-tPQ/VOygWhRhl1I/AAAAAAAAAv4/bTiMHr6iq0g/s1600/2015%2B02%2B05%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BDist%2Blunch%2Bwith%2BJacksons%2B1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>President and Sister Jackson were here last week for personal interviews with the young Elders and Sisters. They also sat in on our district meeting then took us all to lunch before flying back to Madrid. They had been up in the "north" visiting all the districts and doing interviews. It is always good to have them visit and give encouragement and counsel.</div>
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Last Friday Larry was asked to baptize a young girl in the branch who turned 8 named Maria. She is Andriv's younger sister (JAS missionary in Mexico) so we have gotten close to the family. Maria's mom asked me if I would make red velvet cakes for the refreshments after the baptism. They usually serve something to eat after baptisms here. I was happy to do it for her. It took 4 cake mixes and tons of cream cheese for the frosting but everyone said it was so delicious. Everyone is always so fascinated by the red velvet cakes. They always think there is some amazing ingredient that is the reason for the color. I always hate to tell them it is just food coloring. Then they want the recipe and I have to admit it is a cake a mix. I have found recipes in spanish on the internet and given that to some of those that have asked.</div>
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Larry took the Elders and Sisters to Santiago this past p-day so they could visit the cathedral there in case some of them get transferred the next time. It's a must see if you get to this part of Spain because it is the 3rd most popular pilgrimage sight in the world and supposedly the Apostle James is buried there. It is a beautiful cathedral however, there are so many in Europe that are equally stunning, but don't have the notoriety of Santiago.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWcUma_DUGA/VOygWs7V5TI/AAAAAAAAAv0/X_GJMwrdj14/s1600/2015%2B02%2B01%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BJAS%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWcUma_DUGA/VOygWs7V5TI/AAAAAAAAAv0/X_GJMwrdj14/s1600/2015%2B02%2B01%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BJAS%2B3.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>We had the young women JAS for Sunday dinner a couple of weeks ago and the next Sunday the guys came. I made two very different meals for each group. For the girls we had Italian chicken, pasta with roasted vegetables, spinach mango salad with orange dressing, and angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream. The girls loved it and they just oooed and aaahed over everything. For the guys we had bacon cheeseburgers, potato salad, chips and salsa, with chocolate chip cookies and ice cream for dessert. I had a hard time keeping up with the bacon for the burgers but they seemed to enjoy everything. We have too many JAS to have them all here for dinner at one time so we thought it would be fun to have guy and girl dinners and it seemed to give them a chance to really talk and spend time together. Totally different atmospheres at the two dinners.</div>
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I am getting ready to make some more valentine sugar cookies so the we along with the sisters can take plates around to some of the branch members tomorrow. I made about 5 dozen for our JAS activity Tuesday and will probably make about the same today. The difference is I'll be frosting and decorating these by myself. Luckily the dough is made and I just need to roll it out and bake them.</div>
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You all take care and know we love you and pray for you.</div>
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Mom and Dad</div>
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Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-14557145668608466342015-02-08T05:40:00.000-08:002015-03-16T11:27:58.373-07:00Jan 30, 2015<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">One more week down and I really am not sure how many more to go. I'm not counting down just using a variation of a cliche to start this email. It has been a pretty average week for this time of year with a lot of rain that will continue on until </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_799027467" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">next Wednesday</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> when sunshine is projected. It is definitely rain boots and umbrella weather. I am making good use of my long Eddie Bauer rain coat that I bought at the last minute before we left. I gave my mom's snow boots to one of the Sisters because she has no rain boots and her shoes were constantly soaked. I haven't used them at all since being here plus they are actually too big for me. She seemed really happy to get them and they fit her perfectly. I told her they were pretty special boots because they were my mother's.</span><br />
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Larry and I have both been working with the young Elders and Sisters this past week more than we normally do. The sisters are teaching 3 men from Africa so I am usually included in all of those discussions and Larry has sat in on a couple. The Elders have needed him a few times also this past week or two and sometimes I go along. I have had to really focus more study time on "Preach My Gospel" so that I can be more involved in the lessons. It is such an excellent book and when one studies it, it provides the means to teach the Gospel more powerfully and clearly.</div>
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We have both learned so much as we've spent time studying together and preparing lessons but we also realize we have so much more to learn and we need to be much more familiar with the scriptures so we can teach more effectively. I am so impressed with how well the young Sisters and Elders know the scriptures. Two and a half hours of daily study brings a wealth of scriptural knowledge.</div>
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We enjoy each day here and are so appreciative of this opportunity to serve the Lord in this little place in his kingdom. We are grateful to have the health and the financial means to be on a mission. We encourage you all to live the gospel and stay close to the Lord. Teach those little ones in your homes that you have been blessed with. We love all of you.</div>
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Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-63601161070883892022015-01-22T10:46:00.003-08:002015-03-16T11:31:58.593-07:00Jan 22, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4545450210571px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
Well as of two days ago we have been on our mission one year. We entered the MTC January 20th of 2014. We have just six months to go and it feels like the time is slipping away too fast and this wonderful experience will end before we know it. </div>
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Sunday was pretty typical with church, our Sunday School class, visiting, and the pancake night for investigators. We didn't have too many there but sometimes that is nice because it gives us a more of a chance to talk one on one and get to know people better.</div>
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The elders have had two miracles<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;"> in a row. A man walked into the church building one Saturday night off the street and the elders happen to be there in the foyer and he told them he has been searching for God and he agreed to have a lesson right then. The next day he came to church and they have been teaching him regularly since then. Then the next week ,on Sunday night, another gentleman walked in off the street and the elders happened to be the ones to talk to him. Now he is having the lessons and has been to a few of our activities but so far hasn't attended church. Both events are certainly unusual and not at all the norm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">There is this lady of a different religion here in Vigo that is committed to setting the missionaries straight about the false church they belong to. She has been leaving letters, since we've been here, and for quite a while before that, in front of the church doors, that talk about how the church is wrong and we're misguided and her church is right. I have actually never read one of the letters but they show up every so often. One day a lady came into the church when all six of us missionaries were there and she asked for a Doctrine and Covenants saying she had read the Book of Mormon and now wanted to read the Doctrine and Covenants. We were unable to give her one but she agreed to meet for a lesson with the elders. Well it turns out she is the Crazy lady that leaves the letters and the meeting was pretty much her just dissing the church. Then the next day she came to the church and the sisters were there giving a lesson and she just came in and sat down and wouldn't let up about how wrong the church was. She actually got a little hostile and insulting so the sisters had to firmly tell her she needed to leave. The sisters said they saw her on the street the other day and she waved and was friendly and told them they were good people but wrong. I guess the world is full of interesting people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">Monday started with making chicken soup and applesauce for two of our JAS that are sick and delivering that to them. They are brother and sister and their parents are in Peru for a month. There grandmother and grandfather live nearby so they aren't completely abandoned. After that we took the young missionaries to our favorite restaurant, Foster's Hollywood, for lunch then the sisters came home with us so I could alter some skirts for sister Bennett and they did all their e-mailing while they were here. I also did some mending for Elder McFarland who only had one pair of pants that wasn't ripped out in various places. I was able to borrow the Relief Society sewing machine or I couldn't have altered the skirts and the pants would have been a nightmare to repair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">We have a new district leader and one new missionary in our zone as of this past transfer. We were affected very little by the transfers. The next one I think there will be a change or two here in Vigo </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">but you never know.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yysrli8ptzU/VOyjL8H5saI/AAAAAAAAAxA/enOCu7Cy0Ow/s1600/2015%2B01%2B19%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BMovik%2BLopes%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yysrli8ptzU/VOyjL8H5saI/AAAAAAAAAxA/enOCu7Cy0Ow/s1600/2015%2B01%2B19%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BMovik%2BLopes%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">We went with the sisters to visit Mavick, a member of our branch from Angola that is very ill with kidney failure. We took him some soup and had a nice chat with him. We spent the last half hour of our visit just singing hymns with him which was such a sweet experience for all of us. He is a good man and I know he has a place in the Celestial Kingdom waiting for him. He is always at the train station to say goodbye whenever any Vigo missionary leaves for a new assignment or for home. He loves the missionaries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">We had the JAS olympics for our activity Tuesday night. We talked about the word of wisdom and listened to an excerpt from a conference talk about the importance of physical fitness as it relate to spiritual well being. Then we had several "olympic events" and awards for gold, silver, and bronze for each event. The kids had a riot and we loved watching their enthusiastic participation. We then had fruit skewers and apple oatmeal muffins for refreshments. It was a great evening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">Today we caught up on laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping. Once I get this e-mail sent I will consider it a good day. I hope all of you are well and happy. You are in our prayers and we love you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">Mom and Dad</span></div>
Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-67504352936622739422015-01-22T10:44:00.000-08:002015-03-16T11:35:03.049-07:00Jan 16, 2015<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4545450210571px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">I can't sleep so it's email time instead. The weather has changed as of two days ago. We had a couple of rainstorms in October and then it has been sunny and dry up until recently, which is not at all normal for Vigo winters. It usually rains about 70% of the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">time during the fall and winter months. It has been so beautiful, cool to almost cold but with sunshine. We've been able to do lots of walking during the last months without worrying if it will rain. It looks like the rain has arrived and if it is anything like last year it will be steady until the end of March and then it will be less and less until mid June. I have thoroughly enjoyed the winter months so far and I still have a love for rain in my heart, after growing up in the desert where it was a rare event, so I actually don't mind the rain that much.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">The women of Vigo have been able to don their fur coats this winter where last winter I never noticed anyone in fur, I assume because of the last year's wetter weather. I have seen some gorgeous furs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">There are camelia trees lining many Vigo streets and they have begun blossoming and it is a beautiful sight to behold as one travels the city. They brighten the city with their lovely colors and it is such a wonder to have trees flowering in January. They were all in bloom last year when we arrived and it was impressive to arrive at a city in February that was so colorful. In December they planted poinsettias all over the city in the street planter boxes, meridians, and roundabouts.. It was such a festive sight. Most of all them have being switched out now for shade flowers. Vigo does an excellent job keeping their streets groomed and full of colorful trees and flowers.</span></div>
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One of the Africana gentlemen the sisters and I have been teaching, well I've been at two of the discussions, committed to baptism and a date was set for it. He is so enthusiastic about the gospel and says he feels so happy to have found the church. The other African man we have been teaching is progressing but says he has not received an answer to his prayers about the Book of Mormon and baptism. I personally think he has but doesn't recognize that he has. He seems to want a more definite experience. The sisters gave an excellent lesson tonight about baptism and recognizing the subtleties of the spirit. He is very quiet and thoughtful so it may take him a bit longer to make his decision. He came to church Sunday and really liked all the meetings and that is great progress.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cd87KhCh91Q/VMFKwMdJ-uI/AAAAAAAAAuM/Hx7zvR2evkI/s1600/2015%2B01%2B13%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BJAS%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cd87KhCh91Q/VMFKwMdJ-uI/AAAAAAAAAuM/Hx7zvR2evkI/s1600/2015%2B01%2B13%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BJAS%2B1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Just regular routine stuff going on. Monday and Tuesday I baked. We had JAS game night, district meeting, english class, FHE, and various visits and discussions with the young elders and sisters. One of the elders is sick with stomach flu so yesterday I made him chicken soup and applesauce. He didn't actually eat any until today and it was after your dad went to the pharmacy and got him some medication the mission president's wife recommended. He was at the church this evening, when I was there for a discussion, pale but unwilling to go home early and go back to bed. I hope none of the rest of us get what he had since he seemed pretty miserable for two days.</div>
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Wow I wrote this and never got it sent. That was Thursday and now it's Saturday. Not much new just a big district meeting here this morning from 11-1. The employment specialist for the church in all of Spain came to explain the new Self Sufficiency program to the district leaders and auxiliary heads. Larry was invited but I taught english instead and helped the sisters with a lesson they gave to a Chinese woman that is a recent contact. Then we had lunch with the sisters and later drove them to a part of Vigo I had never seen to have a lesson with some less active members. Since then we have been home doing this and that and getting our Sunday School lesson ready for tomorrow.</div>
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Love to you all,</div>
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Mom and Dad</div>
Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-69140444092459063102015-01-22T10:43:00.004-08:002015-03-16T11:41:55.601-07:00Jan 9, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4545450210571px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
It's been a pretty typical and enjoyable week and this email is long overdue. We missed the branch New Years Ever party mainly because it didn't start until 11:30 and Larry was fast asleep by then and I was tired. And the fact that it lasted until 5 in the morning was just not something we were up for. As I have talked to various members of the branch they have said the party was fun and they danced and danced. Oh to be able to dance like a Latin. They definitely have a natural rhythm and the limberest of hips.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 23.2363624572754px;">I have been able to help the sisters teach a gentleman from Ghana 4 discussions. It has been such a pleasure for me to be included in the teaching of this humble man that is searching for the truth. I hope he will listen to the spirit as he reads the Book of Mormon and prays.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 23.2363624572754px;">Sunday Larry and I gave a Sunday School lesson to the JAS about the Book of Mormon and elaborated on the ideas that it is the keystone of our religion. Larry has been giving the Sunday lessons pretty much himself but we decided I need to help him so that the kids hear from me and know that I have a testimony of all that is being taught. We challenged them to read the Book of Mormon everyday this year. They need the power of the Book in their lives ,as we all do, but some of them have so many challenges besetting them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3WLZ1sH1NDA/VMFGbmzhtII/AAAAAAAAAtM/54iKly0TGHc/s1600/2015%2B01%2B05%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2B3kings%2Blight%2Bparade%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3WLZ1sH1NDA/VMFGbmzhtII/AAAAAAAAAtM/54iKly0TGHc/s1600/2015%2B01%2B05%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2B3kings%2Blight%2Bparade%2B6.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIEYyh_-O-c/VMFGb-SJvdI/AAAAAAAAAtI/ZwtAJyjMjvU/s1600/2015%2B01%2B05%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2B3kings%2Blight%2Bparade%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIEYyh_-O-c/VMFGb-SJvdI/AAAAAAAAAtI/ZwtAJyjMjvU/s1600/2015%2B01%2B05%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2B3kings%2Blight%2Bparade%2B2.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Tuesday was Dia de los Magos here in Spain which is an equal, if not more celebrated, day as Christmas. All stores and businesses are closed and families give gifts again and have a big dinner. This time the gifts are from the three Kings instead of Santa. We could here our little neighbor boys open the door in the morning and excitedly yell "regalos regalos." Apparently the gifts are left outside the door since the tradition is to put straw in shoes and leave them outside and the the king's camels can eat the straw.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199974060059px;">Wednesday was zone conference in Santiago. Another great meeting taught by Elder Hendrix and Elder McFarland. The mainly talked about the need to avoid competing, comparing, and categorizing. A good reminder for everyone. Also we were reminded of the need to plan carefully to set and achieve goals, use our agendas effectively, and review our progress everyday. It was a helpful meeting, taught by two faithful missionaries, and we came away with some good practical ideas for being better servants of the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 23.2363624572754px;">Our english class attendance has been less because of the holidays in fact twice there has only been one person in attendance. She got some good six on one attention. This past Wednesday the numbers were back up and we divided into two groups again.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9QeoPPpugY/VMFHlNnyrXI/AAAAAAAAAt4/2cfFFDXwmyY/s1600/2015%2B01%2B08%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BService%2Bproject%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9QeoPPpugY/VMFHlNnyrXI/AAAAAAAAAt4/2cfFFDXwmyY/s1600/2015%2B01%2B08%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BService%2Bproject%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1WR-yo2xjw/VMFHy3AcxHI/AAAAAAAAAuA/g-UdFSEff1I/s1600/2015%2B01%2B08%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BService%2Bproject%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1WR-yo2xjw/VMFHy3AcxHI/AAAAAAAAAuA/g-UdFSEff1I/s1600/2015%2B01%2B08%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BService%2Bproject%2B1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Yesterday we went to a hospital to visit a branch member that has been very ill for a couple of weeks. He has actually had to be on kidney dialysis. He is one of the kindest men, so willing to serve, and devoted to the gospel. He is from Angola and has been here in Spain for a few years. He had actually been discharged from the hospital so we were unable to see him. After that we went to a hair salon owned by a Brazilian woman in our branch who is moving back to her country. The elders and sisters have been helping her pack up her entire salon to ship overseas to Brazil. We went to help with loading it into the truck but they had finished when we got there so we followed them to the shipping docks to help unload and reload into a shipping crate. When we got arrived the shipping crate she had scheduled was too small so she had to arrange for a larger one so instead her items were unloaded into a warehouse. Most of it was unloaded by forklift but the smaller items and the awkwardly shaped items we helped unload by hand. It was interesting to get so close to the shipping docks and see all that goes on there. I am so glad this young woman (she's in her early 30's) is moving back to Brazil where the church is so much larger there. She joined here about a year ago and has been very faithful but she wants to get married and have a family and there just isn't much opportunity here. I think it's such a smart move on her part.</div>
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Today has been kind of slow so we went for a long walk and took Larry's suit to the tailor to have new buttons put on the cuffs. We discovered after several broken buttons that as we closed the closet doors, because the closest aren't deep enough, the sleeves were getting hit by the doors and breaking the buttons on the suit sleeves. We had his other suit fixed a while back and just haven't bothered to take this one in. He wears his suits so seldom that one has been enough. But we might as well get it fixed especially since the tailor shop will do it for free. Easier than buying new buttons and me doing it. We came home and studied for a while and we'll go to get groceries in a while. We did run into a branch member while we were walking, that had just left the Doctor's office and was waiting for the bus. She has been in a lot of pain because of shoulder problems, an ongoing malady. She said a member of the Branch Presidency was coming to her house in the afternoon to give her a blessing. Larry offered to come and help if he didn't have anyone to assist. We'll see if he gets a call. </div>
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I'll end for now and say goodbye until next week. You all take care. </div>
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Love,</div>
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Mom and Dad</div>
Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194271399871905018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-14058327981603969002014-12-31T09:05:00.003-08:002015-03-16T11:41:49.271-07:00Dec 30, 2014<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2QejVt23Mc/VKg1CUM8ksI/AAAAAAAAAqY/fbEeT1zbo9Q/s1600/2014%2B12%2B29%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BTri%2BTour%2BPday%2B10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2QejVt23Mc/VKg1CUM8ksI/AAAAAAAAAqY/fbEeT1zbo9Q/s1600/2014%2B12%2B29%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BTri%2BTour%2BPday%2B10.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the fortress in Baiona, where the pinta<br />
returned from the Americas and informed<br />
the old world about the new world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpnpinzb3A4/VKg1QPDsxoI/AAAAAAAAAqg/ZeAsMM8OmHY/s1600/2014%2B12%2B29%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BTri%2BTour%2BPday%2B34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpnpinzb3A4/VKg1QPDsxoI/AAAAAAAAAqg/ZeAsMM8OmHY/s1600/2014%2B12%2B29%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BTri%2BTour%2BPday%2B34.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The narrow streets of Valenca Portugal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today your dad is taking all 4 of the young missionaries here in Vigo on his Portugal tour. He has it down to a science now and is pretty much in "Travel Larry" mode before and during said trip. He has it timed and the stops sequenced and well you know how it goes. It's actually kind of sweet that he insists on doing this for all new missionaries that are assigned here. So I am home alone doing my thing which isn't particularly glamorous but I enjoy the time doing homey things and just reading and whatever else I may fancy doing.<br />
<br />
Last week was so busy starting with a Zone devotional in Santiago. We drove up in the afternoon and returned home around 9:30. The elders asked me to make refreshments so I brought banana bread, cinnamon rolls, and sugar cookies. That seemed to make them all very happy. The devotional was awesome. President Bamio, our District President, spoke about the Book of Mormon which the entire mission had just finished reading also the main reason for the devotional. One fascinating point he spoke about was examples of Chiasmus in the Book of Mormon and in the Bible. Chiasmus being the order of words in a first clause being inverted in the second. Alma Chapter 30 is a great example. Just another testimony the the Book of Mormon is an inspired Book written by prophets of old and translated through divine guidance by Joseph Smith.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-oH_6DpKQ0/VKg0tEAM6wI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/TveycVH--eA/s1600/2014%2B12%2B23%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BJAS%2BChristmas%2BParty%2B19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-oH_6DpKQ0/VKg0tEAM6wI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/TveycVH--eA/s1600/2014%2B12%2B23%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BJAS%2BChristmas%2BParty%2B19.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JAS Christmas party</td></tr>
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Tuesday we had our JAS Christmas party so the main activity was getting ready for that. I did get a chance to teach a lesson with the sisters to an African gentleman and then they came and rolled out and frosted sugar cookies for me. I made more food some of which had been made ahead and frozen. Later some of the JAS came to the church and we decorated and set tables for eating and serving and made everything very festive for the party. We had a great turn out with 5 nonmembers in attendance. We ate pizza and typical dishes of countries the kids are from, that they brought to share. We sang, watched a Christmas video, played games, and danced. We finished about 11:00 and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.<br />
<br />
Christmas eve day was devoted to pie making and preparing for dinner the next day and dinner that evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqD0LAirpF4/VKg0RDBHg1I/AAAAAAAAAqI/y047kLKd6Ws/s1600/2014%2B12%2B24%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BChristmas%2BEve%2B11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqD0LAirpF4/VKg0RDBHg1I/AAAAAAAAAqI/y047kLKd6Ws/s1600/2014%2B12%2B24%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BChristmas%2BEve%2B11.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve group photo</td></tr>
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Around 8 the elders and sisters came over to spend Christmas eve with us. We had soup, cheesy bread, and treats. We watched several Christmas videos produced by the church including a nativity. We gave the missionaries their santa bags we had filled with some gifts from the American import store that they seemed happy with and Larry drove them home. It was a fun, quiet in some respects, compared to family get togethers, Christmas eve celebration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srEjyP_IaSM/VKgz6SVbYPI/AAAAAAAAAp0/3rVIXYoC6SE/s1600/2014%2B12%2B25%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BChristmas%2BDay%2B12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srEjyP_IaSM/VKgz6SVbYPI/AAAAAAAAAp0/3rVIXYoC6SE/s1600/2014%2B12%2B25%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BChristmas%2BDay%2B12.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gifts from the Sisters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ-bbl6v6Ro/VKg0FR1zFOI/AAAAAAAAAqA/R8uzARZqUMA/s1600/2014%2B12%2B25%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BChristmas%2BDay%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ-bbl6v6Ro/VKg0FR1zFOI/AAAAAAAAAqA/R8uzARZqUMA/s1600/2014%2B12%2B25%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BChristmas%2BDay%2B4.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas day dinner</td></tr>
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Christmas day was a typical turkey dinner around one o'clock with the elders and sisters. Another fun day of eating, watching Ephraim's rescue and playing Jenga and 42. The elders and sisters each called home while at our house so the two that weren't talking to family played 42 and then we switched. One sister got hooked real fast and didn't want to quit. She also loved bidding and had no fear of failure. Fun day. The young missionaries had until about 6:30 in the evening then it was business as usual for them. Larry and I collapsed and fell asleep for a while. I think I was actually the one who said We would call after the missionaries left so your dad is off the hook. I just fell asleep and forgot. My apologies.<br />
<br />
Today has been quiet, (it is now Tuesday) the young missionaries haven't needed us so we are catching up on studies and going out for a walk soon. Love to all of you and we know this new year will be full of happiness and blessings for all.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mom and Dad<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-80947280734987406932014-12-19T09:06:00.000-08:002015-03-16T11:44:35.519-07:00Dec 19, 2014Hey all,<br />
<br />
We are in Madrid right now. We arrived last night and will leave in the morning. We came to pick up all the Christmas packages for the missionaries in our zone in the north since they wouldn't have received them for two more weeks. We did that this afternoon and then went to the temple to see the Christmas lights and the nativities. While we were there we ran into some missionaries that had been in the north previously and a sister that is from a branch in our district who is serving in Madrid. She has some health and family challenges so they are keeping her in this mission. She looked great and seemed so happy.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--x0-TOp8vB0/VKgxVQfYqeI/AAAAAAAAApA/okuL4iktML4/s1600/2014%2B12%2B18%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BSol%2BGran%2BVia%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--x0-TOp8vB0/VKgxVQfYqeI/AAAAAAAAApA/okuL4iktML4/s1600/2014%2B12%2B18%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BSol%2BGran%2BVia%2B6.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas lights in Madrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-T8ZnFYUMs/VKgxO5OsLjI/AAAAAAAAAno/63627YrJ_Yc/s1600/2014%2B12%2B18%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BSol%2BGran%2BVia%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-T8ZnFYUMs/VKgxO5OsLjI/AAAAAAAAAno/63627YrJ_Yc/s1600/2014%2B12%2B18%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BMadrid%2BSol%2BGran%2BVia%2B1.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas lights in Madrid</td></tr>
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Last night we went downtown Madrid to see the Christmas lights which did not disappoint. However there does seem to be a fondness for the color blue as a major part of the Christmas decor. Some of the lights seem more of a patriotic genre than Christmas but they are lovely here in Madrid and Vigo.<br />
<br />
We did some shopping at the store, A Taste of America, and spent a lot of money on unnecessary items (except the brown sugar) but sometimes you just have to have a few things from home. What's ironic is I'll use most of what I bought to make food for the JAS but they rave about all the food I make so it's worth buying the overpriced American items. I was so excited to find candy canes and bought a couple of packages. There is no peppermint anything in all of Spain that I have been able to find. You need peppermint at Christmas.<br />
<br />
We have been busy with all the usual things. I've been able to go on a few splits with the sisters and of course we make our weekly trip to G's(lady from Brazil) house outside of Vigo with the sisters. She did decide to move back to Brazil and leave her partner. I hope she will keep seeing the missionaries when she gets there. I doubt she'll be ready for baptism before she leaves. But maybe I need to be more positive.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXJc5uP_c7c/VKgxOPgCx9I/AAAAAAAAAnc/S39E2c-eriA/s1600/2014%2B12%2B17%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BEnglish%2BChristmas%2BParty%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXJc5uP_c7c/VKgxOPgCx9I/AAAAAAAAAnc/S39E2c-eriA/s1600/2014%2B12%2B17%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BEnglish%2BChristmas%2BParty%2B1.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas party in English</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xojw6DX6Cec/VKgxKyYjesI/AAAAAAAAAmw/PFvLy4zX0uc/s1600/2014%2B12%2B17%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BEnglish%2BChristmas%2BParty%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xojw6DX6Cec/VKgxKyYjesI/AAAAAAAAAmw/PFvLy4zX0uc/s1600/2014%2B12%2B17%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BEnglish%2BChristmas%2BParty%2B2.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas party in English</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You saw pictures of our Christmas party with our english class. It actually was fun (Cameron). I think everyone had a good time. Three of our beginning students are muslim so that was interesting. They told us some things about the Savior's birth that I was unaware of. We said to them that the Bible didn't mention those facts and they said well that the Koran did. Hmmmmmm.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g10kPM83wHY/VKgw9WfWCFI/AAAAAAAAAmc/DxDimKJ5rxk/s1600/2014%2B12%2B15%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BPday%2Bwith%2BMissionaries%2B23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g10kPM83wHY/VKgw9WfWCFI/AAAAAAAAAmc/DxDimKJ5rxk/s1600/2014%2B12%2B15%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BPday%2Bwith%2BMissionaries%2B23.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parque Castro in the middle of<br />
Vigo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEjRIBc9RcA/VKgw6-lJKsI/AAAAAAAAAmU/ahNOVQdPfGg/s1600/2014%2B12%2B15%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BPday%2Bwith%2BMissionaries%2B34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEjRIBc9RcA/VKgw6-lJKsI/AAAAAAAAAmU/ahNOVQdPfGg/s1600/2014%2B12%2B15%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BPday%2Bwith%2BMissionaries%2B34.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parque Castro in the middle of<br />
Vigo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Monday Larry took all four missionaries to see some of the sights in Vigo and then to lunch. I started my bake-a-thon to prepare for all the Christmas events. I made pumpkin bread, banana bread, ginger snickerdoodles, cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls and cupcakes with peppermint frosting (found some Hershey's peppermint bars at our American food store). Everything is in the freezer except the cupcakes and they were for the english class party and FHE right after. They got rave reviews. I still have some cheeseballs to make for zone devotional Monday and pretzels to dip and maybe some sugar cookies if I can find time before now and Christmas eve. Not to mention the rest of the food for Christmas eve and Christmas day.<br />
<br />
The internet connection here (in our hotel room) is terrible. By the time I had finished writing this last night I had lost the connection so when I tried to send this email I couldn't. You all take care and we'll talk to you on Christmas day if not sooner. Love to all.<br />
<br />
Mom and Dad<br />
<br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-23742527034963640582014-12-10T15:52:00.002-08:002015-03-16T11:49:22.898-07:00Dec 10, 2014I have really neglected my writing and let almost three weeks slip by. I'm not sure I can remember all that we've done but I'll catch up as best I can.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BiYYO4pF1g0/VKK4f1KUCHI/AAAAAAAAAi8/cAbkfrsoCsY/s1600/2014%2B11%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BThanksgiving%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BiYYO4pF1g0/VKK4f1KUCHI/AAAAAAAAAi8/cAbkfrsoCsY/s1600/2014%2B11%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BThanksgiving%2B1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving day 2014 Vigo Spain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all the trimmings. We picked up the turkey the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and it was so big. We gave an approximate weight when we ordered it and it was bigger than we asked for but turkeys are not sold like in the states so we were glad to have it. I brined it and roasted it without an oven bag which I haven't done in years. It turned out absolutely delicious. It took me three days to get ready for Thanksgiving. Since I was making everything and given the size of my kitchen oven etc. I did a lot ahead of time. One day I spent making rolls and froze them. We only needed a couple of dozen so I used the rest of the dough for cinnamon rolls for district meeting and JAS treats. The next day I made pies although the sisters did come and help peel and slice the apples for 1 of the pies. I made four different pies because we love a varied pie selection. I also made the sweet potatoes and green beans the night before to be heated up while the turkey was resting. And yes I found Stove Top stuffing at the import store and use that instead of making stuffing from scratch.The young elders and sisters here in Vigo shared the day with us and we had a wonderful time. They were only allowed their regular two hour lunch time so it wasn't really the whole day.<br />
<br />
There was a young man baptized a couple of weeks ago that is JAS age and we are so thrilled to have him as part of our group. He was friends with Andriv the young man that went to Mexico on a mission in Sept. He came to Andriv's goodbye FHE party and said he loved how he felt when he was there. After that the missionaries started teaching him. He immediately felt good about what he was being taught but felt like he should wait to join the church until he had finished at the university and wasn't so busy. The elders continued working with him and he kept coming to meetings and finally decided to be baptized. He is a Spaniard which is unusual because the majority of the members in Spain are Latin American so it is good to have a native Spaniard join the church.<br />
<br />
We went with the sisters again to see the lady from the cruise ship that I previously incorrectly said was Portuguese. She is actually from Brazil. She is struggling in her life especially with her living situation and at one point was going to quit having the lessons so she could figure out what to do. One of the members here met with her along with the sisters and talked to her about how the gospel has helped her through many difficult times in her life and how the power of prayer has helped her resolve problems and making decisions. So she met with us again and we read the book of Enos with her and talked a lot about prayer and receiving guidance from the Lord for our life choices. She seemed troubled but hopeful.<br />
<br />
There was a big family history fair here in Vigo last Saturday. The FH reps for all of Spain came and brought their equipment and we met and had time to learn indexing, utilizing Family Search and other pertinent things. The JAS were in charge of a display about memories. We basically had old family photos displayed in some large antiqued frames we made and other photos clothes pinned to jute around the room. Then we made a really large frame that people could stand behind to take photos of them holding a heart with D&C 110:15 and the name of family member past or present they cared about. I think everyone really enjoyed our room as just a nice place to see photos and chat.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-av0dG7KsyNo/VKK6hM7DKuI/AAAAAAAAAjI/w9Xxn4uQH44/s1600/2014%2B12%2B07%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BDespedida%2BTrain%2BNydegger%2BDaniels%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-av0dG7KsyNo/VKK6hM7DKuI/AAAAAAAAAjI/w9Xxn4uQH44/s1600/2014%2B12%2B07%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BDespedida%2BTrain%2BNydegger%2BDaniels%2B4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Nydegger and Elder Daniels prior to Departure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This past weekend was transfers. One sister left to go home and an elder was transferred. Their train left just an hour and a half after the block on Sunday so they said their goodbyes at the branch came here to eat a quick lunch and then we took them to the train. The remaining elder went to Pontevedre until his companion arrived yesterday and sister Bennett came and stayed with us. Everyone arrived in Vigo Monday around 1:30 and came here for lunch and emailing since it was a holiday and all the stores with computers for public use were closed. We finally got them all delivered to their apts. around 5:30.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swvOOiBfmCA/VKK6hGL8R_I/AAAAAAAAAjM/EeIoMoRrMI8/s1600/2014%2B12%2B08%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BLlegada%2BHillman%2BMcFarland%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swvOOiBfmCA/VKK6hGL8R_I/AAAAAAAAAjM/EeIoMoRrMI8/s1600/2014%2B12%2B08%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BLlegada%2BHillman%2BMcFarland%2B4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Hillman (in green) and Elder McFarland (in the Sweater)<br />
are the new arrivals. The holdovers are Sister Bennett and<br />
Elder Rawson.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yesterday was pretty much our P-day and we just grocery shopped and went to the import store to get items for the missionaries Christmas stockings. I also did some baking for the week. And we just studied and did odds and ends. It was nice to have a quiet day.<br />
<br />
Our district has shrunk once again as they closed the city of Ourense and we lost two more elders. When we first arrived we had fourteen missionaries in our district and now we are down to eight. Two cities have been closed Vilagarcia and Ourense as mentioned before and the sisters taken from Pontevedre. I miss having the larger group of missionaries to meet with once a week and really miss having two more sisters in our district. Such is missionary life I am finding out.<br />
<br />
David Archuleta is coming to Madrid the 21st to give a Christmas concert for the missionaries and some of their investigators. Unfortunately it is only for the missionaries in or near Madrid so we will miss out but I know I will survive although it would have been a nice evening. The rumor is the mission President in Paris knows him and got him to come and do at least two concerts in the Europe area that we have heard about. Madrid and Paris.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6v6fnf_Szho/VKK_m3sZmkI/AAAAAAAAAjg/_RDce2L1Hik/s1600/IMG_0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6v6fnf_Szho/VKK_m3sZmkI/AAAAAAAAAjg/_RDce2L1Hik/s1600/IMG_0273.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JAS Gratitude night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our last few JAS activities have been well attended. Some come every week and others when they can but we are getting fairly large groups consistently and feel like we are helping to build some camaraderie among these kids and hopefully helping their testimonies of the gospel grow stronger. We love them so much and just want the very best for them. They are great kids with so much potential. Being able to teach them each week in Sunday School has been a real blessing for us and them. We get to talk about gospel subjects in greater depth than we could at a weekly activity.<br />
<br />
Well I had better send this off so I'll say good bye for now.<br />
<br />
Love to you all.<br />
<br />
Mom and Dad<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-69123926779908388642014-11-20T15:53:00.000-08:002015-03-16T11:52:32.840-07:00Nov 20, 2014Hello dear family,<br />
<br />
It's Thursday evening and another week in the mission has come and gone. It's been a good week as always. I was sick for a couple of days but other than that it has been business as usual. We did miss a few visiting appointments because I was out of commission for a bit. Of course the greatest news of the week is the birth of our 11th grandchild Cruze. How we love each new member of our family and welcome each addition. I know Devry, Quinn, Asher and Beckham are even more excited to have this new brother in their home. Life is good.<br />
<br />
Last Friday we and the sisters met with G again (Portuguese lady) and had a good lesson with her. She said she had been praying but hadn't felt anything spiritual. We read the introduction to the Book of Mormon with her and talked about the importance of reading and praying sincerely everyday so that the Lord knows we have a true desire to know the truth. She had said she was busy and didn't have time to read. The sister's reminded her that we have to make an effort to receive the blessings or answers we're looking for. We talked for a while and she was willing to pray at the end of the meeting after I prayed first as an example. She then gave a really beautiful prayer. She agreed to come to church, read, and pray. She didn't make it to church but we see her again tomorrow so we'll see about the rest.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haSEPpIX3KM/VKLLSPfrCCI/AAAAAAAAAkk/FiWTIgMBQ0A/s1600/(null).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haSEPpIX3KM/VKLLSPfrCCI/AAAAAAAAAkk/FiWTIgMBQ0A/s1600/(null).jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not something the Priesthood<br />
brethren would do.<br />
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Saturday I was home all day sick while Larry went to teach english. He pretty much was home with me the rest of the day. I was determined to go to church Sunday since it was the Primary Program and I am glad I did. The program was wonderful, the kids sang so beautifully, said their parts so sweetly, and in general presented a program to be proud of. The Primary leaders had obviously worked with them and it showed. They had little red, yellow, and blue pom poms they would hold up and shake during the song "Our Primary Colors". Along the hallway that leads into the chapel pictures the children had drawn, about families, were hung. That was a nice touch. Christ had a special love for little children and every year when I see the Primary Sacrament Meeting presentation I feel a small portion of what his great love must be for the little ones of the world.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EiTpgwS35m0/VKLCtGC9-DI/AAAAAAAAAj4/lp5CNmjP88g/s1600/2014%2B11%2B17%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BMonte%2BAlba%2B30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EiTpgwS35m0/VKLCtGC9-DI/AAAAAAAAAj4/lp5CNmjP88g/s1600/2014%2B11%2B17%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BMonte%2BAlba%2B30.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Monte Alba - Missionaries love photos of themselves<br />
while they jump in the air. Senior Missionaries not so much.</td></tr>
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Monday I stayed home trying to get over my stomach troubles. Larry took the young elders and sisters to lunch for P-day then drove them outside of town to Monte Alba. From this mountain there are amazing views of Vigo, the Bay, the islands and the beaches. We had been up there in March soon after we got here so Larry thought the missionaries would like it and they did.<br />
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I baked all day Tuesday for district meeting, FHE and our JAS activity. Wed was a great district meeting focusing on being diligent as missionaries. It was a good reminder of the need for consistency in all aspects of our lives but especially as missionaries doing this great work. Since arriving in Vigo there have been about 35 different elders and sisters in this zone of 10 and I can honestly say I have found them all to be diligent, hardworking, willing and just great missionaries. I have enjoyed knowing each of these young men and women so much.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nunlaD-i5Yc/VKLImgiBauI/AAAAAAAAAkU/b5EXymlzooY/s1600/IMG_0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nunlaD-i5Yc/VKLImgiBauI/AAAAAAAAAkU/b5EXymlzooY/s1600/IMG_0224.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza dough</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u31kgBxabe8/VKLImYVqr8I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/zgsHN5-Eytg/s1600/IMG_0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u31kgBxabe8/VKLImYVqr8I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/zgsHN5-Eytg/s1600/IMG_0230.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JAS origami</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had our JAS activity tonight <br />
(Thu. instead of Tue.) trying to include three people that can't come Tuesday. One came for about 15 minutes and then left for work because they have changed his schedule and the other two didn't show up but we still had a pretty good turn out with two nonmembers there. One of them has a baptismal date so that is exciting. The sister missionaries taught how to make pizza dough and then we later made pizzas and another girl taught some Origami and that was fun. It was a great night with good conversation and shared talents. I feel like I've know these kids forever and love being with them and watching them interact, grow stronger in the gospel, make good choices and live their lives and prepare for the future. We can get a little frustrated now and then but we are all just doing the best we can and they're young and we have been around the block so we hopefully can be understanding and encouraging when they need it.<br />
<br />
Love to you all,<br />
<br />
Mom and DadUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-19113014913868222652014-11-14T08:50:00.002-08:002014-12-30T11:35:57.338-08:00Nov 14, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
Hey Family.</div>
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It's that time of the again to write an email about this past week in the mission. The main activity this week was zone </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
conference in A Coruña yesterday. We drove up <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436978" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> with the sisters and spent a fun afternoon at a huge mall. We mostly had lunch and then frozen yogurt and walked around. We don't have any amazing malls in Vigo so it's fun to go to see a really big mall. There was a bowling area, go cart racing, carousel, video games, tons of restaurants and stores. We checked the sisters into their hotel and then went to ours to rest until the devotional at 8. President, Sister Jackson, and the assistants were driving in from Oviedo where they had a zone conference there that day and didn't arrive until around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436979" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:30</span></span>. The zone leaders planned the devotional and had gone to a lot of work to have a meaningful experience. The messages were about the Savior and his atonement, then role playing about repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Our meeting started Wed morning at 9 and ended at 1 and then we ate pizza and left for Vigo along with Pres. and Sister Jackson and the assistants who flew back to Madrid. Most of the Elders that were headed south had to wait for a <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436980" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5 o'clock</span></span> train to get back to their various cities. Sister Jackson talked about listening and the importance it plays as the investigators are being taught the gospel. She emphasized the need for silence and letting the Spirit work during the silent times. President Jackson gave a 10 minute instruction about leading music. The poor missionary who was asked to lead the music was so awkward and nervous that Pres. decided right then to give an impromptu course. He handled it very tactfully and the missionary was a good sport about it. We are constantly teaching our JAS how to lead music and giving them practice time to get comfortable doing it. Always a good skill to know. President Jackson also talked about the importance of teaching about the apostasy in more depth so investigators will understand the need for a restoration. He said there are 70 scriptures in the Bible that talk about the apostasy.</div>
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We got home and collapsed until english class and FHE. Larry and I are teaching the advanced conversational class now and we have about 3 students. It takes some planning to come with ideas to make the class interesting, fun, and give everyone a chance to talk as much as possible. Luckily there are lots of online sights that help us with ideas. </div>
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Last Friday we had a chance to go again with the sisters to teach the Portuguese lady from the cruise ship that lives in a tiny town about 30 minutes from Vigo. She lives there with her partner of some years and his two kids. The kids however don't like country living so they have apts. in Vigo. She is sincerely looking for something and knows that she shouldn't be living together with a man outside of marriage because she has mentioned it a couple of times to us. He won't marry her because it would affect their income. (must be taxes or govt. subsidies) They have a really great house and it is filled with lots of items indicative of their various talents. He draws she sews to name a couple of things. He wants nothing to do with the missionaries or religion but is fine if she wants to explore different religions. She invited us to return and said she would pray.</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436981" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> we were invited to dinner along with the sisters and elders to have dinner with a Brazilian member in the branch. I had always assumed she was single and childless because she was always alone at church. We found out she has a husband in Brazil and two grown children and they have been sealed as a family. The kids when they turned 18 told their parents they were done with the church for a while but they would come back someday. They are JAS age and live here in Vigo with their mom. We met them for the first time at dinner. We didn't know they existed until a couple of weeks ago. They are really personable young adults and we had a great time talking to them and getting to know them. The elders told them about our JAS activities and the son said he might start coming. The daughter didn't say much but she was so friendly and talked freely about the gospel. They would be such a wonderful addition to our group plus they need the gospel back in their lives and sooner rather than later.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436982" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> was branch conference and our little chapel was filled to capacity along with the Primary overflow room. We need a bigger building. They have land for a building but problems with various neighbors in the area where the sight is located. We had a great meeting. Our branch President, President Rey, gave such a good talk about the progress the branch has made and areas where improvement is needed. Then the district president, President Bamio, spoke and I honestly don't remember much about his talk. But that is my problem not an indicator of the value of what he said.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
The institute teacher was sick <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436983" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> so she asked Larry to substitute for her. He did a great job talking about the challenges the Lord gives us in our lives and how we respond is the key to if we progress in this life and go on to live our lives dedicated to the service of the Lord. He was a bit nervous which is unusual for your dad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436984" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> I made a meal for the institute teacher and her family and went to her house to take the food and visit for a bit. She is such a good teacher and I love talking to her. He youngest son was born the day after Griffin so I am always interested to see him and what he is doing. He is a darling little boy with a mop of black hair. I asked her if he'd lost any hair since he was born (like most babies do) and she said yes because he has had two haircuts. That is one way to look at it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Well the sisters are coming over in a few minutes to burn a CD so I'll say goodbye for now. Take care. We love you all!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Mom and Dad</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-88675836596138335352014-11-13T16:44:00.000-08:002015-03-16T11:58:15.923-07:00Nov 6, 2014<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Hi all,</div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We feel like two wonderfully blessed people this week. It was good to have the 10th grandchild arrive safe and sound and miraculously at the hospital. We are glad Stacey is fine and their little family has grown once again. Life is also very grand in Vigo as we go about our missionary duties. </span><br />
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<br />
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Saturday we went with a few families from the branch to Ponte de Lima in Portugal. We took a nonmember single mother and her seven year old daughter with us. We attended an annual flea market that is held on All Saints Day. It was huge and all set up in a big open field. There were mostly booths of clothing and shoes, with some furniture, crafts, baked goods, plants, and lots of birds for sale. Many many places to eat were available with meat grilled over wood fires being one of the most popular selections. We just followed the lead of the branch members and wandered the booths for a couple of hours. I think they bought mostly clothing items. I did buy some boots that were inexpensive and a little unusual but I'll probably only wear them with tucked in jeans. After shopping we were pretty hungry and I was looking forward to eating some of the grilled meat etc. but they decided it was too crowded there so we all drove to a restaurant which was also crowded. They eventually got all 17 of us seated but we had to wait forever for our food. We did have a lot of fun just talking and laughing while we waited and the food was actually pretty good. We got home in time for Larry to drive to Pontevedre and pick up the Vigo elders that had an intercambio and needed to change back but because of the holiday the buses weren't running on their normal schedule so the elders couldn't get back.</div>
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After Sunday<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436939" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">S</span></span>School I saw Tomasa (85 year old convert) walking down the hall and asked her how she was. She said she was feeling dizzy and sick and was going home to rest. She has no car so I knew that meant waiting to catch the bus and then a long bus ride to her home so I offered to take her home. She was so relieved so Larry went to get the car while we waited. As we were waiting a branch member suggested she get a blessing. So I went to find the Elders and they went into a vacant room with a member of the Branch Pres. and administered to her. I stayed in the foyer watching for Larry because he would have to double park and wait. We got her to her building and as I was walking her in she said as we were driving that her dizziness and sickness left her and that she felt so much better. She then said how the Lord always blesses her and that when she trusts in him and has faith her prayers are answered. This faithful dear lady does have so much faith and she is so humble and so grateful for the gospel in her life. She is a wonderful example to me to stay humble and faithful to the end, to love the Lord, and trust in his care and love for us. I did tell her she still needed to go up to her apt. and rest which she said she intended to do. Later that night we had pancakes for members and investigators at the church. The lady and daughter whom we had taken to Portugal were there and we had fun talking about our adventures at the flea market. This lady loves to socialize with the branch members and comes to different activities but she has taken the missionary lessons and just doesn't feel like she needs to be baptized again and any church is fine. We'll just keep loving her and being her friend and hope someday she feels differently.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;">Monday it was pouring rain and the young elders and sisters invited us to have lunch altogether. We went to Foster's Hollywood in the Mall which is our old standby and the missionaries love it. We had to pick everyone up and take them to various locals after lunch because of the hard downpour of rain. Still a fun way to spend part of P-day. I baked pumpkin bread later for zone training meeting which was yesterday in Santiago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;">Friday we headed out to a small pueblo an hour from Vigo with the sisters to teach a Portuguese lady that is probably 50ish. She met an LDS woman from the south of Spain while she was on a cruise and spent a lot of time with the member lady talking about the church. When they ported in Vigo the member from the ship brought this woman to the church and all of us missionaries were there finishing up district meeting. They asked if someone could meet with them right then and have a lesson which the sisters did. This happened a few weeks ago and the sisters were finally able to have another lesson with her Friday</span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> morning. She seems like a good lady and says she has been seeking for the truth for years. She has been with the JW's for about 3 years but has never felt good about being baptized into their church. She made an interesting comment and wondered why we didn't get together with the Jehovah's Witnesses and talk because we are all good people and have some of the same beliefs. It just doesn't work that way.</span></div>
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We had lunch with a member family and the young missionaries. The dad is a fisherman and goes to sea for a few months and then is home for about 3 months. When we first got here I assumed the mom was single until he showed up about 2 months ago then I figured it out. He leaves again in January and his ship goes to Canadian fishing grounds where they fish for halibut. </div>
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Tuesday evening we watched the movie "Wait Until Dark" with the JAS. I think they were a little bored at first but eventually got into it. It was a simple night and not a lot of work so after the Halloween bash the week before it was good to low key it a bit. They did love the cookies and cream popcorn I made for a treat. We had 3 nonmembers at the activity which was good although one young man left about 1/2 hour into the movie. Maybe he was bored who knows but he was at FHE last night.</div>
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We had a great zone training meeting yesterday. The focus was on setting goals and taking specific steps to obtain the results we desire. We also watched Elder Lynn Robins talk from October Conference when his subject was which way do you face as in towards Christ and his leaders here on earth. Later that evening we had english class and then FHE so a long busy day.</div>
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It's been a fairly calm and routine week but again we have enjoyed every moment. You all take care. We love you.</div>
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Mom and Dad</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-18851830307933274852014-11-12T08:39:00.000-08:002015-03-16T12:02:34.398-07:00Oct 30, 2014<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Hello to all,</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I need to get this week's email done before I forget what has been happening. The days just fly by and sometimes I feel like I don't get enough written that I want to say about our time here. Saturday was a pretty normal Saturday with the RS actiivity taking place at </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436971" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5:30</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. We made gratitude jars and learned how to make madelenas and a main dish with eggs, peas, and ham. The RS president wanted to send a plate home to Larry but I had to tell her that for as long as I had known my husband I had yet to see him eat peas so I declined. We helped clean up and drove sister missionaries and the RS presidency home and were back in our apt by </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_191436972" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">10:30</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. </span><br />
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Sunday we left at 9:00 to attend church an hour away in Ourense. Larry was the visiting district council member and one of the speakers. We had been to church there once before shortly after we got here and there were twice as many people attending than before so there has been some significant growth in the branch. We talked to a young family in the branch after sacrament meeting. The husband is American and his wife is Chilean plus they have three little boys. The wife is a Dr. of Radiology and is doing a 4 year residency there. Her brother and his family have also moved there for the same reason. The brother is the Dr. So those two families have added a lot to the strength to the branch. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAuwKh1TE48/VKL_bzMBExI/AAAAAAAAAk4/xDW8aP_OV_s/s1600/2014%2B10%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BNew%2BArrivals%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAuwKh1TE48/VKL_bzMBExI/AAAAAAAAAk4/xDW8aP_OV_s/s1600/2014%2B10%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BNew%2BArrivals%2B3.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Rawson on the left upon his arrival<br />
from Leon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASCxrdDJaVU/VKL_qrN8cII/AAAAAAAAAlM/u66ijiEg9QE/s1600/2014%2B10%2B26%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BTransfer%2BDay%2B17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASCxrdDJaVU/VKL_qrN8cII/AAAAAAAAAlM/u66ijiEg9QE/s1600/2014%2B10%2B26%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BTransfer%2BDay%2B17.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Braithwaite in yellow with Sister Nydegger</td></tr>
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Later Sunday night after Pancakes at the building it was the start of the weekend transfers. We put Sister Braithwaite on an overnight train to Madrid. She finished her mission and flew home Tuesday morning. Larry took Elder McAllister to the bus station at 10PM to go to Madrid where he would catch a flight to the Canary islands. He has been in Vigo for almost 5 months so we will really miss him. I met his parents when I was home in July. Great people from Pleasant Grove. Sister Nydegger the other sister here in Vigo came home with us to spend the night until her companion arrived the next day. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ilVhw2tWenk/VKMAaPvMMGI/AAAAAAAAAlg/o4pebiapOMA/s1600/2014%2B10%2B26%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BTransfer%2BDay%2B25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ilVhw2tWenk/VKMAaPvMMGI/AAAAAAAAAlg/o4pebiapOMA/s1600/2014%2B10%2B26%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BTransfer%2BDay%2B25.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder MacAllister in the suit with Elder Beudin</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FahA8mKFh60/VKL_cOaC8wI/AAAAAAAAAk8/TvDL6qlzR3U/s1600/2014%2B10%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BNew%2BArrivals%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FahA8mKFh60/VKL_cOaC8wI/AAAAAAAAAk8/TvDL6qlzR3U/s1600/2014%2B10%2B27%2BSpain%2BMadrid%2BMission%2BVigo%2BNew%2BArrivals%2B2.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Bennett on the right - the newest<br />
Sister in Vigo</td></tr>
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Monday morning at 7 Larry took elder Beudin from Pontevedre, also the district leader, to the train for his next assignment in Madrid. Later that day around two we picked up the new sister and elder coming in from <br />
Madrid. We brought them all to the house for lunch and then Larry delivered elders and luggage to their apts. The sisters stayed until 6 and did their emailing then we delivered them and the luggage to their apt. It was a long busy day. I'm glad I am not in charge of transfers for the entire mission, what a logistical nightmare that has to be, every six weeks. This transfer every companionship in our district has one new member. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ-QaFyfqF4/VKME2tAatNI/AAAAAAAAAlw/A24PnmswFUI/s1600/(null)-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ-QaFyfqF4/VKME2tAatNI/AAAAAAAAAlw/A24PnmswFUI/s1600/(null)-3.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4OA_flhIRM/VKME2fLx-LI/AAAAAAAAAls/ztWSdOlSJ74/s1600/(null)-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4OA_flhIRM/VKME2fLx-LI/AAAAAAAAAls/ztWSdOlSJ74/s1600/(null)-2.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a>Later that night we went shopping for all the things we needed for the JAS halloween party the next evening. We went to the large Asian import store for decorations, face painting supplies and other game items. Then to the grocery store for refreshment items. I took it easy and just made a carmel cake and hot spiced cider and two of the JAS brought the rest of the food. We went over Tuesday at 6 with a couple of the JAS to decorate and set everything up. It was a lot of work to pull it together but we had great attendance (three nonmembers) and most of the JAS in the branch. The party was a lot of fun and the kids really enjoyed themselves. We started at 7:30 and finished at 10:00. There was pumpkin carving, face painting, donut eating from strings, mummy races and more. Simple but fun. Most of them had never carved pumpkins but they actually got the hang of it and were pretty creative. It was a challenge getting them into the face painting but by the end everyone was doing it, if not on their faces then their hands and arms. We just love working with these kids and have grown so attached to them. We just want to see them make good choices so they can have happy lives as active strong members of the Church. </div>
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Wednesday was district meeting with Elder Rawson, the new elder in Vigo, as the new leader of this district. He did a good job at the meeting and we discussed many ways of improving our work and then discussed specific needs here in the district and set some goals for improving our effectiveness. I am always so impressed with these young elders and their abilities to lead and guide a district, not to mention the other missionaries in the district and their sincere dedication and desire to serve the Lord with all that they have. They inspire me every week to do better while I am serving here.</div>
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Today we decided to dress in casual clothing and have a real P-Day. We went to an Italian restaurant one of our english students recommended and it was well worth the visit. We had a delicious lunch and then went to Samil beach and walked on the boardwalk for a while and just enjoyed the sound of the waves, the warm sun, and smell of the ocean. There were people on the beach but nothing like during the summer months. The weather is so warm that it feels like summer again and the skies are clear and blue although there is rain predicted for tomorrow. Larry just got back from a lesson with the elders so we are going to have our study now since we skipped it this morning and slept in. We both had terrible nights last night. Anyway, bye for now and you all take care.</div>
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Love.</div>
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Mom and Dad</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-90344005683769441062014-10-24T14:28:00.000-07:002014-10-24T14:28:08.833-07:00Oct 23, 2014<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
Dearest Family,</div>
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As of<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095493" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> of this week we are half way through the mission. It has sped by at an unbelievable pace. We have had nine </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
months of such joy in service, seeing a beautiful part of the world, meeting amazing people from all different areas of the globe, and learning, learning, learning. What a fabulous opportunity it has been to study /The Book of Mormon/, and /Preach My Gospel/ together everyday and share our thoughts with each other. We actually were asked at the end of August to read the /Book of Mormon/, as a mission, from start to finish by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095494" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Dec. 23rd</span></span> so we started from the beginning again but have caught back up to where we left off and are once again studying with the book /Verse by Verse in the Book of Mormon/.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095495" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> there was a branch baptism for two investigators. The sweet lady that struggled with smoking was baptized and a young girl of 16 whose parents are members but she and her older sister aren't. She made the decision to be baptized over a week ago but told only the missionaries and branch leaders so the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095496" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> before, when the baptism was announced, and they read her name her parents had no idea until then. They were so surprised and thrilled with her decision. Since it was Fast and Testimony meeting both of them bore such sweet testimonies of their love for her and happiness with her decision. Her sister is <span style="font-size: x-small;">JAS</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> age and comes to church all the time now and even came to our JAS activity for the first time this past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095497" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span>. It would be so joyful to have the whole family baptized and the daughters sealed. I didn't make it to the baptism because I was having terrible back pain for three days and just stayed home and rested. I was able to lend the other lady my temple dress for her baptism. She is so tiny and short so the sister missionaries bought a white ribbon and tied it around her waist and pulled the top of the dress over the ribbon a couple of inches so it wasn't too long on her. Can you imagine being that much shorter than me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We'll be saying goodbye to one of our sister missionaries <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095498" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">this Sunday</span></span> night and the other sister will stay with us until her companion gets here either <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095499" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span>, or <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095500" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> if it a new sister just out of the MTC. The branch always holds a special FHE farewell when a missionary is leaving the mission from Vigo to go home. We had that last night for hermana Braithwait. There was a great crowd, good food, wonderful lesson and games, so it was a nice send off for her. They always give the missionaries a Spanish flag and a Galician flag and everyone signs it that wants to. It was a fun night. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095501" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> is transfers so there could be a lot more changes coming in our district. We took pictures after district meeting <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095502" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> because it is the last time we'll be together as this particular group. Changes are good and it's always great to meet more young missionaries but it is also hard to say goodbye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We had a torrential rain storm with high winds last week. At times it looked like the rain was falling horizontally. We had to drive in it to get missionaries to and from some places in the city and the traffic was a nightmare. A normal 10 minute drive took an hour. There was flooding throughout the city but I only saw pictures on facebook since it wasn't anywhere near us. These kind of rainstorms are very typical during the winter months here in northern Spain so we are told. What has been really surprising is since then we have had clear blue skies and warm temperatures. I don't look forward to more storms like that but we aren't out in it like the young missionaries. They have it much tougher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We had a great JAS activity <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1358095503" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> night. We met at Monte Castro, an old celtic ruin that is a park on a hill in the middle of Vigo. It is beautiful with gardens, fountains, monuments, trails and gorgeous views once you make it to the top. We enjoyed the park a while and were supposed to play games but it got dark so we went to a little cafeteria at the bottom of the hill, ordered drinks and snacks for everyone and celebrated one of our JAS girlfriend's birthday. She comes to our activities quite often so we know her quite well and everyone really likes her. I had made cupcakes and brought candles and the restaurant manager said it would be fine to sing Happy Birthday so we had a little party. She came up to me after and kissed me on the cheek and thanked me. I get kissed a lot on the cheek here and hugged all the time. Fun night!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We're just living the mission dream and counting our blessings everyday to be having this wonderful experience. Love to all of you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mom and Dad</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-29895494752258516012014-10-16T09:57:00.000-07:002014-10-16T09:57:05.503-07:00Oct 15, 2014<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Dear Family,</span><br />
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We had district meeting today and the focus was on investigators. The idea being that everything missionaries do is for the benefit of those being taught the gospel. All the study and routine of a missionary's day is in place so that the gospel can be brought more effectively to more people. As missionaries the goal is to bring souls to Christ and those are the investigators. I love our district meetings and learn so much during the time we spend together but our as focus as a senior couple is so different that it would be nice to have a meeting regularly with other senior couples that work with the JAS like we do. We do love the young missionaries and try to work closely with them and help in their work also since we have the time. We are all on the same team!</div>
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We have been visiting with the less actives with the sisters a lot and really enjoy that. It helps us get to know people we normally wouldn't see very often. We left some cookies at one home last Friday with a teenage son that was the only one home. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_681044617" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> the mother came up to me and thanked me so kindly for the cookies. I had never met her before and she is such a lovely person. The sisters said they had never seen her stay for all three meetings so maybe a little progress was made because of our visit.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The sisters and I made applesauce and chicken soup <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_681044619" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> for an investigator and a lady in the ward that has been sick The investigator is the lady I mentioned before that was trying to quit smoking. She loves applesauce so we thought she would appreciate homemade. The sisters invited us to have lunch with them and this sweet lady yesterday. She has done really well not smoking and was interviewed for baptism today and will be baptized <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_681044620" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span>. We picked her up and brought her to english class today and she stayed for FHE and loved it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have been focusing on Family History in our <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_681044621" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">sunday</span></span> school class with the JAS, trying to get them excited about it and understanding the importance of the work. Larry showed them some of our family pictures he put on the Family search website and that seemed to grab their attention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">One of the young women in our group told us she has decided to serve a mission. We are so excited for her. She speaks english and will be a wonderful missionary wherever she serves. The two young men that seemed so excited about serving a mission haven't really progressed much as far as getting the ball rolling. We have been told not to pressure one of them because it really bothers him when branch members bring it up to him. We haven't ever said much of anything except to offer our help if it is needed. I'm sure the thought of a mission can seem overwhelming and even frightening to some of these kids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We had a great activity last night with the JAS. It was "Skills Night #2." They seem to really enjoy teaching and learning from each other. They wanted to do it again so we did. We'll continue until everyone has had a turn. Two of the young men talked about fitness and weight training. Another taught us to make a pasta dish typical of the Dominican Republic where he is from. He eventually wants to study to become a chef. One of the young women who is studying early childhood ed. talked about the physical development of newborn children to 2 years of age. Another young woman offered to bring the refreshments and brought an amazing Peruvian chicken and rice dish. We ate really well last night!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">President and Sister Jackson came to Vigo <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_681044622" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> evening. We had no idea they were coming until the sisters told us at english class Sat. morning. By the time they got here we were busy with the young missionaries. Larry went to teach with the elders and after that we were going visiting with the sisters. They did manage to interview both sets of young missionaries Sat night. We only saw them for a few minutes after fast and testimony meeting <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_681044623" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> before they left. Actually Larry saw Pres. Jackson Sun. evening at a district Priesthood meeting in Santiago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We hope all is well you you and yours. We love you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mom and Dad</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-29363907693795030352014-10-08T15:55:00.003-07:002014-10-08T15:55:51.286-07:00Oct 7, 2014<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hi family!</span><br />
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We had over a week of gorgeous crystal clear blue skies after a several days of rain but as of yesterday we are back to clouds and rain. We are learning to appreciate cloudless skies and take advantage of no rain to spend time out in the fresh air walking. I absolutely love walking around the city for fun, shopping, eating at restaurants, or visiting people. It's something, aside from visiting nearby neighbors, we don't have opportunity to do at home. Admittedly the hills can be overwhelming and cause us to resort to the car, the same with distance. We went on a walk yesterday and it started to sprinkle but we kept going and finally the rain came in earnest however, we were able to duck into an ice cream parlor and have a treat as we watched the rain and waited for it to pass.</div>
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We watched the Sat afternoon session of conference with the elders and sisters yesterday and fed them lunch. We're doing the same today during their lunch break so we can watch the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_882446613" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> afternoon session. I made tomato soup and peanut butter cookies and we're ordering pizza to complete the meal. It was a good conference weekend, different than in Utah but still so enjoyable. We were able to get most of the JAS to come to the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_882446614" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> morning session which aired at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_882446615" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6 pm</span></span> here. We followed the session with a lasagna dinner and had about 20 in attendance. We invited the Branch President and his family and a few single members to join us. Larry got a good discussion about conference going during the meal and several people shared things said during the session that meaningful to them. It is good to hear from our leaders twice a year and be uplifted, counseled, and guided. I always feel so confident after Conference weekend that all will be well in the end. We have much to be grateful for.</div>
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We were again in charge of the english sessions of conference as far as setting up the computer and getting the signal. Larry saved the spanish Priesthood session by letting them use our computer and cords because they were missing the right cord for the they had computer and the sisters were watching the women's session in the chapel. The young sisters and I watched in spanish so some African gentlemen with less spanish skills could use the ipad for english Priesthood.</div>
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We just got back from taking one of the sisters' investigators to the doctor. She is a sweet lady that is trying to quit smoking and having a lot of anxiety and she hopes the doctor can help her with her problem. She goes back <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_882446616" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span> at 9 for a more thorough exam.</div>
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Well this letter is being written in stages. We just got home from our JAS activity. We divided into two groups and went to visit two older women in the branch. We are disappointed at the lack of attendance we got tonight. We only had 2 girls come with us to visit Tomasa and Tairi (JAS leader) was by herself visiting another lady. I haven't talked to Tairi but we had a wonderful time during our visit. Tomasa told us her conversion story and some of the miracles that have happened to her since joining the church. She takes her Book of Mormon wherever she goes and talks to everyone about the gospel. She is truly an angel. We asked her how old she was and she said "You mean without lying?" She is 85, only been a member for 7 months, and so faithful. She absolutely raved on and on about how much she enjoyed General Conference. Somehow she missed it in April so this was her first time to ever watch it. Some of our JAS needed the experience of serving others and missed out big time tonight.</div>
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Well this is short and hopefully sweet. You all take care. Love you so much</div>
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Mom and Dad</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-3310319041470727912014-10-02T18:27:00.000-07:002014-10-02T18:27:08.779-07:00Oct 2, 2014<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hi guys,</span><br />
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So it's been a good week of wonderful activities. Wed. after zone meeting in Santiago we took the sisters and went to see the famous pilgrimage cathedral and the surrounding area. It was such a perfect day clear and cool so we just took our time and strolled around. In a plaza behind the cathedral your dad was in heaven because there was a jazz guitarist playing and he was amazing. We actually talked to him for a while and he played "Girl from Ipanema" per Larry's request. I'm not a guitar expert but I loved listening to him. Later we went back to eat at a crepe restaurant, near where he had been playing, in hopes of hearing more of his great music, but he was gone. </div>
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Last Thursday afternoon I spent with the sisters and Larry spent with the elders. We visited and taught an investigator and an then spent some time with an elderly lady in the branch<span style="font-size: 13px;">. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">We sang with her and read the Book Of Mormon. The darling lady honestly cannot sing, which she admits, but loves the hymns and sings with gusto. We would sing for a while and then just burst into giggles because she was so hilarious and then we'd get control and continue singing. Larry went and taught a lesson with the elders to an eight year old boy that was baptized <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1003686907" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> night. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1003686908" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> was the monthly RS meeting, the one that was enrichment and now has no name so when it's being announced no one knows what to call it. I went over in the morning to set up while Larry and the elders and sisters taught english. We learned to cook some wonderful appetizers and then we were able to sample them and have a fun time eating and talking. After that the YW had a fashion show which was their activity weekly activity (a small scheduling problem) and most of the women stayed for that. The YW did a really great job and to be honest it was a much better activity than I thought it would be. They were very creative and it was well planned. The clothes were also very darling. They used their own clothes and all of them modeled about 5 outfits for different occasions or types for activities. Their parent were the best cheering section but everyone was rah rahing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1003686909" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> was the normal busy but with an added evening baptism followed by Institute, pancake night, and driving sisters and an elderly investigator home. We had a late night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1003686910" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> Larry took the elders and sisters on the 3 in 1 tour, as he has started calling it. It includes the beach town of Biaona, the Celtic ruins of SantaTecla, and the Portugese city of Valenca which is a small town built within a Roman Wall. I've writtien about it before. Larry has made that trip 5 times to my 3. It is a great trip but I passed and stayed home and did other things. Plus there wasn't room in the car for me. One of the sisters got sick on the trip so Larry brought them back to the apt. to rest and do their e-mailing. We went and got groceries for them and took them home later that night. They were both sick the next day so we took them some food to tide them over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1003686911" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> night at english class one of our students, who is from Mozambique, and is here working on a doctorate in marine biology asked Larry and I to proof read her dissertation which she is writing in english. Wow that was an english grammar, vocabulary workout for our brains. She is coming again tonight so we can help her with more of it. It is a time consuming task.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After FHE we went with the sisters to one of our JAS homes to take her a birthday card and gift. We had gone earlier and only the dad was home so he invited us back for cake later that night with the family. We got there around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1003686912" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:30</span></span> and could only stay for about 45 minutes because of the sister's <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1003686913" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">10:30</span></span> curfew. This young lady is actually not a member. Her parents are but she and her sister (16) were never baptized however they both attend all the meetings. She actually never comes to our JAS activities but she is there <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1003686914" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> and now and again at other branch activities. We finally got her to come into our <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1003686915" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> School class and now we are working on getting her there for our weekly activities. She's a sharp girl but doesn't seem to want to be baptized.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are so blessed to be here having such wonderful associations with the members here in Vigo, and all of the missionaries. What a marvelous work is being done in this part of the Lord's vineyard and we know the same kind of efforts are being made all over the world. What a great gift we have been given as a people to have the gospel plan in our lives and a living prophet guiding us through troubled times. We are so excited for General Conference. I hope you can all make time to watch it and hear the important timely messages our leaders have prepared for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Take care. We love you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mom and Dad</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2594533411323823717.post-41751628877590256232014-10-02T18:25:00.004-07:002014-10-02T18:25:59.381-07:00Sep 23, 2014<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello dearest family,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />If you've been on facebook today you know we started the day going to the fish market to buy swordfish. Angie, one of our JAS from Peru is teaching everyone how to make ceviche tonight at our activity and I told her we would get the fish. It wasn't as easy as I thought. We went to a few places and they all said "we usually have swordfish but not today" however at last we found a little shop that had one piece and it was enough for our project. After that we came home and I started baking, oatmeal scotchies and brownies for tonight and zone meeting in Santiago tomorrow. I still have to make a stuffed baguette but I'm tired of the kitchen and taking a break. Meanwhile your dad is driving to Pontevedre to meet the owner of the former sister's apt. and close that down. I assume that means no more sisters there. So sad I love having sisters in our zone but now it's just the two in Vigo. After that he's meeting the sisters and taking them and their investigator to the Doctor. She is trying to quit smoking and apparently having a lot of anxiety. I feel for her and I know she really wants to stop so she can be baptized. I hope he can make it back in time for our "Sharing Skills Night" JAS activity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />We had a temple missionary couple come from Madrid come and spend the weekend with us. They are the Grieves from Springville where they have retired after having raised their family in Sacramento, CA. This is their third mission and they are such great people. We had a wonderful time showing them some of the beautiful sights between here and Portugal and then of course we went into Portugal to see Valenca the city surrounded by Romanesque walls. We also did some sight seeing around Vigo and ate at this wonderful Uruguayan restaurant. The Grieves had spent part of one of their missions in Uruguay and wanted to find a restaurant and eat some of their favorite foods from there so we found one and we loved what we ordered. We have a Uruguayan gentleman in our branch that told us two of his favorite restaurants with Uruguayan food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Larry started getting sick last week at our JAS pizza night (which had a record attendance of 15) and woke up Wed. feeling terrible. After District meeting and getting all the elders back to their buses he pretty much hit the bed for the next two days with a terrible cold. Finally Saturday he felt well enough to help teach english class. After that we were also able to go with the sisters, to one of the families we've been asked to work with, to get to know them and leave a spiritual message. We talked a lot about the temple, obedience and the blessings they both bring into our lives. They seemed happy to have us there and when the mother gave the closing prayer she asked the Lord to help them get to church the next day. I thought for sure we would see them at church but no such luck. They rarely come so we'll just keep trying to build a relationship with them and help them any way we can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />We spent part of P-day showing the Grieves more of Vigo before they left around 11. We took them to this little church on a hill above Vigo that has amazing 360 degree views of the city, harbor, ocean and the islands off the coast. When we got their there was a tour bus there and the church was open. We had never seen it open before or even anyone on the grounds. For a Euro we climbed the bell tower of the church and were able to see even more breathtaking views. Later the sisters came to lunch and after that we went to the store to buy some things I needed for the food tonight and tomorrow. It was a fun easygoing day spent with wonderful people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Love you all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Mom and Dad</span></div>
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