Spain 5th Week 19-25 May 2008


Here we are the 5th week. Since we have been here our last name has been said many different ways! We go by Chaw, Saw, Show it’s a hoot! Of course in Spanish the “h” is silent so the “h” in Shaw really throws them ! We answer to all of them! We have been on the early schedule this week, Sharon’s favorite shift! We all know how much I love to get up early! Tom had to be there even earlier this week 6:30, because he had the front desk assignment . Sharon was in the baptistery twice this week her first time. Some of the missionaries from the MTC came to do Baptisms which was a treat. As I looked at those young men it took me back to when my boys left and served their missions. They are excited to be doing the Lord’s work and can’t wait to get out in the field. I thought of their parents how happy and concerned they are for these missionaries. There have been times when I have been able to be in the Celestial Room by myself, what a warm sweet experience that is. We love this work!

On Monday our Preparation Day we went to a place called The Royal Tapestry Factory. It is where they make hand made rugs/carpets and Tapestry. It was fascinating, unfortunately they would not allow us to take pictures there because it would disturb the workers. They have orders from all over the world for these famous rugs and tapestries. They make all their own yarn and thread, and dye it. The people work 8 hour shifts and get one 15 min. break the whole time. The ones making rugs stand the whole time, and the ones doing tapestry were sitting. They also would repair some of the rugs which they could sit for that. For a rug it would take a week to do a square yard. The cost per sq. yard of a carpet was $1,5oo USD! The tapestry would take 3 to 4 months to do a square yard, that costs $18,000 dollars a sq. yard! We think when we get home we’ll order some carpet from there for our whole house! Ha Ha The workers would use a pattern to look at for the design. The tapestry thread was so fine that it looked like a painted picture. The normal worker gets paid about 900.00 to 1,000.00 Euros a month, not nearly enough. We did pick up a pamphlet there and Tom will try to scan a picture from it.

During this trip we also visited the main hub (subway, train and bus) of their public transportation. This is where the terrorists exploded a bomb a couple of years ago. It is huge and covers a couple of city blocks. The public transportation is truly a remarkable undertaking…and is used by many of the people throughout Madrid. The cost is pretty reasonable to travel and they seem to stay on schedule most of the time.

There was also a “newer, brighter” Catholic Church that we visited. It was well lighted and there were actually people inside saying prayers and worshipping….for this we didn’t take any pictures, but trust us, it was a pleasant site to see a different type of church…very well kept and appeared to be modern.


We also say a building that was dedicated to the liberators of the people of Spain. There were numerous monuments (head stones +) for about 25 of the most important liberators. Some of the monuments were a little confusing, but the bodies are supposedly actually buried somewhere in the actual tribute. You could tell that at one time this had been a really sacred place and well taken care of, but over the years it has deteriorated a little bit, but evidently still a very big honor to be buried there. Many of these people were assasinated.

I think we have mentioned before that the MTC is in our same building. There are 57 Missionaries here right now. We never see them during the week except sometimes out on the street, if they happen to be on a Preparation Day. Right above our apartment is where their classes and Devotionals are held, and there is a piano in one of the rooms. We get serenaded during the day at times and sometimes in the evening. We Love it. On Sundays they always come out to the plaza and sing hymns at 7:00p.m. The fulltime Missionaries try to bring some of their contacts to listen. Also anyone who wishes to come and listen can do so. When they are finished singing they can talk to those who have come to hear them. We have talked to different ones and have really enjoyed getting to know them. They have great enthusiasm. Then when they leave its kind of tough to see them go.

Last night we had a social in the ward where ward members were to bring non-members and less active friends. The ward Mission leader was in charge. He divided the people into groups. They would go around to the different organization rooms, and hear what they were about. They had a Relief Society, Priesthood, Primary, and Young Men & Young Women’s area. They also took a little tour of the Temple Grounds. The ward Mission Leader also had some people do some roll playing of ways to interest people in our church. The primary children sang some songs and the ward choir sang “Faith In Every Footstep.” Sharon has been singing with the ward choir . Of course it ended up like every good church social should, with refreshments! It was great.

We love all of you and know that the Lord is watching over you. We feel it such a privilege to be here and thank you all for supporting us. We know the gospel is true know matter where you are and that there is no language barrier to the spirit. Love to all.

Spain 4th Week 12-18 May 2008

Spain 4th Week 12-18 May 2008

This past week has been an exciting week and a busy one. On Monday we went by subway to a gigantic park called Casa de Campo (this was the private hunting grounds for the royal family in the old days). We entered on one side and rode a gondola, yep, a gondola over about half of the park.

Things have obviously changed a lot since those olden days, but it is huge and I could see them hunting wild animals and riding their horses for hours in pursuit of their game. It would have probably been quite the challenge as big as it is. It’s really a wilderness area that has been modernized with trails for hiking, long asphalt trails for bike riders-and believe me, they let you know the trails are theirs when you are walking on them! The have also built an amusement park with a roller coaster and there is a large lake, where the royals would have their water recreation activities. When you are in the park it seems that civilization is no where to be found…it’s quite as a mouse except for the bikes that come screaming by every couple of minutes. They have made the lake area kind of a summer park with canoeing, restaurants and much more.
We then got back on the subway and went to the Royal Palace and an area called Plaza del Sol. The palace and attached gardens, etc is no longer used except for tours, of course with an entrance fee. There was not time to go inside on this trip, but will make it on another trip downtown. The Plaza del Sol is a walking street and arteries with all different kinds of shops (most are pretty expensive) and is the only place that we have found that you can buy cheddar cheese in a “block” form. Needless to say, we purchased a few kilos and brought it back to the apartment.

We also got to see the “official” statue of the symbol of Madrid….it is a bear standing up to a “strawberry/or a relative thereof” tree. This symbol seems kind of interesting if you ask me?

Also, we saw our first Spanish “street Water Closet,” for a small fee, you can use the latrine…it is probably the fanciest outdoor toilet we have ever seen. I also got my first haircut in Spain and you know I didn’t have much hair to begin with, but now that top part of my head is hard to distinguish from my facial hair….and all for a mere $8.00 USD (because I’m retired). I have never really used hair spray or gel, but if I don’t, it’s too short to do anything. Sharon will try to get a trim this week - vamos a ver?

The work at the Temple this week was good as always! The saints are faithful and come and do work, some of them almost everyday. There is one little supervisor (about 5’ nothing tall) that comes everyday and works in the afternoon. He has to take a bus to get within the limits of the subway, then the subway to within about two blocks of the Temple, he says it takes over one hour each way. He never misses a day and does it with a smile….he has been doing this since the dedication of the temple in 1999. I wonder how many of us would do something like this everyday at your own expense? This coming week saints from Porto Portugal are assigned to come. I’m sure they will come on Monday by bus will stay and work all week, then leave next Saturday afternoon to return home so they will arrive in time for church on Sunday.

On Saturday night we went to dinner with the Bynum’s (Larry & Linda) and the Lyman’s (Brent & Jeanne) to a Chinese Restaurant. They both came to Spain at the same time, but Lyman’s call was for two years and the Bynum’s 18 months. The Bynum’s are going home to Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday after fulfilling their mission. We are getting their computer desk and printer for a small price. They bore their testimonies today in the ward sacrament meeting with the help of a translator.

We know the gospel of Jesus Christ is TRUE! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is TRUE and we have a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who leads guides and directs the affairs of the Lord on the earth today. Christ stands as the head of the church and directs it through him. As we study the Book of Mormon in greater depth than we have ever done so, we know it to be the word of God and goes hand-in-hand with the Bible. As a matter of fact, it clarifies its’ teachings and answers many of the most basic questions that people have about life and the so called “mysteries” of God.

We want all of you to know how much we love and appreciate you! We miss each one of you dearly and pray for you morning and night. Thanks for all of your prayers, love and concern…honestly, we can feel it and it gives us strength to carry on and complete our assignments.

Spain 3rd Week (5 - 11 May 2008)

Once a month we will be having a family home evening together with the other temple Missionaries. We had the first one last Monday. The Mendez’s were in charge. Brother Mendez is in the Temple Presidency. He told us a story about the process of refining silver. It is quite a process . Many steps go into it . He compared it to our lives and how we need to go through a refining period to become like God. Their many stages of firing the silver which he compared to the trials we have to endure and the faith we have to exercise at those times. He mentioned that God would never give us anything that we can’t endure. Then at the end of the story the person asked how you would know when the silver is completed. He said when you look into the silver and you see Gods image in it. It was very touching and we have asked him for a copy of the story. Then of course we had yummy refreshments, we can’t have a get together without having something to eat!

We also went to a place called Toledo on Monday. It was an hour bus ride from here. Several of the Missionaries went. We took a little tour on a open air train. The front of it Looked like a train so that’s what they called it. Toledo is basically an island-built on a rock, it is surrounded by water on three sides. The Romans had built some aquaducts when they had the area, but most of them have deteriorated beyond recognition. However, some of protective walls and lookout posts are still intact and in good condition. We went in a shop where they were making, by hand, gold leaf plates, brouches, earings, etc. One plate can take as much as up to 140 hours hours to complete...the price verifies this. We also went into a store that obviously, caters to the missionaries, they had a "Sword of Captain Moroni for a mere $80 and also a pretty authentic LLadro figurine of two LDS Missionaries. The owner said there were just completing the LLadro figurine of the Angle Moroni-they would give a 25% discount to members of the church. It is very beautiful with a lot of walls and buildings that were built hundreds of years ago and has gone through many different kingdoms. The catholic cathedral is huge and contained the robes of all of the cardinals of Spain. There were at least three huge pipe organs inside. The architecture of the city was fabulous...and this from someone who doesn't know left froom right! There is even one hill that had an escaltor built on the side of the mountain to get to the top. Toledo is famous for it's Toledo steel (knives and swords). Then we began walking to find different sights. We walked and walked and walked and it was mostly up hill! We saw some cathedrals. And some quaint little streets with outdoor restaurants and little shops. The streets were very narrow and we had to watch for cars because there was barely enough room for you and the car. We had a good time but we were totally exhausted when we got home.

Sharon thought about joining the knights of the round table, but figured she couldn't dance in the get up....and her hair just wasn't gonna look too good.

This past week in the temple a French stake came. They bring some of their own workers who have been set apart for the temple. They were very friendly and we loved hearing their language. On Thursday night 22 Relief Society sisters arrived. They did as many sessions and baptisms and sealings and initiatories as they could before they went back home on Sat. They all came by bus it was about a 5 hour drive. Their custom is to kiss people twice on each cheek when greeting someone! We hated to see them go.

About three weeks ago, our children put some money into our checking account and told us to use it however we thought best. This past week we found a way. There had been a little, old couple from Portugal that had been here for two weeks doing temple work everyday….most of the time it was up to 4-5 endowment sessions plus initiatories, they are the sweetest couple! One night we were at the store just around the corner and we saw sister Periera behind us in line, she was buying a little loaf of bread and some fruit juice. We thought this might be what they were able to purchase with apparently meager funds. The next day at the temple, we had put an equivalent amount in an envelope and put their name on it. I ran into him later in the day and told him that there was an envelope with his name on it, but I didn’t know where it had come from. He took it with some skepticism (I’m sure), as he was walking away he opened it, but didn’t stop. I can only assume that he was overcome by emotions. Thanks kids for your generosity and support.

Last night we had a stake Relief Society social. They had a great attendance. They had different people share a talent from their Country. Two other sisters and I sang some western songs. We sang “O Susannah,” “She’ll Comin’ Around the Mountain,” “ Wait For The Wagon,” “Sweet Betsy From Pike,” and “Home On The Range.” We dressed up like cowboys. Everyone seemed to enjoy it though most could not understand the words, they liked the tunes and clapped along. We’d better be careful we might have to go on tour! Ha Ha

Dad taught the English Sunday School class today. It’s always a little unnerving with Pres. Howard there. He did a wonderful job, the lesson was on Seers. Prophets and Revelators. He used the little clip Malia sent us with Pres. Monson’s talk in the Priesthood Session when he wiggled his ears! It was great!

Thanks to our family for the cards and messages of love for Mothers day. We cherish your love and support. We are anticipating doing a Web Cam with Scott and Malia later on . Also Jeff and Amanda and their kids later on today. By the way Ashtyn , Whitney, Ethan, we just barely received your letters that you mailed to us on April 16. They had gone to the MTC but we never got them before we left. So they finally mailed them to us! Thanks for sending them we love it.

Spain 2nd Week 28 Apr-3 May 08

Week 2 (28 April - 3 May 2008)
This week was an exciting week and pretty busy, the Lisbon, Portugal stake was at the Temple. We worked the afternoon shift (2:00 - 9:00 pm), Tom had the recommend desk so he had to be there by 1:30 each day. Sharon went with him and studied the Spanish ordinances. Every Wednesday the Elders/Sisters from the MTC come to the Temple early in the morning and Every Thursday Elders/Sisters from the Madrid Spain Mission can come to the Temple…they even have these sessions in English.

On Monday afternoon we had a going away party for three couples (Larry and Linda Bynum-Atlanta, Victor and Asuncion Clemente-Alicante, Spain and Emilio and Julia Blesa-Madrid Spain) they will be going home in the next few days….the Clemente’s and Blesa’s were locals that worked here for six months. The party was out of this world (decorations). Sister Lyman is a magician at decorating, they food was wonderful and it was also Sister Howard’s birthday.

Church was good this past week, we start with Priesthood and Relief Society, then have an English (Temple Missionary and others that want to attend) Sunday School class on the stage. President Howard usually attends and is very attentive to what is being taught….wants to know the reference for anything that is introduced. He taught this past week and he can take the simple and open your eyes and hearts to a totally different understanding! He came up to me following the Sacrament Meeting and asked me to teach on May 11th, I told him, sorry, I was planning on being out of town. Without hesitation he said “then make it three weeks!” Needless to say, I’m teaching on the 11th. I’m sure he will question most of my lesson-oh well, I may never have to do it again?

We went downtown by subway today (Friday) and tried to visit the Prado (next to the Louvre) in importance as far as museums go. However, today and yesterday was a holiday and the crowds were unbelievable, they went down the street for miles….so we just wandered through the gardens and around town. We went into a church, visited the “Retiro” a gigantic park similar to Central Park in NYC and had fun looking around a little piece of the big city. The entrance of the park was what used to be the “Reigning Family” personal park for their own pleasure and the gardens, statutes, etc were immaculate…you wonder how sometimes people let their leaders get away with so much of the treasures of the land.

We pulled the all-time boo-boo of the time….with the stores being closed on Thursday and Friday, we walked about 2 miles to Carrefour (French Wal-Mart) to do some shopping, needless to say, the store was jammed packed-it was truly “bumper cars.” We didn’t have time to get everything that we needed because we had to get back to work our shift at the Temple. I had even promised Sharon a McDonald’s hamburger, but had to forgo that to make sure we got back in time.

Sunday, we attended church and had Sister Loraine Linares over for dinner (she is a single sister serving in the Temple from Kearns, UT). It was also, Mother’s Day in Spain, whereas it is next week in the USA. The primary children sang some songs in Fast Meeting then testimonies were given. It was amazing to see, even before the Bishop said “the balance of the meeting will be your testimonies” there were about 15 people rush to the stand and about 7-8 more headed up…he promptly stood up and said that there were sufficient people for today’s meeting-that is a lot different than back home where there are minutes that pass by without people standing to bear testimony. We are going to listen to the MTC missionaries sing...they sing every Sunday evening in the courtyard and there are always several people that come to listen, they usually sound pretty good. We are back on the day shift this week, so it will be pretty busy all week.