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.