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.