Hola to all! Another great week has passed. We had a great week at the Temple. On Wednesday both Tom and I were the coordinators, which means that we gave out all of the assignments and had to be sure that everything was going well! We are happy to report that the Temple is still standing so we didn’t mess up too bad. Tom has been the coordinator many times and I have been it a few times. We had never been assigned on the same day before. We had some people from France, some from Italy and a few from Portugal. It’s always interesting to hear so many languages spoken in one place. We also had some Americans. BYU often has groups who are studying abroad, which stay in Spain for about a month. They often come to do Baptisms and those who are endowed do a session. It is always great to be assigned to the baptistry when they come.
On Tuesday a lot of the MTC group left. This group has been a great one and a big one. There had been a group of about thirty eight and twenty two of them left. They probably will never have this big of a group again because they are cutting back on the amount of Missionaries.
Last Sunday we went to hear them sing and said goodbye to them. We always go to hear them sing every Sunday. They sing some wonderful hymns and sometimes have special numbers by a group of them. 
(If you look closely these sisters are spelling ALMA) They always finish with the Hymn “Called To Serve” which we love and they do too. A couple of months ago we had an Elder from Italy come to receive his endowment. He came with his Dad and his Grandfather. I think that they were originally from Equador or another South American Country. Even though they had joined the church they wore their hair down almost two their waist in a ponytail. The Elder was told that he would not be required to cut his hair because of his culture. He wanted to be obedient in all things so he chose to cut his hair.
His Father and Grandfather were disappointed but he felt it was the right thing to do. I’m sure it took a lot of courage to make that decision. He always had a great big smile on his face and was delighted to be a missionary. The following picture was directed by mother dear, she thought this Elder looked just like our Scotty (I didn't see his ankles and feet so I couldn't really say-she swears it's a spittin' image?)
Right after the MTC sang as we were standing there we looked up to the sky and caught this picture of the clouds with the sun shining through. 
Today we had the Picards, the French couple, and President and Sister Moore for dinner. 
We had roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy which actually tasted quite good. We had hesitated to invite the President and Sister Moore because we didn’t want to appear to be brown nosing! They are so delightful and fun to be with. They are well liked by all and have been a great asset to this Temple. We have talked about the Picard’s and how wonderful they are. They are leaving when the Temple closes for cleaning, but plan to return in September until January. In August we have five Temple Missionaries leaving. In September one couple leaves, and in October we leave. November another couple leaves. We have one American couple coming in October and one single sister from Utah. The rest of the Missionaries will be from Spain who will be serving from three to six months at a time. Some may stay longer if they can. Things really be different. Of course the ultimate goal is to have all of the Temple workers from the Temple district. Of course the Temple workers from Portugal and France will still work here when they come. Of course, if other Americans want to serve here they could be called and would still be welcomed.We are ever so grateful that we were called here to serve our Mission in the Spain Temple. It has been an incredible Mission. Especially when we realize that we could have been called to so many other places! We love living on the Temple grounds. We have enjoyed being able to see so much of Spain. We have a strong Testimony of Temple work. We are thinking of you guys in Mesquite right now and wishing we could be with you! We know there will be other times but don’t have too much fun without us! We love you dearly, Love Mom and Dad / Nana and Papa / Elder and Sister Shaw
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