July 7, 2019

Sunday morning we didn't have any assigned ward to visit so we picked one that we hadn't visited before and that was close by.  The La Reina Ward in the La Reina Stake is only about 15 minutes away on a Sunday morning without traffic.  We had heard that this ward was struggling but was surprised at how few were in attendance.  I was blessed to be able to play for Sacrament Meeting again this week.  We had about 30 adults and 10 children in attendance when the sacrament began.  Another 10 walked in after the sacrament had been passed.  They meet in the Stake Center which is a big building so it really looked empty.  There was no heat in the chapel.  When we moved to the classroom for Sunday School we were thrilled to feel some heat but about half way through the class, the teacher asked someone to please turn down the heat as it was so hot??  The lady beside me had her wool scarf wrapped clear up around her nose! It felt good to walk out into the sunshine.
     We spent Monday in the office.  President wants us to have detailed lists and descriptions of our duties so when our replacements come they will have some guidelines to follow.  If no replacements come, then the office missionaries will have guidelines as they try to cover these duties.  We tweaked our cleaning power point and are typing up what each slide represents.  We got the English done and will now begin the Spanish.
     We had another amazing day in the temple on Tuesday.  It is so fun to have our young missionaries come in and see us there.  Most of them don't know that we are serving there yet so they are surprised when they come.
     Tuesday evening we had another family home evening with Alberto and Gloria.  Their son Ignacio had another video to share with Selva.  Selva is not a member and is receiving the missionary discussions from the young missionaries so this family is trying to reinforce what she is being taught and answer additional questions.  It was a delightful evening that ended with soup and sandwiches.  Of course Selva made one of her amazing banana cakes cause Elder Thompson likes it so much.  She really likes to please him.  We are going to have dinner with her family in two weeks.  We have never met her husband.
     Wednesday morning we took the office missionaries to the grocery store to get snacks for the zone conferences for today and tomorrow.  The store was closed.  We were really surprised cause this store is never closed.  We drove up the hill to the big Liders (which is our version of Walmart, they even have some of the store brands from the states) The employees were outside protesting something here and the store was also closed.  Luckily there is a Jumbo's just up the hill from Liders so we were able to get the snacks bought and delivered them to the zone conference.  We took care of two service calls after lunch and got home early, about 6.  We made some chicken vegetable soup and some sausage gravy and did a batch of laundry.  We sat down at 9 to unwind before bed time.  Long day!
     We are not sure it is cold enough for this out side:

But every dog in town has his coat on.  This is the first one we have seen with his scarf around his neck though.  He even looked at us for the photo!

We went to dinner Friday evening at the Taqueria with the Hughes and President and Hermana Brotherson.  It was very good Mexican food!

Our Capilla Abierta was in the Vicuna MacKenna Ward in the Vicuna MacKenna Stake.  It was the first one in this zone.  Elders Almeida and Reinoso are the Zone Leaders.  The evening started out very slow with no one at all in the first 50 minutes.  But we ended strong and had 10 non-members attend including 2 families.  It took forever to get home as the traffic was bumper to bumper coming into the city center.  

Every time we drive past this statue I think of Mary Poppins!  It is really a man but the umbrella and purse - right out of Mary Poppins!

Just some random shots as we were stopped in traffic.  These flower shops are located right across the street from the big cemetery that is always decorated to the hilt.

Cars as far as we could see.  Not a good day to be on the roads.

It was a busy week.  We definitely feel like it.  Hoping for a nap on Sunday afternoon!  

We send our love and pray that each of you had a wonderful week.  We are being watched over and feel the angels close.  Thank you for your prayers in our behalf.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers daily.  Till next week, chao!