Hope you enjoyed Memorial Day

Another week has come and gone so fast.  We have had rain almost every day now and everything is even more lush and green than before.  We are so glad that we were here long enough to enjoy this season once more.  Compared to Idaho, even the dry season is green but with a few rains it is so beautiful here. 

     We had a great week in the temple, especially Friday and Saturday.  We had full sessions and lots of activity.  We just love to be busy and see the people come. 

 

     Sunday we were asked by Bishop Ortiz to come to his ward and speak and sing.  Lon was very happy to speak and I was thrilled to be able to sing.  Bishop Ortiz wanted me to sing one of the songs that I had sung at the Temple Devotional but I didn't know how good his piano player would be, so I suggested that we just do a hymn.  He asked for " Did you think to Pray" and "All Creatures of our God and King".  Those who play will understand how difficult the second one is.  I was very worried about this one.  I had never sang it in Spanish before so I really worked on it.  The pianist was trying to play out of the hymn book, but really needed the simplified one.  We did "Did you Think to Pray" as a prelude piece just before the meeting began.  In the middle of the song, she hit the organ key by mistake and we had organ accompaniment about three different times in the song.  She was so embarrassed.  I just kept singing and we finished on the right notes together so it was successful.  I smiled and encouraged her and the meeting began. 

 

     Lon was told to speak about 20 minutes, but only had 10.  He did a great job of cutting and still getting his message in.  He got to talk about temples and the importance of attending often.

 

     The second song, "All Creatures" was worse than the first for the little piano player.  My prayer was that we could end on the same notes again, the right ones.  But that didn't happen.  Bless her heart.  She did her best.  At least it was in her ward where they are used to her playing so I don't even think most of them even noticed.  I am so glad that I wasn't relying on the piano for any of the notes.  This ward, the Merilot Ward, is a very small ward in a very small building, but we recognized many of our faithful temple workers and patrons.  It was fun to visit them. 

 

       After Church we went to the Ortiz's for dinner.  Bishop Ortiz and his wife Miriam are temple workers.  Their daughters are Laura, 12, and Andrea, 9. 

Their home is on a street where you have to park a car, if you have one and they don't, on the street then walk up a sidewalk to your home.  There are houses on both sides of the sidewalk with only about 2 feet of yard.

It is very typical of the houses in the city.  There are so many people here.  The houses are just rows and rows of buildings touching each other.  You know your neighbor real well cause you can hear everything from next door.  It began to rain during dinner and the skylight just above the table began to leak.  They had no running water in the kitchen.  We had a very good dinner of chicken, beans, rice, apples, and potato salad.  The potato salad was made with potatoes, beets, celery, and mayo.  They even went out and bought rolls and "butter" for us.  None of the locals use butter on their bread. Of course the best part of the meal for Lon was the ice cream for dessert.   We felt very pampered and loved.

     We really miss the Wall's and have come to really love the Clarks.  They are not afraid of work and are fun to be with.  Our next two couples will both arrive on the 14th of June.  It will be fun to get to know them a bit before we leave.   The Winters are from the Boise valley and the Haroldsons are from the Idaho Falls area. 

 

     We send our love to all and keep you in our prayers.  Thank you for your prayers in our behalf.  You have helped to keep us healthy and safe.  We love you Lon and Nancy, Grandpa and Grandma, Dad and Mom