A Wonderful Sabbath

We had a pretty busy weekend, so I didn't get my entries done.  I will catch up on that news later.  Today was a good day and very fulfilling.

It started out with a beautiful sunrise.  This picture doesn't show how colorful the sky was today.  It was so red, and just gorgeous.  We really have seen some breathtaking sunrises and sunsets while being here.   The temperature was 59 degrees today, with a little rain.  Tomorrow it should get up to around 67 degrees with scattered showers.

Rich went to the office before church to print off his priesthood lesson, and took this picture of a house that was being built.   It actually looks like they tore one down and then have started another.  It will be interesting to watch the work in action.  There are really no two places that look alike here.  

After church we had our favorite foursome to dinner.......Elders Petersen, Whitmer, Valente, and Clegg.  It was the first time we have fed any missionaries in our home. We have taken food to the office for lunch several times, but we have never had a gathering in our home.  I loved it! I fixed stewed chicken in gravy that was spooned over mashed potatoes.  Then, we had cooked fresh green beans, a fruit salad tossed with a whipped cream/lemon yogurt mixture, and to top it off - - - - ice cream to die for.  I made way too much chicken and gravy, but we decided that I could take it to the office this week and we could have it over noodles, for a variation. They all seemed to enjoy it, and I loved feeding them. 

Almost everyone delivers here, and there is an ice cream shop called Daniels (Don-yells), where the ice cream is the best.  It is so creamy, and rich, and filled with yummy things, if desired.  We ordered a kilo and a half.  The Elders said that 1/4 kilo per person is about right. It kept really good in the freezer in styrofoam containers.  Elder Petersen is holding up the empty cartons. Of course, one had to be chocolate, and the other vanilla.  Delicious!!!  Maybe better than Schwans!! 

They ate, and ate, and seemed to enjoy the food.  They were especially excited for the dessert. We think that whenever we feed missionaries, we will order ice cream.  It is a treat for them for sure.  I also tried my luck at making cookies again.  I found a "Better than Toll House" recipe in Susanne's cookbook, and I didn't burn the bottoms too much this time.  I took them out when they looked quite doughy.  But then, Elder's will eat anything!!!  

Rich is a real hit in priesthood meeting teaching his lessons out of the the Joseph Smith manual.  In the meeting are the High Priests, Elders, and investigators. The Elder's Quorum President came up to him after with praise and gratitude for the way he teaches those lessons, and told him that everyone just loves to come to his class.  He said that he appreciated him for leaving his home and family in the U.S. and coming here to help the people of Argentina.  That made him feel good.

On the Sunday evening before transfer week, a fireside is held for all the missionaries that are going home. They, and their companions, attend, and any other missionaries are welcome if they bring investigators. The President doesn't want it to turn into a big social event and reunion.  He wants baptisms to come out of the evening.

This is Elder Wood from West Valley, and he is an Assistant to the President.  He was a football player for the college in Cedar City.  He has lost a lot of weight since being on his mission, and plans to gain some back because he is an offensive lineman.  We have become acquainted with him because he comes to the office a lot.  He is really a good missionary.

(I have no idea what is on the wall behind us, or what it stands for)

Tonight, there were a lot of investigators at the fireside.  Each missionary that is leaving has a chance to bear his/her testimony, then the President talks.  It is a good meeting for investigators because they hear powerful testimonies, and a stimulating talk from the President.  It gives the president a chance to meet some of the investigators where he can have more personal contact with them, interview them, or answer questions.  

A piano player was needed, so Elder Kroff let the cat out of the bag that Sister Kroff can play the piano. I am selective as to what I can play, but I picked out a couple songs and practiced them during the week, so I did okay.  "God be With You" was a must as the closing song.

We really enjoyed the evening.  We were able to put faces to the names of missionaries that we have talked to on the phone. They were all so nice.  Many came up to greet us, and we had nice chats.  We really enjoy being around these fine young men.  (No sisters in this group tonight)