News from the Presidente

As we get ready for the day, we enjoy our routine of listening to things on the Mormon Channel, the church's official radio station. Rich's iPhone and speakers have been a wonderful part of our electronic equipment that has enabled us to do so many things. It has the internet, scriptures, books, a GPS, camera, alarm clock, music, weather, plus other things, along with being a phone. But the phone doesn't work here, only to make calls through Skype.

Lately, we have been doing our scripture reading by listening to the Book of Mormon. I am at the table putting on my makeup and Rich is beside me following along in the scriptures. The narrator is really good and holds our interest. We really enjoy it.

We hide our big computer under the couch as we leave for the office. It would be found, but it makes us feel better to have it out of sight.

My day at the office was very productive. I printed off all the letters needed for the group of missionaries going home in August, plus their certificates. I knew President Argyle was coming to the office today to work, so I wanted them ready for his signature. Then I can get the letters and certificates sent off to the stake presidents, and the parents. We are never quite sure how long it will take with the mail these days, so we start early. That was a load off my mind.

One interesting piece of mail that was returned last week was a certificate and letter to a stake president of an elder that went home in April. The postmark was March 30. Wonder where this envelope has been all that time? So I will try to send the certificate straight to the ex-missionary.

One piece of depressing news we learned from President Argyle is that they are taking away one of our mission cars. Due to budget cuts and finding ways for missions to save money (at least missions here, I guess) we have to give up one of our cars. We have three cars, and since the Argyles have a family and she teaches seminary and is on the go so much, they will need the two remaining vehicles. So the office car will be the one sacrificed. I don't know how the elders will do all they do without a car. The President said that they will probably have to find a member that will supply a vehicle and work with the missionaries, or they will have to take remises (taxis) everywhere they go. But the impact on us is that we were able to use the car to go shopping, or for some close by pleasure trips occasionally. That stinks! If we can't use the train to get places, then we will be spending more money than usual on taking remises. I may never see a mall again. Our leeway mission is fading fast.

The Swine Flu issue is still at the forefront of activities here. We hear that most of the government buildings have closed, and some schools are closed. Those that are out on a break will not reconvene as scheduled. We see some people walking around with masks over their nose and mouths. Gel disinfectants with alcohol kill the bacteria, so we are to use it going and coming. Still no handshaking or hugging. I hope Doctora Kroff doesn't have to deal with any flu cases.

Tomorrow is Argentina's Independence Day. So, of course, being on a Thursday, most places close Friday too. I wonder what they do to celebrate. We'll see!