La Noche Buena - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009

La Noche Buena (the good night) started out very windy and rainy, but was predicted to clear up around noon. Rich received a call from President Argyle around 7:15 a.m. asking him if he could go to the office and let an elder use the office phone to call home due to a family problem. The elder was on his way to the office as they spoke. He had just fixed himself a bowl of cereal and bananas, but had to leave it. So now, my breakfast was already prepared for me. He never made it back home before our regular leaving time, so I took him a banana and headed out by myself in the rain.

I planned on only working a half day because I wanted to bake a pie this afternoon for dinner tomorrow. This would be the only time to do it because we were going to be gone this evening. Tomorrow, the oven would be full of turkey.

I had two major items to accomplish, but knew I would only be able to complete one of them. I put entering the rest of my baptisms on hold until Monday because compiling the mail and supplies for two zone conferences seemed to take priority. I finished at 1:00 and then headed for home. The forecast was correct, the skies cleared by noon.

Elders Kroff, Paz, and Coria stayed at the office to field any calls or take care of business. However, it was a dead afternoon. Everyone was probably home preparing for their Christmas Eve activities.

I enjoyed the afternoon making my first pumpkin pie using a Zapallo squash. I had every needful thing except evaporated milk. It doesn't exist here, so to substitute I just used regular milk and put a little karo syrup in it. That's what someone told me to do. The pie dough is pre-made and barely fit my pie plate. The color is a little lighter than Libby's pumpkin, but we are anxious to see how it tastes.

At 5:00 we had to be to the church in Tigre to practice for the primary program. We thought we would be running through a program where the children would say something at the microphone and then sing the related songs. But the children will only sing as the Primary President does the narration. Only three children showed up and they came with their mother who is one of the leaders. It was okay because I was the one needing the practice. I will be relieved after Sunday when the program is over.

The Branch President's house is just around the corner from the church, so we offered to take the keys back as we were headed that way anyway. Last Sunday, he invited us to their home for Christmas Eve. The sister missionaries were also invited as were the Rodriguez family and Sister Torre's mother and sister.

The evening started out by their return missionary son, Matias, giving a lesson. It was like a Family Home Evening. Then the sisters had to eat and run. It was approaching 9:00, and that's their "curfew." We all retreated to the family room which is located in another small building out in their back yard. It is where they entertain company, and it can accommodate larger numbers at the table.

We had a variety of food that was so delicious. Turkey, chicken, meats in sauce, cooked vegetables, salads, bread, cheese cake, and sweet bread. It tasted so good and really hit the spot because at that time it was 9:00 or little after, and we were hungry. We old folks are used to eating a lot earlier.

After dinner, they brought out the candy, nuts, and sweet bread which tradition has it the Argentines munch on that while waiting for 12:00.

These people are associated with the Torre family. Seated is Sister Torre's mother, Anjelica Pietropaolo. I knew she looked familiar and found out she is in the San Fernando ward. Standing from left to right are son, Joaquin, Bro. Torre's nephew, Ramiro Vazquez, who lives with them, Sister Torre, President Torre, son, Matias, and Mirta Pietropaolo, Sister Torre's sister. The Torre's have a son serving a mission in Venezuela whom they got to talk with on the phone tonight. We enjoyed them all. I like being with this family as they know a lot of English.

The Rodriguez family consists of Laura (17), Lito, Daniela (15), and Liliana. Then, the Torres and los Kroffs.

Before we all departed around 11:30, they brought out the sparkling grape juice for the traditional toast at midnight. Matias drove the Rodriguez' home, and President Torre took us and his in-laws home.

A short time after we arrived safely, here came the fireworks. We went up top side to the roof of our building to see better. We had a 360 degree view. There weren't very many displays right in our neighborhood, but mostly out on the horizon. It was pretty. Those that were set off close to home were very loud.

We ended up going to bed around 2:00.