Members at Virreyes - Sunday, May 2, 2010

Our first thought as we woke up today was of our Marianne who's birthday is today. Even though we aren't there and Melissa is in Colorado, she has many friends in the ward who will remember her and fuss over her a little. Hope so!

Fall is really here and it was noticeable as we walked to church today. The leaves are falling from the trees and piling up in the gutters. The street sweepers will have a lot to do this week. Good job security! However, the weather isn't too cold and the last few days it has been in the 70's. It is suppose to cool down a few degrees this week.

We are getting used to having Relief Society and Priesthood first on the Sunday agenda. A few more sisters were present for the beginning of R.S. today. In total Spanish I asked the Relief Society President, ¿Tiene usted el horario por la comida para los misioneros?" I figured it out all by myself, but I did pass it by Rich to see if it made sense. I wanted to sign up to feed the missionaries Sunday dinner sometime. She asked if I wanted to feed two or four, since we have two sets of elders in Virreyes. I was just thinking of our office elders, but I can't leave Elders Smith and Parra out, so I said I would feed them all. She was happy and it will be fun to have them all together. Our turn will be May 23.

After that meeting, I found Elder Kroff and wondered where we were going to hold the Temple Preparation class that starts today. At first we thought we were going to have to meet in the Branch President's office, but they found us a classroom down by the Primary room. They have asked 11 people to take the class and all but three were there today.

Ramon and Nelida Vega have been members for a couple of years and are preparing to go to the temple. It will be fun to get to know them.

Other class members are Marco Iman who has been a member for about a year and a half, is 18 years old and is planning on going on a mission. He is actually the Branch Mission Leader right now. Then Elisa Gauna is single and such a pretty girl. Don't know her story yet. And included in the picture is Luis Eduardo Oliva who has been a member for 11 years. Don't know why he has never been to the temple yet either.

As Rich was taking time to get to know each member and their history in the gospel, some had periods of inactivity that has probably been the reason for the delay in receiving the blessings of the temple. He feels an overwhelming responsiblity to teach and inspire the class members in such a way that they will realize the importance of the covenants they will make when they receive their endowment. The introductions and "getting to know you" time took most of the class period, so the first lesson will continue next week. It should be a fun class.

Before class, the elders came looking for Elder Kroff and were disappointed that the Temple Prep class was starting today because the Gospel Principles teacher wasn't feeling good and had laryngitis. They were hoping he could teach the class.

Testimony meeting went well. There were some children and a few teenagers mixed in with the adult members who took the opportunity to express themselves. I will be glad when we become more acquainted with the branch members and can put a name with a face. This branch should really be a ward as the numbers are there, just not the tithe payers. They seem strong, committed to the gospel, involved with each other, and faithful. We have enjoyed the last three weeks that we have attended. And . . . no waiting for buses to get home!! Athough we still have a soft spot in our hearts for Tigre.

A roast, potatoes, onions, and carrots were in the crock pot waiting to be consumed for Sunday dinner. We ate, and then I started on yesterday's entry. A Sunday afternoon nap sounded good, so we both took a break for a rest. After sleeping two hours, Rich woke me up for which I was grateful. Too much daytime sleeping might keep me up too late waiting to get tired.

We talked to Marianne on skype and wished her a Happy Birthday.