Stake Conference - Sunday, June 27, 2010

We got up a half hour later than usual for a Sunday because of Stake Conference today, but we still wanted to be there early enough to get a seat in the chapel and to socialize a bit. We followed our morning routine and had about a half hour to spare before it was time to leave.

The sky looked threatening although the forecast said that things would clear up hour by hour. We know better, so we still took our umbrellas with us.

We found seats in the chapel close to the front and on the side two rows behind the Argyle children. The Presidente and la Hermana were sitting on the stand as they were giving short messages today. They usually speak in all the stake conferences around the mission. The primary choir seated in the front row seats and the adult choir seated up on the stand were practicing a number that they were going to sing together for the conference. It was nice.

Some friends from the Tigre branch, who were too far away or sandwiched in between people, would wave and smile at us. Others made their way over to greet us with handshakes, hugs, and kisses on the cheek for me. Oh, how we love them!!

For the second time in a row at conference when the sustainings took place, a couple dissented when the Stake President's name was presented. It appeared to be the same ones that did so at the last stake conference. However, the wife came forward this time, and in a loud and agitated voice carried on for at least fifteen minutes. We had an Area Seventy with us and he tried to dissuade the woman, but she would not stop her outrage. Several people from the audience tried to approach her and she would yell, "Don't touch me." It was awful. The couple were sitting a couple rows behind us. A man behind me got up and approached the husband, who was standing, obviously asking him to stop her. He didn't at first, but then went forward to try to bring her back. She didn't listen to him either. One of the counselors even went to the back and brought a member police officer forward to see if he could talk to the woman. Finally, she tearfully stopped and walked back with her husband. I thought they would leave the building, but they stayed for the meeting.

My heart just broke for the Stake President. He was next to speak and to try to calm feelings and bring the spirit back, the counselor approached the choir director and asked her to sing one of their songs now instead of when it was scheduled. Then the Stake President gave his address, emotional and tearful at the beginning, saying he was grateful to see everyone at conference and thanked them for their support. He recovered nicely and gave his planned remarks. Nothing more was mentioned about the outburst.

We all have free agency and can oppose a sustaining, but there is a time and place to state our objections, and it is not during the conference session. Whatever is bothering these people needs to be resolved. We assume efforts were made after last conference.

The Argyles did great as did others who were asked to participate. The visiting authority, Alejandro S. Patania, is a member of the Seventh Quorum of Seventy and is from Argentina. He seemed quite young to me and was energetic and interesting. Rich said he gave good examples and stories to emphasize his points. He translated general ideas for me.

When conference was over, so many of our friends from Tigre, San Fernando, and Virreyes came to greet us with, again, hugs and kisses. It was heartwarming and made us feel loved and accepted. We have met wonderful people in the sixteen months we have been here and are glad to call them our friends. We can't imagine what it is going to be like to leave them knowing we probably won't ever see them again. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of it.

Elders Peterson, Parra, Smith, and Hales talk together after conference. It was fun to see them plus other missionaries that are in our stake.

Good thing we had our umbrellas with us, as it was raining when conference ended. We walked home with a mist falling and the wind was chilling. Winter is definitely here! We cranked the heat up when we got home.

One thing we love about Argentina is all the delicious breads that they make. We found a favorite panadaria that we like; however, Disco and Carrefour also have some varieties that we enjoy. Today was a good soup and bread day, so I made clam chowder which tasted so good, plus a green salad.

As dinner ended, we noticed how quiet the street was below us. Then we remembered that Argentina and Mexico were playing soccer today. Calle Peron is comparable to State street in Salt Lake, so we had to take a picture of the barren street. Never does it look like this unless, of course, a soccer game is being played. The Argentine's world stops for soccer.

We had a great chat with Bryan in California - no video - but we caught up on all the news about his kids, grandkids, and life in Folsom. His son, Tyler, is excited to be missionary in Idaho and is looking forward to this great experience. We are excited for him because we know how it will bless his life.

Argentina 3 - Mexico 1 Go Argentina!! That's four straight wins for them.