Meet the Gulbrandsens - Saturday, July 10, 2010

It was promising to be a beautiful day outdoors today with lots of sun and the temperature to reach the mid 60's. And this is winter??

It would have been a great P-day to go exploring new areas of Buenos Aires, but duty calls and the alarm went off at the regular time of 6:00. We were following our normal weekday routine to leave at 9:00 to pick up the sandwiches, get the paper plates, and still make it to the Belgrano chapel before the noon hour. The two zone conference in the morning with the Gulbrandsens started at 9:00 and would finish around noon. The two zones for the afternoon conference will be there to join us for lunch, then go in the chapel for their turn to meet El Presidente and La Hermana.

Luckily the Saturday morning traffic wasn't as bad as Thursday evening's nightmare, so we found the sandwich store without incident and the clerk there even directed us to a store about a block away where we could buy the type of paper plates that we needed. YES!! We were so grateful we would not have to drive to Papel Nort and find another place to park.

The drive to the Capital was pleasant and the GPS took us right to the chapel. We were familiar with this chapel as we have been there a couple times in the past, but we could never have found it without the GPS.

We enlisted the help of some elders who were already there for the afternoon conference to help unload the van of the food and bins of mail. Quietly we all carried things in and Rich and I set up the boxes of sandwiches and fruit to be passed out at the appropriate time. Then we slipped in the chapel and took a seat at the back to hear the last part of the conference.

President Gulbrandsen was down on the floor level with a chalk board giving instruction on how to become more worthy to be able to receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost. He challenged each missionary to correct something in his or her life so they can feel more clearly the promptings of the Holy Ghost in doing missionary work. In other words, clean the vessel so it can be filled with the spirit. Follow the promptings to find people to teach and teach effectively.

Teaching is a strong asset that he has and the missionaries were attentive and responsive. He was funny, spiritual, loud, soft spoken, and direct. He admitted afterwards that he was really having a fun time. We think he was well received.

When lunch time came, Elder Allred, one of the zone leaders, helped us in the kitchen handing out sandwiches and fruit.

Before the morning group left to go back to their areas, we gathered everyone together for a impromptu photo. It was so fun for us to be invited to join this conference because we were able to see some missionaries that we haven't seen for a while -- some that used to work in San Fernando, Tigre, and Virreyes. It was great, and all seemed excited that we were there.

We were able to attend all of the afternoon conference and hear from Sister Gulbrandsen as she introduced their family through pictures. It was fun to see their children and grandchildren -- and their two pet cats. She did well with Elder Lowry translating for her.

Right at 3:00 we slipped out to leave for home. It was Gabriel Saracho's baptism at 4:00 and we needed, wanted to be there. Usually they don't start on time, but what if today it did and we were late. President knew we had that commitment.

Thursday, the family pictures were taken in wedding clothes, and today they are in baptism close. This cute family of Florencia (14), Gabriel, Blanca, Luz Antonella (8), and the little one (can't remember her name) are so thrilled that they are all members of the church, excluding the baby, of course. Luz Antonella was being baptized with her father. A special day for both!

Elders Parra, Smith, and Kroff are happy this baptism is taking place too.

The baptism did start late and before it actually began, in walked President and Sister Gulbrandsen. Gosh, we wouldn't have had to leave early. It was nice for them to come and meet more members in the branch. Everyone was happy they took time to come.

After the baptism, we went to the office with the Gulbrandsens and discussed a health issue with one of our missionaries. He had me get our new interim area doctor, Dr. Snell, on the phone for him. He wanted to speak directly to him. Our new doctor came just two days before the President. So they are both new. I haven't had to call the doctor yet on any matters, so I don't know him at all. I'm sure we will get acquainted.

The Gulbrandsens dropped us off at home and it was good to stop after three days of constantly being on the go.