Just Working - Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Happy Birthday Mekhi - 5 yrs old

In order to hear the music from our alarm that wakes us up every morning, we have to have it really loud because of our ear plugs. I wonder if any of our neigbors can hear it, mainly the ones below us. It is only on for a few seconds but still . . .

We enjoy our mornings getting up early and not having to hurry. We have ample time for our Book of Mormon studies, eating a cooked breakfast (most of the time), and listening to Children of the Promise. We realize more than ever the ugliness of war.

I looked back on our blog entries to find out just how long Elder Hales and Elder Peterson have been with us in the office. Elder Hales came on January 26, so he has been here just six months. Boy that went fast. And Elder Peterson came on February 22, so he has only been with us five months. I hope the President doesn't get inspiration to change him too soon. We are a good team. I guess that is a selfish desire. But we know the elders need to be doing what they came to Argentina to do -- to baptize. I keep reminding myself what we heard a wise doctor tell us when he left the mission. He said, "Don't cry when it's over, smile because it happened." And we are smiling because we got to know two more choice missionaries. We are adding them to the list of the special ones we have had the opportunity of working with in the office.

Today was a normal day in the office as the transfer did not happen today. Maybe tomorrow Elder Paz will come to begin training. So we each worked diligently at our desks. Elder Hales was busy typing up his processes or instructions of what he does as the one over viviendas (housing). A lot has changed since Elder Paz was at the helm. Silvio came in to discuss some things with Elder Hales and was shocked and sad that they would not be working together any more. Life goes on!

I started right in on preparing my carpetas. Fourteen new binders lined up with their name labels in position made an impressive sight. I got a good start on this project and don't feel as stressed as I did last week. I had few interruptions, so I stayed focused and made progress.

Rich balanced his drawer and did a few financial odds and ends, then worked on typing up his processes. It isn't as easy as it looks to type detailed step by step instructions.

The President's car at the mission home had a head light out, so Rich and Elder Peterson went to exchange cars. The headlight was purchased and Elder Peterson changed it according to instructions from Silvio.

Lunch time came and since it was Tuesday it was order-out Chinese. We have found three items that we all like, and struggle with the fourth. We keep trying something new and so far haven't found a favorite. This might be Elder Hales last Chinese lunch with us depending on how fast Elder Paz gets trained. I wonder if Elder Paz likes Chinese?? We know he likes rice.

The afternoon went fast and pretty soon it was time for the elders to leave for their District Meeting at 3:00. We worked for a while longer and then left around 4:30. The walk home was soooo cold. We checked the temperature when we got home and it was 45 degrees feeling like 42. No wonder!

Since we had our big meal of the day at lunch time, we only had a grill cheese sandwich for dinner -- nothing more. Then we sent an email to a travel agent we were referred to from the agency that works at the Area Offices. We are requesting information and prices for flights and accommodations for our trip to Ushuaia when our daughters come to Argentina in October. She answered within one half hour needing some additional information. Now that's service.

We are thinking of our grandson tonight on his 5th birthday. We are excited that his cousin, Urban, is in Tooele and can be there to share in the festivities. Hope all goes well