A Trip to the Dentista - Monday, August 30, 2010

Morning came early for us as we had to get up earlier than usual in order to leave for the Capital by 8:15. Today Elder Lowry and the two of us had dentist appointments with Dr. Darling. We knew Monday morning traffic going to the Capital is a nightmare, so we left plenty of time in order to arrive by our 10:00 appointments.

A cold wind was blowing quite hard so I opted to stay here while Rich went to the office to meet the Assistants. They got the car and came back for me. It was P-day for the elders so Elder Lowry made his appointment for today and we are tagging along to get our teeth cleaned.

While we three were at the dentist, Elders Lazo and Valente went to pay Dr. Snell a visit. Elder Valente has been having some health issues and the area doctor wanted to take a look at him. So we dropped those two off close to Bonpland and we went on to the dentist.

When we got there right at 10:00, the guard at the front door of the office building said the Dr. was going to be late and wouldn't arrive until around 10:30, so he wouldn't let us in. What do we do now for a half hour in the cold wind? We found an applicance store that sold computers and went inside to look around and stay warm.

Rich, then I, went first to get our teeth cleaned which cost 320 pesos ($80) I guess that's a deal. I'm not sure how much it costs in the states. Elder Lowry was having a permanent crown made so just had impressions taken today. He will need about three more visits to complete that and other things he needs to have done. We may be taking him again.

After the other two elders finished with Dr. Snell, they made their way close to where we were by the Subte. They had exited the subway and were walking the rest of the way. We had finished and were in the car when they called and said they were only a block away. So we circled around and found them standing on a corner. It was lunchtime and everyone was starving so we found a Burger King close by and decided to eat there -- our treat.

The macho elders all ordered the Stacker with four hamburger patties. They could hardly get their mouths around them. I would never attempt such a burger. Ya gotta love em!

We arrived back at the office at 2:00 and were so happy to hear that the internet was still up and running. Elders Peterson and Paz had a quiet morning with all of us gone and accomplished quite a bit of their work that had been waiting for the internet. I was so glad to get back to my desk and figure out what needed my attention today or what could wait until tomorrow. Transfer week really shuffles things up a bit and it is always good when things calm down again.

But it wasn't for long, because President and Sister Gulbrandsen came at 3:00 to have a staff meeting to go over the September and October calendars. Rich and I were glad for that because we have been bugging him to let us know the exact days that Elder Arnold is coming on the mssion tour. It would affect our schedule with our daughters who are coming during October some time.

President Gulbrandsen said he would give the spiritual thought and share a scripture with us. He emphasized the importance of helping the new converts get to the temple. Their progression should not stop at baptism and they need to be taught that more blessings are realized after attending the temple. The President's counsel and insight lasted for at least 45 minutes. We listened, we learned, we felt the spirit of what he was teaching us. He is very in tune with the spirit and has great faith in knowing that the church, the mission, and his life are being directed by the Lord. He is a wonderful teacher.

While the President continued meeting with the Assistants, the office elders left to contact their investigators and we made our way home. We had leftovers from our Saturday lunch with the five chicas and I was grateful I didn't have to cook tonight.

We spent some time figuring out our agenda for sightseeing when Melissa and Marianne come and then I tried to complete two entries to get caught up, but it didn't happen. Maybe tomorrow night.