Second Day of Spring - September 22, 2010

The forecast said 75 degrees today and although it wasn't up to that at 9:00 this morning when we went to the office, the walk was warm and pleasant without wearing a coat. I did have a sweater on, however.

The combi from Bonpland was waiting outside the office for the missionaries that needed to be transported up to the Capital to get the first part of their residency done in obtaining their visas. Elder Peterson didn't have to accompany them. The companions of the new missionaries that went in the combi studied in the cultural hall of the church and then went out on the streets of San Fernando to make contacts. We didn't see very much of them as they kept to themselves. They were a quiet bunch.

I worked on entering baptisms all morning and it felt good to get done all I had on my desk. Of the twenty five that were reported from last weeks work, I have to call for eight more that haven't been faxed to me. Then I placed my Book of Mormon order which amounted to 1440 for the zones here in Buenos Aires, and I sent 360 to the South. Our supply of copies of the Book of Mormon were wiped out during the zone conferences last week. I only have about five boxes left on the shelves. That's good!!!

It never fails, but our cleaning guy that does our office always comes on a busy day. That happened again today. The Assistants were busy in the President's office and had to give it up while it got vacuumed and dusted, and each of us in the outer office had to clean up our desk areas and move out of his way. I'm sure it is hard for him to work around us but he manages, and we are grateful to have the trash emptied, floors swept and mopped, and work stations dusted.

Rich went to the bank to cash a check and took Elder Peterson with him. He had an errand up that way too. When they returned, the three office elders retreated to the kitchen to eat some of the food that Hermana Bolentini sent to them today. It smelled good and looked wonderful. She is a sweetheart to cook food for two days every week for them. She has done this for the office elders ever since we have been here and way before that, I understand. What a blessing for them!! Being sustained as a new Relief Society President hasn't curtailed this service she gives to the elders.

This afternoon, Rich made contact with the Bigelows who are a senior couple coming to this mission in November. During his conversation with them he discovered that Brother Bigelow and he served in the same West Mexican mission at the same time when they were young. They were in the mission for a year at the same time, but did not know each other very well back then. Their names were familiar to each other, however. Interesting!!!

At 4:00, Elder Kroff left with the Assistants to accompany them to an appointment they had with a single sister -- he being the necessary adult that is required. But, as is often the case, no one was home so the meeting fell through. He returned in time to go home with me.

The first sign of Spring around our office is this flowering bush outside our office door. It is a Bridle Wreath bush and is familiar to me as my childhood home has a row of them to the side of the property. It brings back fond memories as I enjoy looking at it every day. I made Elders Peterson, Davis, and Paz pose with me beside the bush.

At home, I fixed raviolli and green beans for dinner and while I worked on this journal entry, Rich went home teaching with Ezequiel. He took the colectivo to meet Ezequiel and then continued on a ways by bus having to walk a short distance to the home of the Ailens. Tomorrow he goes to another family. He gets a little nervous going very far on the public transportation without me. Not that I could protect him for any would be robbers, but he is used to having me around day in and day out. And, two sets of eyes are beneficial in finding our way around this massive city.

Rich returned at 9:30 and they had a nice visit with the Ailens. I responded to some emails and can probably get to bed pretty early tonight. If 11:00 is early.