Goodbye to Tigre - Sunday, November 21, 2010

After 9:00 last night, we got a call from the Assistants telling us of a baptism they were having at 8:00 this morning and they hoped we could come. We assured them we would be happy to be there. It doesn't matter if we know the investigator or not, so we set the alarm for an hour earlier. We did tell them that we were going to church in Tigre today so we would have to leave as soon as it was over.

The 8:00 starting time came and went and the person being baptized had not arrived. The elders found out she was walking and was still some blocks away, so they went in the car to go pick her up. We then worried that we would have to call for our remise to take us to Tigre before the baptismal service was over. But, when she arrived, we were surprised to see that it was the sister of Daniela, one of our chica friends, from San Fernando. We have met Miriam before and knew she was being taught by the missionaries. Now, we were really glad that they had told us about the baptism. We were excited to be there for Miriam, and Daniela.

Daniela and Miriam stand with Elder Labra and Elder Urra for the before baptism photo. This is so wonderful and we are happy for both of these sisters. Daniela gave a short talk in the service and her happiness was evident.

Right after the baptism was performed, we slipped out and called a remise to take us to Tigre. We arrived exactly at 9:00 and quickly took a seat smiling and waving at friends who were surprised to see us there. This was going to be a fun three hours. We had come to see these faithful friends one more time and tell them goodbye.

President Torre was the main speaker, but had three of the youth who were involved in the Seminary program come forward and recite their favorite scripture and say something about seminary. President Torre, his wife, and son, Matias, have been the Seminary teachers for the students in the branch.

The Relief Society President, Hermana Carbajal, was complimentary to me for the service I gave when we were in the branch and expressed love and best wishes for us as we returned home. Some sisters left before the meeting was over, but I gathered up the rest for a picture to remember these wonderful friends.

Gladys Kaputo, Mary Carbajal, Daniel & Natalia Olmedo with baby, Andrés Soler, and Jesica Perrotta stayed around to tell us goodbye. It was hard to think we won't see these people again.

We have always loved teaching with the sisters assigned to Tigre. We have been able to get close to several of our sisters in the mission when they have worked in that area. Hermana Bray and Hermana Romo are doing a good job as companions.

When we were ready to leave, some members gave us a ride to the bus stop up by the canals which is in the center of activity. It wasn't long before a bus came that would take us back to San Fernando.

We had naps after our corned beef and cabbage dinner and spent a quiet Sunday afternoon.