Happy Times - Saturday, November 13, 2010

The weather today was perfect in the mid 70's - just perfect! Not a cloud in the sky. We would be so happy to have it this way until we leave - not too hot, low humidity, and no mosquitos yet. We will dread it when those little critters are born. They are vicious down here.

We had plans today, so after getting up and getting some house cleaning done, we talked to Paul and Denise on skype. She is looking out for us being a Delta employee making sure we are in the best seats available for our flights home. Then, we got ready and headed for Tigre to Puerto de Frutos, the big outdoor market that has anything and everything. It is a weekend thing, open on Saturdays and Sundays. We have four more Saturdays in Argentina and a little shopping left to do, so we decided to take advantage of our free schedule today and the nice weather.

We took the colectivo to Tigre and after getting off, we have about four or five blocks to walk to get to the market. Along the street are a lot of children and baby stores. This store had very colorful children's furniture lined up along the street. Cute little tables and chairs!

A similar store had this display for purchase. There were some places selling wonderful baskets of all shapes and sizes and many unfinished furniture outlets.

We didn't want to shop on an empty stomach, so right off the bat we found a place that was busy with a lot of people sitting at tables and waiting in a line for their fast food order. We thought that was a good sign, so we decided to try it out. We had a hamburger and shared some fries. It was a good burger, and we found a table in the shade.

We walked practically over the whole mall area and into some stores that we had never been in before. We weren't having much luck finding what we wanted on our list, but as we decided to leave, our attention was drawn to various things that made our shopping trip successful.

We know that drinking matte is a big deal over here, but it is overwhelming how many places sell matte cups of all different size, shapes, and colors. This store had a wide variety and the most colorful selection we've seen.

The area around the shops is landscaped beautifully and in addition to shopping, there are many places selling food, drinks, and munchies.

When we left, instead of back tracking and then taking a bus to the canal area which is the center of Tigre, we decided to walk there. We wanted to check out a store there that we have been to several times, and the walk was enjoyable.

By the time we accomplished all our looking and shopping, we were really tired of walking and were so thirsty. So we stopped at McDonalds and bought a drink and soft ice cream cone to refresh us. It did the trick and then we caught the first bus we saw back to San Fernando.

It was 4:30 when we walked in the door and were so grateful we had an hour to rest before going to the church to attend three baptisms.

Elder Rasmussen and Elder Davis had the privilege of baptizing their converts.

Before Elder Davis was transferred out of the office, the threesome were teaching young Sabrina Stephanie Lempke and Alan Ariel Lempke. Their father is a member but has been less active for about twenty years. Their mother is not a member. Elder Paz and Elder Peterson continued with the lessons and when it came time for the two children to be baptized, they wanted Elder Davis to do it. Sabrina was afraid to go under the water and Elder Davis had been working with her, so she felt more comfortable with him doing it.

President Gulbrandsen gave permission for him to come back to this area and perform the ordinance. He was sooooo excited and this was a definite highlight in his mission for him to be able to do it. He was thrilled beyond words. The parents are coming back to church now and each gave one of the prayers in the baptismal service . . . even the mother who isn't a member. It was a special experience to see this family so happy.

The other Virreyes elders, Hansen and Rasmussen taught Stella Maris Aquino, who had great support tonight with family around her. One daughter arrived after the picture was taken so missed the family photo with the elders. Hermana Stella just beamed all night and couldn't stop smiling. She was definitely a happy new convert.

The elders picked hymns, but didn't organize who would play or lead the music, so at the last minute asked if I could play. The opening song had to be changed as it was one that I would have had to practice for a while before being able to play it.

After the service, we stayed around to taste the refreshments and then headed for home. I was excited to bring all of our suit cases up from the basement storage area to put in the apartment next to us. Yesterday, the painting was finished and it was ready to be rented. Lucila brought us the key even though the contract hasn't been signed. Elder Paz will get that done next week.

We will use the empty apartment for two weeks until the Schoeny's come, to lay out our suitcases and start filling them. Bringing them up from storage is the first step in preparing to come home. I think it really is going to happen. This has been a great day!