A Quiet Sabbath - Sunday, Oct 31, 2010

Sunday, October 31

Happy Halloween

There are some stores with window displays of Halloween decorations, and costumes are sold in WalMart and other stores, but trick or treating isn't a tradition here. Or if it is done, we haven't seen nor heard about it in the two holidays we've observed.

Our Sunday morning started early, really early because we committed to go to the baptisms starting at 8:00. A mother, father, and daughter were being baptized and were converts of Elders Lowry and Urra. They will go to the San Fernando ward so we won't get to know them. We wanted to support the elders and to be there if Irene came. And, she did!! With her was sweet Maria who was startled by routy children flitting about. She stared with concern.

The father was the first one to be baptized and he was immersed three times. To us it looked like he was completely under the water each time, so it may have had something to do with the accuracy of the baptismal prayer. I wondered what Irene was thinking. Hopefully the elders will explain to her what happened. She looked on with interest.

In visiting with her she spoke of our meeting with her last night and pull out of her purse a folded up piece of paper which had the diagram and notes of Rich's presentation of the Plan of Salvation. She let him know that she had it with her. She then went on to tell him that her ex-husband was an intelligent, handsome, and elegant attorney that had a way with words and could express himself very confidently. But, she said, "He is nothing compared to you." She praised his ability to teach and express himself to put across his point in such a meaningful way. What she has more to learn about is how the spirit is involved in teaching moments. We have high hopes for Irene and if she prays sincerely, we know she will get an answer. She and Maria stayed for Sacrament meeting and Sunday School, but then went home because Maria was getting too tired.

We slipped in late to our combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting (5th Sunday) where the Branch President was giving the lesson on Tithing. There was lots of participation and the class seemed to be going well.

Rich's Sunday School lesson was on Managing Family Finances. I just love our class members and am going to miss them when we go home. It's hard to think about it.

Sunday dinner was chicken and vegetables cooked in a cooking bag. It was yummy. We also had a tossed salad. There are leftovers for another meal this week.

We spent a quiet afternoon taking a nap, answering some emails, reading some family blogs, and working on our own daily entries. We love Sundays!