sweet moments

45 years ago today, this handsome young man invited me on our first date,

                              and he is taking me out to dinner tonight to celebrate!

Each week has many highlight moments.  I must remember a few from this week.

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We met in a small cement room.  We were visiting Karl, Vanda and their 7 year old daughter Larisa.  Kaisse was there as well.  He is a bright young man, a cousin to the family.   Jacinto was there.  He is the leader of the 'group' here in Santa Maria.  Oh, and Jerson came, and the missionaries came, and a member girl came in the middle of the visit, and so we ended up with 12 of us in the small standing room only room.  We shared our message and the Spirit was so sweet.  They are happy to have more scriptures to read.  They want us to tell them more.  They came to our choir practice Sat. night and then to Church on Sunday.

We were getting supplies from the boat dock last Wed. at 11 am.  Turns out after a few trips and getting home about midnight, we finally got the cargo on Thursday.  It all depends on when they decide to unload the boat!   On one of our trips, we met a fellow on the hiace  (yas) (the van transports) from England who was interested in our message and wants to hear more about it this week in his apartment.

We were walking home from installing the new sister missionaries' washing machine when we saw a mother in the doorway of their home holding a baby girl who was giggling as her father would run toward her and then back up and run toward her again.  They were so cute with the baby.  We had to stop and meet Olavo and Evanilda and their little Gizele.  They invited us to visit with them the next evening and after the first lesson, they invited us back again.  They were so kind in thanking us for The Book of Mormon.  In fact, they asked us to come collect them for choir practice and they were so happy to participate.  We will visit again this Thursday.

Yesterday, Mariama called early.  "I need your help" she said.  Then the phone went dead.  We never know when we have power or when the phone will work just right.  We hurried to her apt. to see what it was she needed.  She was all ready for Church.  "I got up early," she said.  "I have been ready for 2 hours already. But, I need your help.  I want to pay my tithing today and you must show me how to write it on the form."

Atou saw me when we were returning from a visit and she hurried across the street (as fast as one can bustle across a cobblestone street carrying her jolly large self and a baby on her back).  She pulled a man with her who she introduced us to as her brother.  She told him that I am a "Gud (Goo-ed) woo-man"  They are from Senegal.  They told us that they hope we will come to their home for dinner one day when we can come.  Out of respect for their safety, we do not teach Muslim people just now, but we can sure be their friends and I just really like Atou.
She makes me want to be a Goo-ed Woo-man!

My knee had an attitude this week.  But, I was reading in Alma and saw my struggle as very insignificent, and then with our prayers and thoughts with the people in the Philippines this week...there was no time to worry about a slight limp of a couple of days.  But, Jacinto brought some salve for me to rub on it just to be thoughtful.  I really love good people.  Like the young missionaries who will take boxes out of our arms or ask how they can help us.

Tears washed over me when we learned that all of the missionaries in the Philippines have been found safe after the monster storm.  I know they will provide much love, comfort, and help to so many who are struggling right now.

We laughed during our little 'group' activity this week as the Institute students put on a play about the Tree of Life!  It was so well done...and of course was funny in parts where they added their own personalities.
Yesterday, Elder Benedict asked the leader of the 'group' who would be giving the Sunday School lesson as it was time to begin.  Our leader got a funny look on his face as he had totally forgotten--he thought a minute and then said, "Do you know Elder Benedict?  He will give it!"  (note to selves:) we must reinforce preparation again.
But, you have to smile and nod meanwhile.

To be in a cement home, sitting on a bed or bucket, in an everything-bedroom, frontroom, kitchen- room, and bow our heads with beautiful people who thank Heavenly Father for sending us to their home with an important message is always a tender moment for us.  There really are no words for some of the sweet moments when we feel the great love our Father has for His children.