Querido Familia y Amigos,
We almost decided not to write our blog because during the last fifteen days we have spent nine of them holed up in our apartment because we both contracted Covid-19. We mostly moved from bed to couch and back for the first few days when the symptoms were really heavy. Now we are feeling much better so we are crawling the walls with boredom. As of last Friday, we both still tested positive. Consequently, we don't have much to report.
YOUNG MEN UPDATE: For our young men's activity this week we drove 20 miles to Double Peaks Park in San Marcos. This park is set atop the largest mountain in the area with a whopping 1,646 feet above sea level. (Don't laugh, its all they have). Our boys enjoyed the 360 degree vistas and looking through the telescope provided. It was a little smoggy but a beautiful sunset. We sat them down and Brother La Barge taught them that the closer we get to God the better will be our knowledge and understanding of His ways. I noticed the boys are beginning to gel together as a quorum.
FSY REPORT TO HIGH COUNCIL: I received a call from the Stake Young Men's President requesting a youth to address the stake council meeting and report on their experience at FSY. Our little Vista Spanish ward took 9 boys, the highest per capita in the stake. I asked Jorge Zuniga, from Honduras and Josue Quispe from Peru. They both agreed to speak if I would help translate for them. Both of these young men are new in the church and come from humble families with little experience speaking in church. Josue bore a testimony (in broken english with some translation by me) how he learned so much from the classes. He learned how to care for his body and how the whole week taught him so much, helping him to grow his testimony. Jorge then bore a strong testimony. He has a weak leg and arm from a birth defect. His speech is difficult due to a partially paralyzed larynx. He is the only active member of his family. He quoted President Nelson saying that we are all children of God. He talked about how he was bullied in school many times returning home in tears. His mother told him God loved him and that she loved him too. His testimony was strengthened at FSY as he was able to intermingle with fellow youth of the church who treated him kindly. The stake council felt the spirit from our humble young men that evening. This is the fruits of our labors, to see these young men step up in the Priesthood. The spirit glows brightly as you witness lives change for the better.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: We continue our relationship of service with our favorite mobile home park. Our young Elders and Hermanas are so delighted to serve in anyway. They attacked the overgrown jungle in several yards and hauled away truckloads, all while sharing their positive energy. Who knows what will come of it, but I do know the deep joy that comes from being His hands to help someone else.
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| Tawny, from Thailand was so grateful for these Helping Hands |
PARTY CENTRAL: One of the main responsibilities we have as Spanish missionaries is the responsibility to attend all the parties and eat to much yummy, spicy food. This is how they express their love to us. In a four-day period, we started with Clarke's birthday, August 3. ( His favorite gift was the socks I gave him imprinted with his favorite cars.) The next day it was a food fundraiser to pay for funeral expenses for a member who had passed away. The following day was a surprise birthday party for our beloved Relief Society President, Bita Gante. then onto a Spanish ward baptismal service where food is prevelent. On Sunday we attended a "linger-longer" gathering after the 5th Sunday meetings. Needless to say we were partied out. I came home and fell into bed with Covid. No doubt we contacted Covid from one of these gatherings. It's tough duty but somebody has got to do it.
COVID WALKABOUTS: To keep ourselves sane in the last few days and trying to build back our stamina, we have been going on daily walks to some new and interesting areas. This morning we visited the Vista Botanical Gardens.
50th ANNIVERSARY: Tomorrow is our actual 50th Anniversary even though we partied with the kids earlier in July. Hopefully it will be our last day of quarantine. We plan to test again in the morning so hopefully, we will be clear to go out and about so we can celebrate by getting back to work! Keep your fingers crossed for us.
