Fannies in the Seats

February 19, 2017

We had a worldwide missionary conference a few weeks ago that gave us some great training.  In the conference they changed the reporting requirements from about 9 things including hours worked, discussions and about everything else to only four things: 1. New investigators, 2. Investigators in Church, 3. Baptisms, 4. Confirmations.  This is so inspired.  We are all normal and want to fill our report with as much stuff as possible.  This teaches us to concentrate on the most important.  Finding people and getting them to Church leads to baptism and confirmation.  Now the missionaries are really hustling to put something on the report.  That leads to great success.  Today the two sets of missionaries in Malvin each had investigators in Church.  They were real excited.  The investigators felt very welcome and they have high hopes for more success.  I swear, there are very few things that make missionaries happier than having investigators in Church.  Also, the work that goes into getting someone to come to Church is beyond what most people can comprehend.  I am so excited for them.

After two chances to rent a house fell through,
we needed a little cheering up.
Good ice cream will do that

We had what we consider a slower week with not as much stuff on our plate.  We had a  few stops to help missionaries and their houses so we had to take a picture.  Also, we are trying to find a new house for the Zone Leaders in the Norte Zone.  We went out one day and found two pretty good choices.  When we went back two days later they were both rented.  We were pretty bummed so we had to have a little ice cream to cheer us up.

Everyone needs a little sugar in their life

We also had time to go to the Temple for the second week in a row.  That really felt good.  I am feeling more comfortable with the session in Spanish so it is quite enjoyable.  The big project for the week was painting the house in San Carlos.  We drove up Thursday morning to get everything set up and then on Friday while Renee cooked for the Oro Conference I drove up and helped the missionaries paint.  We had one Member, Brother Machado, help also.  It was a big job, but we got it done in about 5 hours.  I was very tired and very hungry.  The missionaries were good to stay with it and get it done.  Too bad painting isn’t more exciting to talk about.

We finished the paint job.  I'm glad you can't see how tired I was

Oro Conference.  Let's hear one for Sister Kessler

We included some pictures of the Oro Conference.  I wish I could have been there.  Renee said all the newbies are doing well.  Saturday we had a chance to rest and relax a little.  In the afternoon we took the Capilla Abierta kit to the 18 de Mayo ward.  It is always fun to spend time with the missionaries.  We know this group of missionaries real well.  It was kind of hard to get people to attend but in the end they had seven investigators with three of them very interested.  That does not count the many people the missionaries invited to come in but declined.  I continue to be amazed at how strong the missionaries are and how much effort they put into getting people to listen.  Seven may not seem like a lot but I think that one is huge because they are one of our brothers.

Of course we had the "Cristo" picture

We finally got a good picture of Humberto and Cristina

To finish off the week we went to Church in Malvin.  Humberto came with his white shirt and tie already to administer the Sacrament.  He was very humble preparing the Sacrament and did such a good job passing.  I was so proud of him.  His reverence of the Priesthood helps me understand what a privilege it is to hold it and use it to bless my family.

The last thing on our list this week is our special visit from the Aunt and Uncle of our son-in-law, Trent.  Hope you keep the genealogy straight.   Larry and Darla Allen came to Montevideo yesterday on vacation.  Larry spent about six years here in the ‘60s when his dad supervised chapel construction for the Church.  They wanted to tour Uruguay a day or two before they go on a cruise around the bottom of South America.  We met them today and enjoyed lunch and a little tour of Montevideo.  They are so fun.  It was fun to hear Larry tell about how the Church has grown.  For example, he remembers when the Bishop of the Curasco Ward was baptized as a teenager.  He even has a picture.  It is amazing to see the growth of the Church.  What a neat blessing we have to be part of it.

Some of you may know that we finally got on facebook.  That is so we can follow the exploits of missionaries that have gone home.  It is fun to see how they are doing.  It also makes us miss them more.  We love you all and look forward to hearing from you.  It sure is a blessing to be able to serve.

We love you
Gordon and Renee