The 100 -300 Club

I noticed that this is the 100th blog.  I also passed 300 straight days of duo lingo this week.  Probably the most important thing you have to do to reach this milestone is just show up.  So here we are.  Apart from that we had a pretty busy and interesting week.  We spent Monday working in the office helping   get things adjusted.  For lunch we invited Humberto and Cristina to our house.  It is now warmer and Cristina is feeling better.  We had a fun time at lunch.  We met them right after we arrived in Uruguay and have become especially good friends.   One thing I really believe is that we are sent on missions to meet and help certain people.  Humberto and Cristina are the ones for us.  We have become very good friends and are going to have a terrible time saying good bye.  On Monday night we went to the Family Home Evening group with the Temple Missionaries.  We have become good friends, and we will miss them.

On Monday afternoon we went to the phone company, Antel, to work on getting our phone and wifi turned off.  We ended up going to the Antel office three different times and still have another visit to hopefully get it turned off.  It is quite a challenge.

On Tuesday, we headed up to Minas to do inspections.  We managed to get there just about lunch time so we could go do the Minas Pizza.  We don’t seem to have much trouble getting the missionaries to go with us.  The Minas 1 Elders also have a “monument” on the wall celebrating all the Alfajores they have eaten.  There are over 100.  That represents quite a time and financial commitment.  We also had an interesting experience with the Elders in Piriapolis.  After we inspected their clean house, they asked us if we would take them to the Chapel to get a box of Book of Mormons.  That seemed like a good idea.  On the way, Elder Ucañan asked if we had been to El Faro.  Well a faro is a lighthouse so I said we had been to several.  Then he said that “El Faro” was an ice cream joint in Piriapolis.  He stated that is was the Eddy family’s favorite.  About that time he said, “Hey look, there it is!”  So guess what, we went to get ice cream.  It was good to share the time with the missionaries.

On Wednesday we did inspection in the Maldonado zone.  First we did the apartments in San Carlos.  They were both clean and tidy.  We then headed to Maldonado with two of the Elders to help them with the exchanges they were doing.  When we go to the Zone Leader house no one was home so we headed to lunch to get a “tortugon”.  This is a large milanesa with everything on it.  When I say large, I mean over a foot in diameter and everything means everything.  Renee and I had a quarter each and the elders finished it off.  We will certainly miss the days we spend with the missionaries.

Thursday was kind of a rest day as we went to the Temple with Elder and Sister Wall.  It was good to attend a session with them and we did lunch afterward.  We finished off the day with another trip to Antel.

Friday was Oro conference or the conference for the new missionaries and their companions after being here for a month.  It was a little different as I had to stay in our apartment to wait for the plumber to come and fix a leak in the toilet.  So while Renee left to cook I stayed behind.  When the plumber came they had to pound a hole in the concrete wall and find the leak and fix it.  It is quite complicated.  Afterward I went to lunch at the conference.  It was fun seeing the new missionaries and their companions.  Lunch was especially good.  Oh, and afterward we went to Antel with a bunch of letters etc. to try and get our phone shut off. 

Friday night was one of our favorite activities.  We went to dinner at the Francis restaurant with Dr. Bregante and her husband, Alejandro, and the Duffins.  We had a great time.  The food was excellent and the conversation was great.  We have become such good friends with Dr. Bregante and her family.  We hope that they can someday come and visit us in Blackfoot.

Saturday was our P-day so we took the morning to clean the house and iron shirts.  At noon we took off for Minas to do our final Capilla Abierta.  We took the long way there to pick up the Sisters from Pan de Azucar.  The road from Pan de Azucar to Minas is one of my favorite.  It is a pretty good road through rolling green hills.  It kind of reminds us of home except it is about 500 feet above sea level instead of 5,000 feet.

The Capilla Abierta was a huge success.  There were 27 new people that came.  The majority were friends and family of the members.  They really did a good job inviting people to come.  We only had two companionships of Sisters so Renee and I also had the chance to do some of the presentations.  The presentation is more or less an abbreviated version of the first two discussions or charlas.  It was fun to teach them again and feel the Spirit.  We returned through Pan de Azucar which is a few more kilometers but takes about the same amount of time as the traffic is so much better than going up Route 8.  I don’t think I'm going to miss that road at all.

Finally we included some scenery shots of Punta Del Este.  This is a very upscale resort about 150 kilometers from Montevideo.  I would say it is very much like Miami Beach.  The hotels etc. are very upscale.  I also included a shot of a gas tank in the back of a car.  It looks like the guy took a 6 liter water jug and made a gas tank.   I can’t figure out how he keeps it from spilling.  We also like shots of the dog walkers.  Maybe I can get a job like that when we get home.

So number 100 is in the books.  We are still having a wonderful time.  We have learned so much and continue to learn more each week.  We are grateful for all our friends and family.

Love, Gordon and Renee

Trying to Finish Strong

We had an interesting week in the office that included several things that needed to be fixed in the mission houses.  The Sisters in Pan De Azucar had a broken washing machine but were able to get it fixed by a member.  At the same time we have been working on a broken water heater in 33.  We called the plumber on Monday and after several calls and encouragement it got fixed on Friday.  So that was a fun week of cold showers for four elders.  Don’t you wish you could be them?  Brrrrrrr!

We have made a lot of lifelong friends while we have been here.  We invited another group over this week.  On Monday night, Martin and his family came over for dinner.  Martin is the high councilman in one of the Stakes and has been in charge of the Capilla Abiertas for them.  He has done such a wonderful job.  He and his wife are both return missionaries and they have the cutest children.  Their smiles are precious.  It was fun to get to know them better and learn how they have helped to grow the Church in Uruguay.  We will miss them.

On Wednesday night, Marcelo and his wife came to dinner.  Marcelo is the guy I call when we need something fixed around Montevideo.  He served his mission in Cordoba, Argentina, just like me, so it has been fun to talk to him about our missions.  He has helped us out of a jam numerous times.  For instance, Friday I get a call as we were headed to Castillos.  Most of the houses have a cistern on top of the house that holds the water and helps with the water pressure.  One of the companionships called to say that the float was not working right so they climbed up on the roof to fix it.  That was really helpful.  Problem was, as they were fixing it they kicked the water line coming out of the tank and broke it.  They house is very old and the pipes rusted, so I called Marcelo to go fix it.  He is a life saver.

For the weekend we did inspections on the Rocha zone houses on our way to Castillos for the weekend.  The missionaries were very good to welcome us and for the most part had clean houses.  It was hard to say good-bye to them for the last time.   On the way back from Chuy we stopped at the “Forteleza de Santa Teresa” or Fort Santa Teresa.  It was erected in 1762  by Spain.  It traded hands several times between Spain and Portugal and finally ended up with the Uruguayans.  They had some good exhibits, and it was fun to learn a little bit about the history of Uruguay.  We finished our day with several good visits with members of the branch to say our goodbyes and bear our testimonies one last time.   On the way to the hotel we stopped to get a milanesa to share.  It was huge and delicious.  It could be our last one.

On Saturday we made several more visits to members and had a chance to share our testimonies with them.  We also were in charge of the games for the branch activity.  We played the paper bag sack game where you have to reach down and pick up a paper sack with your teeth and then cut some of it off until it is too low for anyone to reach it.  When I say “we” I mean I was the one that cut off the top of the sack because I can’t remember the last time I could bend over that much.  I have a hard time bending over and picking it up with my hand when I am on one knee.  Renee was a little disappointed as it is kind of hard to do in a dress.  We also played the game where you pass a washer around a circle on a string and then someone has to guess who has the washer.  Everyone had a good time and had a lot of fun.

Today was our last Sunday in Castillos.  It was good and bad.  Good in that we could feel the love of the members and sad because we will never see them again.  Renee was asked to bear her testimony and I gave a talk.  I read several scriptures from Prophets' last council to their families.  I also read two scriptures from the New Testament where the Savior tells Peter to “feed my sheep” and preach the Gospel throughout the world.  As I study the life of the Savior it is clear to me that he taught us to serve others more than anything.  The more we serve the happier we are.  It has certainly been true in our mission.

The weather is really nice with sunny warm days most of the time.  We are really enjoying our mission in Uruguay.  It will be hard to leave.  We love you all and appreciate all you do for us.

Love, Gordon and Renee

GOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

You don’t have to live in South America very long before you find out that soccer is big.  I mean REALLY BIG!  They have several different teams in Uruguay that compete all the time.  There is a game on TV 24-7.  There are also games going on with adults and children constantly in about any open grassy spot.  Then there is the World Cup or “Mundial”.  That’s when the best players from each country form a team and compete internationally.  Uruguay hosted the first World Cup in 1930 and won.  The stadium which was made for this occasion is called the Centennial Stadium or Estadio Centenario.  Right now teams are competing all over the world for the right to play in the World Cup next summer in Russia.  Last week, Uruguay played its final qualifying match against Bolivia, and we were able to go with our friends, the Duffins.  We got to go to the Estadio Centenario and root for the home team.  It was incredible.  First, they have about a 20 foot fence with razor wire around the playing field.  There is also a moat of about 10 feet with the riot police stationed in full battle gear all around the stadium.  The players enter from an underground tunnel.  A little different than what we are used to.

Now for the game.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.  The Uruguayan team was quite sluggish until they scored the first goal in their own net.  Yeah, they kicked it right passed their own goalie who was pretty much asleep.  If I were the coach I would have told him he needs to buy a ticket if all he is going to do is sit and watch.  At the start of the second half, they came out and really got busy.  Their best player is Luis Suarez.  He is one of the best players in the world.  He is actually hurt right now but still scored two unassisted goals right in front of us.  Talk about a once in a lifetime experience!

They also have noise makers called vuvuzelas.  They are basically a real annoying horn.  They blew them all night.  If I ever go again I’m going to take some $5 bills and buy the horns from all the kids around me.  In the end, Uruguay scored six goals, four in the net of Bolivia and two in their own net.  They were already more or less qualified so I think they were a little flat.  Just the same it was quite an experience to go to a World Cup qualifier.  Oh and by the way, the USA lost out and won’t be playing.  Too bad for them.

On Wednesday we had to put some mosquito nets in a couple of houses.  One of them was Elder Cheney’s house.  It is always fun to see him.  We showed up unannounced and the house was real clean.  The Spirit there was also real strong.  They were in a hurry to get out and go to a Charla so we hurried and got done and then took a couple of pictures.  The one with them walking away is one of my favorites.

On Thursday we started the 33 and Melo inspections.  This is about 1,000 kilometers on a two lane road filled with big trucks and crazy drivers.  Our stops at the missionary houses on Thursday were real fun.  The missionaries had real clean houses and bright smiles.  On Friday we inspected the Melo zone.  This is our last time on this trip so we may not see some of the missionaries again.  It was kind of sad.  We took some pictures to give a flavor of how the missionaries are doing.  They were all so excited to tell us about whom they are teaching and how things are going.  Even though the trip is long we do really enjoy it.

One of the houses did not have keys to open the door of the house.  We took the lock off and started looking for a locksmith during the siesta.  That is quite a challenge in Uruguay.  We did find one that was very happy to help.  We told the locksmith that we would send the missionaries by later to get the keys, but the locksmith knew where the missionaries lived and just dropped by and put it back together.  They were such nice people.  They know one of the Bishops in 33 and are more than happy to help the missionaries.

Saturday was our P-day so we had time to clean the house and iron some shirts.  We left for Durazno about 11:00 A.M. to do a Capilla Abierta.  On the way we dropped off some pots and pans to one of the houses.  They had been planning the Capilla Abierta for some months and had a real good turnout.  There were about 25 investigators that listened to the presentation.  That is almost a record.  We only had three companionships of missionaries so Renee and I got to help with some of the teaching.  That is a highlight of our mission to be able to teach and share our testimonies with the people in Uruguay.

We did encounter one problem during the Capilla Abierta.  While we were teaching and helping make the night a success, one of our daughters kept sending us pictures of her deer hunting trip.  I can see why the regular missionaries don’t have access to texts.  It’s a good thing that we are such spiritual giants and can handle the distraction.

The Capilla Abierta ended at 7:00 P. M., and we had a three hour drive, so we hurried and got out of there.  Wrong!  Remember we were in Durazno, home of El Gaucho, the best sandwich in Uruguay.  So even though we were going to be late getting home, we went with all the missionaries and enjoyed  “El Bauru” one more time.  It was fun spending time with the missionaries and saying our goodbyes. The road home was filled with a lot of slow trucks so it took awhile but we got home safe and sound.

We are also trying to invite more of our friends over for dinner before we go.  Last week we had Gabriela and Valaria over.  They are two single sisters that have helped Renee learn Spanish.  We had a fun night and will miss them.  We took a picture of them but can’t seem to find it.

The weather is warming up nicely and most of the days are just beautiful.  We have so many friends here and enjoy every day.  It is going to be sad to leave.  We love you all.

Love, Gordon and Renee

Keeping Busy

We have wanted to take a picture of us in front of our building but we usually don’t get home in time.  On Monday we made it home on time but the sun went behind the clouds just as we took the picture so I hope it is okay.  We live on the corner on the 7th floor.  It has been a good place to live.  That was the most exciting thing we did Monday.

On Tuesday we helped with Zone Leader conference.  Renee helped with the cooking and I did some stuff in the office.  I have started to write down the things that we help with for any new comers.  I have five pages already.  Zone leader conference was filled with a good day with the missionaries.  It is our last one and we are going to miss the missionaries that we have grown to love so much.

On Wednesday it was District Leader Training.  Again, Renee helped with the cooking as I puttered in the office.  We really have a good time at lunch as we get to visit with the missionaries.  They are so fun and full of life.  I often sit with the Latinos and I may never see some of them again.

Thursday was our big day as we moved the Aeroparque Elders to another house.  This seems pretty easy but it is never as easy as it seems.  Here are the steps we took:  1. Go get the van and trailer.
2. Go to Elders apartment 20 minutes away and pick them up with their personal stuff and some of their furniture.
3. Go to Panda another 20 minutes and pick up a wardrobe for the new apartment.
4. Return the half hour to the new apartment and drop off the first load.
5. Go the 20 minutes back to Montevideo to pick up beds and book cases from our apartment and then the washer and other stuff from the mission office.
6. 20 minutes back to the new house to drop off this stuff.
7.  Then I dropped off Renee at our apartment and picked up a table and two desks to take back out to the apartment.  I stopped on the way to pick up dinner for the Elders at McDonalds.

It was a fun day as we were able to spend it with Elder Bailey and Elder Knell.  They are doing real well in their area and are glad to have a house closer to their area.  My favorite part of the move was the fact that there was a huge puddle in front of the Elders house so I had to back the van and trailer about a block and a half three times to get back out.  I am glad we are about done with the moves in the mission.

Thursday night we had Anna and her family over for dinner.  Anna is the maid for the mission home.  She is a wonderful lady and has a real fun family.  They have been members for about 15 years and have a real neat conversion story.  The husband, Gustavo, recounted how his Bishop gave him several different jobs to teach him how the Church works.  That has come in handy as he is now the Bishop of their ward.  Another interesting note is that Gustavo moonlights as a Michael Jackson impersonator.  You can check him out on “Michael Jackson Uruguay”.  It is pretty cool.  We love Anna and her family and are going to miss them. 

Friday was Zone Conference and we were able to attend.  The Mission President and the Assistants did a good job teaching how to work with the members to do the missionary work.  We all learned a lot.  Afterward we wanted to go to the water and light companies but they were already closed.

Saturday was a much needed P-Day.  We spent the morning cleaning and ironing and then hosted Mary and her family for lunch.  Mary as you should recall is the cook for the mission.  She came and helped Renee make us Chivitos.  Chivitos are special steak sandwiches that include ham, cheese, bacon, egg, onions and peppers.  There are probably a couple of other things on there too but I can’t remember them.  Anyway they were way good.  It is all one can eat and then some.  We had a great time with Mary and her family as we enjoyed Renee’s oatmeal cake for dessert.  We have become such good friends with Mary and her family.  I really don’t know how we will say good bye.

Saturday afternoon and evening we did a Capilla Abierta in Prosperidad.  The branch was very supportive and the missionaries worked real hard to encourage people to come in and participate.  They were able to help several people learn more about the Savior.  You can tell by the pictures that they had a great time.

After the Capilla Abierta we had to go home past the Peñarol stadium.  It was just as the game got over.  It was a major traffic jam.  We ended up going about 10 miles out of our way.  We still got home in pretty good time.

The weather has been very nice as it is warming up and becoming perfect missionary weather.  The missionaries are doing well and working hard.  Every time we talk to them they just shine as they tell us about the wonderful experiences that they are having.  We love to serve with them.  It strengthens our Testimonies to be with them.  We know more than ever that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that His restored Church is on the earth today.  We are so grateful for this knowledge and blessing.

We love you all,
Gordon and Renee