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