our week

June 16th 2009 A quick update:
We went to the 85th birthday party of our sweet temple workers, Hna.
Aranda. During the festivities she was serenaded by five mariachis'
who had everyone up clapping, dancing and singing along. Such fun!
We also attended a wonderful ballet recital of Kayla, the child of our
one of our adopted families. Friday we were invited along with our
good friends Carlos and Rosie Alvarez, to meet Elder and Sis.
Mickelson down by the port for lunch at their favorite Tampico sea
food restaurant. The Mickelson's had just driven in from Mexico City
to choose a new stake president in the Madero Stake. It was good to
see them again. They have had a huge impact on our lives since we
served under them both in BsAs and here in Mexico. They are masters
of the scriptures and wonderful teachers and examples. They leave
Mexico in just two weeks for their potato farm in Idaho. They have
served 19 years as general authorities and the three previous to that
he was mission president in Cali, Colombia. They spoke about the
spiritual journey they've had, and their peace about closing this
chapter of their life.
Saturday we had a really busy day at the temple with the Poza Rica
Stake. It is thrilling to see them come with large numbers and fill
the Lord's house. Dad spoke at the stake priesthood meeting in the
afternoon and we both spoke Sunday during the conference. We left
directly from there for a fireside in the Papantla Stake, five hours
away, where we spoke to the endowed members. I met separately with
the women for an hour, as Dad did with the men, before we all joined
for the concluding remarks. It was one of those choice experiences
when I felt the Spirit was talking through me.
We stayed overnight at a new hotel which was fun. Monday we enjoyed
driving and walking around this old, charming, hilly, city which is
full of local color. There are relief murals on the walls of
government buildings and churches, statues of historical traditions
(the voladores, Tajin, and to "mother corn"). There were many
artisanias to look at and buy, and Indians dressed in their native,
colorful costumes.
We drove home through verdant fields and lush hills by way of another
architectural site, Castillo de Teajel, and the ancient town which has
grown up around it. We love Mexico.
This next week we look forward to having President Tenorio of our area
presidency arrive for our temple review. He will be here Monday and
Tuesday, so no free days that week for us.
We feel the Lord's continuing blessings on us, and see his hand in our
lives and those of our children. Much love, Mom

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