Yesterday was a record day. We had 7 bus loads of people come to the temple and did over 1,960 ordinances. We ran out of baptism overalls and had to give the youth white pants and shirts to be baptized in. I was on my feet for 10 hours, but hardly noticed it because the Spirit of joy in the temple was so strong.
In the evening we joined the three other American couples (Noltes, Misbachs and Calls) at the mission home to watch the BYU game. It was fun to be together but, unfortunately, the game was a disaster. Interestingly enough I've discovered that we are related distantly to both the Noltes and the Calls on my mother's side of the family. It is a small world in the Church.
Last week Mexico celebrated Independence Day (Sept 16th). The night before we were invited to a wonderful evening of patriot celebration (Noche Mexicana) in the Stake. Everyone who wishes dresses in native costumes, and each ward serves a different typical Mexican food (tacos, pazole, quesadillas , gorditas, mole, tostadas etc). There was dancing and singing climaxed by "El Grito"(the yell) and throughout all of Mexico fireworks.
"El Grito" remembers their night of independence when at 5:00 in the morning of September 16, 1810 Padre Miquel Hidalgo in the village of Dolores began the freedom march by waving the flag of the Madonna, ranging the bell of freedom calling the citizens to rise up and free themselves from the 300 year rule of Spain. From the president of Mexico to each small group of people gathered to celebrate, one man leads El Grito waving the Mexican flag and yelling:
"Viva Hidalgo, Viva Morelos, Vivan los héroes de la independencia, Viva México " (Long live Hidalgo, long live Morelos, long live the heros of Independence, long live Mexico). It is thrilling to witness and be part of. When we served at the CCM Dad would lead El Grito, with all the missionaries echoing.
Our mission is passing quickly, and we will certainly leave a part of our heart in Mexico when we leave.
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