We got a letter from Aunt Marilyn. She was expressing their family's dismay at the crime and problems that have really affected the border close to them in Cuiadad Juarez and El Pazo. I know some of you have expressed your concern for our safety. So I'm sending part of the letter I sent in response to Marilyn, and thought you might appreciate it too:
"What a wonderful treat to get your e-mail. Our temple is also open all holidays with the exception of Christmas and New Years. In fact, we have some of our biggest sessions on holidays. Today, although not a holiday, we had so many youth doing baptisms we could hardly keep up with the clothes although we had three women washing, drying and folding as fast as they could. We used every folding chair in the temple, to pack as many patrons possible into our six sessions. We love Mexico and the sweet saints here!
I drove downtown by myself explore (I like to shop).I found a free parking place on the street a few streets from the main plaza down by the harbor.As I locked the car and started walking up a hill I realized I was definitely in the WRONG neighborhood.What began as a street turned quickly into more of an alley with provocatively dressed women- and men- slouched up against open door ways.With multiple eyes watching me, the further I walked the more worried I became, however, to turn around and return to the car also didn't seem like a good option.I didn't have a cell phone, I didn't even come prepared with the temple's phone number or our home's number, I did have too much cash, and I decided my best chance at not being kidnapped or murdered was just to walk fast with my head up and act confident.Within two blocks I was clear of the area.However, now how was I going to get back to the car?After exploring the plaza and local market, I decided to skirt around the "bad stuff" and keep to the big street that went down to the harbor.The problem of course was that I find directions by sight, not by street names.I hadn't even had the good sense to look at the name of the street I had parked on (of course, in my defense, few streets have posted names on the corners).After walkingin circles (Tampico's streets are not laid out in squares, but follow the twisty shore line of the gulf, the Panuco River, and numerous lagoons) trying to make my way back to the car with multiple prayers, in desperation, I finally hailed a taxi.I explainedI was trying to find my parked, small white car, and asked him to drive up and down the streets.He told me I was completely "loco" to have left my car in this neighborhood, and had me convinced that if I ever did find it, I would have a hard time recognizing it with its windows smashed and no tires.Oh the Lord was good to me!After about fifteen minutes into our search I spotted the car, still in one piece, just where I had left it.I paid the taxi, locked myself into my car uttering a stream of thankful prayers, and only got lost twice weaving my way back to the house.
We have driven twice to D.F. since living here (once the first Jan we were here during the temple closing and then for the dedication of the Mexico City temple), and have gone up and back to Matamoros (I flew out of the Brownville airport to save the international fare). I don't think the border is as dangerous here are further west (or is it just my Polyanna personality?) Matamoros is a beautiful city, much nicer than Brownville (at least from what we observed)."
Please don't worry about us. I now am more careful about where I park the car, and we feel as safe as we do in Salt Lake.
-- Wendy W. Bentley
Friday, February 27, 2009
In December one of my neighbors called to chat and mentioned that she noticed that my in-laws were home again. She asked where they had been and I told her that they were on a mission in Palmyra, NY. She asked what they were doing there and I felt impressed to tell her about Joseph Smith and the First Vision. After I told about it there was a somewhat awkward pause and she said, "Ok, bye" and hung up the phone. The next day she called back and said, "I've been thinking a lot about what you told me and I feel like I want some more spirituality in my life. Does your church offer any Bible study classes?" I told her that I could call some missionaries to come to my house and they would be happy to talk to us about the Bible. Her father was a member (he passed away) but her mother was Catholic and she has always believed in God but not been very active in her church because she felt that it did not "warm her soul." Anyway, through a series of missionary discussions she has come to the point where she accepted baptism and is planning on being baptized next Saturday by her Grandpa. It has been amazing for me, a person who never went on a mission, to be part of this miraculous experience and see the way the gospel touches people's lives. I always assumed that I would be too sceptical, disinterested, or stubborn to accept the gospel if I hadn't been raised with it all my life, but while I was listening to the missionaries tell the story of the First Vision, the Spirit was so very strong and I felt that I would have accepted the gospel even if my circumstances had been different. If you had told me a few months ago that one of my neighbors would be getting baptized and asked me to guess which one, I am quite sure I would have guessed wrong, which just goes to show you that you never know about people.
This morning my friend came over and took some pictures of the girls and HOW I APPRECIATE IT! We came away with some beautiful shots. Here's a sampling:
AWE
This might be my favorite picture because of the unsaid facial expressions.
My sweet happy Liza
My sweet happy Kaitlyn
So there you have it. Lately we've been having a great time around here. Yesterday the weather warmed up to mid 40's and I was in heaven. We took a really long walk and Kaitlyn rode her bus, I didn't want to come home. Tonight we'll be back in single digits... oh joy. I'm starting to dream about good weather. It wasn't bad when it snowed all day and kept things pretty but now it's just dirty and cold. Springs coming though.
Kaitlyn's talking like CRAZY. Talk about wonderful. Just 2 months ago I was over-joyed if she said around 40 things every day. Now she never stops talking. I know all of you experienced parents could have told me this would happen but 1st timer Mary obviously had nothing better to worry about. She loves to feed her babies, put them to bed, dress them, etc. Today I came down the stairs as she was putting her puppy in time out on the bottom stair. :) She loves her ABC'S and 123's and is a good cooking helper. she's also a REALLY good big sister and is sweet to Liza. I have to remind myself not to take advantage of her because she'll go and get anything I want.
Liza's a spitter. I mean she has LOTS of spit up and she also likes to do raspberries as much as possible. It produces MANY loads of wash. Liza sure is HAPPY about it though. She's sleeping really well and almost rolling over. What a cutie. I find myself thinking she's missing her glasses sometimes because this was the age Kaitlyn got hers. I laugh whenever I do it.
We officially got school off for the Family reunion!!! I'm going to book tickets right after this blog! I found round trip for $230 so I've got to jump on it. Anywho, have a great day and HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARALEE!!!
Grandma has returned to Tampico from her fortnight fling in the scenic Great Lakes Rust Belt and the balmy Canadian Riviera, bringing home a vivid, blow-by-blow account of her international adventures that took approximately five hours for her to deliver and two days for me to digest. Except for her near-death experience while squatting on Mary's water closet, she apparently had a smashing visit with her two favorite children (Just kidding. She doesn't have favorites).
While Grandma was away I couldn't exercise because I had to be at the temple all day, and besides that I got so many lunch and dinner invitations that I actually gained weight. I'm gradually working it off, but for now, just call me El Gordo.
With nothing else to do for two weeks, I decided to read a book about temples that Steve and Rachael gave me (The Gate of Heaven, by Matthew B. Brown). It was so interesting that I could not put it down. The book begins with the earliest temples, including natural temples like the Garden of Eden, Mount Moriah, Bethel and other sacred places Where God appeared to Adam and Eve, Enoch, Abraham, Jacob and others to give them what could be called an endowment and/or a celestial marriage. Then it discusses Moses' attempt to have the children of Israel receive the same priesthood ordinances on Mount Sinai, but after they worshiped a golden calf, Moses was allowed to give them only the Mosaic law as a schoolmaster and the Aaronic priesthood, together with a mobile temple called the Tabernacle. This was eventually replaced by Solomon's temple, which had the same design but was exactly twice as big and much more ornate.
The book describes the priest's purification rites and royal marriage ceremonies that took place in the Tabernacle and Solomon's temple to show their similarity to modern temple rituals. Then it documents the continuation of these rituals by the early Christian Church during the time of the apostles and for hundreds of years afterward, showing the type of white clothing worn and the marks on the garments. The similarity to what we do in our temples today is amazing: creation scenes, the garden of Eden, and the lone and dreary world, then the veil, prayer circle, tokens, marks, and entry into God's rest (the actual or symbolic presence of God). The last part of the book gives a detailed account of all the rites and ordinances carried out in the Kirtland temple and the Nauvoo temple, followed by a discussion of the origins of Masonic rites (Many of the rites, marks and symbols were borrowed by medievel stone-mason guilds from apostate Catholic and Orthodox priestly rites, some of which are still in use today). If any of you are interested, I would be happy to discuss this book in more detail with you individually sometime.
Tomorrow we spend all day in the temple. Got to hit the sack.
Love you all,
Grampa Bentley
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Hello Family,
Here is a questionable, but cute joke that Cora whated to write:
A zebra died and went to heaven. He had always wondered if he was black with white stripes or white with black stripes. He went to St. Peter and said, "Peter am I black with white stripes or white with black stripes?" Peter said, "If you want to know you can ask God, but there is a big line." After waiting a long time in line he asked God, "Am I white with black stipes or black with white stripes?" God said, "You are what you are." The zebra when back to Peter depressed and said,"He didn't answer my question, he just said I am what I am." Peter said,"Oh...that means you are white with black stipes. The zebra said, "How do you know?" St. Peter said, "If you were black with white stripes he would have said, "You is what you is.""
Sorry about that one, it's not politically correct. Cora talks like a black girl half the time when we are in public together, so I figure she can get away with it.
I just wanted to drop Sharon and Kathy a quick note to say thanks for letting us hang out with you last weeked with all the funeral stuff going on. It was really fun to see you guys. -Jim sorry we couldn't get a hold of you.
A farmer was milking his cow. He was just starting to get a good rhythm going when a bug flew into the barn and started circling his head. Suddenly, the bug flew into the cow's ear. The farmer didn't think much about it, until the bug squirted out into his bucket. It went in one ear and out the udder.
It was so fun to have Mom visit and to see Mary and the girls. Thanks for sacrificing your women, Zach and Dad, so that we could benefit. It was especially nice to see them when they came to our rescue for the dead car. Evidently the problem is a dead transmission. Ah well, who needs money, right? I think it's overrated.
Dave has been doing freelance work, and hasn't even had to advertise for it. The Lord is looking out for us. He's also trying to get a seriously fantastico portfolio together so that he can knock the socks off of potential employers who will offer him scads of money and buy our house for us so that we don't have to worry about trying to sell it. (That's our plan, anyway.) The kids are being really good about pulling extra weight so that Dave and I can figure out how to get organized, do an actual budget, run our own business, take care of health coverage and all of that fun stuff.
I'm finally emerging from my first trimester coma. The kids and Dave are both very grateful to see me awake past 5 pm. Josh is a basketball-playing guru. Maddie is fun and fancy. Jakey is starting to use words and loves step stools since he can climb to forbidden heights and chew on other people's toothbrushes. (Whatever floats your boat, I guess.)
We have seen Heavenly Father's hand everywhere in our lives and we are seriously grateful. Already we are growing in ways that aren't necessarily comfortable (is growth ever comfy?) but because we can see how mindful He is of us, and because we're so abundantly blessed, we have zero complaints.
Feel free to skim it, ignore it or read it all. Just remember this is my journal, so it has a lot of details.
My Adventure Feb. 2009
Dad and I left Tampico at noon, after Church on the 2nd of Feb.The last 2/3rds of our trip to Matamoros ("kill the Moors) we had a wonderful freeway (no cement, black asphalt with no "baches" (chuck holes)).We made great time and made it in 5 ½ hours in spite of being stopped twice by solider patrols checking for smugglers.
We didn't make reservations at a hotel because we wanted to check out where the bridge to the USA was, and which hotel was closest.We found that there are two bridges.The old one goes into the center of the city, but we couldn't find any hotels close.Near the new bridge we found one motel.The sheets were clean even though there were the phone didn't work and I didn't trust the cleanliness of the uncarpeted floors.We saved enough money however to pay for the best Chinese dinner we've ever had in Latin America.Gilbert Rodriguez, our waiter at the Santa Fe Chinese Restaurant.He has two little girls, his wife is in medical school and he has dreams of starting when she finishes.He was really interested when we told him why we were living in Tampico, and replied that he was looking for religion in his life.I really think he was why I wasn't supposed to fly from Tampico.
The savings on a place to stay also went to help pay for the taxi ride across the border to the airport (a whopping $50 to go about 6 miles, plus I had to pay the bridge charge of $2.50).However, in fairness, that short ride took us 1 ½ hours because of the lineup of cars on the bridge (good thing I left the motel at 9:20 for a 1:10 flight to Houston).
When I got to the airport I asked several cabs what they charged to go to Matamoros, ($35-40) so we got taken, however, I got a good referral for the missionaries.My cab driver had heard about "the Mormons" and knew where the chapel is in Matamoros, but he didn't know about the Book of Mormon or anything else.He had a picture of his 5 year old daughter so that was a good conversation started.Margarito is 22, gave me his name, address and phone number, and is anxious to get a copy of The Book of Mormon.
Dave met me at the baggage claim when I arrived in Detroit.He has set up his office in Josh's room on a card table. He is optimistic about job opportunities, in fact he has had so many small free lance jobs come in that he doesn't know when he will be able to work on his portfolios to send off to the company in New Zealand and to Picsar. He has one invitation to speak at a conference of designers in Minneapolis which will provide great exposure.I'm thankful that he and Karalee feel peaceful about their future.
They really feel this is an opportunity to leave the area after 12 years of freezing.Even through t Dave does enjoy his new calling on the high council, and has even bought himself a suit.They are thankful they didn't buy a new home.Their house looks great with new leather sofas, black tables, and great accent decorations.
Did I mention that it is cold! Tuesday and Wednesday I walked Josh and Maddie to school dressed in Karalee's long fleece, snuggly coat to keep from freezing.It was fun to get acquainted with Jacob.He has such a cute personality, and at one point he even initiated a foam rubber sword fight with me.
Wednesday about 4:00 p.m. Mary and the girls came for me.It will take Katiea bit of time to get reacquainted, but Mary had been couching her with pictures and a video from last summer of us dancing together.What a smiling, darling little Elizabeth is!Our three hour drive was filled with conversation, accept for the "white knuckle" patch of driving snow that hit us about 30 miles from London.
Mary has made their townhouse cozy and cute.It reminds me of their apartment in Salt Lake except that it has a basement and there is only one bathroom.The stairs are steep like the ones Rick and Marisa had in Dayton.It is a good thing there is a strong railing to hang onto when one is carrying a load.
Thursday the 6th: Mary, the girls and I ran errands all day finding things to decorate the girl's room.The girls were very patient shoppers.Games at night with Mary and Zach
Friday the 7th:Tour of London, visited the cathedral, watched people ice skate, bought hot chocolate. I went to bed feeling fine, but awoke at 2:00 a.m. nauseated.I went into the bathroom and had some diarrhea.Not being able to throw up I tried to go back to bed, but by 2:30 I was back in the bathroom.
Mary heard me and came in to find me wedged between the toilet and the sink, eyes open, but unresponsive.She was unable to lift me and called for Zach to help as she ran next door for her nurse neighbor who could not get a pulse on my wrist, but could see it on my neck and clocked it at 50.I didn't respond until Zach gave me a blessing (about five minutes after I blacked out).By the time the paramedics arrived I could answer questions, but my blood pressure was so low they decided to take me to the Victoria Hospital.As soon as I was outside I vomited everything that had been in my stomach. On the official insurance form it said the following:"Found unconscious on the bathroom floor, with hypotensive episode resulting in the paramedics being called and being taken to the emergency room."
Saturday night the 7th:We played Hearts.Doug, Gordon, Bruce, Cora, Will and Rick all called.Mary added the antidote that when the paramedics talked about taking me to the hospital I sat up straight and said, "I don't need to go to the hospital!" and promptly feel over again.
Sunday the 8th:I taught the combined YW in Mary's Ward.Darling girls. I love working with youth!I feel perfectly fine.More of the family called.Played Chess and Authors
Monday the 9th:Mary, the girls and I went to an indoor market.Worked on the girls room.I made peach cobbler for FHE with neighbors.
Tuesdaythe 10th:Got my hair streaked and cut, spent the rest of the day paying my hospital bill, getting copies of my health records, playing with the girls, scrabble with Zach and Mary
Weds the 11th:Will's 9th birthday. We stayed in, washed clothes, worked on our projects for the girls room.Mary had YW in the evening.Zach and I held down the home front and had a great visit.
Thursday the 12th:Mary the girls and I drove to Stratford, Ontario for an outing.It was bitterly cold and snowing.We darted into cute shops to keep from freezing, and ate lunch at "Bentley's" a charming restaurant.Zach was kind enough to clean my teeth in the evening.
Friday the 13th, aptly given the reputation of being unlucky, Karalee and the kids headed out to meet us at the border.However, her car broke down on the freeway and she had to call AAA to tow them into Port Huron.Mary, the girls and I were meanwhile without cell phone waiting at the outlet mall.Thanks to a kind clerk we were able to borrow a phone and reach Kar.We arrived just as the tow truck was picking up their van, and loaded the kids and Kar into Mary's van (one seat short).After the trauma I took everyone to McDonalds for dinner, and so that the kids could get out of the car and play.Mary drove us to Detroit and stayed the night.
Saturday the 14th: Mary, Kar and I did some quick shopping errands, before she and the girls headed home.Dave and I went with her to Port Huron to pick up the van as the garage couldn't find anything wrong with it.About 40 minutes into our trip back to Detroit the same problem Kar had experienced developed and we had to pull off the freeway and give the engine time to cool off.We eventually limped our way back at 15 mph.Hopefully, it will be an easy thing to fix.
For their birthdays (Kar's is on the 28th and Dave's in May) I gave them money to go out to dinner and have a date night.While they were gone I also began reading Anne of Green Gables to Josh and Maddie.Maddie has a wonderful imagination, and enjoyed identifying with Anne.Dave said he has read lots of books about boys to Josh and was glad I had a suggestion of one for Maddie.
Sunday the 15th:Dave left early for his meetings.I went to church with Kar and the kids.The evening was spent doing a talent show, guessing animal charades, reading Anne of Green Gables, and playing a game of Hearts (for the first time in my life I actually managed to "shoot the moon").
Monday the 16th: Cora's tenth birthday. And here I am on the last leg of this trip home to Toney.My bag was 13 lbs overweight when Dave dropped me at the airport this morning.It was probably overweight when I started as I really haven't bought anything to speak of, but they didn't weigh it in Brownsville.Anyway, I unloaded and tried to stuff everything in my carryon without success.I unfortunately brought a small carryon and small purse.Wearing two winter coats I managed to make it to the $9.99 store in the airport where I purchased the largest purse I could find.
I finished reading a new book by Patricia Holland.It was powerful and left me with a desire to learn to appreciate more fully the writings of Peter and Paul.I'm going home with renewed determination to be better at my personal scripture study.We are almost there.I can't wait to see Dad.
Tuesday the 17th:Dad was waiting for me when the plane arrived! It is good to be together again! We looked around Brownsville a bit (not much to see), and bought a few things at the grocery store before crossing the border.We went back to the Santa Fe restaurant to find Gilberto (our golden contact).We ate there and talked to him.He still wants to have the missionaries, but they hadn't come by yet.I was able to call them (they had a wrong address for him) and will get together tomorrow (Gilberto's day off).We drove around Matamoros a bit.It is a prettier, and larger city than Brownsville.We also found a beautiful Best Western Hotel, and a very nice Howard Johnson so if we ever stay overnight again there we have better options than last time.We got home at 10:00 p.m..
This morning we went walking, got the car washed, went to the tianges and purchased some fresh produce.Dad did a good job of keeping the house in order.We opened the temple this afternoon.There is new carpet and everything looks beautiful.All is well.
Yes, verily it is true, I'm normal as apple pie. Sorry about scaring everyone. When I get home I'll send some fun pictures of the "up north Detroit-London crew," and a "blow by blow" of my adventures. Much love, Mom p.s. So sorry, I stand corrected, the quote from William Shakespear's Hamlet is "Frailty, thy name is woman." Not "Vanity thy name is woman." I kind of like my version however.
p.p.s. By the way, do look at Dan and Rachel's blog spot. Rachel added lots of darling pictures of the girls.Way cute! -- Wendy W. Bentley
Hi ho,
In light of the dramatic Canadian incident I am writing to say hi and confess my guilt for not writing last month. Oh the regrets if Mom would have got her wish to be dropped off in the forest somewhere knowing that her last month of earthly existence I was the only one of her offspring not to write my BB. Life up in OR is going good. I will take my FAA checkride this wednesday (Feb. 11 ) to see if they will let me teach other people how to fly helicopters. Cool huh? After wednesday I will lack, but one rating, called an instrument rating which I'm already halfway done with. Then I'm done with my training forever!
In other news Josinette is getting really funny. She has some serious dance moves (I taught her). She is very girly, which I guess is good, but likes to throw rocks outside with Dad too. Violet is very smiley, but has no skills yet, unless puking and looking like an angel is considered. Rachel is kind to me and tolerates me most of the time which is good. She just cashed in her Christmas present from me thanks to my paragliding wing. I didn't like the color anyway, and found it very challenging to fly here where there are trees everywhere and you have to travel an hour or more to find a place. Utah is very blessed that way. I also have all the gear I need from my friend in UT who doesn't charge me to use his extra stuff.
Other than this we are exited about a stake youth fireside we are doing for non-member friends this Sunday. The mission president is going to speak and I envision it something like the Saturday night firesides we had in the mission home in Argentina where you could reach out and sample the Holy Ghost in your hand if you wanted. Hopefully it will make some progress for the work here in this part of the vinyard. We love the family and are glad Mom is not surrounded by wolves right now in the Canadian wilderness.
Love Dan, Rach, Josie and Violet, and Kee (Mom, you could visit us and see if Keena will eat you)
Soooo, now that the craziness is over with... Mom wants her stunt to pay off and wishes you all write a little BBB article. I have been instructed to remind you of the very important dates taking place this month: Will turns 9 on the 11th, Cora turns 10 on the 16th and Kar's birthday is the 27th. We love you all and will send more exciting news from the north later in the week. For now we're all well and healthy. :)
Steve got his 90 Day notice yesterday.That means that his work will officially end on May 2, and then he has one month to try to find a job, etc. in which he is still an Intel employee.On June 2 his Intel employment will end unless he decides to forgo the separation package in order to try to find a job within Intel.
So, we are looking into jobs, and COBRAing insurance, and where we might move and stuff like that.All in all, I think Steve and I are both ready to do this just so our lives won't be so up in the air, like they have been for the past 2 years.Unfortunately, the job market isn't so good right now.
We feel really blessed to have had this extra 2 years here in Colorado Springs to hang out and to be with Rick and Marisa's family.We may end up here anyway, but who knows.And we trust that this is all going to work itself out in the next few months.We are also blessed that this new baby will be born in the middle of May and will be covered by insurance too.Things are good.We are happy.I'm sure Steve would take prayers though.
