Our internet went down last week taking out our trusty phone and e-mail.WOW it was a sudden shock to feel I was back in BsAs and the only means of communication was snail mail or an expensive long distance call.We missed being able to visit with Francesca on her second birthday, and probably lots of other news from all of you.When we got home from the temple Friday night it was fixed, but too late to call all of you.Saturday we opened the temple at 5:45 and left from there mid-day for Poza Rica.We are returning now (Sunday evening), and hopefully the internet will still be working.
Dad was invited to talk to a priesthood session in Poza Rica, and while he was involved with themI spoketo the women.Dad talked for a half an hour, I ended up having to fill the entire two hours as there was no one else on the program for the women. After praying and doing what preparing I could (they said I could talk about anything I wanted) I had really felt I needed to just trust the Spirit.So I only took my scriptures and a few quotes.We met in the cultural hall and so I invited them to pull their chairs into a circle (there were about 60 sisters when we began), and it made possible a more relaxed, informal Visit, where I was able to get them sharing stories and experiences.We sang as Sisters In Zion, which in Spanish is "Hermanas Unidas" which gave me a wonderful theme to begin on.I told about Julia and Emily Hill, I talked about how the gospel unites sisters throughout the world and just as we continued to keep pushing our chairs back to include those who kept arriving, we need to reach out and step outside of our comfort zones to bring in others into our circle of influence.That led to how our lives can make a difference to our husbands, children, friends and the world.I spoke of my love for my sisters in the scriptures and we talked about Eve, read the wonderful stories of Rebecka, Ruth and Naomi.I shared personal stories and we had a wonderful exchange for two hours.I was truly blessed.
Our cute Clyde dog died this morning. He was sick around 2 a.m., and I could tell he was not going to make it long. After I took him out at 2, he never could make it back upstairs. He was still very sick at 6 a.m. with really labored breathing. He had enough energy to go outside, but never came back in. Thank heavens the kids were around. We brought out his bed, a bowl of water, and Cora gave him the coat off her back. He got up 3 different times, to find the perfect place to die. He found it at our gate. When he died at 7:15 this morning, he was laying in the only spot in the yard, where there was sun. It was really beautiful and super sad. There have been a lot of tears in our house and in Minnesota (Rick is there for business).
I had to do something that I have never wanted to do, and that is take care of a dead dog. But, since it was Clyde, it felt more like a privilege than a burden. We had a nice memorial for him and sent him off with lots of love.
Clyde was such a part of our family that we really wanted to share our loss with all of you.
Lots of love, Marisa, Rick, Cora, Lincoln, Brigham and Lydia
We just stopped home for lunch (we've 2 hours). It is Wednesday and at 7:00 a.m. the temple was filled with youth. School is out for two weeks and the tradition here is during this time the stakes hold their youth conferences and as part of those they come to the temple. Consequently, we've had two very busy, but wonderful weeks. There is a special feeling when these beautiful young people are in the temple. Elijah and Israel I like to think of you two being with them when these groups come. I know you are taking the opportunity to go with your Ward when you have temple trips. We've also had special stake sessions and each day has been filled with the Spirit of Elijah. The only hard part is that along with the youth, a lot of our temple workers seem to have taken a vacation, so we;ve been doing double duty. But, that makes the days pass quickly so it is okay. It is only four months until we'll be together for the reunion. Love you, Mom & Grandma
I want everybody to know the recipes from your mom that are going into the new family cook book. Rick and Steve had a lot of fun going over the book and saying the things that they want in the new one. They had such a good time, that Rick even made Empanadas this week for dinner. Go Recipe Book!!! Anyway, I don't want anyone's favorite childhood memory to be left out, so look these over and we've forgotten anything, let me know.
There has been some confusion on what I am looking for with everyone's contributions. You can include anything you want. I want things to help us all out during dinner time so that our kids will actually eat and have some recipes that are tried and true favorites. You can include as many or as few recipes as you want. Here are a few suggestions for a few of you:
Steve's Rachel should definitely include anything mexican that she cooks, lasagna, carrot cake, berry ice cream, and pumpkin muffins.
Kathy should definitely include: your taco dinner, ham and sauce on top, spinach salad to name a few.
Mandi should include your shredded pork corn taco mango salsa thing, that chocolate pie with topping, foil dinners
Sharon should include Matt's 7/up peach cobbler wonder
Karalee should include her goblin valley pancakes
This is just an example of the kind of things we want. Anything that your families enjoy eating. Ok, here are the recipes from your mom that will be included:
Since Rick and I are partly in charge of the family reunion this year, I thought it would be fun to do a new Family Recipe Book. I already have Wendy working hard at fixing some of her famous and delicious recipes so that we can have the "workable" recipes in the new book.
However, I would love to add to the recipes and have each family contribute their own recipes. In this stage of life, I always think it is helpful to have recipes from other mom's in the trenches with recipes that really work for their families ... especially kids.
Please contribute and give me your recipes. This is something that will be great to give to our kids too, when it is time for them to move out on their own.
One thing that will be different about this recipe book, is that there will be stories about the recipes - especially when they come from a grandma. It will make the recipes all the more important. Also, if their are recipes from the original book that really mean a lot to the original Bentley 8, make sure you let me or your mom know, so that those recipes will be added. (We are not going to keep every recipe from the original book).
Hopefully this won't feel like a hard thing to do. I've already started and am having a fun time. You can send me the recipes via email, or call me, and I'll write them down, type them up and send them back to you for approval. Whatever works for you. We want all recipes, breakfasts, desserts (of course), bread and entrees. We are looking too for the Goblin Valley pancakes and swedish pancakes. If you have them, please send them to me.
I will put the whole thing together and hand them out to everyone at the Family Reunion.
Those of you who may be moving or may be having a baby soon ... hint, hint, should get them to me sooner rather than later (if that makes it easier). Everyone else can have till June 1. That should give me plenty of time to get the book done.
You are all amazing and wonderful. Thanks for helping with this project.
April is here and we remember our special Birthday girls. Josinette who turns two on the 14th, and Francesca who turns one on the 23rd.
We started today with our third set of counselors! For the first nine months we had those from the former presidency (Pres. y Hna. Esparza and Pres. y Hna. Treto). Then we called our own (Pres. y Hna Lopez and Pres. y Hna. Garcia). Pres. Garcia became very ill with an incurable genetic disease, and they have also really struggled financially with his having to spend so much time in the temple, so they finally asked for a release. Today we will set apart a new counselor and his wife as assistant, Pres. y Hna. Briones. He is already a sealor and everyone loves and respects both him and his dear wife. My life is going to easier with her as an assistant. With that said however, Hna. Garcia has come along way since her rocky begining, and I can truly say I have come to appreciate her. Other than that news, wasn't conference wonderful! I can't decide which talk I liked the best as there were so many that touched me: Elder Hales on the difference between needs and wants, Pres. Monsen's about the poor woman who had to dig the graves of her own children, Elder Bednar and all those on the temple, and certainly and probably my favorite, Elder Holland's on the Savior and holy week. It has inspired me to read again The Promised Messiah by Cleon Skousen. It is a wonderful two book series I think each of you have. I recommend it to you. There seems to be an increase in interest in attending the temple lately, and with the wonderful talks during general conference I suspect there will be another upswing. Have a wonderful Holy Week in anticipation of Easter this Sunday. With love, Mom P.S. Grandpa and I invite all of you who are old enough to use the computer to add a message to the BBB. We'd love to hear from you!
It's friday morning and Zach left at 6am to drive to Toronto for a conference he has once a month. So here I am with the girls and a long day with no plans ahead of me. Accordingly, we are all in our p.j.'s and I'm thinking we'll pack the day full of entertainment as soon as I manage to dress myself.... good luck with that, right. So Kaitlyn's been saying the funniest stuff lately. 2 days ago I asked Kaitlyn if she knew how old she was. She thought about it and started counting her fingers and announced she was 3. I said she was close but that she's still 2. Then she said, no and started counting her fingers again and said no, six. But was unsure of her decision. Then counted a couple more and very decidedly said "8!" I explained it again but she was sure she's 8. This morning I asked her how old she was and without any question said 8. So Grandpa, you've got a 2 year old going on 8, does that sound familiar at all? I'm in for it. Kaite's also been saying her own prayers and they are killing me. It goes like in variations of this, "Hev Fade, Thank you grammie, pappy, grandma, grandpa, toby, minkie (her blanket), puppy, dinnie time, sleepy time, milk time, wake up time. in Je Chri, AMEN." Melts my heart. Sometimes she just keeps going and going through all of the cousins and aunts/uncles she can think of. We've been quizing her on the family picture on the wall and she can name all of you. So know that you're loved. It's just so nice that she has something to say. Yea for talking! Last night I put curlers in her hair for the first time before bed. They looked so perfectly placed before bed. I was loving it. But this morning was more like what's left of a palm tree after a hurricane. all of these firsts are so darn cute. In the mean time, Liza's rolling all over the place and can sit up if we put a boppy around her. She almost does it by herself but always ends up face first on her toys after I leave her alone. Woops. She's starting food too but has NO idea how to move her tongue out of the way so any of it can get in. It's a messy business, but some ones got to do it. :) Me? I'm chillin'. Hoping for warmer weather so I can go outside and get warm. I'm reading lots of books right now and wish I was finishing the girls scrapbooks but I wish there was a better way. I've decided to make family movies instead of a family album. I'll do a year at a time on a slideshow style video. That way I don't have to develop all of the pics and it's something we watch. The girls will still have albums but I won't feel pressured to include the full details of their lives, just highlight. That's my plan... now all I have to do is do it. Why is that always the hardest part? Bummer. Love you guys. Talk to you soon.
Saturday four buses were waiting for us when we arrived at the temple to open at 5:45 a.m.It was a glorious day.The baptistery was filled with youth.One of the boys was Benjamin Acosta from the Chairel Stake, who will submit his mission papers in May.Two years ago, he set a goal to do 1,000 baptisms for the dead before he entered the mission field.He comes every week, sometimes twice to the temple and is getting close to completing his goal. He is tall and good looking and his countenance glows.When I see youth like him I don't worry about the future of the world, or the Church.
Our sweet Hna. Natalia Gonzalez, was at our "greeting station" Saturday morning. A woman arrived who seemed to be "hanging back" from entering.Hna. Gonzalez began to talk to her and learned that this sister purposely tries to go into the temple last so that she could sit in the back of the endowment session because she is embarrassed about the brown birthmarks on her hands.Hna. Gonzalez assured her that the temple is a place of love and acceptance.Then she showed the sister her own hands.Perhaps you will remember that this is our dear sister who was burned by her mother as a child, and her one of her hands is very deformed.It was the perfect answer, and she was the perfect person to give it.It is another testimony that the Lord is in charge of his temple.
We took the Burnetts up to the border today.Bro. Burnett suffered a small stroke last Tuesday.After twenty-four hours in the hospital and with many phone conversations with the Burnett's children the decision was made for their parents to return home.They had agreed to come for six months and this cuts that short for two months, but during their four months here they have made a difference, left a legacy, and will be very missed.
Sister Burnett is amazing.Within six weeks she had all the ordinances memorized and was able to be used anywhere we needed her.Brother Burnett, bless him, struggled with the language the whole time, and yet, he was finally able to go through the veil without help.Both were wonderful examples of humility, and served as participants, cleaners, or doing whatever was needed.They were at the temple four days a week a week and we knew we could count on them.What dear friends at 79 years of age to even consider coming to serve another mission with us (they were with us in Argentina too).
They had brought their guitar and violin and entertained at church parties, and at two orphanages. They made the trip to Poza Rica to sing and teach the members how to polka. Everyone loved them, they were so down to earth. We feel that they completed their mission, even though it was shorter than they had planned.
We were concerned about the fact that they had not come down as official Church missionaries and so they were not covered by Church insurance.However, it turned out that their bill only came to about $700 and that included five or six tests.One doctor didn't charge for his services at all, another translated the notes and studios into English for them. The Bene Hospital itself was clean and modern, and we were very impressed with the care they received.
When we got to Reynosa we found some shade under a tree and ate the lunch I had packed.It took us close to an hour to cross the border because of so many cars going our direction.We decided to stop at the post office to see if we have any mail, and were surprised to find that it isn't an official US Post Office, just a mailing center.It also includes a travel agency, passport photos and who knows what else.I could see into the back room and there were boxes piled up everywhere. No wonder we have had some problem getting packages.At least the location was easy to find.Perhaps that is why it was chosen.We also stopped at a grocery store and stocked up on a few canned and boxed items that we can't get in Tampico.We passed a lovely little LDS chapel and some pretty, American, clean streets.Oh we love the good old USA!
There was no line to return back into Mexico.It was only mid-afternoon and so we decided to detour over to the coast and see the Gulf at Bagdad Beach. Being a double highway we were expecting a tourist destination and thought we might stay there overnight.Unfortunately, it was not developed to the point that we would dare eat or sleep in any of the places we saw.The beach was dirty and the wind was cold.After walking a short way and stopping to take a picture of Toney in front of a great statue of Columbus we backtracked to Matamoros.
We went to our favorite Chinese restaurant hoping to find Gilberto (the waiter I sent the missionaries to visit).Unfortunately, he wasn't working, but we left some Church literature for him and also some with another waiter, Francisco.We ate too much, but it was good food.
Dad agreed to find an American chain hotel with a bathtub.I soaked for an hour in a hot bath!It was fabulous!That is the one thing our little condo doesn't have, and oh I do miss a tubby. We slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, and headed home via a detour or two over to the Gulf.We were disappointed each time in what we found, but there are barrier reefs that run along the coast, and the big sea shells must not make it to where we were. We stopped in Soto del Marino where there is a small branch of the Church and while I found a rest room in the library, Dad got a wonderful "golden contact" for the missionaries.
The great thing about church is that you go and get edified. I went today and felt the Spirit very strong. I was supposed to teach a lesson in EQ and they ended up doing a combined RS/EQ lesson. I'm actually glad they combined because the lesson was really good and mine wouldn't have been so good. Rachel now works in the Primary so I get to hang out with my Violet Violet during church. She is very sweet.
I am very close to being done with school forever! I passed my in-house test on thursday of this week. This was an instrument rating. Basically I can fly a helicopter from one airport to another without ever looking out the window. I have to know the laws that govern this kind of flight, the weather and all its details, how all of the instruments and technology work, what to do if I have a communication failure, etc. It's very interesting stuff and nice to know that there is a backup plan for all of those flights in the system if the air traffic control system got shut off. In addition this final step is allowing me to put everything I've learned during the last almost 2 years into a great big toolbox of aviation knowledge. I'm exited about what comes next and confident that it will be a great career wherever it takes me. Thanks for all the support many of you, especially Mom and Dad have been. So that brings me to the next step. Like Steve, Dave, and many more of you, I don't know where that is yet. If I don't or can't get a job here then we are going someplace else. I don't know where or how. What I do know is that the Lord will watch over us. He always has. What a blessing to know where to go for help. I'm grateful for this as well as all of my great family.
We just wanted to update you on what's going on in our neck of the woods. Since being laid off in mid-January, Dave has been investigating the possibility of taking his career in a different direction. He's always wanted to do entertainment, but being the unselfish dude that he is, he didn't want to leave a "secure" job and go for his dream. Once the job was gone, we figured it was a great time to go for it and at least give it a shot.
So we decided to take the time over the past two months for him to get his portfolio up to par, and get in contact with people, etc., so that he could pursue that. Meanwhile, the Lord has blessed us like crazy with unsolicited freelance work that Dave has been able to do, as well as a few job offers. The companies who have been wanting to hire Dave have been very understanding about him exploring a different path career-wise and have said that if it doesn't work out, he can give them a call. What a gift in an economy like Detroit's where there is news almost daily of layoffs.
We're most excited about possibly working for Weta Digital, a company located in Wellington, New Zealand. Dave has a phone interview on Sunday with them (their Monday morning--17 hours ahead of us). So far it seems like a great opportunity, and Jake already acts like a hobbit so that can only help. (The Hobbit is their current movie project which Dave would be quite pleased to work on.) So we're praying to know that if they offer us a job, if it would be the right fit for our family, and all of that good stuff. If anyone else wants to pray for us, too, we would really appreciate it. I hope you all know that it goes without saying that we pray for all of you, especially those of you who are struggling with things that we're aware of.
Just imagine the vacation possibilities. . . . instead of coming to Detroit to visit (thanks to everyone who has been brave enough to do that, especially the ones who have come multiple times!), you could come hang out with us at the beach or go skiing in mountains or do battle with the Orcs on the Plains of Rohan after tramping through Fangorn Forest. We think it sounds quite grand. :) We also, however, have complete trust in our Heavenly Father and that He knows what would be best for our family. He has always guided us in the past and we are super grateful for that.
In news of more eternal import, we'll find out next Thursday if our little "Nibs" is a he or a she. Quite exciting. :)
It is 7:10 pm and I am writing from my jobsite trailer here at Hill Air Force Base. Though still at work, I am taking a sanity break from the stresses of the day that started at 4:00 am this morning. As such I jumped onto the family email and was pleased to find the always entertaining travel log adventures of Williams family. Ironically, my day presented a fair amount of common ground with people that talk a little bit different, but have an abundance of hospitality. Allow me to elaborate...
Since late December my company has been waiting for a substantial change order (work not originally planned on) to move a major fire service line so we can proceed with the construction of our building. The negotiating and planning processes have been painfully arduous. Numerous set backs have been encountered and literally hundreds of hours spent along the way. The final result of these two processes was a 60 hour shutdown of 11 mission critical buildings and a fixed deadline to restore fire water to these buildings by 7:00 pm on Sunday. So at 5:00 am this morning the clock started ticking. By 11:00 am the pipe was cut. By noon our plan was thwarted as the water line we had been told, confirmed, and planned on being a specific type of material turned out to be something different. Within an hour of finding this out, we had company vice presidents, Army Corp project managers, key personnel from the base fire department and the affected facilities all in a meeting to discuss options. So what does any of this have to do with people that "tawk" funny Ey?
After our power pow wow, wherein parts availability and options were pointing to Wednesday, my boss and I jumped on the internet and started searching for manufacturers of the pipe we are dealing with. We came across an outfit based in Quebec. So I dialed the number and though it was 5:00 pm in Canada, a man answered the phone. After explaining our situation, the gentle Canadian on the other end of the conversation politely asked "Do you know we are based in Canada? Would you like to speak with someone in the United States?" I chuckled and replied "We had to start somewhere." As it was 5:00 o'clock, it took him a minute to find the state side number, but he did and wished me well. After hanging up, I immediately dialed the number and a young women in Texas answered the phone. Again, I introduced myself, said where I was calling from, explained the situation and asked if she could connect me to someone that could help. She replied "yes" and transferred me. I am not sure were I ended up, but after a minute I hung up and called back. She answered again, I explained again, she transferred me to Danny White. Danny White was not in so I opted to go back to the operator. She then put me through to "Bob." He too was not in, so again I went back to this young lady. Each time I spoke to her I sensed her anxiety rising...she was running out of options. This last time I paused, then asked if there were a cell number for Danny or Bob as it was important that I speak to someone that might be able to help. She asked for a minute, put me on hold, then Cathryn got on the phone. I will spare you the balance of the play by play and suffice to say that Cathryn led to Jerry, Jerry to Billie, then Billie, Jerry, and Dennis stayed until 6:30 to put all the parts we needed on an overnight Fedex flight to SLC.
I have learned alot today, but one of the coolest things I relearned or was reminded of today was that there are great people throughout our country and world. None of these people needed to pick up the phone, go and find a Cathryn, or stay late to ensure parts made it to Fedex by 6:30. But they did and I believe that despite the fact that they probably made some good margins on the parts and shipping, they did it because they are just good people. Good enough that at 8:30 on a Friday night Dennis called me back with a confirmation/tracking number. Now thats "purdy darn good Ey!"
p.s. Matt just left for work this morning (it's 5:30 a.m. on Saturday). Apparently the parts are in route from Tennessee (the Fedex Hub). As we spoke last night, Matt said yesterday was one of the best days of work he has ever had. I guess stress and success make a good combination for him.
p.p.s. Billie is a woman :) I guess that's the south.
The Williams have done it again. We're on another crazy adventure. This is Zach's Spring Break from school and we decided last week we should go see something new. So, we booked a couple cheap hotels, crossed the border, and booked it down the interstate to.... Gatlingburg, TN. That's right. Just a short drive past Pigeon Forge. Now there's a destination! Seriously! You wouldn't believe how much family fun entertainment is packed into that nook of the Great Smokey Mountains. Some friends of ours in London came to Gatlinburg with their family and said it was fun. We got looking around and found that Knoxville and it's surrounding area looks like a PARTY and we'd never been to this part of the country. It was an 11 hour drive which would have been fun enough, but as luck would have it Kaite managed (Zach writing now, as Liza is demanding to feed) to do a number all over the car seat and clothes. Car sick?? We don't think so, maybe just a very sensitive gag reflex, but the sheer volume was incredible. THis really nice, young guy at the gas station in Tennessee bought us some paper towels and jugs of water and brought them out to us as we were cleaning her up and said he'd been there before with his kids. Another guy in the bathroom that couldn't have been more than 25 or so yet saw me cleaning up the aftermath, I apologized for the disaster and he said not to worry, he'd been there before with his 4 kids. The whole event would've made great lyrics for a country song. The people may tawk kenda fonny but ye shore caint beat da hauspitality.
We are currently in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. The Smokey Mountains didn't disappoint. We would definitely go back. Gatlinburg is a gem of a town, a mix between cozy ski village and a family theme park with plenty to do. We spent St. Patricks Day there and didn't have to shield Kaitlyns eyes from anything. We kept the kids out late which left them wound up for a night all together in the hotel room. During the hour of getting to sleep every time Liza would make even a peep Kaitlyn would whisper loudly " Liza, be happy!!!" and then Liza would become quiet upon which Kaitlyn would whisper "Tank you!!"
After arriving this evening we spent a little time at the beach to Kate's delight, and tomorrow we had promosed Kaitlyn an entire day at the beach which she talked about all the way over the Appalacian mountains. That and the big, big slides at Mickey Donalds are definitely highlights for her.
Today Steve was released from his calling as bishop of our ward. It has been 4 years and 2 months since he was called. The Stake was redoing the boundaries in Colorado Springs and they kind of combined our ward with another ward while chopping off a few peices around the edges. The bishop of the other ward hasn't been in as long as Steve, plus with the possibility of us moving soon, they thought it would be best for the other bishop to take over.
Needless to say we are thrilled. We have gotten used to Steve serving and it really didn't feel like that big of a sacrifice most of the time, but we are looking forward to having him home more. It will also give him more time for the job search.
I have to say, that I am so grateful that I have a husband who is willing to serve the Lord, whatever he is asked to do. What a blessing. I see too many people in my ward who don't have that and it is easy to see how any sacrifice that our family made was worth having that kind of a husband and father.
I feel very blessed today in everything that I have today. The Lord is good.
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry Cecelia, Of course you are turning six! Please forgive me for getting that wrong. I've even talked to you on the phone about how you like going to kindergarten. I'm glad you got our card, AND I hope your Mom can find the gift I gave her for you when we were together last summer. Grandpa and I sure love you, and we will be thinking of you and telephoning you on the 31st! Hugs and kisses, Grandma
So Many Happy Dates To Celebrate This Month! Zach and Mary celebrated 8 years of Marriage the 1st. Samuel Bentley turned 5 on the 4th. Mom and Dad celebrate 42 years of life together on the 22nd. James Edwin turns 26 on the 25th. Dan and Rachel celebrate 4 years on the 26th. Cecelia Ruth turns 5 on the 31st.
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.
