Here they come, there they go

It's true with life, but especially with missions that everything is always in a state of flux, of change. Life never stands still, so we'd better enjoy the moment and those who surround us. And be ready with a plan B or C when things turn out differently than expected.

Seven of the new eager missionaries arrive at Centro de Capacitacion (CCM) this week. The sisters, who serve 18 months are from Portland, Oregon and Temecula, California, elders who serve two years are from various places, though at the moment there are more North Americans. They change companions frequently, so learn to live and work with others from different cultures and backgrounds...a great foundation for marriage!

Brian and Leslie Carmack will whip this choice group into shape! English speakers stay 6 weeks, Spanish speakers from many countries, only three before they go out to serve in various Chile missions.

Sister Horrocks (who was originally called to serve in Nicaragua, but reassigned as that country exploded in violence) has a new companion, Sister Shields from North Carolina, out already 14 of her eighteen months mission. She speaks like a Chilena! They and two elders serve in our Pocuro ward next to the temple. (Santiago East Mission)

The MTC missionaries live in the "hostal" below on the 3rd floor, single senior sister missionaries on 1st, and couples on the 4th, and temple visitors on 1st or 2nd, with their kitchen on 2nd floor.
There is another building on the grounds where day visitors can eat and receptions, classes, and meetings can be held.

 The garden outside my room where I enjoy all the birds and even quail. 

The church office building is on the corner. Much church business is handled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the area center, but this is also where Santiago East missionaries and others meet and hold classes. 

Beautiful sunset shot taken by fellow senior missionary Scott Isaacson. The angel Moroni (atop most temples) blows his trumpet calling all to come to Christ.

The Santiago Temple (like most) is closed on Sundays (when we attend our chapels for Sunday worship) and Mondays.
MTC missionaries attend sessions usually on Wednesdays, missionaries out serving come every few weeks or months at various times. Those from Chile waiting to go to an MTC, or returning from a mission often serve as temple workers along with us. We love and admire these young people.

This is how we see the temple as we walk the few steps home after our PM shift (3:30-10:30, 5 days/week)

 It is so hard to say good-bye to dear friends who finish their missions. Ray and Dawn Schultz from Mesa, Arizona, served 6 months in the Asuncion Temple until it was closed for maintenance, and then came to Santiago for one year. They have been on our PM shift. The temple presidency, all of whom are Chileans,  gave them a farewell dinner Monday. The tradition is for us to receive a Chile photo book. And what did we eat? Hamburgers! (not our usual fare) and cake!

Sister Silvia and President Geraldo Wilhelm, who serve 3 years

President Wilhelm's counselors and wives (assistants to Sister Wilhelm) Dinamarca and Castro

Our numbers are shrinking, which means extra work, but we get lots of help from local workers. They may be excited to go home, but we are sad! But that's expected. 
Muntzings, Dinamarcas, Castros, Schultzes, Wilhelms. Downers, Scott Isaacson (Nina missing), Sisters de Schweinitz and Umber.

 

With Presidents and Sisters Wilhelm, Dinamarca and Castro

Juan Calderon (who runs missionary and patron housing where I lived in 2014-5) and Gloria (who is in charge of the very busy kitchen and dining room in the Guayaquil Ecuador temple).
Marriage is a big and happy change! I'm thrilled for them!

Celebrating the marriage of Juan and Gloria Calderon in Ecuador, are the Guayaquil Temple presidency (Pdtes. Calderon, Jaramillo and Olvera and wives) and my former DR roommate Lia Cioban from Romania, who followed me to Madrid to serve in the temple there, and is now serving in Ecuador. Will she come to Chile next? Many things change, but friendships and family relationships can bless our lives with stability. Jimmy Olvera (security guard at the G. Temple and stake patriarch, seated on the right) sends his favorite quotes and scriptures. This week's is a quote from Henry B. Eyring, counselor to our President Nelson:

"Happiness comes from putting the well-being of others before our own; that is the meaning of love."

This cute, loving couple below are one of many who have made a big change in their lives! They are now married for eternity.

On a much more somber note....

As soon as I saw on BBC, (which I feel is a responsible, intelligent news agency, and the only one I can get on TV here) 

my beloved Stanford University Memorial Church, in Palo Alto, California, where I attended church as a child, was married, attended graduation ceremonies, and attend many concerts and other events today, I paid attention! Some changes are positive, but I have great doubts about those discussed by Ambassador Burns and visiting professor Madawi Al Rasheed, a courageous woman from Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, only 33, brought hope as he pledged reforms which would allow women to drive, and brought such things as movie theaters and tourism; but these are not real reforms, only an attempt to present a new face to the world. Until there is freedom for all to voice opinion, rather than imprisonment or other fates for dissidents, and a more peaceful Middle East, I cannot accept his regime. I am shocked that the US sends $18,000,000,000 in arms to Saudi Arabia (20% of all U.S. arms exports, and 60% of Saudi imports, much of it used to fight their war in Yemen, which has resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises ever). What about proportional humanitarian aid so desperately needed there and throughout the world??

In this troubled world, I know that the only lasting peace and sure change can come in our hearts and families if we care about the well being of others, understand that God loves each of us, never gives up on us, is ready to forgive us, and will eventually bring peace and an end to suffering if we follow his precepts.

As we celebrate Columbus Day, also called Dia de la Raza (as it also celebrates those of Spanish and Italian descent) in much of Latin America, Spain, Italy, I am convinced that although the explorers and conquistadors cruelly exploited the native inhabitants and brought diseases that wiped them out, it was probably the only way that America could be the new land that would give birth to democracy, religious freedom, and home for the downtrodden and persecuted. In this setting Christ's Church could be restored after centuries of apostasy. It is up to us to keep the principles of freedom and hope bright. I'm grateful to have been so fortunate as to have been born in the United States, and do take these responsibilities seriously. Midterm elections are coming up soon, so please vote!

And I'm so grateful to be part of my ward in California, which is always in flux as members come and go, for all who have taught me, loved and supported me for most of the 51 years I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are one big family! Such a blessing!