Our internet has not been working very well since Chirstmas, so we are finally able to get this post up. It is hanging in with a prayer right now, so hopefully it will be fairly good until we leave.
February went by so quickly.
We had a few nice warm days and then the last few days there was rain in
the afternoon. This is a bit earlier
than normal but we doubt this indicates the weather will change dramatically.
At least not yet. Starting later in March, then in April, we will have more
rain but also warmer weather, so humidity, as well. Right now, the jacaranda trees are starting
to bloom. They have beautiful purple
flowers on a leafless tree this time of year.
Those with allergies are feeling the effects, of course, of this time of
year as there is considerable pollen with tress in bloom. All throughout the
city there are several types of beautiful flowering trees, but our favorite
seems to be the truly beautiful and stately Jacarandas. We include a picture of
them.
Both of us had colds in February, but we are doing well now
and getting back into the groove. We missed a bit of work time, but not too
much. Elder Salinas, our leader, asked us to do a couple of special assignments
for him -- that is, for the Self-Reliance effort -- before we leave at the end
of April. One is to make some special visits to the initial self-reliance
meetings conducted at the Stake level, generally. Also talk with a number of
different folks involved with these meetings and come back with a set of
recommendations as to how they could be more successful. The other is to put
together a book of all the meaningful self-reliance success stories we received
since our arrival. It is a lot of
work! But, as we review these stories,
it is truly amazing to see how many people’s lives have changed for the better!
With a little help, they are helping themselves. It is inspiring. So, we are busy these last two months of our
mission, but that is good!
Elder Oaks made a visit here in February. He spoke at a devotional for the church
employees, and we were able to attend. That was very nice. Elder Clayton of the Seventy was traveling with
him. He was busy visiting other parts of the country. It turns out as purely coincidental, but the
Pope was visiting Mexico during the same basic time period and both the Pope
and Elder Oaks were in many of the same areas, but on different days. Incidentally, the Pope’s visit to Mexico was
really a huge event. His public appearances were broadcast everywhere around
the world. Basically, the entire country was really focused on him the days
here was here.
On March 1, we had
the second Self-Reliance group graduation in the ward. There were two groups that graduated. One for “Starting and Growing my Business”
and the other was “My Job Search”. Six
members received their certificates. One sister took both classes and attended
all 12 meetings of each class. She
started a little business and also got a very good part time job to help
supplement her family income. Her name
is Estella and she is really awesome. We
are so proud of her, and of all the graduates.
There are many success stories that we have heard from other groups
throughout the country, as mentioned above, and this is just one more example
Jacaranda Trees
Graduation Group
Pictures with Elder Oak
