Members of the Cuidad Espana Branch
The front to the church is right behind Wayne
Notice the broken bottles on top of the wall for security
How was your Sacrament Meeting today? We had the greatest opportunity this morning to return to Cuidad Espana. President Gomez asked us to go and visit the branch there and to take the electronic keyboard. This is the city that was built for the people after Hurricane Mitch where we delivered our two missionaries several Friday nights ago. We love the layout of the city...you can see the different areas by the different color of rooftops.
Wayne with Elders Mazariegos and Elder Medrano
(Elder Mazariegos is being transferred this week)
The church building is in an old home that they have converted. It is right across the street from a HUGE Methodist building. We got there early and were able to help set up and watch the Saints arrive. They were wonderful!! These people were meeting in the most meager of circumstances with distractions that would make most people stop coming to church. I am not kidding...the neighbors were playing Latino music almost full blast next door. I told them that today we would rival their neighbors with the organ and the Tabernacle Choir. They really do sing like that...full force. I have never heard anything like it! Everyone sings....there is a lesson in there somewhere about our true worship.
They had about 40 in attendance today...about the average. Mostly women and children and probably 2-3 Melchizedek Priesthood holders...not counting the missionaries. The families were so fun...one mother had 2-3 of her children and their families including several grandchildren. She wanted her picture taken with me.
Making another Relief Society sister friend
She carries a large type Libro de Mormon and a magnifying glass to read
She carries a large type Libro de Mormon and a magnifying glass to read
As we were sitting during Sacrament Meeting I felt something next to me and looked down and it was a DOG. They said that he usually shows up each week and is just a member of their branch.Here he is just leaving the church building.
It was the fifth Sunday today and the topic was on Youth Standards and how to help them to dress more modestly. Wayne and I felt that we were back home....same problems and same discussions. (At least that's what we think they were talking about...it was in Spanish).
The branch Young Women and their leaders
Notice the medallion on the leader in pink
4 comments:
I laughed over and over thinking about you looking down and seeing a DOG. Too funny. I guess he wanted some nourishment - maybe not the spiritual kind though.
Your stories remind me so much of the faith of the black members in South Africa. And to think I just didn't feel like going to church today because I was burned out. I have no idea... And, I did go and it was good to be there even although I didn't pay as much attention as I should. I'll do better next week thanks to your post :)
I about died reading about the dog...that is too funny! I love that the members sing with full force. I wish that members (including me) would sing with more conviction. What a lesson to learn!
Okay...I would probably freak out if I was in church and a dog came up beside me. But maybe they need some worship too. Or maybe they are there for the bread. :)
We just got back from camping and had permission to have the sacrament done with Kris'extended family at our camping spot. It was such a spiritual experience to be out there in the beautiful mountains and singin hymns and listening to talks. Just proves that as long as you have the right setting that the spirit is always there.
That's hilarious that you had a dog join meetings. It is one of Heavenly Father's creations too! Ha ha!
How enjoyable to be able to feel the spirit in the meeting and the strength of the member's testimonies amidst all the worldly distractions. It is just a reminder how we can truly let our light shine forth in this world and not be brought down. Those are the types of experiences that strengthen the testimonies of the members and help them to truly be able to stand as a witness for what is right.
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