Matters of Beauty and Tragedy

Every morning and evening Cameron calls us via FaceTime for prayer and scriptures. He usually reads his verses and then goes back to bed for “a little more sleep.” At 6:30 in the morning he really isn’t much interested in discussing gospel principles or Book of Mormon stories and lessons. That is why we were so shocked when he cheerily ended Mosiah 24 by saying he especially liked verse 19 and wanted to read it again. Jim and I laughed as he read, “And in the morning the Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites, yea, and all their task-masters were in a profound sleep.” Since then he has had us repeat verses that catch his attention—usually those with words that match a song he knows. Ah, we miss his funniness!

Norma was baptized on Saturday! She is the one who met us at the San Antonio Temple. The Sisters taught her, and she prayed for an answer. She was completely overcome by the spirit and felt such peace. It was a happy day! Every weekend is filled with baptisms.

We attended two Primary Sacrament meetings on Sunday—one in English and one in Spanish. They were so beautiful. The Spanish branch was packed with visitors. Hearing children sing songs of the gospel is a very sweet missionary tool. I was playing for the Spanish program, and it was a delight to be part of it. The little rascals I had come to know in practices turned into angels. I had never seen a Primary make such a big deal—in fact, I know we are advised against it, but it was beautiful. A sign above the choir seats proclaimed “programa de la primaria—Soy un Hijo de Dios” in huge gold-glittered letters. The children were dressed in white with the boys in gold bow ties and the girls in gold hair bows. They had a photo op outside the chapel with white lights on a white backdrop, gold flowers, etc. The English branch had a regular, Utah-type program—and it was just as beautiful. The children really sang well!

Roadkill: Million of butterflies are smashed against cars’ windows and grills today as we drive the Elders back from Hebbronville! They are beautiful and tragic. We have seen some really gorgeous bugs on the wing! Large, small, and medium butterflies and moths swarm over hundreds of square miles in southern Texas this week. I’ve heard that we should drive to Mission, Texas, where there is a butterfly refuge. I understand there are monuments and statues to the migrating butterflies.  It is near McAllen. (There is a Costco in McAllen---road trip!!) Other unfortunate animals we often see as roadkill: armadillos, fawns, possum, etc.

We love the Lord’s work! We love the people here! We love teaching the youth and the YSA! We love learning Spanish! We love the scriptures! We love YOU! You are in our prayers every day (and we pray a lot!). We are thankful you are in our lives. Please pray for us in your families.