Home for the Holidays Matters

Matters of Leaving TMM 12.21.18

Merry Christmas to all and have a Happy New Year 2019! Being senior missionaries has its perks in many ways, but being able to come home for Colton and Anne’s wedding and the holidays is the best yet.

On Friday, December 21, we took an Uber to the Laredo Airport to fly to Utah. Because our missionary assignment is teaching seminary and institute, we are “off” for the holidays along with schools. The little Laredo airport is quite a contrast to the monoliths of terminals in Dallas. We took trains to our terminal for the flight to SLC. We had left our winter clothes in SLC, so we were happy to get into coats and warm outerwear once in Utah’s ice and snow. As we crossed the street to our car rental, familiar faces greeted us from a car window. It was the Bodily family from Laredo! Small world!

When we got to the house and began talking into the morning hours, we realized that it was VERY cold—for INSIDE the house. Jim tried to get the furnace (quite new, BTW) going to no avail. I insisted that he call our service people so that they could get to the furnace first thing in the morning. Luckily, we are on a maintenance plan, and they sent a serviceman immediately. He worked on the furnace for a couple of hours, replaced a part, and left us with a house that would soon be warm enough to sleep in. Luckily downstairs was retaining heat, and most of the family didn’t even know the drama that was going on all night.

Attending sacrament meeting at our home ward in West Valley was a great reminder of the many musical talents that bless us here. The magnificent choir had 34 singers, two accomplished accompanists (Brother Gubler on the organ and Brother Magee on the piano), plus Sister Allen on the flute. The music was heavenly. Sandy Tyson is the choir director (and probably wrote the program). It was beautiful! I especially liked “And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful!”  It was an awesome start to the Christmas holiday.

Christmas Day was calm and sweet. Cameron was very excited to get a karaoke machine, three Harry Potter games, and a ukulele. It was fun to watch his reaction—just like still having a child in the house. Mostly he was thrilled to have us at home.

Our family party was on Thursday, December 27, the 69th anniversary of my mother’s birth. We had such fun playing the Saran-wrapped-ball game! One ball for the little ones, one for the teens, and one for the adults—each full of prizes, gift cards, and money. Donny snatched the big prize right out of Anne’s shaking hands and took home the big money. “Baby Macie” had a bag full of prizes she dragged around all night. So that the contents would not spill, I taped the bag before they left. Macie said, “Grandma, I’m sorry I ripped it.” Ha, ha. Everyone was a winner. It was great to be together this Christmas.

The morning of December 29 dawned, crisp and cold. Devastation set in when Colton could not find his marriage license. He was beside himself as the minutes clicked by. The Temple assured him that they could NOT be wed without it. After they had searched everywhere, we sent Bryce to the new apartment in Provo to search through boxes and folders, in case Colton had accidentally packed it. Just in the nick of time, Bryce called to report success! He was able to get to the temple in time, and the day was saved. The ceremony was sweet and beautiful as these two special people covenanted and promised their lives to each other for now and eternity together. Pictures to follow. The luncheon and reception were simple and fun.

We were thrilled to see friends and family and join in the wonder of Christmas in snowy Utah. However, we are not sad to return to a much warmer, greener new year in south Texas! We LOVE teaching the special young people in Laredo and assisting in building the Lord’s Kingdom in the Texas McAllen Mission. We love being in the middle of the excitement of building a new stake. We are happy for the Orozco Family who were also sealed on Saturday in the Salt Lake Temple. What blessings are coming to the faithful members in Laredo! Bishop Orozco is the new bishop of the Laredo Second Ward and a diligent servant in strengthening the youth. Every day he shows up at early-morning seminary to bring, encourage, and bless the lives of our students!

Early tomorrow we get on the plane and head back to the mission field. We are counting our many blessings, including all of you. We love you all. We are reminded constantly of the urgency in preparing ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Repentance is a gift that we can partake of because of Christ’s infinite atonement. Our prayer is that we all partake of the gift.

Tender Mercies Matter TMM

TMM Promises Matter

A week and a half ago I was asked to play for Sylvia’s baptism. Like all of the baptisms we attend, it was a marvelous experience. Sylvia’s young-adult son has special needs (probably autism), and he wanted to be the one playing the piano. He tried to displace me on the bench as he pounded out a few handfuls of keys. I just smiled at him and teased a little bit about how he could certainly take my place. Some missionaries gathered him and his backpack and gently steered him away. The young man wandered during much of the service, making random sounds, but calmed during the baptism itself in the arms of kind, loving Elders. I was so impressed with the elders, who may have had a “special” person in their families, wards, or schools. They knew how to envelop and to show caring to this child of God. It was their way of welcoming not only his mother but her son into the kingdom of God. It reminded me of the kindnesses of young men to Cameron as he was going through school. When Cameron was on the HHS wrestling team, I was touched over and over by the loving actions of boys from all over the state, who did not know Cam but knew to treat him with respect, love, and generosity. Parents in the Church are doing a great job raising such compassionate men.

Sunday in the 1st Ward Mario Gonzales gave his farewell talk before leaving on his mission to Merida, Mexico. Mario is a third-generation Latter-Day Saint. His parents and grandparents also shared their testimonies. They were all thrilled to have him serve a mission, though it is difficult to send him into perilous circumstances. His younger brother gave an excellent talk on how missionaries are assigned to missions, and his teenage sister (ward chorister) bore her testimony. It was an inspirational meeting! The members here needed to see the example of strength and testimony that can happen through faithful church service over three generations. Not all of our young people have family support. So many of our students are the lone members in their families, and it is difficult for them to remain faithful, get up early for seminary, pay tithes and offerings, read scriptures and pray, and start faithful families of their own. Those families who make the effort to bring their families to church every week and teach the gospel in their homes are building a foundation for generations who will be prepared for the Second Coming. Thanks to new Bishop Orozco (and Sister Orozco) who have brought students to seminary every day, some feel that kind of support and testimony from their leaders.

As we left seminary on Tuesday morning, we were filled with the power of a glorious sunrise. Three of our seminary students were also thrilled at the sight and took several selfies and video to preserve the moment. In viewing that few seconds of video, they saw a “sign” in the heavens—a heart in the stunning clouds hovering over the church steeple. They think it really means something. I think it was a tender mercy sent to bless these faithful “jovenes” who attended early-morning seminary despite the early hour in a week of stress and finals. (Check out the picture!)

The Second Coming is a theme from the Prophet and apostles. President and Sister Nelson talk often about the gathering of Israel (missionary work) and the role of our young people in preparing the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. Elder Holland says he has never seen a prophet emphasize so strongly this theme and that it must mean something! President Torres (our mission president) stressed the responsibility we have to get ready and help others get ready for Jesus to come again. He teaches constantly about the signs. President Torres personally believes that this generation of young people will see the Second Coming, and that is why the Prophet teaches and advocates for this preparation all the time. Did you see the talks by the Nelsons about a recent trip where there were members of all tribes present? The literal gathering of Israel is definitely underway. Amazing! We have been warned.

In 4th Ward on Sunday the Primary sang “If I Were a Shepherd” by Stephanie K. Adams. She wrote it for her neighborhood children to sing as part of her personal “light-the-world” project. I had never heard it before, but it touched my heart with the beautiful music and the message. I looked it up when I got home and found the video and the free music download. She encourages us to use the song in our homes and at church. I especially love the final verse which says: “I’m not a shepherd; I’m not a traveling wise man. I’m not an angel. I love Him just the same. I’m a disciple. I choose to love and serve Him, to follow His commandments, to take upon His name. I’m a disciple. . .I’m a disciple. . .I’m a disciple!” That is my message this Christmastime. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I am His disciple!

Matters of the Season in the TMM

Matters in the TMM

A sweet Cameron story: When Jill and Cameron were here for Thanksgiving, we had some adventures in San Antonio from the River Walk cruise to Sea World to the Alamo, but our first stop is always the beautiful San Antonio temple. We love to pick up this and that at the distribution center while we are there. We were “shopping” along with a few others who were at the temple that day, and I overheard the clerks talking to a man there who was obviously a stake patriarch. As this brother went to leave, he came up to Cameron and asked if he could have a hug from “this celestial being.” Even though Cam didn’t have his “free hugs” t-shirt on, he was happy to oblige. With tears in his eyes this kind man hugged Cameron, saying that he could feel Cam’s spirit and that he was sure Cam was the most righteous person there. (Obviously he doesn’t have to get Cameron up in the mornings! Ha!)

What a marvelous week we had here in Laredo! The week culminated with three very beautiful testimony meetings. In the Spanish-speaking wards people line up to bear testimony. Literally. It was very touching, and the Spirit was strong. In second ward our good friend Brother Orozco was sustained as the new bishop. We will miss him as YSA advisor, but what a great bishop he will be! He was at seminary this morning to find out what youth he needed to work with to get them to seminary. He and his family will be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on December 29—the same day and place as Colton and Anne. Bishop Orozco only speaks Spanish, and we know he will have a tremendous influence on the youth, as he has had for many years with the young adults.

It was awesome to meet Elsa at 6th branch yesterday for her first church meeting. We watched her pay her tithing—really like the widow’s mite—determined to keep that commandment following the missionary lesson they had given this last week. She is scheduled to be baptized on Dec. 19, so we can be there. She loved the testimonies that were born and the spirit of the meeting and the people. Elder Flanagan is preparing to do the baptism in Spanish, as Elsa does not speak English. Elsa and Idalia parted ways, so Elsa is living in a church downtown where she is now a caretaker. Her home in Nuevo Laredo was broken into (literally, by smashing a hole in the wall), and everything was stolen. We are trying to help her find steady work here. Elsa says she used to watch the missionaries come and go in Mexico and wondered why they didn’t come to her, knowing in her heart that she needed what they had. Now she rejoices in finding the gospel of Jesus Christ!

In fourth ward Idalia was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was so excited. She wanted to know what was next. She was glad to hear that the ward Christmas dinner is on Saturday because she wants to “be involved in everything.” Her baptism was a trial. She was so afraid of the water, petrified about getting in and out of the font with legs that don’t work, and not knowing how it was all going to work to be immersed. The second attempt was successful, but there was some screaming and crying even as everyone worked to get her out of the font. She was faithful and determined, willing to do whatever it took to make her covenant with God.

The Sisters texted us to come and bring an investigator to church for the first time in 4th Ward (English). We met them at Josie’s apartment, and took her to church. In fact, those sisters had about ten first-time visitors there yesterday. Josie (65) is quite a character. She came to dinner with the Sisters and a pair of Elders, and when we took her home, she invited us in to see her Christmas wonderland. Her whole life is wrapped up in her “stuff.” She has lived quite a rough life. Her siblings are telling her not to listen to the “Mormons,” but that makes her more determined to hear the gospel. She is spending the holidays in San Antonio with family and friends. She came out of the three hours of meetings with questions for us about the temple. Although our assignment is to teach the young people here, we are grateful for the experiences to influence others with our testimonies and lifestyle.

The powerful testimonies that were shared in 4th Ward were a blessing to all of us. Sister Niggliazzo’s words were inspiring and really helped us teach our seminary lesson this morning on forgiveness (D&C 64). She is a beautiful, articulate mother, teacher, and attorney. Her husband was just released as 4th branch president to be a counselor in the stake presidency. She told about years of bad feelings toward her father who abandoned their family and disappeared when she was young. Her story has a happy ending, as she told of rescuing her father who was found wandering in NorthCarolina with no memory of his name, addictions, or past life. She was able to develop a sweet, forgiving relationship with him before he died this year. Others bore witness of the difference the gospel has made in their lives as they try to change their lives and focus on the Savior.

The Sisters asked for an invitation to dinner, and we were happy to have them come. We had ribs cooking in the crockpot when they informed us at our middle meeting that they had also invited the Elders. This week is transfers, so about half of our missionaries will be going somewhere else. We love to have missionaries to dinner, especially when we are losing some of these young friends this week. The more, the merrier, BUT we did not have enough food for six of us. Yay for the Instapot! We pulled out frozen chicken and fixed a second menu of crack chicken. (Hurray for ribs for us today!) So, we invited Josie and seven of us shared a meal. The yummy pecan pie was shared in tiny pieces with lots of whipped cream. If they can eat what we eat, they are welcome to share our meals!

Much love to all of you! May we all focus on the love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. May we take every opportunity to “Light the World” this Christmas season. Our prayer is to put aside the world and draw closer to God. Please pray for us. We are excited to come home for a few days at this fabulous time of year.

Front-Page News Matters

Front-Page News Matters

Yesterday was the long-awaited day for Laredoans! Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a generation of missionaries who have served here, and earnest investigators packed the Hillside Chapel to participate in the historic creation of Laredo’s first stake of Zion. It was thrilling! Elder McKay’s talk was moving and eloquent. Elder Villareal’s message was exciting. The testimonies of the new stake presidency were inspiring. The music by the choir was excellent. I guess that’s my quota of adjectives for the day… I will include pictures—they are worth a thousand words anyway.

As we move into DECEMBER (can you believe it?), we have put up our little Christmas tree and tried some recipes. Next thing we know, we will be boarding a plane for SLC.

I forgot to tell last week about our adventure—The Great Escape—from the IMAX theater. We enjoyed the film The Alamo, Fight for Freedom at the theater near the Alamo in downtown San Antonio. It was really better than three hours of John Wayne’s Alamo. It was a Keith Merrill film, very well-done. In our minds we were trying to figure out the exit that would get us closest to our parking lot, so we chose the far exit near the back of the building. It was a dirty stairwell, but a couple flights of cement stairs did not deter us. We followed the exit sign and let the door close behind us. When we got to the street doors, we were shocked to see signs that warned us in bold letters NOT to open the alarmed doors. We weighed the pros and cons of being arrested for illegal exit or going back up the stairs. As it happens, we are a group of rule keepers, and we trudged back up the blood-spattered stairwell (well. . . It might have been red paint, but I’m just not sure!). Oh, oh! The door was firmly locked behind us and were trapped. No choice—we had to charge the wired doors and hope we could outrun the cops amid the screaming alarms and stares of street people. We were so worried that we tried calling the theater to beg for help, but no human answered. Press forward! We were almost disappointed when there was no audible alarm. No one took any notice as we “calmly” walked away.

Missionary life goes on in sunny Laredo. Every day teaching is the best calling ever! Flowers continue to bloom and temperatures are back in the 80s. Christmas and cacti. We love the people here! Please pray for us to have the stamina to do what the Lord needs us to do here in south Texas. We love you all and can hardly wait to see you in three weeks. Stop by if you are in the Salt Lake area! Have a wonderful holiday season. Serve others. Love everyone. Sing Christmas songs. Pray. HE is the greatest gift!