Second Round of Interviews

Second half of the mission needed to be interviewed and here we find the President teaching a little to the Elders in San Sebastian. They all looked glued to his words of wisdom. Good Elders are always eager for advice from the President.

Next stop was in Ferrol. Yes, 6 1/2 hours across the mission. We took the ayudantes with us and everywhere we went they worked with the missionaries on contacting and inviting people to be baptized. It was very well received. In Ferrol it was the Elders p-day and so the president told them to come in their p-day clothes. Elders Stevens and Jackson also fixed us lunch, homemade pizza with all the fixings. Here Elder Ashby was giving the presidente a little shoulder message as he ate his pizza. Elder Jackson just hopes the Presidente likes his pizza.

Everyone was happy with lunch and the role play and teaching went well here in Ferrol. These two elders are working hard and seeing a lot of progress in this city.

The next stop was A Coruna where we did the interviews and workshops and then the Auydantes went of on cambios with Elders Esteves-Garcia and Elder McClanahan and I went out on cambios with the Hermanas. Hna Calderon, Sandoval and Fitches were great to be with. We had a night of total contacting as their weren't any visits for tonight. I first went with Hna Calderon and we were able to get 3 referrals while later with Hna Fitches we got 1 referral. We talked to a bunch of people always trying to "state the obvious" when starting a conversation with people. I was real original starting with 'Hola, soy de los ustados unidos" The people would laugh and say, yes, we can tell. I guess my accent is still very american. Anyway, we had a great time. I love working with the sisters.

The next morning we were up and off to Santiago. But I couldn't leave without taking a few morning shots of the beautiful A Coruna area. Notice the small boat in the water. This tiny beach was right out of our hotel. No, we didn't go to the beach, but it was very beautiful. The morning light is just coming on the horizon. Beautiful with the sound of the seagulls and the water lapping up on the sand. Ahhh, oh well, must get on the road.

This isn't Stonehenge, but this was out the other side of the hotel. Again, a beautiful sight. I am getting to really love A Coruna.

After stopping in Santiago we pushed on to Pontevedra. Here Elders Hansen and Garcia fixed us a very authentic Mexican meal. We enjoyed this and afterwards the Presidente did his interviews. The auydantes also worked with the Elders. Nice way to spend Medio Dia.

Afterwards it is on to Vigo. The zone leaders, Elders Dredge and Cairns are really doing a great job. This zone is incredible and they are working as hard as missionaries could. Here we have l to r. Elders Dredge, Ashby, Cairns, Gerber, and Moore. Sorry to Elder Anderson who is in his interview. Great looking Elders with happy smiles to match.

After the interviews here I went with Hermanas Abellan and Maquieira to work for the rest of the afternoon and evening. We had a box full of supplies to drop off to their piso so we took a few fun pictures while we were there for 3 minutes. Here is their study area. Always neat and clean in the hermana's piso.

Maybe we should cook something up? No, no time.

After the day is done, here is were the Hermanas will sleep. But no time for that, it was off to the hills of Vigo. We went everywhere. We had a few appointments fall through, we delivered pamphlets to members who are working with the missionaries, and did a lot of contacting getting a few referrals and talking to a lot of different people.. We finished of the night with a visit to a women named Elizabeth. She is a member who has cancer and is going through chemo-therapy. These two sisters are providing so much love and comfort for her. Hermana Maquieira on the left is from Ecuador and Hermana Abellan is from Barcelona. Two great sisters whom I enjoyed immensely, leaving them at 9:15 to get back to the hotel and for them to get back to their piso. A great night of work in the mission field.

The next morning found us in Orense. Here Elder Moya is mugging for the camera while Elders Webb and Kofe are talking with Elders Ashby and Moore about contacting. In all the sessions I would be the contact on the street. It was fun to role play with the Elders and Sisters and realize how good they are and how much they are striving to be the best missionaries they can be.

We finished in Bilbao that evening but here we have Elders Dredge and Cairns who are in Vigo giving us the thumbs up. Yes, it was a great round of interviews. All of our missionaries have different talents and ways about doing the work, but they all greeted us with huge smiles, miracles to share and a true willingness to do the Lord's work. We are so blessed here in Spain and love our missionaries dearly.

Traveling the Mission

What, no one mugging for the camera? Never when there is fresh mail. Missionaries love mail and packages from home. They do get their e-mails but there is nothing like a letter to hold and read and re-read.

Guapo elders! The Elders of Pamplona are such hard working elders. I always feel power in their righteousness. It doesn't hurt that they are hard working elders who are always so appreciative of the little treats and food that we bring them.

Our beautiful Spanish hermanas! Hna Sanchez, on the left is training Hna Moraza who just came into the mission two days ago. They will be a dynamite team. Hna Moraza's mother served in Burgos some 25 years ago and this is where Hna Moraza gets to start. Tender mercies abound in the mission field.

Our blonde contrast to the dark Spaniards. Elders Holmes and Driggs are waiting for their interviews with the Presidente. Two happy elders who work hard. Burgos has seen the fruits of hard working elders and sisters. Since we came in July they have had 4 baptisms with 3 baptismal dates set for the next month. Wow, keep it up.

Here is a poster made by the Hermanas of the recent baptisms. Such animo in the branch. It is nice to see.

The Leon Elders are lined up to get their marching orders from Presidente Clegg. Actually he is just sharing a scriptural passage and thought. But wait a minute, one of these elders, the second on the left is Elder Anderson from the office. Why in Leon? Oh yes, the wonderful word we all learn to live with, Residency paper work. But where is Elder Roldan? Elders Quinn and Corbridge are the Zone leaders and Elder Nestvogel is the District Leader and Elder Roldan is the branch president of the Leon branch. Maybe he is up in the office at the end of the hall?

Yes, her he is with names or paperwork or something. Always things to do to keep these branches running. Elder Roldan is a great Branch President as well as a fine Elder.

Is the Presidente getting after Elder Smith? I don't think so from the smiles on their faces. Elders Smith and Bingham are the Elders who have re-opened Benavente. The entire District was fasting for this small branch to aid in the work and pray for their success. Well, last week they had 18 new investigators with a family, a man and his friends and I think someone else at church. They nearly doubled the little branch attendance this past Sunday. The Lord will pour out his blessings on those who seek to do his will. We will keep you in our prayers as well as all of the missionaries in the Spain Bilbao Mission, we need the help of the Lord daily.

These darling children are from the Ponferrada branch. Starting from the left is Elvis, Lady and Camilla. Camilla is the daughter of the Branch President while the other two are there with their parents who are going to the temple to be sealed. Such a sweet family.

Here we are with Thomas and his family after their interviews. This dear family is originally from Ecuador and now have lived in Spain for I think 4-5 years, maybe more. They are excited to go to the temple. Lady is especially smiling with joy.

These are our Elders in Ponferrada, Elders Hanson, Rodriquez, Luz Maria and Elder Woods. Luz Maria is getting baptized this next weekend. She was there for her interview. She is also from Ecuador. Her husband is a member and now she is ready to be baptized. We also have a wonderful bit of news from Ponferrada. Presidente Carnelo's wife, who isn't a member has now decided to be baptized. He has been a faithful member for 10 years, now a member of the District Presidency. His wife has been taught many times and started again with the Elders. She decided she was ready now, and this coming Saturday, along with Luz Maria, she will be baptized. Many tears of joy are being shed and so much excitement in Ponferrada. They had another baptism two weeks ago, and a few more fechas for the up coming weeks. Lot's of faith and prayers and hard work going on in this wonderful city.

Wow, this looks like Utah? No, we just didn't fly the coup. This is on the drive between Leon and Oviedo. Such varied country. On the Leon side it is much drier and really does look like a hillside in Utah, on the other side is lush, green jagged mountains that look just like Switzerland, or should I say, Northern Spain. Lots of diversity.

OVIEDO seems to be coming out of Elder Aston's mouth. He actually just got this wonderful package from home. Elder Harris and Skidmore are eyeing the taco seasoning and taco shells. All the little things that you might be able to find here or might not, but if they are in the stores, way to expensive.

On to Aviles with Elders Barber and Pederson. Look, they made us a treat, apple bread. And of course, Elder Pederson's package from home, what is inside?

Great stuff mom, Elder Pederson is loving life now.

Here is Elder Flory with his new "son" Elder Araya from Southern Spain. They are in Gijon together. Such a new dynamic team. Elder Flory, did you ever think when you were riding horses on the hills of Wallsburg, Utah that you would be doing this?

And the second part of this wonderful group in Gijon, Elder Sanchez, the new "son" from Barcelona and Elder Probst from Heber City, Utah. Hey wait, a Wasatch County-Spain connection! I think it works.

Let's not forget our hard working Hermanas Bell and Rudder. After the interviews I went out with them for about 3 hours. This investigator couldn't see us but we did teach a lesson with a lovely little girl named Stacy, who is getting baptized at the end of the month. Great sisters in Gijon.

Sunday we spent in church in Gijon and were so kindly invited to dinner with Rosa and Carlos. They are the ones next to us. He serves in the District Presidency as well as Rosa is the District Primary President. Great strong members. The other two are a nice man, David from Barcelona who was visiting Marissa. She is adorable and is also the counselor in the District Primary. Lovely people who served us an incredible meal. We left happy and full and were on our way home.

I'll end this blog with another picture, one of the many, many bridges in Spain. This is just a road over the freeway, as you are getting close to Santander. They do bridges so well. The art that is displayed along the highways is so enjoyable to see. Well home for two nights and then on the the second half of the mission.

Cinco Nuevos Misionaros

Look who is waving at us! From the moment of their first recognition of us through the window we knew we had a great group. Look at the enthusiastic wave from Elder Leon. We received 5 new missionaries, all from Spain. We were so excited to get them.

Pictured here is Elder Leon who lives in the same ward of another missionary in the mission, Elder Castallon. His warm greeting and great smile made him a match for our mission.

With Elder Ashby on the left is pictured Elders Sanchez and Araya. Such fine men who are so anxious and ready to be full time missionaries. It is so wonderful to get these Elders and Sisters. Most of them are second generation members and it is wonderful to see the strength they have and their willingness to serve.

Looks like Elder Sanchez got in the picture with our two wonderful Hermanas, Hna Sandoval on the left with Hna Moraza next to Elder Sanchez. That is our faithful auydante Elder Moore, helping with the luggage. They were so excited to be here and it was going to be a good day of speaking spanish correctly!!(well I would do my best but even the auydantes got corrected. We love it.)

Nothing like finishing a big medio dia meal after a morning of training. We feed them an American lunch with a roast and mashed potatoes and steamed zucchini with a little cheese on top. They all seemed to love it. The carrot cake was a great way to end. The training went great. Especially when they practiced street contacting. These missionaries came up with the best questions and ideas. We know we have been blessed with some of the finest that Spain has to offer. They were filled with so many questions and insights. They are going to impact the mission.

Taking the group to the look-out spot has become a favorite moment of the "show." None of them had visited Bilbao, so this was all new to them. They loved it and loved to take lots of pictures.

But we can't leave without the Presidente giving them the charge that this is the time of their mission. They are ready and eager to get to the office to find out where they will be going. There were some wonderful tender mercies demonstrated as they were assigned.

Elder Ashby is showing them a picture of one of the trainers. Who is going to get Elder Probst to be their trainer?

Why Elder Shanchez is the lucky one. He is going to Gijon and is a wonderful match for Elder Probst. Also, Elder Araya, the missionary on the left is also going to Gijon to be with Elder Flory. He was so excited to go to Gijon because his mother has a reference of a family that wants to hear about the gospel who live in Gijon. Wow, how did the Presidente know about that when he made the assignment? Such a sweet moment for all.

Wait a minute, this isn't a new Elder? No, this is Elder Nelson, he is going to be a trainer in Sestao. He is anxious to see which Elder will be his companion. Elder Nelson is a great Elder and will make a super trainer.

It is Elder Leon. They were greeting each other with a hug. How exciting to have his trainer here. They would shortly leave the mission office and go by the subway to their piso. Great place to start a mission and a great match we think.

Hermana Moraza is going to Burgos, a city where her mother served on her mission. Won't her mother be excited to hear that news. Hna Sandoval is going to A Coruna to be with Hna Calderon. Hna Calderon's parents were with Hna Sandavol in the temple in Madrid when she first went through for her own endowments. She was so excited to be trained by their daughter. Sweet tender mercies experienced this day in the assigning of these beautiful missionaries. We are so blessed to have them in our mission and to work with them in their homeland. Their beautiful faces reflect all that is good in the youth today in Spain. Buenas Suerte en su mision!

Random Sampler

These next few pictures are just a sample of the last few days and the wonderful experiences that we have every day in the mission.  Pictured with us is this wonderful woman, Sister Teresa Lopez Gonzalez.  She was baptized into the church over 20 years ago.  She showed me  and the Presidente her pictures with the missionaries who baptized her and many of the past mission presidents here in the Spain Bilbao Mission.  She is adorable.  She reminded me a little bit of my Grandmere from France.  She has a smile that welcomes the world.  She truly represents the spirit of these wonderful pioneers in Spain.  We were with her in Ferrol for church this past Sunday.  

This is a picture of the countryside between the cities of Pamplona and Logrono.  We had to run some Books of Mormon down to the Elders in Pamplona and then we were going to Logrono to set apart the new 2nd Counselor in the Mission Presidency.  We are so excited to have this wonderful men at the side of Presidente to help further the missionary effort in our mission.  I just love this beautiful rolling countryside full of vineyards and farmland and beautiful Spanish Cathedrals.

Here we are with the former District President and now current 2nd Counselor in the Mission Presidency, Presidente Ruiz de Mendoza and his lovely wife.  Presidente set him apart and then we enjoyed a wonderful dinner together.  Their stories of their conversions are incredible.  They both joined when they were young adults.  They have been the backbone of the church in Northern Spain from the beginning.  As they shared their stories the thoughts came to our minds of how precious and stalwart these two are and how honored we are to be able to serve with them.  A wonderful night to always remember.

The next day was a true missionary day for Presidente and I.  Presidente went all afternoon and evening with the Auydantes and I went with the Hermanas in Bilbao, Hermana Johns in her first month of the mission and Hermana Garcia in her last month of her mission.  This is the second time I have done this and I wish I could do it every day.  The Hermanas and I climbed all over the hills of Bilbao, doing Amigo Flechas, street contacting and visits.  We got fiared (no-one there) and in the picture above, we were waiting on this bench for a girl to come home.  I think we walked up 300 flights of stairs to get there (I don't think I am exaggerating) We did get in a piso from knocking doors and taught an introduction to the gospel and made an appointment to return, taught the mother of Jose and Alejandro who were baptized last month and she is progressing well, then the end of the evening was with a family who the father and son are going to be baptized in two weeks.  The spirit was so sweet in the home as we talked about the plan of salvation.  At each home I do share some things and it seems like I always get asked to pray.  I love being with our Hermanas and with these wonderful people who are listening to and coming into the church.  It is great.

Wow, what a sight to come out of the Metro just before 10:00 p.m. and see these 3 handsome Elders smiling at me.  What did I do to deserve this?  They were so excited to tell me that they extended another invitation to get baptized and the man accepted.  Such a great night!  I think Elder Ashby and Moore have 3 baptisms for this month with another one possibly before the month is out and 3-4 other soft commitments, meaning people who have said they will get baptized when they are ready, but have some things in their lives to change before a baptismal date can be set.  It looks like the Elders had as good a night as the Hermanas did.

We just had to take pictures to help us remember the joy and excitement to see the gospel in action and see these missionaries find such success.  They are applying the principles taught in Preach My Gospel and what we have been teaching in Zone Conference and they are having people placed in their paths and many miracles occurring.  People all over the world need the gospel, they just don't know where or how to find it.  That is our challenge to find them and be available for the Lord to place them in our paths.

I want every parent of the missionaries of the Spain Bilbao Mission to know that their missionary is working as hard if not harder than our auydantes.  We have the BEST missionaries in the world.  They are out their doing the work and reaching many people.  They get ignored and many don't want to even stop, but they are finding people and we are so proud of each one of them.  They are filled with the spirit of the Lord and are such great young men and women.  They are healthy and happy and are great representatives of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Thank-you for raising them so well and trusting us for their care.  WE LOVE THEM SO MUCH!