Summer of Sharing "Fun Run"

Quaker Heights Spanish Branch

The last 5 months in the mission field, we were assigned to the Quaker Heights Spanish Branch.  What a delight that was.  Of course, Eugene speaking fluent Spanish, was right at home.  However, I was not... in the beginning.  The only thing I could do was smile in Spanish.  And lead music in Spanish.  But everyone in the little branch was so wonderful and welcoming that it didn't take long to feel loved.  The spirit was so incredible and everyone was so kind.  After a couple of weeks with Eugene trying to translate everything, it was evident that we needed help.  So the branch president set up some headphones and a translator for me and his wife.  She didn't speak Spanish either and he was constantly translating for her too.  From that point on, we didn't miss out on anything.  Just as we were completing our mission, we decided to take our camera to church and get some pictures of some of the members out in the hall.  Here are just a few.  I wish we would have written down all of their names because now, 7 months later, some of them have escaped us.

 The top left picture shows some of the Relief Society ladies.  They are so delightful.  I wish I could remember all of their names.  Top right are Lee and Bea.  The center picture is Bella Wright (Relief society president) and her husband and two beautiful daughters.  And the bottom picture is the Andrade family. 

 Sister Delgadio (top left) was an incredible Sunday School teacher.  She and her husband were converts to the church and before the Spanish branch was organized, they attended church - in an English speaking ward.  Never understanding a word spoken, they attended faithfully for the children!  How we admired them!

 This lady had such a fun personality!  We were invited to their home a number of times for some good ol' Latin Fiestas!

Serving the Spanish branch was a wonderful experience for us.  We had expected to be called to South East Mexico on our mission.  A little confused when we weren't.  But this made up for not receiving a call south of the border.

Rattlesnake Roundup

          While performing our missionary duties, we have the opportunity to experience various activities in various areas.  On March 8, we found ourselves in a little town called Sweetwater, TX.  Well, it just so happens that Sweetwater, TX is home to the worlds largest Rattlesnake Roundup.  That's right, RATTLESNAKES!  

          Very interesting to say the least.  I decided to blog some of the sights from this "celebration" as they do make a celebration out of it.  They make a whole 3 day weekend out of it.  Friday through Sunday.  Starting with a parade Friday evening, western dances every night, lots of food, Bar-B-Ques, flea markets, and a beauty queen contests - her title?  Miss Rattlesnake Roundup, of course! 

YEP - WE'RE STILL IN TEXAS...

While heading back from Abilene one Friday afternoon, Elder Carbine and Elder Unger came across a ranch with a unique name...  BELLY ACRES.  Not quite like the old TV show of Green Acres but it gave them both quite a chuckle!

Mexican Fiesta

Subjects in Iron

We went to the National Ranching Heritage Museum in December and were greeted by these beautifully done iron statues dedicated to cowboys, ranchers and the longhorn steers that graced the land at one time.

 

They were all true to life and fascinating!

 

 

 

 

 

It was like a herd of longhorns running through town.  Incredible!

Christmas in the Mission Field

This Christmas was our 2nd Christmas here in the Texas Lubbock Mission.  It is very different in some ways, from Christmas at home.  Yet in other ways it is the same.  Stories and carols, parties and presents, decorations and lights.  But the faces are not those of our children and grandchildren, Old friends and relatives.  Instead they are the faces of Elders and Sisters and many new friends.  This blog is one where we share all of the new faces with those of you back home.  (Once again, I have omitted the names of our young missionaries for their protection.)

Next Christmas... HOME!