Holy Week Holiday

 Friday, we drove to Las Tablas, our farthest drive.  It was Holy Week and there was no school.  You'd think we'd call ahead, but we didn't.  We had three cancellations.  We'd just talked to Audrey and she said she was interested in a beach vacation.  We asked a mom who said April was the month to do it as the rains come again in May.  Since we had time on our hands we decided to visit a beach.  It was on the map, but there were no road signs.  We asked a police officer and found our way.  There were few people on the beach.  It was really hot, but the breeze from the ocean was almost cold, a very interesting combination.  We didn't stay long.  Not very touristy.

This is the way the ladies go, tree tree tree tree.

We went from the  beach to Aurora Gonzales' home.  She is a nonmember Grandmother.  We started singing with her and she loves it.  From there we started telling her the Joseph Smith story.  This day, we were invited to dinner, so I visited with the cook while Rod was in the living room with Aurora.  They started reading the Book of Mormon.  I was really impressed.  Rod's Spanish has come a long ways.  They shared mangoes, plums, and a huge avocado with us. 

 Everyone was thrilled at the Jordan's when Rod danced with the baby.

 Ledys earned her new keyboard.  They were so thrilled.  Her brother, Eric, between us, is her first student.  He can play his first hymn.  She was supposed to play today, but the high council speaker told me there wasn't time, he needed to speak.  Hmmm.

 Ada is our newest student who is active.   She switched from English.  You can tell that everyone is supportive.  She is a young married return missionary who is lovely.

 Jasury is one of my favorite students.  She has a spirit kind of like Audreys, strong and like light somehow.  Jasury was baptized today if all went well.  We cancelled her appointments with us because they conflicted with seminary for her and we needed to cut
down on our travel.  It makes me sad,

This is a before picture.  Jaan assured us that he was going to begin early with his missionary image.  I'll be interested to see him next week. He has lots of musical talent and is really excited to learn to play.  He doesn't always want to listen to the teacher, but that's normal, I guess.

This was our Thursday.  Our first appointment wasn't at home so we visited our last, thinking maybe we could shorten our day.  It worked! Not only that, our last appointment had planned to cancel, so we really hit the jackpot. He, Carlos, has just been called (at our suggestion) to teach a mission prep class  to six youth (including Jaan and Jose Angel -- two of our students) using Preach My Gospel in both languages.  We provided the texts.  I hope it works well.

We love the work and know it is true.  Emma is leaving for her months vacation, but she is planning to take her Book of Mormon with her, and says she will pray with specifics.  She was high on her Mass for Holy Week.  She has learned to worship the Lord very well.  I admire her a lot.