Shakin' Hands or Shaken Hands

     When I was 18 and working at Glacier National Park, there wasw a Governors' Convention being held at Many Glacier Hotel, my hotel. My friend, Virginia, and I were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to meet and shake hands with FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover. Boy did I think I was special!
      Two years later I  was a member of the Church in Missoula. My bishop was L. Edward Kimball. He was different only because he was quite crippled from polio. A few times a year, the ward people were all excited because Bishop Kimball's father was coming to visit the family. He always went to Primary when he visited. I peeked into the Primary room out of curiosity. All I saw was a little elderly gentleman, bald, roundish face, wearing glasses, and smiling. I learned a few years later that "Grandpa" was Spencer W. Kimball, an Apostle of the Church.
     I was so new in the Church that I didnt know how things went. I just knew that every once in a while people would get excited, they would open the doors to the gym and set up lots of chairs. They talked about someone special who would be coming. I didnt catch the name. When it was his turn to speak, the whole audience was quiet, even the babies. This man would talk the whole time without a single note. He told wonderful stories. I didnt find out till years later that this man's name was LeGrande Richards. I wish I could hear more stories now that I know who he is!
     When Jay and I were married and living in Provo, we attended Manavu Ward. In our Sunday School class were two people who seemed to get a lot of respect. One, Anna B ...... was a former General President of the Primary. The other, was a man, short and rather carelessly dressed. He always had an old book of some kind or other and would be reading during the lesson. It was not Scripture. It was in some other language, Greek or Hebrew or Latin or something equally odd. However, he would look up from his book every so often to make a very appropriate comment about the lesson. His name was Hugh B. Nibley. I only knew him as an eccentric member of the Ward.
     A few years later, when Lori was a baby of about a year, we were living in Kansas. We traveled to Farr West, Missouri for a special dedication ceremony at that temple site. There was another Apostle there, Joseph Fielding Smith. I carried Lori and walked up with the rest of the crowd to shake his hand. I didnt really want to bother him, but wanted Lori to have the experience of being eye to eye with a General Authority of the Church. When it was our turn, Elder Smith looked into my eyes with his dark brown ones. I couldnt think of anything to say, but was thinking about Lori. I saw in his eyes the "Oh! I get it" moment, and then he put his hand on Lori's head and smiled tenderly at her.
     The Kansas City Stake Relief Society was invited to sing at a session of General Conference. We practiced often, even though we had to drive an hour each way for every practice. As the time drew near to leave for Salt Lake, the General president of the Relief Society, Belle Spafford, came to listen to us and to offer encouragement. One of the members of the Stake Presidency was Rex Reeve, his wife was Marjorie. They moved to Salt Lake city. Then we began seeing his name as a General Authority
     A few more years found us living in Radford, Virginia. Our stake center was in Roanoke, about an hour's drive from home.. We attended a Saturday Stake Conference where another Apostle was visiting. It was the custom for everyone to stay for lunch between sessions. This Elder sat right across from us at the table. He told us about his grandson, Jody Whitaker, who played Buffy's twin brother on a TV series. I cant think of his name right now, but I do know that it started with a B. I was thinking this was a wonderful life.
     When we moved to Smithfield, I had a wonderful friend across the street. Her name was Melinda Hilden. One of her daughters became engaged to a young man from Salt Lake City, and I was invited to the sealing/marriage in the Salt Lake Temple. The man coming to do the sealing was a little late, but it was a friend of the groom's family, so we waited. We learned that he had just flown in from a visit to Samoa. In walked a very tall man, smiling and apologizing for holding us up. It was another Apostle, Thomas S. Monson.
     The Cook family had an extended family reunion a few years ago. This included five generations. Jay left early, and Lisa and I arrived after having my birthday lunch at the Hotel Utah. As we walked into the church, there was a tall man, being led around by his pinkie by a little girl of about 18 months. He looked up, smiled, and said,"I dont know who she is, but she seems to know where she is going." He looked a lot like Jay's Cook uncles, and we just smiled and went on our way to the chapel. Soon, as the meeting was called to order, it was announced that there would be an extra speaker. Yep! It was this man. He was L. Tom. Perry, another Apostle!
     At the MTC, there is a devotional every week. The one we attended just before we flew to Chile was going to be a live visit. The other one was a broadcast talk by Jeffery R Holland. We wondered who the speaker was going to be. As we listened to the prelude music, the door opened and in walked Elder Russell M. Nelson. How can I be so lucky?
     Now, today, it happened again. We went to work, waited past the appointed hour, and wondered if we would be going home before Sister Burton came. At last they came and we had a very nice time showing them around. There were lots of pictures taken. She held me around the waist for a picture. I told her that I considered this a visiting teaching visit. She said, "And it isnt even the 30th!" I mentioned something about getting used to people with cameras, and she admitted that it is going to take some getting used to.
     I have been so blessed. How lucky am I to get to be in the presence of all these specially called people!!!!!
    

Lunch with Dignitaries

     We didnt go into work today. There is a special visitor in town this week. Instead of the usual monthly Area devotional, we had a big one today with the special visitor giving the key address. She doesnt speak Spanish, so there was an interpreter for her (female) and her husband (male). It was Sister Linda Burton, General President of the Relief Society. Yeah, we knew who it was last week. In fact, she will be visiting in OUR employment office tomorrow at 2:00 for about an hour. Her husband's name is Craig. Anyway, she told us that even though we think we are small and insignificant, that is only in our eyes. The Lord sees as stretchable and capable of growing into His expectations. She told of how she was in Australia for three years and thought that was the hard thing in her life, and now things would be just fine now. Then she got married and thought that was the hardest thing. Then she had a baby and that had to be the hardest thing. Then she had five more. Then they were teenagers. Then they got married. Then they had children. Then she was wife of the mission president in Korea. That must be the hardest thing. BUT now she has this calling, and it is by far harder than anything. She feels our prayers and asked for them to continue. She was overwhelmed till Pres. Monson laid his hands on her heads to set her apart, and only then did she feel calm. Her husband said that she has four secretaries waiting to help her. She had been a stay-at-home-mom for all but three months of her married life, and was very independent. She did everything herself. Now she has four secretaries to direct, and all the stuff that goes with her calling. She has changed - stretched - by accepting the challenge (calling). I felt great relief just hearing her say this. I can stop thinking of myself as a small, insignificant human being who just happens to be a member of the Church, and hand over my smallness to the Lord Who will stretch me to what my potential really is. I can welcome hard things in my life because they will help me become who I really am. She mentioned scriptural references to men and women who had challenges: Moses, Lehi, Nephi, etc. Did they have hard things to do? What about Peter when he wanted to walk on the water? Did he have a hard thing to do? With faith, all things are possible, and with faith I can stretch as big as the Lord has in mind for me to stretch. I felt that she definitely has been called of God to lead the Relief Society. She is sensitive ,humble, kind, genuinely interested in us, and has a knowledge that we have great potential. She will lead us as the Lord wants us led. Her husband is very supportive. He loves her very much and asks that our prayers for her will continue.
     After this great devotional hour, we were treated to a luncheon that was as large as a full dinner meal. It was a typical Chilean lunch. We started out with the traditional Chilean empanada, then were served a plate of three kinds of meat (chicken, pork and beef), three potatoes, a corn/tomato salad, lettuce/celery/walnut salad, green bean/grain salad, salsa. We were served three different desserts, one was mousse over meringue cookie bits, the second was cubed peaches topped with a dollop of whipped cream, the third was rice pudding with raisins and toasted almond slivers. I asked if everything came in threes, and was told, "Yes, and you must have three servings of the juice, too." The juice was fresh pineapple juice - so sweet.  There was entertainment, too. Three guys performed a few songs, and then we watched three couples dance. Luckily I happened to have my camera in my bag, so took some nice pictures. I also took pix of our lunch.
     So now we are back at the apartment and will just bask in the left-over spirit that we have with us. We DO have a purpose for being in Chile. We may not know exactly what it is, or when we will have accomplished that, and may not know for a long time, but we know we are here for something that only we can do. It may have nothing to do with our assignment, it may have nothing to do with learning Spanish. It may have nothing to do with the people of Chile. It may be for us, or for our family, or for someone here with another assignment. But we ARE here to be stretched. 

Soloing the Planet

I feel like I am one of very few left on the planet. There are only the predictable few who ever comment on my blogs. I think everyone has gone to Pluto or something. I thought by blogging, I might generate some conversation of sorts, but this isnt happening. I am told that this is a good way to write my memories. But if there is no one interested in reading (or commenting) on my blogs, then what reason is there to write them? I can remember them without writing them. And when I forget them, then who will care? There's nobody out there except for us few.Or are they so boring that there is nothing worth saying?

Clowning Around on the Bus

Today was the last day that we will take Flat  Adele with us. She will now go back to school and tell her classmates about her trip to Santiago, Chile. When we arrived at the second bus stop, there were two men dressed as clowns. They boarded the bus behind us and proceeded to entertain us. Thye made us laugh, then gave a little speech about how special mothers are. They posed for a couple photos with Adele, then roamed the bus for tips. She gave them a nice tip and said thanks. One of the clowns came up to her and told her that he was also a member of our church. We find members in many places because we wear name tags that identify us as missionaries for the church. Flat Adele was very busy at the office today. She helped enter client data into the computer. She filled out job offers from six companies. She helped people print their resumes. She greeted new clients and gave them a little piece of candy. Flat Adele ate lunch with us. She had a ham and cheese sandwich, grapes, blueberries, grapes, a clementine, and an apple. We had to eat in Grandpa's office, because some clients were using the lunchroom. We had to leave early because we had an appointment with a man who was coming to fix our hot water in our apartment. She watched for a little while, then helped Grandma empty the trash and wash the dishes and make chicken soup for dinner. We have loved having Flat Adele visit with us this week. Wouldnt it be fun if some others came sliding flatly through the copy machine in the office!!!

Slow Learners

Today we took Flat Adele with us on the bus to the feria. She enjoyed watching people buying fruits and vegetables. She was able to have her own seat on the bus. We brought our produce home and Adele helped me wash it all. Then we met the sister missionaries from Vina del Mar. They had come down to go to the temple and wanted to go out to dinner with us. They met Adele and said she was beautiful. She liked them, too, and smiled warmly at them.We walked two blocks to a Chinese restaurant we had never gone to, so didnt know what to expect. What we found was a place just like the places in the States. Adele and I had chopsui verdura con mariscos, arroz blanco, and sopa something. Adele didnt eat much, but she smiled throughout the whole meal.  We walked the sister missionaries to where they took a taxi to the bus terminal for their hour and a half ride back to Vina del Mar. As we approached our apartment, I remembered that the Grahams (another missionary couple) had a small computer table for us, so Adele got to visit with some more missionaries. She like them, too, and smiled at them, and sat very quietly while we talked. Just as we were leaving their apartment with the desk, there were three missionaries coming to help us move it. Our elevator has a capacity of 300 kilograms or 4 persons. Three elders and a desk went up on the odd-number elevator. We four (and Flat Adele) took the even-number elevator. The elevator registered floor six, and stopped, but the door didnt open. We could hear the missionaries on the other side, so even though the sign said we were on floor six, we were somewhere near floor five. We waited and waited for someone to help us. Adele waited patiently without complaint. Finally, after about 15 minutes in the stuffy little elevator, it started to move. When the door opened, we found ourselves on the basement floor facing three young elders. They had been running up and down the stairs to keep track of us while the concierge ran around fixing the elevator. Nobody wanted to take the elevator up to floor five. Finally, the men went. Then Sister Graham, Flat Adele and I went. There were no problems. Just as the doors of the elevator opened, the Elders arrived, having run up five flights of stairs AGAIN. We gave them an ice cream bar for their help. I dont know if it was Adele being the fifth person, or the dinner we had just eaten, or if four big norteamericanos were too much for the little elevator. What do YOU think??????

Off to La Ligua

Last week the temple missionaries planned a bus trip to La Ligua, about two or three hours northwest of Santiago. We were invited to go and eagerly accepted. This would be Jay's first trip out of the city and my second.The trip would involve a bus to the Metro subway to a central bus station. Ten of us rode standing up all the way to the bus station because we were traveling at peak morning rush hour. Two of the native-Spanish speaking missionaries (sisters) were going to meet us at the bus station. We looked for them till we boarded and the driver was putting the bus into gear. We saw one of them running, sounded the alarm, and she was able to board the bus. The other sister didnt make it because of miscommunication. That was sad. Several of us remarked that the bus was better than a plane for seating and TV. We passed a lot of little towns, villages and farms. We drove through the foothills of the Andes, high enough in altitude to make our ears pop. We saw avocado farms, grape orchards, lots of farms growing things we couldnt identify. We saw goats, sheep, donkeys, horses and cows in herds.  La Ligua is a town of about 7000. It has a very nice plaza in the center of town with lots of trees and benches. We got a lot of stares because there were eleven of us gringos with name tags. We engaged three taxis and drove five kilometers (three miles) to a village where every tienda (store) had sweaters for sale. These sweaters defy definition! There are every color, combination of colors, and style. There are ponchos (knitted or woven in yarn), shawls, scarves, gloves, socks, hair doo-dads, and on and on.They are all wool and as soft as cotton fluff.  I found three GottaHavs and a whole bunch of Nextimers. Jay found a very nice cardigan in medium dark blue. Those four sweaters totalled about $80 US!!!!!! One sweater was only $12! How could we afford NOT to? There was one little "restaurant" about half-way down the street and we were hungry and it was 1:30. We were the only ones there because it was way too early for the Latino lunch. Jay had a baked chicken thigh (which included the back quarter of the bird) and the ever popular french fries. French fries are offered everywhere. I had beef with a little broth over it - it was a large piece - and french fries. Those fries were soooo good when dipped in the chicken or beef juices. We had Fanta to drink, of course. There were rolls served as appetizers. There was no butter, but I found that when dipped in olive oil and lemon juice, they were really good. While waiting for the bus in the bus station, we bought one of each of the pastries because they all looked good, and maybe we wouldnt ever see them again. We bought twelve different ones, but most of them were filled with manjar and surrounded in meringue. Manjar (pronounced MAN-har) is very sweet and reminds me of soft caramel. Yummy. Dulce de leche. We arrived in Santiago just as the sun was setting, and at our apartment an hour later. We did not have dinner. We went to bed. What a glorious day we had.

Saturday is "P-Day"

SATURDAY P-DAY          Today we went to the feria for our week's worth of fruits and vegetables. We're getting better at buying just enough for a week, but we still managed to fill up our cart. The cart will probably hold about four or five paper grocery sacks full to the brim. That's a lot of fruit and veggies. We have learned that the feria will be open all year round, even in the winter, which is approaching. It is like early October here and the leaves are just beginning to change color.We've had one day with a little rain, but now are back to 70's during the days.The feria is on the sidewalk and about three blocks long, so by the time we walk two blocks to the bus stop, walk two blocks to the feria, and then return the same number of blocks, we have covered about a mile.        After the feria, we washed off all the fruits and veggies and set them out on the drainboard to dry while we joined two other couples for lunch and a movie across town in Alto Las Condes. This is quite a ways away so we walked more blocks, then took a couple buses to get there. Lunch was at Tortilla Factory, a Mexican restaurant with outdoor dining. I had a carne picante enchalada with black beans and rice. It was SOOOOooooo good. Then we crossed the street to the big shopping center that is bigger than any in Salt Lake City. On the second floor is the huge movie plex with 12 theaters. We saw something with Vows in the title, I cant remember. It is an American film with Spanish subtitles. They sell popcorn, drinks and candy at the consessions stand.                After the movie, we went down to the lowest level to the jumbo Jumbo. It is larger than Walmart ( lots of walking), although it IS owned by Walmart. I went away from there very happy because we found a WAFFLE IRON, and a router for the computers in our apartment. The waffle iron will be paid for by the church because it is considered as furnishings for the missionaries apartments.             As soon as we got home (it was 6:00), we called the Masons because we had a dinner date with them. We walked more blocks, then hopped another bus, walked another lots of blocks only to find the little diner closed for the night. We walked two more blocks to a Chinese place that had been recommended. The dinner was very good, and we have enough for tomorrow, too. Not being finished yet, we walked across the street to the big Lider for groceries such as bread, lunch meat, etc, etc. We had to walk another four or five blocks to the bus stop where we caught the bus to Temple Square. Two more blocks of walking and we were home.             We are tired. I am also pleased, pleased that we are now able to walk that much and only feel the same amount of discomfort that we felt after two blocks walking three months ago. Yesterday Jay and I walked a lot during lunch hour and I felt quite refreshed afterward.                  The hamburgers are a little different tasting, but I think it's the condiments, rather than the bread, meat or cooking method. I like my hamburgers with the whole works on them and heavy on the onion. The hamburgers here have mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce, and ketchup. My chicken sandwich yesterday had guacamole besides the tomato and lettuce. It was very good, but different. The hamburgers are bigger, the fries portions are bigger so there are a lot of calories to walk off. If you want a McFlurry, you have to go to a completely separate place in the store to have it made and paid for.