MISSIONARY WEEK - FINALLY!

Well, Monday started slow with a "no-show" at our Manager meeting - it was a holiday but we were not informed.  We got to go to Spanish class at 5, then FHE at 6 for pizza and gelato and great company.

Tuesday we were up by 6 for a special Devotional with Elder Renlund .  Words to live by:  "... first and foremost be a disciple of Christ."

Elder Maynes spoke in Spanish so I don't have any notes from him.

And Bishop Causse encouraged us with:  "Unity is more important than having a good plan"  said with a French accent.  Powerful Devotional.

Then at 11 we began setting up for our 2 day Newly Returned Missionary Seminar.  Of course it began with FOOD! 

We ended the day at the Temple for a session together then pizza at the cafeteria.

Wednesday was rise and shine and be to the Institute at 7:30 for a real Dominican traditional breakfast of
Mangu (fried plantains) and

Queso frito (fried cheese).

The natives loved it!  And the gringos were surprisingly impressed.

Dad got to teach one session on Self-Reliance.  It was an enjoyable 2 day adventure.  Great returned missionaries.

Thursday took us back to the Institute to meet with Bro. Paniagua and Bro. Lugo.  Instead, our big B Boss sat down and talked change with us . . . we like change . . . change is good . . . it keeps life interesting.  Brother Lugo is now our manager and wants to get us to the Bani Branch tomorrow.  Bring it on!  So, you ask, what does this picture have to do with anything?  On our way home, we snapped a quick shot of this pedestrian - we almost put our hands over our hearts.  Sa - lute!

Friday was a full day out and about.  Bro. Gomez drove us (a true Dominican, but we made it alive and in a short amount of time).  There were Bro. Lugo (in front of dad), Marisa and Carolina (2 BYU-Provo students on a 3 month internship), and us.  First stop is Bro. Lugo's favorite fish restaurant for lunch.

View from the restaurant terrace where we ate.

I told Marisa that was her dinner he was fixing.

This is Bro. Lugo's dinner.  I played it safe and got pasta with shrimp.

Arrival at the Bani Uno Rama

After training our facilitator, Margarita, her Education group gathered to start their adventure in Self-Reliance.

Bro. Lugo made Bro. Gomez stop on our way home for some "dulce" (sweets).  

He bought us some pudding-like coconut stuff that was pretty good.  Not quite gelato, but we didn't turn it down.

Sunday morning we picked up the Parks at 7:30 and enjoyed the day with the Saints in Bani.  I got to play the keyboard and Dad trained Margarita some more.  We also met with the District President for about an hour.  We attended a special Self-Reliance lesson during Priesthood/Relief Society given by the branch president.  Very enjoyable day.
And finally - Trunk-or-Treat Lunch missionary style :)

Just a fun tidbit:  The Bani District President has served 3 times as District President and 4 times as Branch President.

Dad and I spend an hour each day reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish together and translating.  We then usually read a few articles in the Ensign.  This week one article in particular caught our attention so will pass it on to all of you.  It would be absolutely ideal to use in your next FHE to help safeguard your family.  It's in the January issue and entitled Our Best Defense Against Pornography.  It gives a great insight with help from the Tree of Life.  Let us know if you're able to use it and how it goes.  We haven't heard any Mission Blessing stories lately, so maybe this will create one.  We are up to 79 blessings in my book.  Have a great week!
Love you all,
Dad & Mom, Grandpa & Grandma