2 Weeks of Missionary Excitement . . .

So far one of our absolute favorite things is our monthly Newly Returned Missionary Seminar.
This time (Feb. 23) we were expecting 12 (but padded materials to 20) and 29 showed up!  We had to scramble to make extra
copies of things and the caterer pulled off the "feed-the-5,000-with-food-for-12".  The missionaries still had their glow
and enthusiasm and appetite.  Always the highlight is our Temple session together.

Brother Lugo spoke about PEF and Self-Reliance and demonstrated the activity on faith (blindfolding a person, standing them
on a table, then having them fall backwards).  This missionary's faith was really tested!  

Dad teaching 

After 2 full days of our Seminar, we took 30 minutes to help clean up then headed to Bani for a Self-Reliance group meeting
with Margarita.  She is such a sweetheart and has the group on track.  Here she is helping a couple.

Others of the group working

Sunday, Feb. 28 was another big day with Church that morning in Piantini then heading out at 2:00 for Azua SRS Training
and Devotional where about 60 people attended.  I usually sit back and enjoy the Spanish while Dad teaches, but
Bro. Lugo called on me to bear my testimony (Dad translated) then the District Pres. Brito asked me to play the
keyboard (no translation necessary).

President Brito and the Relief Society surprised us with a refreshing drink and sack lunch after the training at 9:00 p.m.

March 2 found us traveling to Azua to pick up a couple of missionaries to take them to Neyba for a SRS Devotional.
And this is the 2nd time we have traveled in that direction where we have had a mandatory "detour" because of a
strike/protest sort of thing where they burn tires, put up roadblocks, throw rocks at windshields, etc.  It added an hour
to our already long drive.

A road in the little town of Neyba.

Neyba's chapel

Dad teaching the beginning part of our training.

Dad helping one of the participants

Our hotel room at Los Hermanos.  I made a list of things we will need to take next trip we stay there (this is the best in town):
blanket, softer pillow, earplugs, shampoo, hand towel, washcloth, & 2nd bath towel, bathroom mirror, shower head,
toilet seat, hot water, food, electrical outlet - never mind, we found another one on the ceiling.  

On our way out of Neyba

Also on our way out of Neyba


When we returned from our trip March 3 (Jamie's birthday), we found Ben's message about Trent's emergency appendectomy and Jana's hurried email, too, giving us a little insight to what was happening.  We are so thankful that Trent is doing fine and all went well for him . . . and that Ben didn't pass out during the ordeal.  Jamie feels so blessed to have our family who pitched in and helped in every way possible.  Just having Staci there for moral support was a great blessing and all the other kindnesses from her brothers and sisters was touching to her.  Those were probably the best Happy Birthday presents you could have given her in her time of need.  Mission Blessings galore!  We are also thankful for our wonderful family and all you do and are doing with your lives.  Wouldn't trade any one of you for anything.  This is truly Christ-like love in action.
Love You ALL So Much,
Dad & Mom
Grandpa & Grandma