Closing Up and Coming Home

We enjoyed our last few days with our students. They were a bit wild and crazy, but knowing it would soon end, we patiently soaked it all in.
























The last time we took Juan through  the back roads to his house, there were many spring babies.









Our hero, Roberto, stopped by to say, "Goodbye". We were all a bit emotional as we knew that we'd most likely never see each other again-- at least in this life.


On our way back to the states, we spent one night in Guayleguaychu, and one night in Buenos Aires attending the temple three more times. We managed to get through immigration's by paying more money and our plane headed for Atlanta.


Never have we viewed our beloved Denver with so much anticipation.


Meesa and the kids met us at baggage and helped us get all our bags to the car. Upon our arrival home, our ward family had made welcome home signs.


















The next day, we were welcomed home with an open house at the "castle" where we reunited with many of our dear friends.

Today (about 10 days later), we gave our report at church.

Amy summarized with the following:

We must have opposition to provide resistance for growth. There is no other way. So I challenge you to not be afraid of doing hard things. Don’t get weary of doing good. Trust the Lord in all your doings. Take counsel from Him in great humility. He will teach you. He will support you. He loves you. He loves me and can use us for good if we let him. I am so grateful for this terribly hard mission because in our difficulties we found the love of God. 

Gregg summarized with the following:

If we are humble and teachable, the Holy Ghost will prompt us to improve and lead us home, but we need to ask the Lord for directions along the way.

Celebrating Argentine Tradition

Once a year, the kids celebrate Dia de Tradicion. The celebration lasted most of the week.

The kids start each day with a flag ceremony and reflection on their great country.


We were asked to join the class for a picture since LDS missionaries have been part of the El Quebracho Ranch school system for years.


We enjoyed our last full day of English class with a slide show made with pictures of the kids. We have to admit that we had more fun than actual learning. (We will have a part day tomorrow then be heading to Buenos Aires and finally, Colorado.)






When retrieving the high school kids from Feliciano, we noted many of the kids riding horses home. Obviously, riding horses is a big part of the kids life. Some of the children didn't look more than 10-11 years old but could handle a horse like a pro.




The kids wore traditional ranch wear to school on Friday.


They talked about traditional Argentine customs.


Below are all our kids names which we want to seal into our memories.


The kids had a program which reminded us of a Primary program with a memorized verse recited by each child.




















They did awesome!

Below is the newest remodeled house. A gaucho with his wife and two children will be moving closer to work as soon as it is completed which should only be a week or two ... or three ... or four... That also is part of their culture... slow down, don't worry about anything, and enjoy life. Not a bad motto.

If you look in the center and slightly to the right below, you'll see a large bird that is less common for the ranch. Gabi noticed it and took the picture. (Sorry, we didn't catch the name of the bird but the terrain merited an entry to our blog since it is so beautiful.)