Week of Miracles:

Remember, last week we mentioned that we were headed to Concepcion Del Uruguay to renew our visas? Well, I , Amy, need to back up a few days and mention that the week prior, I kept getting a nagging feeling that we needed to do something more for the visa transition. Going over the few notes that we had from prior missionaries, we decided to ask Yuca for a form letter with the ranch address on it. When we were at the immigration office a year ago, they had accepted the address we gave them without question, so we assumed it would be fine. However, with a little more investigation, we learned that we should have evidence from the police in Feliciano of our residence, and it would require a special form from police here. I talked about the process last week in the blog, but didn't mention that it was certainly inspiration to have it ready. We would not have been successful without it and would have wasted the full-time missionaries time as well.

The other miracle was that we had enough money. The fees for renewing the visa went up more than 3 times, so instead of 600 pesos each like we had been told, it was 2,000 pesos each. Using our back- up money that we carry in case we get a ticket for a traffic violation, we barely had enough.

Another issue we had was that the clerk we got to help us was new and didn't know the number of the document stating that the LDS church has permission to be in her city. The missionaries had the number for the Rosario migration office where they usually go and in Feliciano where we live but not in Concepcion Del Uruguay where the immigration office is. It took an extra hour getting the correct number. First, those who had the number were in a morning meeting, then the computers at the migration office weren't accepting the number, and we had to wait for the workers in the church office in Buenos Aires to call the immigration office and get the computer to accept it. In the end, a different number was used and we could move on to the next step.

The clerk that helped us a year ago in Concepcion was there again and remembered us. She seemed to be a little sympathetic to our long wait and when she saw that our passport pictures were US size not Argentine size of 1/2 inch smaller, and that in the picture, we were smiling (a big taboo here), it looked again like we were going to be rescheduling the trip. However, she told the full-time missionaries that next time, make sure the pictures are correct, but she would accept ours as they were this time only. What a relief as time was running out.

It was 11 AM and the banks close at noon before we had all the needed documents. We had to go to the National Bank which is the one we waited in last year for two hours and never got in so we were concerned. The missionaries dropped us off, we got a number for the long wait, we noticed that the situation was much like last year with too many people ahead of us, walked up to the enclosed cubicles of clerks, and watched for an opening. Immediately, there was a clerk waiting for the next customer who was either not paying attention or had left the bank. We went to the window and gave the man our number. He crumpled it without looking at it and began stamping our form. We had enough cash--barely and met the missionaries outside who had circled the block exactly one time waiting for us. The ride back was without incident due to the use of both their Garmin and ours otherwise, we may not have gotten back quickly because of the many one-way streets.

Once back at the immigration office, we still had another hour wait as the clerks took breaks, helped other people, and finally got around to our passports. We left the office at five minutes to one just minutes before closing for the day.

Waiting at the immigration office in Concepcion Del Uruguay with full-time missionaries from Santa Fe.




So let me back up again. Rain was predicted for Monday afternoon. It was suppose to start raining at 2 PM and the trip is 3 1/2 hours away, but needing to stop in Concordia to pick up Osmar from the hospital clinic, it was going to be a 4 hour trip. As we left the full-time missionaries and went our separate ways, it was pouring. It was suppose to rain all afternoon and evening which meant we'd have to be in a hotel for two nights in the lovely one-star Lopez Hotel in Feliciano. However, we had prayed for help and safety and felt confident that even if a bad hotel was in store for us, it would be okay, and something good would come of it.

We picked up the Espinoza's without a hitch other than terrible traffic in Concordia, and we were on our way. It was still raining heavy.

However, the closer we got to home, the less it was raining. There were puddles everywhere but the rain had stopped. We were hopeful that the roads around El Quebracho would have time to dry up enough to pass.

We noticed as we headed west, that there was a break in the clouds over the ranch. Dark rain clouds were on both sides of what appeared to be El Quebracho. Could it be that we are witnessing a tremendous blessing?  Sure enough! As we got to Feliciano and headed for the ranch, the roads were completely dry. The roads around the ranch had received no rain at all!

The Espinoza's picked up their loro (parrot) in Feliciano to bring back to the ranch. We didn't even notice it until we were part -way home and it started squawking. Maria was trying to get it to talk to us, but it was apparently too shy. (There are hundreds of parrots around the ranch. The Espinoza's had raised and tamed this one as a baby bird.)




Below is a picture of a 1959 jeep that still runs. When we say ancient, we mean it.



Tuesday and Wednesday were beautiful days with no rain. We couldn't go to Los Perales because they had been drenched like the rest of the area, but we continued to have gorgeous weather and therefore school.

We often see the animals drinking for local ponds. They are so picturesque, we had to stop for pictures.





Below is an attempt to get a picture of the sunrise--breath taking though the picture doesn't do it justice.


Vanesa finished the adult jacket that she started last week and sent me a picture. We are so glad that they carry on even when we can't get to them.



The picture below is the bridge that has continued to break apart and is a big part of the last miracle this week.




Thursday morning we had English class and computers with the kids and then took them to the public school by noon. One hour later it started to rain, so we dropped everything and got back to the school in record time. The kids came out quickly, and we headed back to their homes needing to cross the dangerous bridge above.

In those few short minutes, the road had turned into a mud slide and though in 4 wheel drive, the truck was swerving all over the road. Shortly before the bridge above, the truck went off the road, and I felt a strong impression to get the kids out of the truck and walk across. Of course the kids were excited about the adventure except for the youngest, Vale, who broke into tears. However, the rain stopped--absolutely stopped, and we walked about 1/4 mile. Gregg was able to get out of the ditch on the side of the road, got across the bridge without incidence, and caught -up to us. However, when we all piled back in, the truck began sliding again. Apparently, the extra weight did not add traction, but rather made it worse.

So, the 5 kids and I climbed out and began walking again. Gregg got out of the ditch but this time waited for us to walk to the first ranch home where Enzo lives which is about 1 mile from the school and 1/2 mile from the bridge. We asked Enzo's mom if the kids could stay with her until we got help. The kids slip-slided through her yard and out of harms way.

Just then Yuca came from the other direction not knowing what adventure we just had. He slowed down to wait for us as I closed the gate and slid to the truck. In the mean time, he too slid off the road and into the ditch. We learned a lot watching him maneuver the truck and mud to get himself set right. We then followed him back to the ranch and clued him into the situation. He was not happy, and we wished we had the language skills, and he had the time to hear the whole miraculous event.

Certainly, we were blessed and protected. The truck slid before the bridge alerting us to the dangerous road ahead. The rain stopped during our 1/2 mile walk. Gregg got across the bridge without the kids and without incidence. We got the kids to safety. We reached our home in safety. Yuca came just in time and would take the kids home later. Actually, we found out later that the kids got home by horseback. Fathers showed up for the rescue.

So there you have it...the Lord lives and loves his missionaries and will support them and ease their burdens. He loves you too. Will you look for how He blesses your lives? Will you thank Him?

Ranch Update

We had two full days of school this week, but it rained the rest of the time. On Monday, we left early to pick -up the kids and got back to the ranch in record time. With extra time on our hands, we played "Uno" with the kids. Have you ever wondered if Spanish speaking countries call the game "One"? Nope! The game, Uno, is apparently universal. We used English during the game for the older kids. The younger ones did well to follow the rules in Spanish. Gregg helped the youngest, Vale, and she won both games. Hmmm, did they cheat? :)

Our newly repaired road was ruined this week when a wide tractor drove over the bridge.

So sad. Now it feels more dangerous than ever though reality is that though it would be scary to fall, it would not be deadly.

Visa Renewal:

We are finally prepared to travel to Concepcion Del Uruguay and renew our visas. We plan to leave at 5 AM tomorrow and take Osmar to Concordia on the way so he can get another study (test) done for his upcoming surgery. Then we'll meet the young full-time missionaries in Concepcion Del Uruguay to get through migrations. We have been instructed to change our visas from a "Retired" visa to a "Religious" visa which has included a number of new forms and letters to complete. If all goes well, tomorrow will be the last step.

Yesterday, we had to go to the Policia in Feliciano and get a form stating that we are currently living in their area. We had to have two adults from our church branch meet us and vouch for us. That was quite the ordeal, but it worked in the end.

After that, we stopped at the bank to pull out enough pesos to pay for the process tomorrow. It's not too much--less than $100 for each person, but just getting the form and standing in line to pull out cash took a couple of hours. It's always amazing to watch the community waiting patiently for whatever they need. We are accustomed to fast and efficient (unless you are at the DMV) and here standing in line for hours is just life.

Good Books:

With rain and extra time on our hands, Amy is reading a historical series about the Revolutionary War called Prelude to Glory. It is a nine volume series so it will keep her busy for the month.

As you recall, Thomas Paine wrote:

"These are the times that try men's souls, The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated."

These words of Mr. Paine, inspired George Washington when all seemed hopeless. It appears that many individuals who fought for our freedom felt an inner drive that confirmed that the Almighty was involved in the outcome of their war against tyranny. So many miracles were required for the success of our founding fathers, I believe that it would be nothing but ingratitude to believe God was not involved.

Read again the words of Thomas Paine referenced above only this time apply it to your own life and your relationship to Deity. Again, remember, "...the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." If heaven is going to be as wonderful as we hope it to be, the road to get their should be and will be steep enough to make it all worth while.

Very Little Rain so We Had a Full Week of Activity

We are delighted to report that we had a full week of teaching. Tuesday night it poured hard for about 20 minutes and we thought we'd be doomed for Wednesday, but there was time for the water to drain off the roads. We didn't miss a beat.

Repairs:

We still don't know for sure, but it's looking more and more like the senior missionaries serving here will be living in the old house for the next five years or more. The house is in pretty good shape now, but we're still trying to keep mold crystals from growing in one of the big rooms we use for teaching. Our latest trick was to re-cement over some of the bad spots, but after 10 days, the repaired places didn't form the hard dry surface that we need.

So, we ran wide strips of repair tape over the bad sections. We love this stuff which America has no substitute for. You simply roll- it- out where you want it and paint over it. The paint acts like glue and sticks it down flat making the surface below impervious to water and thus mold crystals. So far, so good. There are a few places we thought we could just paint over since there was minimal mold crystals, but it didn't work. We plan to buy more repair tape and bury a few more spots.

Staring cows:

We got a better picture of the staring cows. It's rather un-nerving when 30-40 cows are all glaring you down as you perform your job of opening and closing gates. Can't someone teach them some manners? :)

On day, we watched gauchos roping calves away from their mothers. Some mothers are very protective of their young and the gauchos have quite the challenge. We didn't want to get too close and disturb the process so you can't see much....sorry!


Los Perales:
The chicas are at it again. This time, we made patterns for adult winter wear.


Vero finished a poncho for her 10 year old daughter last week.


Finally:
The road to the school has finally been repaired. The metal strip you see below is holding the road up.


One side of the road still needs repair so you can see the drop off. Several times, the road was damp and we could feel ourselves slipping off the road.

This is what we would have landed in.

This metal strip marks the drop- off but can't do much to keep a truck on the road.


Hopefully,  the government will use this strip to repair the still hazardous side. Anyway, we're hoping that is why it was left at the sight.


Patience is a quality which we practice almost every day.

Rain Stopped so We Made a Temple Trip to Córdoba

Give thanks for the simple blessings:
Just to remind you to enjoy the small things in life, we took a picture of our Oatmeal Krispies rolled in real coconut sent to us from the US. Coconut in Argentina is more like coconut flavored powdered sugar so we make a point to take pictures and savor sweet strips of the coconut plant. Think of that next time you are tempted to leave coconut out of the recipe.

Delicious!

One day while cleaning the driveway, we noticed that there were more stone pavers under the mud. We started digging and cleaning and found about six more feet of road base. Six feet is a big deal when trying to get in and out of the truck without getting muddy.

We found this supposedly dead tree stump near the dump that was trying to sprout new branches. In Colorado, we plant trees and they turn into dead stumps. In Argentina they take dead stumps to the dump and they turn back into trees.


Trip to Córdoba
We were finally able to vacation in Córdoba. Initially, we were going to leave on Monday and go half- way, but couldn't find a room available near the temple. So we delayed the trip one day and then drove to San Francisco which is about 3/4 of the way where we stayed the night.

We got to experience a shower with a toilet. What a strange concept!

Wednesday morning we got up early and headed for Córdoba. We allowed an extra hour in case we got lost and instead spent 45 minutes waiting to pass big trucks on the two- way highway. We don't think we'll venture back to Córdoba if we can help it. Though the temple was magnificent, the roads were very dangerous. We feel blessed to still be alive.

We actually made time for four sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. The temple closes for siesta between noon and 4 PM so we felt fortunate to get that many sessions in. What a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the blessings of being in Argentina.



We ate lunch both days at an Italian restaurant named Vittorio that was recommended. It really was delicious. Don't tell anyone, but we had salmon with creamed spinach both days.


Our hotel was within walking distance of the temple and we spotted this strange tree trunk on our walk. If I were a woodpecker, I'd leave this trunk alone. Perhaps, Colorado should consider this as an alternative to deter woodpeckers.


Back at the ranch:
We arrived safe and sound back at El Quebracho on Friday. We had time Saturday to touch- up- paint, but before working on our bedroom, we took a few pictures of dead mosquitoes on the walls. These spots are not enlarged. The insects are sometimes truly this big. We wondered if any of the spattered blood was ours.




Baptism:
Saturday afternoon, we were able to attend a baptism in Feliciano.

What an amazing woman! What an amazing Spirit we felt throughout the afternoon. As part of the program, Gregg played the piano while the elders sang. Considering they had no notice or practice at all, they performed quite well.



We couldn't help taking a picture of these three well- behaved cuties waiting for their relative to be baptized.

Sunday, after church, we invited four of the missionaries for Sunday dinner. Two of them are being transferred this week. The hermana on the far left is being transferred to a city south of us called Parana. You probably remember us talking about Parana.

A full week of school despite the forecast of rain

We want one of these contraptions below for getting through deep ruts around the ranch. Do you think we can get it approved from Salt Lake? On second thought, it wouldn't do us much good without a fork lift as well for getting in and out.



Visa Renewal:
We are coming up on a year of being in Argentina and it is time to renew our visas. We started the process in May. Tuesday of this week, we were asked to drive to the Santa Fe Mission Home to have the full time missionaries there help us complete the process. We had to cancel school that day, but rain was predicted for ten days starting on Wednesday so we couldn't postpone the appointment.

Santa Fe is about 3 1/2 hours away so we left at 6 AM for a 10 o'clock appointment. We made it in record time and got to meet the mission president in the mission home before he left for a Zone Conference with Elder Bragg from Salt Lake. The President has four assistants to run the Mission while he attends to the Zone Conferences.



The young missionaries were incredible help. We have to submit finger prints for another back ground check, and as we entered the building to start the process, we noticed a long line of people. However, the missionaries took a number and then marched to the head of the line. Apparently, the other people were waiting for something else, and we got in right away. Without the missionaries, we wouldn't have known that fact and probably would have waited in line half the day for no reason.

Los Perales:
Rain was delayed so we were able to go to Los Perales on Wednesday. However, Vanesa was sick, and Vero had to take her son to the doctor so for the first time in almost a year, we drove out but didn't have a class. However, we left two sewing machines for the chicas to use and delivered forms from Yucca, so it wasn't a waste.

Vanesa finished her son's vest and sent me this picture. I am constantly amazed with her drive and skill.



We stopped in Federal on the way home and picked up some of the Galeano family and brought them back to their home on the ranch. You see three generations below wanting to be together for a few days. People would rather not carry their babies on motos so it was a good service for them. We were actually glad to have extra time in Federal (since we did not have to teach in Los Perales) to assist the family with some errands.


We had school on Thursday and Friday, though school closed early on Friday when the rain started.

This is often what we see blocking our route.


Rain is here to stay now for at least the next few days. We are home keeping ourselves busy instead of traveling to Córdoba for a temple visit. The kids have winter break for two weeks, but with so much rain in the forecast, we didn't want to get stuck in a hotel for ten days. We are hoping that we can get out next week to see more of Argentina.

Thoughts from Gregg:
Gordon B Hinckley thought that he was wasting his time and money as a young missionary in Great Britain, and said so in a letter to his father. Dad wrote back and suggested, "forget yourself and go to work." Mark 8:35 the Lord said "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my name sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it."

"Those words of the Master, followed by my father's letter with his counsel to forget myself and go to work, went into my very being. I made a pledge with the Lord. I would try to forget myself and lose myself in His service. From that day, I dedicated himself to the Lord in the service of others.
None of us may rightly say that his life is his own. Our lives are gifts of God. We come into the world not of our own volition. We live not according to our wish. Our days are numbered not by ourselves, but according to the will of God."

I would hypothesize that most leaders of the church have made a covenant with God to dedicate their life first to Him at a young age. Opportunities of growth in the form of church leadership positions may be presented. You will be given skills that will facilitate a change in the lives of those you serve. With the additional opportunities to serve will come purpose distilled in your heart along with eternal happiness and joy. Our lives will be consecrated to our Lord and we will bless the lives of all we touch as we put God first.

Thoughts from Amy:
We weren't able to go to church today due to muddy roads so we studied the Sunday School lesson together. The lesson was on adversity and enduring our trials well. I've also been reading about what Michael Wilcox teaches on adversity in his series of books, What the Scriptures Teaches... I've noticed that whenever I give voice to frustrations, whatever I'm complaining about grows in intensity, I feel more of a victim, and less likely to have a good attitude about the struggle, and therefore be able to endure it well. My new goal is to keep still and say nothing unless it is uplifting.

Rain and mud--Stay home and read

As you guessed from today's heading, we were not much help at the ranch this week. Monday was a normal full day, and we took the kids to school on Wednesday. However, the rest of the week was a wash due to rain.

We made it a good week for us by practicing piano and flute, working on the ideal floor plan just in case we decide to build a new home some day, and most importantly, reading with gusto. Amy is reading a series of books by Gerald Lund called Fire and Steel. It makes her appreciate the time and country she was raised in. Gregg reads all the time too. His favorite this week was Shades of Gray by Rachel Ann Nunes.

We got one traditional photo shot of the cows this week. Amy waits at the last gate while Gregg runs the last stretch to pick- up kids at their home. While waiting for Gregg, the cows stare in amazement at a human in their territory that for the time being has made no demands on them. The picture below just has the stare of two cows, but often the whole herd of 15-20 are stunned into staring.



All- the- while they are also chewing their cud with some food dangling out of their mouths. They keep us amused as we're waiting to close the gate behind us.

Gregg's thoughts on adversity:
"The Reward of Enduring Well" by President Henry B Eyring First Counselor in the First Presidency of the LDS Cuhurch (Mormons).
"We all have trials to face--at times, very difficult trials. We know that the Lord allows us to go through trials in order for us to be polished and perfected so we can be with Him forever."
Joseph Smith taught that the "reward for enduring His trials well would help qualify him for eternal life (life with God)."
Life is full of trials that beat upon us incessantly. We may find ourselves surrounded with pornographic images, friends with entirely different values, unemployment or underemployment, failing health, not enough money to make ends meet, schools who do not have our kids best interest, and no close friend with whom we can share confidences.
"But a loving God has not set such tests before us simply to see if we can endure difficulty but rather to see if we can endure them well and so become polished."
"Our trials and difficulties give us the opportunity to learn and grow, and they may even change our very nature. If we can turn to the Savor in our extremity, our souls can be polished as we endure."
"Therefore, the first thing to remember is to pray always. The second thing is to strive continuously to keep the commandments--whatever the opposition, the temptation, or the tumult around us. The third crucial thing is to serve the Lord."
Many have given service and perhaps, felt that there were changes within themselves. The temptation to do wrong seemed to abate and the desire to do good increased. Someone you love may have said: "You have changed. You seem kinder and more patient. You do not seem to be the same person."
We are promised that the Lord will come to our aid if we serve others (thereby serving Him) and your soul will be polished in the process. Our trials will become less arduous if we allow the Lord to help carry the YOKE and we trust in Him with all our adversities.
I believe that if we can be polished towards perfection, we can one day return to live with Him.