Going the Distance

Dear Beloved Family and Friends,

Greetings from Spain! Happy Thanksgiving this coming Thursday!  Though we won't be sharing a meal, we will

When you live on the very edge of the mission, everything takes a long time.  For example, this week was transfer week.  The missionaries get notified on Saturday and then leave for their new area on Tuesday morning. Our little Rama hosted a “funeral” for our “dying” Elder Cullimore on Monday, and we were so sad to see him go since he was our trainer during those first few crazy weeks of adjustment.  So, our Elders left on Tuesday, but because of distance and logistics our new Elder didn’t arrive until late Thursday after hours of train and bus travel.  We were delighted to welcome Elder Bromley along with Elder Graham back in our little corner of the mission.

 

Welcome Elder Bromley

We spent a great deal of time preparing for our Seminary SuperSabado.  Once a month we have a special seminary Saturday where we have time to dive a little deeper into the doctrine.  We have four seminary students and we had 100% attendance, plus our Elders.  After our lesson, we had tons of fun with some “Win it in a Minute Games” and stacks of waffles.  (Our big purchase of the week was a waffle iron!)  I was so involved in the activities of the day; I only snapped a few marginal pictures. This is the first time there has been any kind truly organized seminary program, so we feel it is great step forward.

SuperSabado Waffle Stupor

Today was stake conference, which was held in Lleida, a two-hour bus ride to the south.  Much of Elder Fowers’ energy this week was spent on arranging for the bus and contacting each member to personally invite them to attend.  Even though each member was required to pay 5 Euros for the bus, we had a wonderful response with 28 in attendance!  Sadly we had to leave a few behind that had intended to go because they missed the bus. (Spanish Standard time is pretty loose.)  Elder Christopher Charles of the Seventy spoke and we were all richly feed.  Our new member, Shane was encircled in the arms of friendship throughout the day.  It was very special to him because Elder Charles was from England and his wife was from Scotland and he could hear their talks in English rather than through a translator. Beyond that, he was able to meet Elder Charles and his wife personally afterwards in the new member meeting. What a blessing for us all! Our dedicated members, boarded the bus at 8:30 a.m. and arrived home at 4:30 p.m. just to attend a two-hour stake conference.  We are so very proud of their sacrifice.

Praying that the Member will Show Up

Gathering for a Long Ride to Conference

Elder Fowers nurturing our new member, Shane.

Arriving Home

Surrounded by our Beloved Andorra Branch Members

We have some sad new to report.  One of Elder’s chickens died and the rest have gone into the molt.  So far we are not too successful as chicken farmers, but he still goes out everyday to bond with his little hens.

Farm Boy!

Happy Thanksgiving this coming Thursday!  Though we won't be sharing a meal, you will be in our minds our hearts.  Each one of you is such a blessing in our lives and your prayers for us are evidenced in our work everyday.  We love you and ask the Lord's richest blessing to be with your families during this holiday season.

Love and Prayers from Spain,

Elder and Hermana Fowers