God's Handywork

Querida Familia y Amigos,

As in real life, all things change...that means transfer week, so things are changing for our Elders.  Elder Barron is finishing his mission this week and returning to California.  As they say in South Africa—“Go Well!”  He has been with us for just one transfer, but he will be missed.  We are continually amazed by the spirit and devotion of our Elders.  Our Brigham City boy, Elder Bown will be staying with us for another transfer to take the lead in expanding our Andorra group along with our new Elder Dominguez from Brazil.

Goodbye Elder Barron (2nd from left)

We decided to have one last adventure with Elder Barron on our preparation day.   We took yet  another byway up a winding, steep mountain canyon. headed to the the village of Os de Civis.  Along the way we spied a little old church, Sant Esteve de Bixessarri built in 1701 and stopped to snap a few shots, even though it was reality modern!.  

My Elders on Prep Day Adventures

Sant Esteve de Bixessarri, 1701

Amazing carvings and craftsmanship.

We continued up the arduous switchbacks until we arrived at the village of Os de Civis. We explored yet another church, Sant Pere d’Os de Civis, that was built by the ancients in 1312 A.D.  This beautiful old stone church has stood on that mountain-top for more than 700 years.   (I decided that when we get home, I am going to make coffee table book of all the old churches we have visited here in Spain and Andorra. We think the number is approaching 30.)

Rugged Mountain Peaks

Os de Civis

Quaint Walkway up to Church.

Capilla en Os de Civis

Later in the week we had to drive a nearby community of Organyà so that we could pre-pay for the bus that we are planning to take to Madrid for our temple trip.  After exploring their quaint little "old town" and local church, we headed home.  

Organyà Church

Beautifully crafted Asap

Charming Old Town

Catalonian Flag of Independence

Older than any building in the United States

 On a whim, we decided take a diversion to discover what was at the end of another incredibly steep mountain road.  We found the ruins of the village of Tost, and of course, yet another magnificent edifice, Sant Marti de Tost, that evidenced the ingenuity, tenacity and faith of these rugged mountain folk.  The only building still standing was the church, while 10-12 other buildings had crumbled into ruins.  We took an hour to walk back in time and imagine what it must have been like in 1030 A.D. when this church was constructed.  A side note:  Across the valley, perched on the mountain peak, was a huge dairy farm with terraced pastures carved into the mountainside. Elder Fowers was dreaming about purchasing it.

Sant Marti de Tost, 1030

Last Wall Standing

Explore Ruins of Village

Mountain-top Dairy Farm

Wednesday night, we had another killing frost. It got down to -3 degrees C (23F)  Elder Fowers and Jose Luis, were out in the garden until late trying to cover the tender seedlings in an attempt to save as much as they could.  We should have followed that old wives tale and waited another month to plant.

Back in the day of Prophet Joseph Smith, he organized the “School of the Prophets” to broaden the knowledge and testimony of those early brethren.  Well, we have organized the “School of the Farmhouse” to continue to strengthen and nourish our new and reactivated members.  Again this week, we invited different members to the house for both physical and spiritual nourishment.  We have found that we often gain more from the experience than they do! The light and energy of their revitalized testimonies fill the old farmhouse with a sweet feeling of joy.

Elder Fowers’ calendar this week has been filled with temple recommend interviews with both youth and adults help prepare for the temple.  We have many that will be attending the temple for the first time, so he wants to make sure they fully prepared for the experience.

We don’t often get the opportunity to sit in on lessons with our young Elders.  Last night, while Elder was doing interviews, I was able to join them for a lesson with a 20-year-old, young man who has developed a relationship with one of our young women from Andorra. She has openly expressed her beliefs and encouraged her boyfriend to meet with the missionaries and learn about her faith.  He is a quiet, respectful young man who listened carefully to the message.  I came away from the lesson amazed at the skill, power and testimony of our young missionaries! The future of the church is in good hands.

We rejoice in God's handywork everyday.  Sometimes, it is from a mountain top vista, or the details in a tiny spring flower.  Sometimes it is a subtle thought or impression that guides our next steps with one of the members or brings comfort after a disappointing day.  God is at the helm, of this we testify. This is His work and His glory. We are grateful to offer our hands and hearts in the work.

Have a wonderful week.  Remember to count your blessings.

Mucho Amor,

Elder and Hermana Fowers

Spring Wildflowers are in Full Bloom