Two Countries

Querida Familia y Amigos,

One of our great challenges here is supporting two different church groups in two different countries-Spain and Andorra. The complexity of it continues to increase.  For example, our Elders now live in Andorra and we live in Spain, which necessitates an increase in transportation support.  Often there is not a late bus running, so off Elder Fowers goes for a late night run to transport the Elders back to their piso.  They also need to stay with us in farmhouse in Le Seu a couple of nights a week in order be able to attend the Branch on Sunday or catch their bus for District meetings since there is no direct bus from Andorra.  Today, after our morning block of meetings, we (including the Elders) rushed home and inhaled a quick lunch and then off to our afternoon meetings in Andorra.  Just as we were pulling onto the freeway, traffic came to a complete stop and we had 16 kilometers to go!  We pressed through a never-ending line of traffic and somehow made it to church on time.  Every day presents another challenge to try to unify one branch with units in two countries.

Andorra Border Crossing

Transfers were this week so we got a new Elder Jones.  Elders Jones and Squires were in the same MTC group and knew each other well. They were delighted to be able to work together.  Elder Jone's family moved a great deal and has lived in many different states, but he now hails from Idaho. His energy and positive attitude will be a great blessing to the work here.

Elders Squires and Jones...old buddies.

In missionary terms, the Elder who trains you when you first arrive in the field is called your “Dad”.  Well, our Dad, Elder Cullimore finished his mission this transfer and he brought his parents back for a visit.  We spent a day with them visiting members and seeing the sights. But mostly we were reminiscing about those first few weeks when he guided us through the maze of getting to know the inner workings of the branch when we were jet-lagged and overwhelmed. Go Well, Elder Cullimore!

Shay, Casey and Elder Cullimore touring Andorra

 

Exploring Andorra's Antiquities

Seminary is starting up again so we headed for Barcelona for our annual Seminary training meeting.  We are thrilled to be studying the Book of Mormon this year, especially since four of our students have been members for less than a year so the study of the Book of Mormon will give them a great foundation.  We spent the entire drive trying to figure how, when and where to hold class with students in two countries!  Whooeee, we spend our lives in the car going or coming between countries with our backseat full of our missionaries or our youth!

Seminary Training in Español

 

Future Seminary Teachers

Believe it or not, our tiny village of Le Seu d’ Urgell made it on the map this week.  They held the World Cup Canoe Whitewater Slalom at the Segre Olympica Parque, just a kilometer from the house.  We snuck away from our duties for a couple of hours on Friday to catch some of the preliminary runs.  Lots of fun!

Parque all decked out for competition.

One of our American Competitors

Our Lleida Stake President visited our branch in La Seu today.  We had 33 in attendance for sacrament meeting and most arrived on time.  President Hernandez congratulated our little branch for stepping up. However, there is still much to be done. He spoke about obedience and how we only progress as a results of our obedience. I think some of the old time members are gradually changing their  habits.  We continue to encourage callings, service and obedience. 

Outstanding in his Field…Elder Fowers continues his bounteous harvest! Elder really is an outstanding leader of our little branch.  He knows his flock and counsels with them frequently, lending support in so many different ways. What a great man...and I am blessed to be his companion!

Outstanding in his field.

Con Mucho Amor,

Los Fowers