Sunrise in the Andorra Branch

Querida Familia y Amigos,

Sister Fowers is busy baking 200 cookies and a ton of chicken potpie for our Zaragona/Hospitalet Zone Conferences (about 55 hungry missionaries) on Monday. She prepares, precuts, prebakes, and gets all utensils, bowls, etc. ready to stuff in the trunk of our little car.  With the missionaries in the back seat balancing pots on their laps, we will launch the two-hour drive to Barcelona early Monday morning. Today has been most challenging as we are fasting and the whole house is filled with the aroma of Hermana Fowers’ freshly baked cookies.

Cookies...Made with Love

On Monday we entertained six the missionaries in our Lleida District for preparation day.  We shared a few pictures last week, but we had to drop in this awesome pictures of our missionaries letting off a little steam and the go-cart track.   Elder Squires and Elder Hunsaker fought for the lap lead but Sister Anderson held her own. Sister Fowers hosted a chicken dinner including hot brownies at the farmhouse. Later we drove to Andorra to hike some waterfalls and see the many sights we show all who visit us. After the mission I could be guide for Andrew and Rita’s Shaka Guide tour in Andorra.

Burning up the Track!  Lleida District

You may have seen the news this week about the rebellion, the separative vote and the demonstrations in Catalonia and more specifically in Barcelona.  This separation movement dates to the Spanish Civil war of 1936 but has roots that go back decades if not centuries.    There were a few local demonstrations but most of the vocal demonstrations have now quieted down and life will go on and every one will get back to complaining about the Madrid government as they sip their morning coffee in the open-air cafes.  As for us, the missionary work goes on and we work hard for every investigator and convert baptism. Actually this political history is part of the reason the church grows much slower in Spain when compared to Latin America.  The Catalonians rebel against the government and the bureaucracy in Madrid.  Historically the control of Catholic Church was a big part of the oppression put upon the people.  Mormon faith, is viewed somewhat in the same manner and to join our church is to defect from being a true Catalonian. 

Hitchhiker

   Hermana Fowers had a little hitchhiker this week.  She dug

   this creep-crawly tick out of her scalp after a morning walk.

   But it was worth it.  Early mornings are so quiet and 

   beautiful. You can't help but be grateful. 

Sunflowers

Sunrise at the Farmhouse

We continue to grow our youth group with seminary and a growing Young Women’s program.  Seven of our eight students have less than two years in the church.  They are open vessels waiting to be filled as we study the Book of Mormon this year.

Young Women:  Dariana, Emile, Arianny and Laddy

Dariana and Emily two of our Young Women, Dariana and Emily initiated and organized their own family home evening and invited all in the branch to attend.  They brought two non-member friends, prepared a lesson, conducted and served refreshments.  This is the first activity in a year where Sister Fowers and I sat back and let them do everything.  This give us hope for the future. We are seeing our numbers grow among the youth. As they rise up in faith and good works they bring energy, light and hope to everyone around them. They really are our future. We are thankful for the quiet ways the Lord directs this work.

Youth Sponsored Family Home Evening Activity

Future Leaders

Since conference last week, we have rededicated ourselves to a deeper study of the Book of Mormon.  For example I was just reading in in Alma 56 this morning about the Stripling Warriors and the famous quote, "We do not doubt, our mother's knew it."  What exactly did their mother's know and what specifically did they teach these fine young men?  That will be my study question for the week.  Knowing the answer to this question could really empower parents...and grandparents.  Perhaps I will share my insights next week.

Con Mucho Amor,

Los Fowers