Andorra Rocks

Querida Familia y Amigos,

Today for the first time since we opened the group in Andorra in February, our Andorra group had more attendance (17) than the branch in La Seu (15). The Andorra group is moving forward one person at a time.  There is such a sweet spirit there and we feel going forward it will continue to strengthen in this micro-country.

Record Attendance in Andorra Group

Sister Fowers spoke today in both sacrament meetings about her recent studies in the Book of Mormon of Christ teachings when he first appeared to the Nephites.  She discussed the fact that one of the first principles Christ taught was eliminating discord and contention among the members and that such conflict was of the devil. Christ brought the higher law of the gospel of Jesus to teach them a better way. Her message was well received.  After 15 months, in Spain Hermana Fowers is beginning to express herself and communicate the feelings of her heart in a foreign tongue that has been most difficult for her.  She practiced her talk all week long, giving it in Spanish to the walls of our farmhouse.  I am proud of her mission-long effort to conquer the communication barrier with these sweet people.

We had a delightful time exploring a new mountaintop village of Calbinyá for our preparation day this week.  In fact, we can see the lights of this village from the farmhouse at night but had never been there.  After spending some time searching for the road to get up there, and braving the freezing wind it turned out to be a grand adventure.

Remaining Tower of Medieval Church

Wall of old church returning to nature.

Centuries old Courtyard

View of Valley behind local church bell tower.

Antique farm tools.

Number 10...still habitated!

Hangin'-out at the local Park.

This week we traveled to Lleida and Zaragoza (3½ hours) to do piso (apartment) checks of the missionaries in that area.  I am not sure how many times I have seen Hermana Fowers demonstrate how to properly clean a tub, or how to get the burn-on crusties off of a stovetop, but I am sure it is dozens.  While there we decided to take on the challenge of reversing a refrigerator door, so that it would swing the other way, with only a multi-tool.  It turned out to be quite a project.

Elder Fowers and his multi-tool.

Generally on Wednesday evenings, we ferry three young women up to Andorra to join three more youth up there for our seminary class.  Elder Fowers spent much of the morning preparing for the class and was really excited about his lesson.  We had heard rumbling all day about the border between Spain and Andorra being blocked by protests, but we were certain that it would be opened by 5:00 p.m. when we needed to leave with the girls.  However, when we approached the highway that leads to Andorra there were dozen of officers and hundreds of protesters braving the freezing weather and demanding their independence from Spain.  Needless to say we were turned back. (We never got close enough to get a good photo.) The protesters stayed throughout the night and the border did not open until the next morning.  Elder will have to save that seminary lesson for next week!

Catalonian Protestors..."Democracia!"

A beautiful view of La Seu d'Urgell as we drove down the mountain from Calbinyá at sunset... This tranquil view gave us pause to count our blessings for all that we have seen, felt and learned while serving here in Spain/Andorra.

Beautiful La Seu at sunset.

Con Mucho Amor,

Elder and Hermana Fowers

Double the Fun...Double the Blessings

Querida Familia and Amigos,

The absolute highlight of the week and the very reason that we are serving as missionaries, was the joy of bringing two beautiful souls to the waters of baptism.  Our determined and faithful missionaries, Elders Jones and Christensen led them to a place of faith and knowledge so that they would be fully prepared to make this sacred covenant.  Betty, who is about our age and a grandmother, joined the branch in La Seu; while Ramon, a gentle, middle-aged man, who has recently lost most of his sight, joined our group in Andorra.  Many members attended the services held at the Hotel Dolcet spa pool to witness the baptisms and lend support to our newest family members. "And if it so be that you should ladbor all you days in crying repentence unto this people, and bring, save one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of our Father!" (D&C 18:15) We were doubly-blessed and bubbling over with happiness.

Betty with Elder and Hermana Fowers

Rejoicing Together
Elder Christenses, Ramon, Betty and Elder Jones

Halloween is a pretty big holiday here in Spain.  Our youth asked if they could organize and sponsor a Halloween party on Tuesday evening for the branch.  They printed the invitations, planned the menu, decorated the hall, organized the games and invited their friends.  We were so proud of them for initiating the activity on their own and following through on the details.  Keeping with Spanish-standard-time, the fiesta started about an hour late, but otherwise was a smashing success with several non-member friends in attendance.

Our Youth Organizers

Farmer Fowers and his buddy Jose Luis

Scary group of Halloween Monsters

I am certain that you have heard much in the news about the political situation here in Spain.  A group of Catalonians politicians are leading a charge to try to succeed from Spain.  This political posturing has been going on for decades and we see or know of very little concerning the real issues in our little corner of Spain.  There are lots of flags flying from the balconies, some of which are “for” and others “against” the succession, but it has not affected our work or our purpose. The big winners in this political standoff are the flag makers.

Perfect Picture of Contrasting Opinions:
Top Balcony, Catalonian Flag with Spain Flag Below

We did get a chance to sneak away for a few hours on preparation day this week with our Elders.  We treated them to a ride on the Tobotronc Alpine Slide and they had a blast on the wild ride.  We went from there to the Canillo Overlook.  The sun was shining and the view was crystal clear for miles and miles.  When you stand on top of one of these massive mountains you become so aware of your own nothingness in the bigger scheme of things.  I always stand in wonder of the beauties created by God’s hand. 

Ready to Ride!

My Elders Overlooking Canillo Valley

Long ways down.

We were delighted to spend a couple of hours with Jaime this week and find out more about his life and his journey.  He tells of becoming a soccer star as a young boy of 12 years.  He was farmed out to a junior league and left his family behind to be trained to become a professional soccer player.  He has played in Switzerland, Italy and was recently pickup up by Andorra after recovery from a knee injury.  He pretty much had to raise himself, but through all the years he has stayed true to his standards.  When his has trouble sleeping, he often listens to Primary Songs and Hymns because they bring happy memories of his family who are all faithful members.  He was so very happy to have found the church again and is preparing to receive the Priesthood.  He couldn't wait to send this picture to his Mom.

Jaime, so happy to have found the church.

We got lost in this secret garden in Ordino this week while tracking down a lead on a lost member. The fall colors are so beautiful and this tiny park was a picture of tranquility.

Late blooming Roses.

...with Book of Mormon in hand.

Elder here...Today I was asked to confirm both Bette and Ramon members of the church and bestow the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  A very special feeling attended me at both confirmations.  I know some of their personal challenges and problems.  Bette has been on her own since age 14 but has never lost hope in finding God nor believing in our Savior. Ramon woke up one morning several years ago to find himself partially blind, no explanation.  Even with his limited sight Ramon could see that many religions were false so he continued to seek something better. Today I blessed him that the Holy Ghost would help him see the way to his ultimate salvation.  Both of these new converts were found by our missionaries knocking on doors and talking to everybody in the street, on buses and at the market. How many more like Bette and Ramon are searching for the truth?  May we hasten the work!

Elder and Hermana Fowers

Returning to the Fold

Querida Familia y Amigos,

One last adventure before Tim and family left for the convention in Germany…we decided to spend the day at Naturlandia, an amusement park in the very top of the Pyrenees. It was off-season now so we pretty much had the park to ourselves.  We had a relaxing, fun-filled day that was filled with adrenalin-pushing adventures, including a 5.3 kilometer alpine slide (wild ride!), three-story high ropes course, snowless tubing, go-carts, archery and etc. But the most awesome part for me was the tranquil beauty of the mountains.

Zach Driving

Fearless Bella

Elder Fowers...Not Bad for an Old Man!

Tim Balancing 3-Stories High

"Tranquilidad"~ our ride up the Mountain on the Slide

Wild Ride...Grandpa and Zach on the Tobotronc

Zach and Bella got up early to help Grandpa milk on Monday morning.  Zach was right down in the pit, teat-dipping with Grandpa and Juan while Bella when over a bit later and got to help feed a newborn calf.  After a glorious few days with Tim, Nikki, and kids they headed out early Tuesday for Germany to their game convention.

Bella and Grandpa Feeding Newborn Calf

This had been a week of sweet miracles.  Let me share just a couple that prove that God really is at the helm and directs his work.  These stories are not about us finding the lost sheep but about the lost sheep that found us.  We have had our group in Andorra open for 9 months now and our attendance has hovered around 12.  We continued to press forward along with our valiant young Elders to build this fledgling group.  

Do you recall Carmen who found us about 2 weeks ago?  This week while we were visiting with her, she shared the details of her story.  She told us that about a month ago, she was awaken with a startle in the middle of the night with an impression that she should return to church after a decade of inactivity. She did not even know if the church still met in Andorra. She had seen the missionaries from a distance but wasn't quite sure how to find the church.  Carmen did remember many years previous riding a certain bus line with Maria Teresa. She couldn't really recall what this sister looked like after so many years, but  remembered her very distinctive high pitched voice.  She resolved to ride the bus early in the next morning and do so all day until she heard that unique voice again. Finally she heard the voice. Mustering all of her courage, with her heart bounding out of her chest she asked...Are you Maria Teresa and are you a Mormon?  At that moment they recognized each other and had a joyful reunion.   Within hours Maria Teresa contacted Elder Fowers and we went to visit Carmen at her home the next day. The rest is history.  She is preparing to return to the temple in December and has been embraced in full fellowship in the group!  This week she has been reaching out to other lost members that she remembers and is inviting them to return as well.  We call it lost sheep finding lost sheep.

God brought Carmen back to the fold!

After our visit with Carmen on Friday afternoon, we decided to go get a bite of dinner at the local mall in Andorra.  In the brief time we were there, we ran into a member, spoke with a less active member who manages the Burger King and chatted with a current investigator.  We felt like we had had a very productive evening and decided to head home.  I suggested that we leave by a different exit, but Elder nixed that and led me out the usual way.  As we were walking out, I realized that my badge was covered by the jacket so I reach down and moved it clear view on my lapel.  Moments after I had done so, a young man walked up to us, pointing to our badges and said,  "Soy un Mormon!"  (I am a Mormon).  He introduced himself as Jaime, a professional soccer player from Chile and explained that he had moved to Andorra about six months ago and had been looking for the church.  He was so excited to find out that we had a group that met in Andorra.  Our hearts were pounding with happiness when he walked into church today! 

One little side story.  Before the meeting started, I noticed that all the Jaime had brought with him to church was a tatter miniature book of Himnos. Early that morning I had dropped a Libro de Mormon into my church bag, thinking he might need one of he came.  So I asked him if he had a copy of the Book of Mormon and he explained that as a professional soccer player he had traveled so much that he had lost his. I offered him the copy and he teared up as I handed it to him.  (Now mind you, I actually did this all in Spanish without Elder helping me!)  It was a sacred and sweet moment. Jaime soaked in every word today.  This was his first sacrament meeting in many years.

Jaime is home!

As with every mission, we sometimes wonder if we have done all that we can and should do to further the work.  I just want to testify, that when you do all that you know how to do, God really does do the rest.  In these past two weeks he has guided these two sweet souls back to their covenants and their faith.  God is at the helm of this work and we are so blessed to be a part of it.

Family...So Blessed

Familia

Querida Familia y Amigos,

Knowing that Tim and family would be visiting later in the week, we packed some critical visits and preparations into the first couple of days.  We have several active investigators that we needed to teach and give spiritual support.  Tuesday afternoon, spent a couple of hours with Betty answering many doctrinal questions as she prepares for baptism in a couple of weeks.  We zeroed in on preparations for our Primary, Seminary, Temple Prep and Sunday School lessons.  We are preparing four sisters from our branch to receive their endownments in the Madrid temple on December 15.  This will take some logistical planning because the stake president is two hours away from us and the Madrid temple is six hours away from us. 

Elder Fowers Teaching Seminary

 

Amongst all of those activities, we were able to welcome Elder Christensen from Oklahoma, as our newest Elder. He comes from a 4,000 acre cattle ranch and he with Elder Fowers could talk cows all day long.  He is right at home in the farmhouse.

New Elder Christensen and Fowers Gang at Church

One of the challenges we face with such a small branch is finding speakers every week for church.  Elder Fowers took advantage of their visit and asked both Tim and Nikki to speak in church. As most of you must know, Nikki served in this mission about 20 years ago. We had record attendance today with 51! (Of course, that counts the Fowers Clan twice because they attended both meeting ;)

Nikki speaking in La Seu Branch Meeting

After having been on a mission for more than a year, there is nothing sweeter than having family visit from home.  We met Tim, Nikki and kids in Barcelona on Thursday morning in order to spend a couple of days exploring the beauties of Barcelona and surrounds.  After weeks of amazingly beautiful weather, it rained buckets all day long.  Trying to figure out how to manage the rain and still enjoy the sights was part of the adventure.  We were undaunted as we marched through the puddles covered in cheap ponchos we all bought at the China market.  I was not quite up to full health, so I fizzled out in the afternoon and had to back to the hotel to rest, while the Fowers clam partied into the night.

Fowers Family making the best of the Rain

Exploring the Gothic Quarter with the Nietos

The next day turn out bright and sunny so after another morning of exploring we headed to home to the farmhouse. 

View of Barcelona

Güell Park by Gaudi...Amazing

 

Saturday started at the local farmers market then off to the go-cart track.  Tim and family raced around the longest track in Catalonia.  Later in the day we explored the pueblo of ARFA  which has an old Ice Well dating back to the 1300's.  In the afternoon we saw some amazing vistas in Andorra. 

Speed Demons on the Go-Cart Track

Chilin' in the 800-year-old Ice Well

Grandpa clowning around in the old Ice Well

Fowers Enjoying the Antiquities

View of Medieval Engineering

 Pyrenees dressed in Fall Colors

 It is impossible to really grasp the beauty of these vistas through photos.  They are always more beautiful to us when we are able to share them with the ones we love.  Nearly everyday one or the other of us will say, "I wish the kids were here to..." share this amazing experience, so for just a couple of days we did so and rejoiced in the blessing of family.

Con Mucho Amor,

Elder and HerMama Fower

Lightning Strikes

Querida Familia y Amigos,

The week started out pretty normal.  We headed out very early on Monday morning for the Zaragaza/Hospitalet Zone conference at which we were planning to prepare lunch.  After finishing up a lunch of chicken pot-pie and homemade cookies, I began to feel pretty ill, wishing I could just lay down on the church benches somewhere quiet. 

Serving up Chicken Pot Pie

Zaragoza/Hospitalet Zones 

By the time we drove home, I was in a pretty bad way.  All I wanted to do was curl up and sleep, but the pain was unrelenting.  In a sweet and sacred moment, Elder Fowers gave me a priesthood blessing and within minutes the pain faded and I drifted off to sleep.  It was a personal miracle for me.

I stayed in bed all the next day with severe headache and flu-like symptoms sleeping away most of the day.  By the next morning my glands were swollen and painful and the tick bite on the crown of my head was infected and inflamed.  Then we remembered that little hitchhiker tick I had last week. Even though I had not gone to a doctor in 14 months (in fact we didn’t even know where one was) we decided that I needed to see doctor.  Since they have socialized medicine here, we ended up going to the hospital.  After several hours of tests and procedures and a lot of waiting, they called in a specialist.  We had been trying to explain that we were concerned about the garrapata (tick) bite and that I might have a tick-borne illness. Sure enough, once the specialist examined me, he confirmed that he thought that I had Mediterranean Spotted-Fever and prescribed an appropriate antibiotic.  The next few days were a blur, and I slept most of the time.  By Saturday, the antibiotics kicked in and I felt much better.  Looks like I’m going to live.  Having two tick-borne illnesses in one lifetime is like being struck by lightning twice!

Sometimes the lost sheep find us.  During this past week, we had a long lost member approach one of our active Andorran members on the street.  She introduced herself as Carmen and wanted to know where the church met.  Within minutes of the meeting we received a call and was able to contact Carmen, who was baptized in 2002 and had been endowed in the temple.  She was so excited when we visited her and she found out that the church had returned to Andorra. She has had no contact from anyone in the church for more than 10 years when the church left Andorra.  It is hard to describe our feelings as we sat in the living room of this lost sheep as she expressed the joy of having found the church again~A missionary payday for sure!

Meeting Carmen

Maria Luisa welcoming Carmen home.

Early Saturday morning I left Sister Fowers in bed still recuperating and loaded six of our Andorra Branch youth for a 2-hour drive to Barcelona to compete in the annual Youth Olympics. Three stakes combine to produce about 150 youth ages 12 through 18 who compete in various track and field events.  Everyone is divided into  ages groups, boys and girls and one seniors class for all over age 30.  Our tiny Andorra Branch traveled the furthest to attend and I must say some of our youth feel isolated at times.  However, today they were overwhelmed to see so many “Mormon Youth” gathered.  Lluís, our only Deacon, made friends with other young men his age for the first time.

Multi-Stake Youth Olympics

Our Dominican girls, Dariana y Arianny were born to run and received several track metals as did Emily and her friend Daniel who is investigating the church. The final race of the day was the 1500 meters with all running together.  At the starting line a looked around and saw no one who looked over 40.  All of the sudden I felt ancient.  It was a fast pace as all took off but I held my own hanging in the back third. I had enough for a kick at the end and passed 6 kids who had run out of gas.  On our return trip home, happy chatter filled the Van as all had a great time.  We brought home 10 metals,  but more importantly we grew closer together.  Sometimes senior missionaries have to go the extra mile~literally. I slept very well.

Emily on the medals stand in 2nd Place

Daniel, our investigator, placed 1st in long jump.

Elder Fowers chasing down the pack.

Transfers were this week and we were pretty confident that our Elders would be staying.  With the help of Nikki we had just gotten them International Driver’s Licenses and had them trained them to drive in Andorra, which had greatly simplified our lives.  But sadly, Elder Squires will be leaving us today for Valencia.  He has been a dedicated, hard-working Elder and we are sad to see him leave!  He went out with a bang.  His last day in Andorra we took this sweet photo of Elder Squires with Lluís a recent convert, Carmen, a returning member, and Ramon a new investigator!  The perfect day for a missionary.

Elder Squires, Lluís, Carmen, Ramon and Elder Jones
GOODBYE Elder Squires!

Signing off with this photo of our morning walk...God be with you until we meet again.

Con Mucho Amor,

Los Fowers

Morning Sunbeams