We visited the Blanco Family this evening, who went out of their way to make Caceres a happy, joyous place for Jonathan. He spent six months here and walked 8-10 miles each day searching for people to teach. Brother Blanco is the Branch President of the small branch (about 20 members) and has only been a member himself for two years. He is an extrordinary leader. Sister Blanco is wonderful, and I felt a kinship with her.
Juan, whom Jonathan taught and was here when his father baptized him, is 30 and a great friend to Jonathan. Patricia, 23, speaks English and was so kind to us. We had a delightful visit, and it was sad to leave, especially knowing we would probably never see each other again in this life. It was an emotional time. They really love Jonathan. Sister Blanco said that he speaks Spanish better than they do! She is from Trujillo, and he is also from Spain.
Juan, whom Jonathan taught and was here when his father baptized him, is 30 and a great friend to Jonathan. Patricia, 23, speaks English and was so kind to us. We had a delightful visit, and it was sad to leave, especially knowing we would probably never see each other again in this life. It was an emotional time. They really love Jonathan. Sister Blanco said that he speaks Spanish better than they do! She is from Trujillo, and he is also from Spain.
Church was wonderful. I was amazed at how much I understood. We sang hymns with a CD accompanyment. I discovered that I couldn't concentrate on pronouncing the Spanish words and sing alto! It was like patting my head and rubbing my belly! Jonathan translated Sunday School for us. The teacher was very good, and had several techniques to keep us all engaged plus she was very knowledgeable. She spoke English, too, and translated Relief Society for me. I was asked to give the opening prayer, and I didn't know it until she interpreted for me! Every time Jonathan prays, I feel the Spirit. It happened again today in Sacrament meeting. A tender mercy was that the RS lesson was on Pres. Eyring's Conference Talk, "Our Perfect Example", and I had given a talk on it last December, so I was very familiar with it. The church is the first floor of an apartment building and niely laid out--just like everything the Church does!
Here we are with a ward member who travels many miles each Sunday to attend the branch.
This week is Semanta Santos" or "Holy Week". All day long, there has been a "parade" with a "float" of Christ or Mary which is carried by several men, and a band and procession of people wearing purple robes and pointed hats. They are commemorating Christ's triumphal entry. The Plaza was packed with people holding dried palm fronds. Apparently, it continues all week. It is good to see that they acknowledge Christ's resurrection; they are just missing the complete gospel. Jonathan said that most of the people here are happy with their own religion and are not interested in hearing about the true church. If they only knew.
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