August Consejo (ZLC)

 Consejo time means instruction but also waffles in our home here.  Concoctions range from waffles with syrup to waffles with bananas or peanut butter or everything all at once. 

 I think they love the smell they receive when they walk through the door as much as they love eating them.

 Of course, they all need a banana.  It is part of the staff of life here.

 Elder Romero, Elder Townsend, Elder Peterson, and Elder Arias back for more.

We did an activity today in the consejo where they all had to put on a bandana to cover their eyes.  They were told they could not speak, that they had to find a rope that had been dropped on the floor, that they had to keep both of their hands on the rope and that they had to form a square.

This was the silent part.  It was very interesting to watch how they tried to make a corner or feel where they should be.

We allowed them to take off their blindfolds to see what had happened and then told them to do it again only they could speak this time.  It was still hilarious and informative but eventually they got it.  Some of them just could not keep both hands on the rope and others didn't dare to move.  They held their spot.  One or two told everyone to stop talking and listen to them to lessen the confusion.  It was so interesting to see who led out and who chose to follow.  They are all so different and so good.
Afterwards Dad talked about leadership, communication and their responsibility to watch over and help the missionaries in the zones.  Also the importance of listening to the voice and promptings of the Spirit.

 As always, we needed a picture of the ZL's before they left for their areas.

 And, of course, they like the funny craziness of the last pose.  It is amazing just how much spagetti, salad and bread 20 elders can eat in a very short time.  And then they top it off wth chocolate cake and ice cream.  At least they don't leave hungry.

The office elders came over after the lunch to bring materials to the ZL's and their mail.  We gave them the cake and ice cream to be an appetizer for their comida today.  They promised to still eat just as much chicken, rice and beans for the sweet hermanas that would be feeding them.