Primary in Soto la Marina

We have a small branch in the furthest north part of the mission that is dependent entirely on the mission.  It is located too far from the nearest stake so it is our responsibility to care for it.  Soto la Marina has been a very dangerous place during the last year or so.  When we wanted to visit he would tell us to wait just a little longer.  The last time we were there was 1 year ago when we sang "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Trees" for the children in English and they looked at us like we were crazy.  They hadn't heard that song before let along seen the actions that are so common to us.  Dad's counselors have been the help that has gone to the branch during the last year.  Do they think it is safer for a Mexican to go than for an American?  We don't know but we were happy to be with them once again and give these sweet children their bibles. 

Thank you, again, to our ward who provided this blessing for them.

After the branch conference they turn the chapel into the cultural hall.  This is just a little "house of prayer' that is rented by the church.  The sisters had prepared corn tamales wrapped in husks.   They were delicious. They also served jamaica, a drink made from flowers that, if made well, is delicious.  It reminds me a little of cranberry juice. Dad's counselors sat across from us.  L to R are President Ramirez, President Reynoso, and sec. Bro. Gonzalez.  They love to eat and push us along to enjoy it all.  We don't need much pushing and the tamales were really good.

There appeared quite magically a mess under Dad's plate.  He must have really enjoyed those tamales with guacamole.  So when I wanted a picture of him with the missionaries serving in this branch, President Reynoso wanted to make sure the 'mess' made it into the picture.

 When things settled down from the joking we got this picture of the 3 of them.  Elder Salazar was just released from his duties as a zone leader to go back out in the field.  He is an excellent elder.  He joined the church when 14 under difficult circumstances with his parents.  He's been living with an aunt for the past 5 years before the mission.  He has not received one email or anything from his parents.  But he is always happy and wearing a smile.  His companion is Elder Del Castillo.  Quite a joker and a good missionary.

And they made a delicious yellow cake with coconut and chopped nuts on top that had been baked with sweetened/condensed milk. 

 

President Reynoso, Dad, President Jimenez and his couselor, President Del Angel,Bro. Gonzalez, and President Ramirez.