Sept 19

Traffic in open market area.

We needed a router to use the internet, so Martin and Elder Glaettli went to the big shopping area know as "La Cancha" -- an interesting name since, in English, it means court or field and is used to identify a football (soccer) field. It may have recieved its name from orginally being in a large field or because it is divided into smaller courts, depending on the merchandise being sold. It is really interesting. 

Open market on the way to La Cancha

We had a family home evening with the missionaries. The Jensens will only be here for another month. We wish we would get to spend more time with them. It was interesting to be taught by a emeritus member of the Presidents of the Seventy. He talked about what it was like to give a talk in General Conference. What an amazing assignment that is. He has talked a little about meeting with the Prophet. What wonderful experiences he has had.

Sept 20

President Jensen set us apart as temple missionaries. Unlike the blessing in Uruguay, Sylvia understood what was said because it was in English. We received some very special blessings which will help us greatly during the coming year.

Side view of the Cochabamba Temple

Cochabamba Temple from the back

We have begun our adventure in the temple. What a choice opportunity to get to serve in a beautiful temple of our Lord 5 days a week. We are asked to leave the cares of the world outside the temple. This can be hard to do, but the peace and comfort we can feel in the temple helps us.  There are many ways we can help other people to receive the marvelous blessings that are given in the temple. They come eager and excited to receive their own blessings, and then to serve those who have passed on to receive those same blessings. It sometimes can be tiring because of the long hours, but never boring to be in the temple daily. There is always more to learn. The temple is not only a place to receive all the blessings that will help us to return as families to our Father, but a place of learning and personal revelation. We receive this revelation as we become ready for it. We feel so blessed to be asked to help with this great work of the Lord. The ultimate blessings in this life occur in the temple. Even though we miss our family, we are reminded each day in the temple of "God's plan of happiness." We are meant to come to this earth to learn how to become like God, and to learn how to become forever families.

Sept 25

Jaihuayco Stake Center and Ward building

President Jensen drove us to the ward that we will attend while we are here. The ward is the Jaihuayco Ward which is probably a Quechua word, not a Spanish word. I wrote it down as "hi-y-co" so I could say it. This will be a new experience for us because all the missionaries went to the building by the temple in Uruguay. We will have to take a taxi to and from church because it is close to the airport. The people were kind to us. It will give Sylvia a chance to practice more Spanish.