Well things are and aren't calming down a bit. Which means I think I am getting use to my new normal. Mark and I try to walk every morning and I have decided everything blooms in San Diego and gets really big. Pepper trees are considered trash trees! Jade plants are hedges, palms are growing out of drain gutters, there are trees with wooden spikes growing out of the trunks that look like dinosaur legs and most yards around us have beautiful citrus trees in them. Here is a sample of what we see on our walk
A bougainvillea bush. They grow every where and they are gorgeous
A jade plant that is a huge hedge. I was always so proud of my tiny one by my kitchen sink
sampling of the neighborhood citrus trees
A reading exchange book along our walking route
A pomegranate Tree!! I was so excited when I saw this. Wish I could grow one of these.
We also have some struggling avocado trees on the road up to our house. I would love to have one of those too. Keep working our yours Rich and Janae.
This week was interviews. I missed the trip to the "Valley" because we had our sick Elder back to the mission home and I needed to be here. He is well now and out in the field again. He is a good elder. I got to go to the other interviews in the week. They are long days for Mark and he is often hoarse by the end of the day but I try to feed him water and healthy food throughout the day. I get the fun part. I give snacks to the missionaries and get to just talk to them. The Spanish speaking missionaries especially the sisters are working with me on my spanish and helping me. I am really pathetic but they are kind. I have learned how to run away from an alligator in Florida, where the best California burritos can be found, who loves Star Wars, who loves basketball and that includes some sisters, and some of the crazy antics they did as kids. I am getting a feel for their personalities. They are great missionaries. I have also given advise on blisters on their heels. The sisters love Mark because he gave permission for them to wear open toed shoes for the hot weather as long as it doesn't look like they are headed to the beach.
We met with our Area Seventy one day at lunch. He is from San Diego and very helpful. We go to a BBQ at his house tonight to meet all the stake presidents and their wives.
Mark got his counselors called and that will help delegate out some of the meetings and baptismal interviews. He has several baptismal interviews each week because of special issues. It is really indicative of the times we live in but it is incredible to see the 180 degree changes people make in their lives as they seek the Savior. It really is an incredible work, and the missionaries work hard.
I have learned to be prepared at a moments notice to speak. The missionaries call on Friday night late and ask to have you speak at a baptism the next day. I have a spanish ward fireside next sunday and that one is going to take sometime and a lot of faith for me to prepare for. Pray for me. I have to become superior at multi tasking because of the phone calls, questions and assignments. There is never a dull moment. Believe me. I have learned I have to keep my phone by at all times. That is hard for me.
The physical facilities manager came through the house with us yesterday and looked over things. That was really helpful. He told me to just throw away the whole set of spoons that looked like they had had a run in with the disposal. But he did more useful things than that. Now that the house is not so occupied they are going to try and update and repair a few things. It really is a nice place.
Since we have some time this morning we are finishing hanging pictures and rearranging the kitchen, refrigerator shelves, discovering what is in cupboards etc. Then it is off to a baptism and the dinner later tonight. I also need to go shop for some food for a sister that is possibly diabetic and needs some real help. I need a therapist and registered dietitian to get me through this one.
We love you all and love your letters and pictures and messages through the week. They come at times when a touch with home is really nice. Love you all.
MOM Jan
4 comments:
Oh, we love you. We'll be praying for you for sure!
And, a pomegranate tree?! I wish I could have one of those, too. We'll keep growing our avocado trees, maybe someday they'll even produce.
All the trees and fruit remind me of Spain! How lucky! We used to buy a giant bag of pomegranates (or "granadas") for $3 and eat them until we stained our fingers permanently. You guys are so busy! Good for you practicing your Spanish with the Sisters-- you will be fluent in no time!
We would have died without open toed shoes in Spain-- I'm guessing it's the same there. I bought my favorite pair of shoes there, some Clarks that were SO comfy. Good thinking, Dad!
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