Good People are Everywhere

 

Work on our street being done.

A couple of the workers wanted to be sure they were seen in this photo. 

As a young high school seminary student, I was blessed with a wonderful teacher, Gary Clark. He passed away a few years ago but I am glad that for the last couple years of his life, I was able to connect with him on Facebook and thank him for his diligence in teaching us. 

One of the most profound lessons he taught was about throwing our pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). It's a caution Jesus gave the people, I believe, about sharing sacred experiences. 

Brother Clark was teaching us from the scriptures. We were particularly rowdy that day. You know, early morning seminary students can be real ... um ... idiots. He started to share an experience he had when he simply stopped, waited for us to notice and get quiet. He then proceeded to tell us his experience again and again, some of the students started talking to each other. Another pause. Another attempt. After the third time of trying to get us to pay attention, he said something like, "I've been taught to not throw my pearls before swine. Open your scriptures to ..."

I have no idea what, specificially, he planned to teach that day but the incidental lesson he taught? It had an amazing effect. All that to say that we are changing. And although everyone who receives the link to this blog are respectful and would not make fun or make light of what we publish here, other people see this blog. We want it to be open to anyone and everyone but we also want to be respectful of the sacredness of some of our experiences.

In spite of the passing of our beloved prophet, Russell M. Nelson, the death and destruction at a ward in Michigan, spiritual experiences abound and along with all the missionaries here, we are growing. 

A couple of experiences since being here have caused us to chuckle. For instance, we live on a street that is paved with bricks. It's very quaint and we like it. Several days ago, we woke up bright and early to the street in front of our building being closed off, and the sounds of bricks being removed. We assumed that the bricks were being removed for pavement to be laid. Nope. Old bricks are being removed and new bricks being installed. Every street around us is asphalt. Our street will have nice new bricks. Photo above.

Another thing we've chuckled at ourselves about is how the no real sense of urgency combined with unclear communication, both of which appear to be cultural, have been a challenge for us both. We recognize that we are the visitors in this situation, that we are going to go with the flow, so to speak and it's still wonderful to be here. 

We are grateful for our blessings. 

We love you and miss you all.