Our Temple Mission: Return to Bella Vista Ward

As we are nearing the end of our mission, we decided we needed to go back to the Bella Vista Ward to see the twins again. You can refer to our post on February 22nd for the story,

but briefly, these were the little girls Bill knew 50 years ago when he baptized their parents as the first missionary in La Esperanza. They were so happy to see Bill again. President Davila, the Primavera Stake President was also in attendance. I played the piano and he asked us to sit on the stand. It was Fast Sunday since next week is General Conference. Bill and President Davila both bore their testimonies. They talked of serving in La Esperanza 40 and 50 years ago.

This man was sleeping on the grass outside the church.

A soccer game was going on next door.

This is what the chapel looked like, three minutes before the meeting started.
They really go on Mormon Standard Time down here.

It was Fast Sunday because of General Conference next week.
This little baby was blessed. The Bishop asked Bill to stand in the
circle while President Davila blessed Abram Jesus Guzman.

Little Grace with her mother. Another cute baby.

Anna, helping to dust the pews before the meeting.

Elder Irrazabal from Argentina & Elder Klossner from Salt Lake City.

President Davila and Bill. He served here in Peru at the same
time as Bill's brother, Steve, 40 years ago.

Elizabet Ramos with the twins, Maria Dolores (Lolo) & Maria Elena.
Elizabeth lived with them for 14 years and they converted her to the church.
She was influential in helping to convert the twin's older brother to the church.

One of the sisters from the temple.
I look like such a giant.

Bishop Quezada is Elena's husband.

Saturday was Women's Conference so the temple was closed after the 11:30 session. We went to eat at Squalo's with the Hawses for lunch.

Bill & I had yummy Lagostinos Panko (shrimp) and papas puree (mashed potatoes)

We were able to watch conference from our living room in English. Modern technology is amazing. All the talks were excellent but I especially liked the one given by President Uchtdorf, "4th floor, Last door." He spoke of what faith is, what it can and cannot do and what we must do to activate the power of faith in our lives. Heather got tickets and was able to take, Ellie, Sadie and one of Sadie's friends to the conference.