Sunday, July 31, 2011

Baptisms to Badajoz

O.K., we aren't changing the dress code. Elder Hales just thought he would try to come up with a new way to beat the heat. Sorry Elder Hales, nice try but no! We do like your smile.
Always smiling in Algeciras. Elders Mockler, White and Lignell loved the baptism of Rafe. She is a sweetheart.
Huercal-Overa loved their sweet baptism. Elder Long and Elder Ferguson along with the Lorca Elders, Elders Taylor and Mervai enjoyed the special day.
Looks like a little "futbol" to beat the hear was happening in Algeciras.
A hello from two former Hermanas, Hna Cluff and Montes de Oca. You look great Hermanas.
We spent the weekend in Badajoz with Elder Nalley and Elder Manning. Elder Clegg looks like he is happy too. You would be too after a great Japanese meal at the restaurant of Victor who is a member of the branch; including some great sushi. Jimeni, the 1st Counselor in the Branch of Badajoz works there and served us with style.
The "Dos Hermanas Clegg" loved it as well. Presidente was happy too; he loves using those chopsticks.
We had a wonderful open house in the new capilla in Badajoz. It was incredible. Great work by the members and a lot of work and planning by the missionaries.
Here are some members and investigators getting ready to watch a few clips.
We loved the evening and a few new investigators will hopefully come out of the efforts. The entire Branch was so excited and showed a lot of love and support for each other.
A big hand goes to these two, Elder Nalley and Elder Manning. Also a shout out for Elder Dunoskovic. They miss you up here but know you are doing great in Granada.
No, no,no, says this little boy who just didn't want to be in the picture. The Elders along with the young men and young women taught Primary so all the adults could attend a training that Elder and Hna Clegg, Jeff and Anna Koh and Pte. and Hna Clegg did for the branch. We are sure the Elders loved their time in primary.
"Hermana Clegg, we don't ever want kids!!" Actually, that is not true, but after 2 hours of Primary, these two Elders will sleep well tonight. We left Badajoz with hearts filled with joy after experiencing a wonderful weekend. We look forward to next week because it is time for ZONE CONFERENCE.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Pioneer Days in Spain?

We know it is July 24th, Pioneer Days in Utah, but in Spain, we found some of our own pioneers. We went to San Lucar for church today and had a wonderful visit. Elder Velasco and Elder Barahona are working hard with 4 investigators at church and many visitors. One of them were the Barnard family. Gary Barnard served a mission in Spain and his wife, Merchy Falcon joined the church in Sevilla. They didn't meet until at BYU and now they live with their 4 children in New York. They were in Spain for their vacation. They have 4 children, but only two, Nathan and Katrina, were with them. We enjoyed getting to know them and hear about how it was in Spain in the "Pioneer Days" of the church.
Maybe things are getting out of hand in Ciudad Real? They had a wonderful Branch activity last week and the missionaries just can't get over it.
Elder Card wanted everyone to know he has made Hna Clegg's lasagna. See missionaries can cook if they try. Way to go Elder Card.
But I think Elder Card, you have gone way overboard on the apple juice. We know it is cheap, but this might be on the border of crazy?
Speaking about cooks, as we were doing our interviews and specialized training we were greeted with Elder Donsokovic making us a true Tortilla de Patata. Wow, it looks as good as Pte. Marmol in Cartagena.
What a great companionship Elder Dunoskovic and Elder Berrett are making. We enjoyed our time listening to them teach and then while they were interviewed by Pte. Clegg, I got to talk to each missionary. It was fun to learn about Texas and a little bit more about where our daughter moved to since we left for the mission. Elder Berrett and our daughter Ally Poulton are in the same stake. Remember Elder Berrett was on the blog before he came to the mission.
The two of them had to run to a lesson after the interview so it left Elder Jones and Elder Fetzer and the President to try the tortilla. Absolutely perfect!! Now don't eat all of it, leave some for when Elder Dunoskovic and Elder Berrett return. Granada is in great hands with these 4 Elders. You would never guess that Elder Jones and Elder Berrett are new to the mission, they love to teach and work, that's how we want our missionaries to be.
Oh no, Elder Bennett has a look that I don't know if we can trust. Elder Pallas might be in on this too. After their teaching us Elder Bennett had a special request.
In cleaning out an apartment to help a member, Elder Bennett found some treasures. Nice way to display the sword. Is that the sword of Captain Moroni? We love Elder Bennetts optimism, 350 baptisms+, that's what we call faith in action.
Elder Pallas, we know that's you behind the shade. It just doesn't hide enough.
Elder Bennett asked to be knighted. Well, we don't think it means much, but if it helps to find investigators, so be it.
Elder Roa and Elder Hamilton are doing great in Elche. Elder Roa taught with such a closeness to the spirit and Elder Hamilton is such a great teacher as well. We always love to come to the grounds of this church and see the beautiful Palm Trees. It is a great little oasis in the world.
Oh my goodness, Elder Rodriguez and Elder Alejandre were incredible teachers. We can all learn from the two of them. They have two baptismal dates in Crevillente and they are loving it there. We love both of you too.
Oh Alicante is the place to be. Lot's of baptisms and lot's of energy with these four Elders. Elder Birmbaumer and Elder McGarry on one side of the Presidente, while Elder Forrest and Elder Blanch are on the other side. They treated us great when we got there.
They surprised us with lunch with Elder McGurry being the lead cook. We enjoyed some great pasta. Elder McGarry's spanish is doing great, way to be a great trainer Elder Forrest.
After our little lunch they insisted on a little bit of advice and wisdom from the Presidente. He left them with a few thoughts to strengthen their testimonies. We left with full stomachs and great feelings about the quality of our teachers in Alicante.
Our adorable Torrevieja Hermanas were ready to teach us. Hna Perera and Hna Rojas did a fantastic job. Their piso is quite small but oh so clean and organized. We also traveled next to Hna Hidalgo and Hna Guerra but we forgot to get a picture. We love both of you too.
The next morning in Cartagena was a very special start to our day. Hna Stolk and Hna Ackerman are two fantastic missionaries that teach with the spirit. We felt it so strong, the experience there was more special than words can say.
Hey, we don't always have Pte. Clegg in the picture. The other Cartagena Elders were great. Elder Pearce and Elder Stowell are working so hard and have so many baptisms lined up. They will very soon see the fruits of their labors. Elder Thornley and Elder Lyman did a fantastic job too. It's so hard to believe how short a time 3 or the 4 Elders have in the mission and yet they are working and teaching like pros. Ghee Elder Stowell, you are the old one here. We enjoyed our morning with the District of Cartagena.
Then it was off to Murcia. Wow is how we describe the Elders there. Que fuerte could also describe their teaching. Great job all of you. Elder Shrewsbury and Elder Corradi on one side and Elder Pedersen and Elder West on the other. They are working to find all the prepared people they can.
Now wait a minute, why am I paying for parking? No, we are not at the church anymore, but where are we?
The Hermanas are taking us through this door to the home of someone very special. Hna Frandsen is here for a few days from Almeria because she is between companions and Hna Woodward and Hna Bozeman are just great with it. But what have they got planned for us.
We had the wonderful joy of meeting Elder Basurto's mom and brother. We know where Elder Basurto get's his sweet disposition and character. We had a wonderful lesson taught by the Hermanas. We were hoping Hna Alba would accept the invitation to be baptized, but not yet. We are thinking that when her wonderful son comes home, he will be the one to help her make that leap. Such a treat to be with her and his younger brother in their home.
We returned to the church to do the interviews but ran out of time for them to teach us, but we experienced some of their teaching in "real life." Great Hermanas in Murcia.
Oh yes, this wouldn't be complete without a "generation" picture. Hna Frandsen trained Hna Bozeman who is training Hna Woodward.
The last stop on our 2 1/2 week outing was in Huercal-Overa at the piso of Elder Mervai and Elder Taylor. They are working in Lorca, but since the earthquake, they are living in Huercal Overa. We barely had time for the interveiws and teaching as they had their train to catch to Lorca. They are wonderful teachers and shared their talents with us.
Elder Ferguson and Elder Long were the last ones on this journey. They also did a great job. They love working in Huercal- Overa with the newest branch in our mission. It has only been organized for a little over 3 months. We love each and every one of our missionaries and feel like the leval of teaching is certainly raising in the mission. We will forge ahead and continue to invite all to come unto Christ and do our part to build the kingdom of God here in Spain.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

300 or bust?

Look at this everyone, even the Bull of Spain has the goal of 300+ baptisms. We are baptizing and doing great to stay on target to reach our goal of 300+ baptisms this year.
A wonderful baptism in Casares. The Cleggs came over from Ciudad Real to be part of the baptism of Carlos. Way to go Elder Hafen and Elder Shaver.
Many members of the branch were there to support and celebrate the event.
Sevilla also had a wonderful baptism. Great work Elder Ferriera and Elder Fagersten.
Elder Mervai and Elder Taylor were delighted with their two baptisms in Lorca. The earthquake hasn't stopped the flow of baptisms. It has probably helped to humble the people and help them think there is more in this life and they need to find it.
Right next door in Huercal Overa Elder Ferguson and Elder Long were excited about their baptism. All went wonderfully well.
Elder Pederson and Elder Corradi are working hard in Murcia. This is a picture of one of their baptisms. They had another one but their picture wouldn't download. Elder Pedersen, send it to me again! Great work in Murcia.
P-day in Alicante and Elche found some of the missionaries and members doing a little sightseeing. I hope Elder Forrest your companion is taking the picture.
You can find all kinds in Torrevieja. Hermana Perera is having a great time checking out this pet.
Elder Taylor is knocking on a door that probably won't lead to a reference. The rubble is still in Lorca.
Elder Taylor is showing off his strength. Is Elder Long a little jealous?
Celebrating the 4th. But wait, Elder Mervai is Hungarian. Way to be a supporter of the good old USA.
The week started off again with more interviews. The Elders in Algeciras were extremely happy and very good teachers. Elders Mockler, White and Lignell did a great job teaching us.
We moved onto San Fernando and to our delight we had the former Hna Calderon from Bilbao there to say hi. She is vacationing in San Fernando with her cousin Begonia. Rakel looks great and we loved seeing her again.
Inside we enjoyed the District Meeting of Elder Staples along with his district. Elder Kusseling and Elder Jones as well as Elder Staples and Elder Gibson were all smiles after their teaching was done. Great job here too.
Elder Allred and Elder Marchello are feeling confident in San Fernando as well. We didn't get a picture of Hermana Millan and Capener (not sure why). We will feature them at the Zone Conferences in a few weeks.
Elder Bailey and Elder Banbury, the B&B Elders were incredible in El Puerto. Elder Banbury has only been here a few weeks and his Spanish is terrific.
And as well in San Lucar, Elder Velasco and Elder Barahona were sensational. And by the way their Spanish was near perfect. DUH!!) We are sorry not to have a picture of Elder Basurto and Elder Anderson. They did a great job and we will have to feature them when we have the Zone Conferences.
Hermana Woffinden and Hermana Carter are as happy as they get. Only there was something wrong with the chapas here.
What, two Hermana Carters? Hna Woffinden is waiting for her chapa replacement. Hopefully it will arrive soon.
Elder Fagersten and Elder Ferreira are working hard and doing a great job in the heat of Sevilla.
Here comes two great looking Elders up the street.
It is our happy Elder Barney and Elder Hunt. Great teaching while also done with great smiles in Alcala. We love having the Elders teach us. We are learning a lot from all the missionaries.
We also had a great visit with Elder Hall and Elder Seely. They live in a wonderful little house in the Mairena fel Aljarafe area. They have just reopened the area and are doing great.
Always happy to be greeted by two happy dedicated Elders in Dos Hermanas.
Elder Cooper and Elder Peterson are so happy together and their enthusiasm spills over into their teaching.
We ran into the Traveling Assistants, Elder Del Molino and Elder Solari while they were in Huelva with Elder Mendoza and Elder Becera. After we left Elder Mendoza set a baptismal date with an investigator. It must have something to do with their teaching.
Elder Manning and Elder Nally are so happy in Badajoz. Isn't this a wonderful picture of the authority of the Priesthood of God!
The happy Casares Elders are just coming off their baptism. They also are doing super with their teaching. What a great duo.
They have so much work they were happy to take one more box of Books of Mormon.
Finally for this week we had a super visit with Elder Dangerfield and Elder Pratt. They are working and praying and finding in Cordoba.
We arrived back in time to attend the Civil Ceremony of Danny Blanco and his bride Laura. This is the Hall of Mirrors in the City Hall in Malaga.
Maria and Pablo are happy for their brother.
Pte. Blanco and his wife Reyes are happy for their son. We enjoyed a wonderful day sharing with them their happiness.
We finished the week back in San Fernando attending the sacrament meetings of both wards. We enjoyed seeing Rakel Calderon and her cousins Sergio and Begonia and their dear mother.