Friday night we had our annual pioneer meeting (this is a meeting between the elders and the pioneers in a specific congregation). It’s an hour of encouragement using the Bible to keep the pioneers focused on their goals and motivated to continue. They also talk with us about things that might be discouraging and how to overcome them. I really appreciate all these meetings and feel the love of this organization.
Last year, the elders bought each pioneer an umbrella (out of their own pockets). This year the tables were turned as the pioneers contributed to buy each elder a new dress shirt and tie. So before treats were served, Justa, the eldest pioneer in the bunch (who has 22 years as a pioneer) gave a little speech to the elders expressing our love for all their hard work, time and energies given in the congre. It was very sweet.
An additional envelope was attached to the gift wrapped shirts and this was for the elders wives. I was surprised and touched by the thought. Ayako had made each of us wives jewelry. She has a knack for it and made individual colors and style based on what we wear. I would have been so happy if we all got the same jewelry…but she made me earrings and a bracelet out of colored seeds- she’s an observant woman!
Since I had just arrived into Sucre at 5 am, it felt like the perfect way to end the week. Even tho I had only been gone 4 days, I got big hugs from all of them telling me they missed me. It made me chuckle that being gone that short time elicited such a response, but it goes to show the unity of this little group- it’s pretty awesome!
Judd, Leo, Ray and Trey didn't actually give us a fashion show, but we got the idea. Sunday 3 of them wore the new outfits and everyone noticed. Judd's sleeves were too short and for once he didn't have the flying squirrel look, but Lestenia (Leo's wife) will alter it into a short sleeve shirt. For the time he rolled up his sleeves.
Lestenia, Shannon and I modeling our new jewelry. They got earrings and necklaces. Ayako knows I wear bracelets more than necklaces, so I got that instead. And despite Shannon being a warm, loving person who I could take a nap in her arms, I'm actually trying to show off my bracelet to the camara.
Everyone riveted to Trey's story about accidently trying to hold hands w/a member of the US branch committee during prayer (in actuality the bro was reaching for his books). We are drinking api, a traditional warm corn drink. This one had apple juice and apple bits added making it more juicy than usual.
