I'll just work my way backwards through the calendar, we had a visiting General Authority in our Sacrament meeting this week, Elder Durham. He was suppose to come speak to us on Family History, but instead he talked about the church's new policy on children of same-gender marriages. I'm not sure what you've heard in Spain, but the church updated it's handbook for Bishops and Stake presidents to clarify it's position on children in same-gender marriages and relationships. It now closely parallels it's position on that of polygamist families. Anyway, the press in SL got a hold of the updated information before the church could release it properly and they had a hay-day. It was all over social media and the 10:00 news. Most members were confused as to why we were hearing the announcement of church policy on the 10:00 news on our Facebook feeds. The church had to do some quick PR repairs and letters of clarification. Elder Durham's point today was that he prefers to get his direction in the church from it's leaders and not from Facebook. It was a simple but poignant reminder of the day and age we live it and how quickly things can become skewed in the media. A good reminder to get our information about the church for the correct sources.
Carolyn Crawford and I went out today to visit some members that showed up our YW rolls. I felt like a missionary again as we knocked on doors over at the apartments and listened as people quickly turned off their TVs to pretend they weren't home. At one apartment the teenage girl actually opened the door and we were having a nice conversation with her until her mother yelled from the back room "Who's that". We said, we're from the LDS church. She then showed up at the door in her bathrobe and told us her daughter was grounded and couldn't do anything with us. I felt terrible for this sweet 15 year-old who seemed genuinely interested in being apart of YWs.
We had a nice date night with Cinda and Doug this weekend. Saw the new James Bond movie (exactly what you'd expect) and caught up with each other. They've had a bad month - Doug's brother died of a genetic disease that he's suffered with for years. It was really sad to watch Doug and his family go through this trial. They were able to call Jake and talk to him about his uncle dying and Cinda said, although very sad - has been a strengthening experience. Jake is busy working away as the office secretary and learning an entire new set of skills - paper work in spanish in a 3rd world country. He sounds really good - his letters come through on Saturdays now. Cinda has also been released as the RS president and she's been replaced by CeliAnne Coates.
Also this weekend there was a terrorist attack on Paris, killing over 120 people. It's scary to hear stories like this! I immediately wanted to know how Jamison was doing. Jamison's area now includes part of downtown paris, including the Eiffel tower (separate email). Gratefully all the missionaries were home and no where near these attacks (soccer stadium, bar, concert hall). But, it sounds like Jamison will be confined to his apartment for a few days. For a while France closed it's boarders. The EU is still trying to hunt down some of the people involved in the attack. Just a nice lesson on being obedient. I have a huge testimony of obedience - not only does it keep us safe, it has spiritual implications as well - as we show our Heavenly Father we are willing to do his will. Anyway....just your Mom on her soap box.
We hired Blake to come over and put up our Christmas lights this weekend. Dad says he's done climbing up scary ladders. Blake did a great job and his girlfriend came over as well - Morgan (not to be confused with the girl Morgan he brought to Zions). He's dating a new morgan that finished her mission the same time Blake did - they both reported to the High Council together.
Finally - tonight we had a great dinner at David and CAtherine's home. David has completely remolded their kitchen and it looks fabulous. Catherine will be having her baby in the next month and they all seems to be doing great! They are good parents, grounded in the gospel. All your family loves and misses you (cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma, grandpa, and especially your siblings and parents). We pray for you daily and know you are receiving blessings from the collective power of those prayers. Can't believe we get to talk in another month!!! Crazy!
Love you!
Mom
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