Snow!

The Manacor Elders--Gross and Batanero--wanted to go on a field trip with us for a Preparation Day so they could see a little more of the island and get out of Manacor.  So, yesterday the four of us went to Valldemossa and as we were driving up the mountain, we saw snow on the peaks behind the one we were driving on.  Elder Batanero said he had never seen snow before, so we decided that after lunch in Valldemossa we would go find some snow for him.  But, as we were paying the parking meter, it started to snow right then, big, fluffy flakes, in our hair, on our coats, and Elder Batanero was giddy with excitement that he was actually having snow fall all around and on him.  Elder Gross--from Michigan--and Steve and I actually got excited about snow again watching Elder Batanero experience snow for the first time.  We ate our favorite roasted chicken as the snow was falling and then took a quick tour of the city, and we were off to find more of the white stuff.  It was strange to be in the snow--especially when I know how hot it will be in just a few months--but it was just another of the many diverse characteristics of this beautiful island.  A beautiful day!

elder batanero with his camera catching snowflakes

elders batanero & gross with a handsome snowman

Hallelujah!

We are singing the Hallelujah Chorus today because it is our 1 year mark--we have made it through a whole year on a mission!  I think we deserve a big pat on the back or at least a gold star for this major accomplishment.   Our Top 10 Highlights:

1. In the MTC when we were accused of being too young to be a senior couple--this still happens.
2. Getting to know and loving the people of the six branches we serve with.
3. The thrill of our Center for Young Adults being approved and having a real budget.
4. Four months later, when they decided no more Centers and us wondering what to do next!  (we were so grateful we got our TV and computers before this happened:))
5. Realizing that senior couples only have two rules, "Behave Yourselves" and "Do Some Good." (we have added, "Don't Forget to Vacuum the Sand Out of the Back of the Car Before You Put the Mission President's Luggage In.")
6. We have learned to be flexible and to have a willingness to jump in and try to do something.  (Steve tells people, "I'm just trying to eliminate excuses.")
7. For Steve--Helping five of our Young Adults fill out their mission papers.  (two are serving now, one has received his call, one is waiting for his call, and one is finishing up his medical.)
8. Traveling to the islands of Menorca and Ibiza regularly and hopefully, forming a Group on the island of Formentera in the next month!
9. For Karen--Poco a Poco, Little by Little learning Spanish. 
10. Working with the missionaries and being involved in something bigger than ourselves.