Life Changes

One of the most magnificent and sacred experiences in life is the birth of a new baby.  A couple enters the delivery room, and three people come out.  A new family is made!  This is one of the most memorable happenings in our life.  Chris had the opportunity to experience it this morning.  Maggie (Margrit) was born about 4:50 this morning, local Utah time.  She is 20 inches long and weighs 7 pounds 11 ounces.  Mom and baby are doing well.  Welcome Maggie!  You will find more than enough love in our family, and you are very fortunate to have been born of goodly parents.

This joyous experience comes with a huge life change.  I don't think anyone who doesn't have children can fully appreciate the difference in your life.  You will never sleep well again.  Spontaneity is now a foreign concept.  Peace and quiet?  Definitely extremely transitory, and never complete.  Nothing will ever happen quickly again.  Still, this really doesn't even come close to describing life after birth.  And yet, who would have it any other way?

We have had other sacred and spiritual experiences here during the last week.  Of course, the work in the temple is always a highlight.  Like anything else, it can become hum drum and easily taken for granted.  You have to slow down, put yourself in a frame of mind to look for spiritual blessings, and watch for new lessons.  They come in ways that are not expected, and at times rapidly.  What a great blessing to be able to be taught by the Spirit, and learn more about the ways of the Lord.

Last evening we had a wonderful meeting with President in his office.  It was truly a spiritual feast. Thank you, President Romero.  Serving a temple mission is one of the great blessings in our lives.

Claudia continues to progress in her command of Spanish.  She has made tremendous progress in being able to communicate.  That is not to say that she has the same facility as in English, but then neither do I.  She is greatly loved by people here, and in spite of lack of verbal communication.  Many people here see her great spirit and feel her love.  It is such a joy to see people's faces light up when she comes into a room.

My Spanish also continues to improve.  I can say most anything I need to say, but I still struggle with understanding everything, especially when folks talk rapidly and slur their words - much of the time.  I understand about 95% of most conversations.

Today it's off to the store to get the food we need for the next week.  We are going to try a store called Changomas.  It is reported to be an equivalent to Sam's Club, and may be affiliated with Walmart.  Last week we tried Makro, another store similar to Sam's Club, and they also are affiliated somehow with Walmart.  Prices seem to be good at these stores, and most things are available.  Most things.

Off to the Store!  See you next week.