Relief in Mexico

June 7 2009-Some relief in Mexico

Dear Ones,
The weather has tempered a little. Although, still very hot, the rain brings some relief.
We have had some wonderful experiences this week as we have met with Bishops for training, enjoyed early morning breakfasts and activities with the youth and watched their graduations, as well as started our training in the Temple. Have you noticed that when you experience a spiritual high, immediately following there seems to be an opposite power hovering to attack? It seems to be the case with us in our mission. I guess if we can just be prepared to remember that there is opposition in all things we can handle the down times better.
We had a few close calls this week. Every day, crossing the streets is a challenge. As a rule, the people are very courteous to us and wave us to cross, but sometimes young men are racing to beat a light and, if it has just changed we’ve learned not to cross immediately, in case there is someone racing through a red light. We almost got run over by such the other day. Also, sometimes they race around a corner just as we step out into the street and we have to quickly step back to avoid collusion. They usually haven’t seen us and we haven’t seen them. A motor bike almost got me the other day. I just closed my eyes and prayed it would miss, as my skirt was blown by the wind of the bike speeding behind me.
When we have a storm and the wind blows, it blows out the pilot light on our hot water heater which is situated in an opening in the wall. Dad tried and tried to light it the other day and suddenly the gas exploded in his face burning his hair, and eyebrows. Thanks goodness it wasn’t too serious and except for a strange haircut in front, from the blast, he is okay.
Dad and I have been asked to speak in the Institute Graduation tonight. We hope all goes well. We also start our summer English Classes this next week and the PEF program orientation. The PEF program teaching is to be done all in Spanish, so that should be a real trick.
We are heading to two wards this morning for Bishop’s training—Delicias and Infonivitt. Dad does a good job with the training. We were able to attend their two fast and testimony meetings and we are really impressed with the spirit present and their expressions of love for the Savior and the Gospel. There are many inactive—most wards have about 1000 members with only 50 to100 coming out. The missionaries baptize, but the wards don’t retain with friend shipping—but the ones that are active seem to be really strong. We love getting to meet all of the members of the wards here and talk personally with their leaders. It is a great experienced.
Love,
Elder and Sister Murdock