Down A Dusty Lane

The Spain Madrid Missionaries

We had a mission conference this past week, where all of the missionaries in our mission came.  206 young Elders and Sisters, and 4 senior couples.  They call us the matrimonials.  The other "seniors" are from the Area office and the Church Mission Office.  Our missionaries are getting ipads to help them in their work and this meeting was training in how to use them.  This was the first time all of the missionaries had been together.  Some flew in from Las Palmas, 1,200 miles away.  It was pretty special to be with the young missionaries.  Their enthusiasm is something else! After the meeting, pizza, soda, hugs for past companions and wonderful friendships renewed.  Great day!

   

Let me share an experience we had this past week that might give you an idea of the nature of our "missionary" work.  We work in the country office of Self-Reliance/Perpetual Education.  One of the things we do is to instruct Ward/Branch/Stake Leaders on how to set up their own programs in their units.  The three areas of focus are: 1.) Job Search; 2.)Education for Better Work; 3) Starting and Growing My Own Business.  Most of our time so far has been in the first category.

Each units  has their own "specialist", a person who knows the program and how it should operate.  Their job is to set up study groups in the three areas mentioned and help them to keep going.  We had one of the specialists in the office the other day, picking up some  literature for her assignment.
She related the story of one of the students who was participating in one of the groups, who approached her after one of the group meetings, and said, "I realize now that I have to change my whole way of thinking .  This is more about faith--faith in God, and that He wants me to be successful--and faith in the system (that we teach)."  Tears came to my eyes as I realized that this program (self-reliance) is an eternal program, and that God does want all His children to have success in this life, and in the life to come.

I share this story because both Sister Bake and I work in an office, most of the time doing "office" types of things, and we wonder if what we do really qualifies as missionary work.  We know that it does, but it is nice to hear some of the success stories that others see happening in their areas of stewardship.  This work changes lives!!!!

You need to meet our "boss" Paco, and his wife Susi.  He really knows his stuff.  Sister Bake kindly refers to him as the gentle dictator!!!  He is awesome and he really wants us to get it right!!

One of the things that all newbies to Spain get to experience is a "bacadillo de calamares".  For those who uninitiated in these things, that is a squid sandwich!!  YUK!!  On our initial foray into the center of Madrid, Paco and Susi made certain that we had this grand experience.  The squid is cut into little circles (like onion rings), deep fat fried and tossed into a hoagie-type bun, without any  Miracle Whip (or, Miracle Whip's little cousin, Mayo).  You then dive in and if needed, hold your breath, and chew, . . . and chew, . . .  and chew.  The stuff is chewy.  I got mine down all right, along with a little help of some pop.  Sister Bake, . . . not so much!!

Yes, . . . that is a bar we are in!!  Each little 'bar place' has, at least in this case, its own little specialty. We were then herded to another little 'meson' (bar) that had another specialty, one that we truly liked, and wished that we might have had another plateful. These are called 'champinones'--mushrooms!!, and, man, were they ever good!!!  Can you say"photo-bomb"?

These were stuffed with little pieces of ham, grilled, smothered in some savory liquid, and served piping hot.   And, NO!, that drink behind my hand is not mine!!!

We are beginning to get into the life here in Madrid.  We can now take the bus, and the Metro, and get to a few places that interest us.  We also take long walks, at least three or four times a week, just to try to stay in some sort of shape.  (Yeh, I know--round is a shape!!)  We have developed three loops that we normally cruise for our walks:  one is about three miles long; another is around four; and the last one is about 4 1/2 miles long.  They all are part of some great walking/biking paths that have been developed.  Tons of people mysteriously appear in the evenings and head out to walk and to bike.  Some even say 'hola' when Sister Bake speaks to them.

This last week we took the Metro into El Centro to experience  El Retiro (the Retreat).  Originally created as a "royal"--as in royal blood--retreat.  It is huge park, (320 acres worth) full of all kinds of plants, trees and monuments, that at one time was the King's playground, and place of 'retreat'.  There were families all over the part, some just meandering around, others out on the lake in oar boats, and others just sunning themselves on the lush grass.

The trees are at least 150 ft tall.  Beautiful grounds.  Who wouldn't want this as their retreat!

This is the Crystal palace, the place for parties and afternoon lunches.
Now it is used to exhibit art.  Today was a designer of fabric and weaving techniques.

King Alphonso XII.  His mother had this made to honor him.  In front
of it is a man-made lake where you can rent a small boat and paddle around.
 

This lion is one of two that are in the entry to the rotunda and statue of the King

The story continues next Sunday!