Longing for cooler weather!

We asked the couple in the apartment across from us, when it cools down here. He said January and I said Nooooooo! I guess it depends on who you talk to because someone else told us there would some cooling down in October. I probably heard 'cooling down' and didn't hear the word 'some' which probably isn't enough to even get excited about. Elder Avery asked Brother Jara, a ward and stake employment specialist, if the leaders ever ask the people to pray for rain. He looked at him funny and didn't give an answer. Elder Avery didn't know if he didn't understand him because his English is not the best, or if he thought that was a really odd question. That is the first thing we desert people think of when there is a need for rain. There has not been any rain in this part of the Rio Grande Valley all summer and maybe even before that. Maybe they are concerned they would get a hurricane instead. I guess that one solitary short rumble of thunder we heard the other day is all we are going to get.

We left before 7:00 this morning to drive 25 min to meet with the Weslaco Bishopric. We had set up the appointment at the baptism last week but Bishop Deen obviously forgot because we felt like we shouldn't take too much of their time. Of course, we always strive to understand the situation and not take it personally. (is that one of those 'be without guile' opportunities?)
We then traveled 40 min to attend church in the Edinburg 1st Ward. Not being assigned to any particular ward is not my favorite way to worship, but we do have a better opportunity to meet more of the people this way; We are always made to feel welcome.

This past week we didn't have very many people come in the office. We never know when they will, so we are needing volunteers since our young volunteers start school tomorrow. We know that it is being announced in some of the wards but we haven't seen any action yet. I have had plenty of opportunities in my life to develop patience, but this mission has added a whole new level for me. Faith! Is that what whispers I am hearing? You would think that being bitten by the 'humble bug' as many times as I have would teach me something by now. Actually it has, and I am grateful for every minute of it. This refining process hurts so much sometimes, but I have hope because of Him who is the author and finisher of my faith.

I was able to mend a pair of pants for Elder Turley when we did the apartment inspections. He learned that a tear in the material can become almost concealed by some mending tape. He was very appreciative to still be able to use his pants as the tear was right on the sit down part.
For the most part, the missionary apartments don't look too bad and I actually give them higher marks than their work deserves. I guess it comes from the way I was raised and all those years in the motel business. I realized that a fairly new Elder from Argentina might not have understood me when I explained the whole bath tub cleaning thing, so next time I will explain it by actually doing it so he can see. This whole inspection comes around way too fast and one of these times I am turning it over to my partner so he can receive some of the blessings that I am more than willing to share. In spite of all this, we enjoy these young men and how dedicated they are to serving the Lord by serving His people. They are a great example!

With love,
Los Averys