Even though Fast and Testimony Meeting was in Spanish today, I enjoyed being with these good people of the La Joya Barrio. We wanted to see the Wegers' before we went home and thought this the best way. Sister Weger (Silvia) and her two sons, Daniel and Luis, were volunteers in our office for a time. We attended Christmas dinner at their home and I feel a close friendship with Sister Weger. He husband is the new Bishop of the La Joya Barrio and is also a teacher at UTPA and also a PA at a medical facility; a very busy man. She was recently called to be the Institute teacher as there is no missionary couple coming to replace Elder and Sister Hudnor. Anyway, a very dedicated family that has been a privilege to know. I appreciated the message in Relief Society on the importance of Temple Marriage and the Relief Society Presidency was helpful is seeing that I had an interpreter.

Thursday, the General Presidencies of the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary were in the Stake Center for training. The three Stakes in the 'Valley' were involved and according to President Thompson, felt so privileged to have this wonderful opportunity. There was well over 200 leaders in attendance. I happened to see Sister Cook with the youth YW leaders in the High Council room and Sister Allred with the Spanish Relief Society leaders in the Chapel. This truly shows how mindful the Lord is of all His people.

As we listen to the General Conference CDs', we have particularly been drawn to President Uchtdorf's talk in the Priesthood Session. Maybe it is because we are so focused on teaching Self-Reliance that has endeared this talk to us. His personal experiences certainly portray a life of hard work and tenacity, a love of learning, and faith in the Lord. This is truly a testimony of how we can have great adversity and be enabled to rise above it. Everyone has the power to make their lives better because of what our Savior has done for them, and it is up to rest of us to guide them in seeing that.

We had supper again with President and Sister Miller and Elder and Sister Hudnor. I guess because we are both going home soon, they want to make more time for us and plus there just happens to be a BYU ball game scheduled. President Miller has led the McAllen Texas Mission very well and under his leadership there has been an average of 19,000 contacts a week. We have so enjoyed the Missionaries that we have had the privelege of associating with and feeling of their strong testimonies and their love for the people. This Mission has truly been a blessing in my life!

With love,
Los Averys