From
Ayapango, Amecameca, Mexico
1. And it
came to pass once again that the missionary couple Bird, are found serving the
Lord in His vineyard among the blessed Lamanites. We know the descendents of
the pioneers in this area. In the 1930’s the Pineda family joined the church,
in spite of powerful persecution. The Catholic Church leaders would ring the
church bell when the “Mormons” were out in the street and everyone would come
with sticks and stones and beat on them. But these faithful families were
blessed because of their dedication to the Lord. One of the Pineda families had
17 children, who are the living great grandparents of faithful members today.
Three sons have been or are now bishops in Zentlalpan. They encompass most of
two neighboring wards.
2. And yet
another holiday is observed. October 4 is the birthday of Saint Francisco
Zentlalpan, the patron saint of Zentlalpan - where the Pineda family live. They
said there would be a parade – which consists of school children walking down
the street in their uniforms – and family parties, with lots of people drinking
too much (not the members, of course!)
3. The
Birds continue to visit the leaders and members in our three ward areas. We
feel their spirit and renewed dedication in helping others – active, inactive
and non members. They want us to return to their homes and share the gospel
with others. We met with the 74 year old matriarch (the oldest daughter) of the
17 Pineda children, and 16 of her children and grand children.
4. The many
people who want us to share our Family Home Evening messages is growing so fast
that we are scheduling visits three weeks ahead. Elder Bird has been guided to
prepare multimedia presentations that we will present to entire wards. This way
we can reach many members, including investigators who have been invited by
their neighbors and friends to learn of the good news.
5. And we
see that the active volcano, Popo, is behaving itself well, but the warning
code is at “yellow 2”. There was a red alert back in 2013.
6. One of
the arts that can be found everywhere is the animal shaped bushes and trees.
They are found lining the streets, decorating the center of the streets, in
private gardens and especially in parks and plazas.
7. Little
blessings and things I like appear in many forms. A sister missionary, who was
preparing for a transfer, had a hula hoop and I demonstrated the “little girl”
in me and hula’d for 5 minutes without stopping. (I was the hula hoop and pogo
stick queen in my day). I have found a needed substitute for chocolate – butter
toffee candy (like caramel) and caramel ice cream topping. Nestley chocolate ice
cream tastes like a fudgecycle.
9. “Thorns also and thistles (and clover) shall it
bring forth to thee.” After much labor I have temporarily removed the clover,
with its 12 inch long roots, from the lawn at our house, but they have left
empty patches. Work is a blessing, to see our efforts come to fruition. Working
with people and seeing their progress and happiness is our reward. It is also a
blessing to know that the grass will be renewed and receive its paradisaical
glory! The way grass is mowed here is with a weed whacker, to within ½ inch of
the ground, showing roots and dead areas. Gratefully it grows quickly.
10. Some of
God’s creations are not appreciated by Hna. Bird, flies being one of them. It
seems that with each fly that meets its doom, two appear to replace it. And now
that it is getting a bit cooler, the spiders are finding their way inside.
There are lots of little ones, but once in a while a giant specimen boldly
shows itself. Apparently the word hasn’t got out that Hna. Bird will not allow
spiders inside the house. I have a mighty slipper that when brandished in hand,
never misses! Of course, Elder Bird assignment is to dispose of them.
11. And we
have found Ayapango to be a quiet, peaceful place, with no street sellers
calling out their wares, nor cars honking their horns. We do live by a main
street where big semi trucks pass by day and night. They like to use their Jake
brakes in front of our gated community.
12. God
made each of us perfect. “For behold, this is my work and my glory – to bring
to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” We have everything going for
us. We have godly DNA. All we need to do is to “choose you this day whom ye will
serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Oh that it
were so simple! Strengthen your testimonies and help your children to have
power over poor choices. We have been renewed in General Conference by our
Prophet, Apostles and leaders.
13. And
having found a way to search the scriptures, I share with you. The church has a
Citation Index on the internet, which gives references for all the standard
works. Almost every verse has at least one reference to talks given by general
authorities all the way back to Joseph Smith.
14. 16 de Septiembre is Mexico’s Independence
Day. Parades, programs and parties in the plazas,lots of food, fireworks – the real ones in Technicolor (all the other days they shoot off bottle rocket type noise makers), and of course singing into the wee hours of the morning. The members celebrate in their wards with a devotional and then lots of food, traditional dancing, games and singing.
16. The
members/students still study with singing and music the sacred hymns of the
church. They now know “Every Good Boy Does Fine” on the staff. It is “MIs
SOLdados SIempre REciban FAxes” in Spanish. A couple are already playing in
Sacrament Meeting! One sister, who has cancer and can’t have children, brings
us a chocolate bar every week. I told her we are her children.
16. We are
all God’s children, even those who choose poor paths. We visited with an
investigator to read the Book of Mormon but she had a “family friend” who was
in a drunken stupor so we provided service by walking her three blocks to her
house. “That inasmuch as any man (or woman) drinketh wine or strong drink among
you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father.” She was
definitely a sight to behold. I took hold of her arm as she could not walk
straight. She sang so the whole neighborhood could hear, and she cackled with
her grin of very few teeth. She stopped and pulled out a pint bottle and
finished it off, tossing the bottle to the side of the road, then wanted to go
buy another bottle. I told her no, that was enough for today and she got a
little miffed, but we slowly made our way home. Apparently she is well known in
her community as the town drunk. Elder Bird kept 10 paces ahead because she
would try to hug him. I tried to teach her that “strong drinks are not for the
belly” but I don’t think she got the message. Hopefully in another time and
place she will be more receptive!
17. “Stand,
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate
of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you.” May you always feel peace
and comfort, health and joy in your home and in your heart. The grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Elder and Hermana Bird
Attached pictures:
1. A recent
convert, true Lamanite
2. Hna.
Bird with missionary companion, Hna. Blanco
3. Elder
Bird with Elder Blanco
4. Traditional Mexican costume for Independence Day
5. One of
many bugs attempting to occupy our house
6. Volcano
Popo letting off steam
7. A
telephone repairman’s nightmare
8. Few
houses are ever finished, sometimes adding another level
9. The
bigger the come the quicker they are carried out
10. Wild
flowers, God’s creations
11.
Colorful spikes which contain tiny seeds used in many foods
12. Went to
the animal fair
13. Disney
is big everywhere and on everything
14. The
local cemetery
15. When it
rains, it floods
16. Vendors
creatively display their wares
