Tour of Los Sauces

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Ready for a visual delight?  Today we were invited to attend the Branch Conference of Los Sauces - a tiny little branch in a pueblito about 3 hours to the south of us.  The early morning drive through the countryside was enchantingly beautiful and peaceful.  Join us for our day!

As we approached the little town we could see the red water tower.  Every little town has one of these (not always red).

And then we found the little chapel - flanked by palm trees!

We arrived early, but our elders were there to greet us - gates and doors unlocked and open.  That doesn't always happen!

Here are our two faithful elders with their President.  Elder G on the left just arrived a month ago and is in training with Elder N.  They are the only two missionaries in this little town.

We entered the little chapel and found it well prepared and super clean.  There were fresh flowers in the front and a cd playing reverent prelude music.  These are great elders!

Before the meeting began, the elders rehearsed a musical number with some of the brothers in the branch.

Here is Sebastian - adorable 6 year old brother of the Branch President, who is a returned missionary -
not too long ago.  He is single and lives with his mom and little brother.
There is such a need for leadership in these little towns!

Yaritza - little girl in pink - and her mom were just baptized a week ago!  Sebastian and Yaritza were the
only children at church.  There were 22 members total, including us and the elders!
Yaritza sat so reverently during all of the meetings.  Finally, during the third hour which
was Relief Society, she got a little restless.  I gave her my phone and let her browse
through my photos.  She was quite delighted:)

After the meetings, we were invited along with the Elders to have almuerzo with the Branch Pres. and his family.
The home in the background is across the street and is the home where Yaritza and her mom live.
Friendly dogs - watch out for pulgas (fleas)!

A delicious meal was prepared by Fernando and his mom.  The meals are always carb heavy, and they usually bring your plate already loaded.  We had a delicious glazed chicken, lots of rice, french fries (always!), cold mixed vegetables drizzled with lemon juice, cold corn tossed with lots of mayo, and bread freshly made in her wood burning stove.
Coca Cola is always the drink offered, and there was a very nice flan for dessert.
Needless to say, we were stuffed!

Here is the Branch President (recently released now) with his mom and little brother.  We are so grateful for their generous hospitality!  Mom is not a member of the church and we had some very sweet discussions with her.  

After the meal, we gave the Elders a ride to their home.  We asked if we
could come in - a surprise "inspection"!

We were really not surprised to find the little house immaculately clean and tidy
with freshly baked cookies on the table.  These Elders are amazing!

They love the Lord, they love the work, and they are making their mission
the best two years of their lives.  We love them and are so proud of them!

READY FOR THE DRIVE HOME??  HERE WE GO - THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE OF CHILE!!

El campo! (the countryside)

Make way for the oxen!

Cute little bus stop or "parada".

Beautiful lake!

HUGE beautiful lake, that is!  Sweet little memorial by the side of the road.

Homes hiding in the trees:)

Muy tranquilo, as they say!  (peaceful, calm)

As we drove through Canete on the way home, we saw two of our Hermanas walking to an appointment.  President pulled over and I jumped out and snapped a photo before they could figure out who we were.  It was so fun to see them!  We loaded them in the car and gave them a lift.  We love our missionaries - are you tired of hearing that yet?!