Clinic Construction Continues.

Work continues to move ahead.
Here are photos showing the exterior progress.

19 February 2015

19 March 2015

3 April 2015

We are not sure why the dug this channel, poured cement,
and then covered it with dirt after putting up the wall on the side.

16 April 2015

17 April 2015

17 April 2015

A Long Day and a Welcome Home!

Sherryl spent her entire birthday in airports and in airplanes heading back to Tampico.  She had a layover in the Monterrey Mexico airport while going to Texas and on the return trip.  While wandering around, she found this indoor putting green and spent some time practicing.

Sherryl's email to Jen:  "My adventures included:  My backpack was checked in the Dallas airport and they dug around and found some sunscreen I had forgotten about and that had made it TO Texas without any problems.  So that is gone.  When I was in the Monterrey Customs line a dog came up and was sniffing my backpack and the lady with the dog asked me if I had any food in my bag.  I had an apple and two mandarins that I had to give up there and the dog got a treat.  Also at Customs, there is a button to push and if a light turns red when you push it, that means ALL of your bags are opened and someone with gloves goes through every square inch.  I pushed it and it turned green so I was free to go <whew> not that it mattered, I think M&M's are still legal.  Since I had been in Monterrey before, I knew there was a shuttle bus and I needed to use it to get to the other terminal and it was right outside the door and a nice guy helped me get my luggage inside.  Still in Monterrey I was ready to recheck my bag through to Tampico and the agent said I only had a 1 hour layover in Mexico City. She was concerned that it wasn't enough time so she booked me on an earlier flight out of Monterrey. I kept myself entertained in the airports by writing in my journal and reading The Mysterious Benedict Society that I really like.  I made it through the Mexico City airport where Dad and I have been a couple of times and felt comfortable there.  I only waited in Tampico about a half hour before Dad and Berenice and Marcopolo came to get me.  All in all, things went well.  The right people helped me where I needed help.  What a nice ending to a very nice 'tender mercy.'"

"Hmmmm  people still speak Spanish down here!  And it is still hot and humid.  Go figure!"  

Paul was happy to greet Sherryl and welcomed her with Happy Birthday and Welcome Home signs. 

Her avocado trees had grown some in the week Sherryl was gone.

Having Fun In Texas

It is hard to believe that Jen and Nathan had gotten home from the hospital just a few hours before I arrived.  I was so excited to be with them again.

Nothing is quite as relaxing as holding a sleeping baby.  

Daddy got to give Nathan his first bath while everyone watched.

Daddy mowed the lawn while M. followed in his footsteps.  E. just loves to be outside.

Nathan was finally opening his eyes and looking around--much to A's delight.

Grandma watched S. play soccer.

A truly loves to climb the trees by the soccer field.

We loved holding and taking photos of N. who is a very good natured baby.

Jen, E and Sherryl drove to Deseret Book but found it closed so we took time to look around the temple and E. stood on the front steps and sang "I Am A Child of God."

 Grandma wasn't the only one who liked to hold the baby.

S. is very kind hearted and loves his new brother.

Sometimes Grandma just runs out of energy so E. tended Grandma for a while.

Here's Mommy with her oldest and youngest sons.

Since Grandma would be in the airport all day on her birthday, they surprised her with a birthday party before she went back to Mexico.

 Grandma had lots of help blowing out her candles.

A. wrote a sweet poem and card for Grandma.

An amazing photo with everyone looking at the camera!  

Our Tender Mercy

Sometimes a totally unexpected opportunity comes our way and we have the option to accept and run with it or to let it go. Here is what we are talking about.  This Tuesday morning Jen had called to tell us that she was heading to the hospital for the birth of her son.  We were excited that the time for the baby’s birth had finally arrived and we were excited that this would be the day.  We had a good morning at the temple with the proselyting missionaries there and are always happy to see them and help get them ready for the session.  Just before the session began, Sherryl mentioned to Hna. Briones, the matron of the temple, that we would have a new grandson before the end of the day.  Hna. Briones asked when we would see him.  We would see him in photos and movies almost immediately but he would be at least seven months old before we would hold and be with him.  We knew this is what would happen and Jen knew this and it was all settled in our hearts.  Then Sherryl went as an ordinance worker on the session with the missionaries.  After the session finished, we both changed into our street clothes to leave the temple.  As we walked down the sidewalk, Paul casually mentioned to Sherryl that she had been given permission by the Temple Department to leave her mission for a week to travel to see Jen and her baby.  This was totally unexpected and almost unbelievable news.  Really!  Apparently, Hna. Briones spoke to Paul about the idea of Sherryl traveling to Texas and Paul said we lacked permission to leave our mission.  She then spoke to Pte. Briones about the baby’s birth today and they decided to call the Temple Department to talk about possibilities of getting Sherryl the needed permission.  As it happens, all the people who would have to give their permission for this request were available and Pte. Briones immediately was given verbal approval for Sherryl to travel out of her mission for a week starting Thursday and the paperwork was to follow as quickly as possible.

Our minds were racing and our hearts were full as we made our way home for lunch. We were so excited but didn't even know what options would be available for travel into Texas in two days' time.  At our house we began to check out details and much to our delight, found flights available to leave Thursday and return next Wednesday at a reasonable cost.  Before our new grandson was even born, we had purchased the tickets online.  We decided to keep our surprise a secret from Jen but we needed her husband’s help.  So Sherryl’s top secret mission to travel Texas had begun.  As we thought about what we needed to do, we realized there was a lot to get done in a short amount of time.   Sherryl needed to decide what to pack, what food to prepare for Paul for the next several days.  We would have to retrieve Sherryl’s passport from the safe at the Mission Office.  Just before it was time for us to head back to the temple for the afternoon and evening, Jen phoned telling us Nathan Allen was born, tipping the scales at 8 lbs. 8 oz. and is strong and healthy. Our joy was full.
(From Crockett Chronicles - 12 April 2015)

Our New Banana Tree

29 March 2015

2 April 2015

3 April 2015

3 April 2015

4 April 2015

19 April 2015
(Paul put on the bag to keep the birds off)