Dear All -
As of the close of business yesterday our temple is shutting down for two weeks for regular maintenance. Everything I did on the afternoon shift reminded me it was the last time for two weeks. After dedicating so much time to the temple it is rather strange to consider not even going for two weeks. When we return the old presidency will have two more days of service, and then the new presidency begins. It ought to be interesting.
We got the approval for the extension of our mission to three years. With everything we heard from others I had little hope that it would happen, but it did. I have felt so grateful to God for this extension, and I hope we can make full use of the time to serve him and his saints.
Tuesday there was a luncheon planned by the temple workers to bid farewell to the outgoing temple president. We had said we would make rolls, then Monday night Delkys was asked to cook three hams. So Tuesday morning was a whirl of food preparation, coping with a small kitchen and conscripting every oven we could to baking. We finished up just as the luncheon was supposed to start, so it was with a palpable sense of relief that we settled into our spots at a table. The brother that was conducting announced that the outgoing presidency and their wives would speak before we ate. There were some very poignant stories and feelings shared, and it was very nice. But I was starting to get very hungry, because I hadn't eaten much in the midst of all the preparations. Then he announced that anyone who wanted to could stand and give a message to the presidency. At that point I started wondering if we were just going to starve to death. Eventually we were allowed to eat, and perhaps the food was all that much better for having to wait for it.
Thursday, President Smith, the outgoing president, had planned a luncheon just for the two presidencies and a few others who work in the office. He stood up to kick things off, and announced that he was going to speak for two hours before allowing anyone to eat. Fortunately he was kidding. The meal almost had to be postponed because of the attack of the giant gecko (see picture below), but we managed to press on anyway.
The Jamaicans were here until Thursday afternoon, so we had several more sessions in English this week. There was a young lady who received her own endowment in anticipation of leaving on her mission, and I commented to someone that I missed the announcement lowering the age of missionary service to 14. The claim was made that she really is old enough to serve, but she certainly looked young. Of course, I never looked that young when I was on my mission.
At one of the train stations I had noticed these vines reaching out to find new horizons. There is something just slightly ominous about their enthusiasm. I guess they don't show up as well in the picture as I hoped they would.
Delkys and I have made arrangements to purchase a car from one of the members here; now we just have to figure out how to get drivers licenses. Previously we have just driven on our US licenses, but that only works when you are here as a tourist. Since I am now on a permanentish visa and Delkys is here as a citizen we need to get Panamanian licenses. The process sounds a little intimidating (why do they need my blood type?!?), but I am sure we will get through somehow.
So the next two weeks we will be doing more touristy things, and hopefully getting rested up for the things to come after. We appreciate hearing from you, and hope and pray that things are going well for you.
Love,
Elder and Sister Reading
aka
John and Delkys
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