Happy Reunions

Tonight was a very fun evening. Angeles and David were here in Utah visiting with Mario and requested a little get together. Since I haven't seen them since their wedding (and of course I love get-togethers) I willing obliged. We planned for a nice BBQ at our house. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and our nice outdoor summer party turned indoors. Oh well, it didn't' stop us from laughing and reminiscing and enjoying one another's company

"Smith" (Andrea) came down from Salt Lake with her family. My kids had a great time getting to know her kids and found plenty of things to keep them occupied while the adults visited.

Here is Ariela (can you see the wonderful pregnancy glow?) and Mario and Hannah (Smith's daughter).

Roger and Jim talked shop and sports and whatever else manly men talk about.

Once again I was reminded of how blessed I am to have met and taught the Padilla family on my mission. They truly enrich my life and I love that we are still so close and wonderful friends.

Angeles' Wedding

Recently I had an amazing opportunity to return to Oakland, California to my mission to be a part of the wedding of Maria de Angeles Padilla to David Masura Yamashita. Angela was just a young girl of 12 when I was able to teach her and her family. Both of her brothers, Mario and Jose Luis, were able to serve missions and were sealed in the temple to their spouses. It was finally Angela's turn and I was fortunate to be able to go.

The temple ceremony was absolutely beautiful and the spirit that was present was incredibly strong. I cried and cried and felt so lucky to have been a small part in the story of these incredible people.

They were married in the Oakland temple and it was so beautiful. David is Japanese and Angela is Hispanic of course, so it made for an interesting cross cultural experience. But everyone was so happy for the couple.

This is Isabella the beautiful daughter of Luis and Mariana. They let us (Andrea Smith Sheets, one of my dear mission companions) stay at their apartment with them. Isabella and I became fast friends and I wanted to bring her home with me.

Here is Margarita (mother of the bride), Bunker (another mission companion) Mario (brother of Angela), Smith and the Encisos ( a wonderful member family that helped us a lot in the mission). These were just a few of the many people that came and mean so much to me.

Here we are at the Celas' house with the Encisos. They were kind enough to help us track down some of our former converts and investigators while we were there. These people are the strength of the church in there Latin communities.

Mario and Smith. My heart can't express how much love I have for both of them. Smith was a dear companion and it was so neat to be together again and reminisce about our time there. Mario is the strongest convert I ever met. He is the reason his family is still strong. It was my priviledge to share to gospel with someone that was so receptive and with so much faith. He has kept me involved in his family's life and I will forever be grateful.