Are We Playing Too Much?

July 31

        Hello again from beautiful Mexico.  Much has happened since I last wrote, and I will try to fill things in.
   We spend almost every Friday morning running a clinic for missionaries on the temple grounds.  We try to go to the temple afterwards, but only average once or twice a month.  It is one of the most beautiful temples I have ever been in and it pays beautiful respect to the heritage and art of Mexico.  I have to wear headphones for English translation, but I think it makes me listen even harder.  A beautiful part of being a missionary.

The view of the CCM  (missionary training center in Spanish)  as they get off the buses.

One of the fun things to do here is to greet the newly arriving missionaries here at the Mexican MTC or CCM as they cal it here.  The cute missionaries getting off the buses, just having left their homes that morning and taking in the whole new experience.  It is really a joy to see and visit with them












 Missionaries handing their suitcases up to the check in center.









                                                                     

Brand new excited missionaries

Another thing we do is visit the different missions to help the mission presidents and their wives in dealing with missionary health issues.  This is the town of Pachuca about an hour and 1/2 out of Mexico City.  I liked this view of a typical neighborhood in a smaller town outside of the city.

Ok - now it's back to the fun and games.  I know it looks like we never work, but these pictures are all from well-deserved breaks during our busy schedules.

Yes, that is a real banana split.  We spent the day in Coyoacan, an area known for it's great ice cream, so of course I had to try it.  It definitely passed the test.  Yum



So we have been on some adventures to find the most authentic old Mexican style restaurants.  I would say the one that takes first place so far is the San Angel Inn in the southern part of the city.  Truly like walking back in time to an old hacienda (actually the building dates back to the early 1600's. 

Their gardens were so amazing and so old Mexico.  It was a magical evening.

A common sight here:  Quincinera parties.  You can see girls celebrating their 15 year old birthday that is basically a coming out party.  They dress very elaborately (this is actually quite tame compared to many) and are always escorted by young men in tuxes.  Usually they are carted around in a huge limo.  You can see them in any neighborhood at seemingly anytime of the day or night.  Very fascinating. 

In the town square

This weekend we took a trip to Metepec.  It was quite by accident that we ended up there.  Jim had to visit a missionary in the hospital and we planned on exploring a different area after that.  However, the doctor that was there, suggested we go right to this town that we were already in.  It is know for tree of life figurines (which I stupidly forgot to photograph), and its quesadillas.  Quesadillas?  Aren't they just cheese or cheese and chicken on a tortillas warmed up?  Au contraire!  They really were amazing with all kinds of interesting fillings.  Jim and I both thought the squash blossom/cheese one was the best.  OF course we then had to investigate the proverbial Mexican market places there (one of my favorite activities here) and it was fun as always.  They also had good ice cream here!

Searching for the proverbial hidden treasure

The beautiful church in the background

Another weekend adventure was to Teotihuacan.

The humongous pyramid of the sun

As you can see, our days are full and this country is awesome.  Jim and I have a lot of traveling to do this weekend to teach classes and instruct leaders  and missionaries in health care issues that are prevalent here.  Should be exciting and scary (because we are driving and that is always an adventure here).  More news next time.