Afternoon excursion to local cathedrals

After two straight Mondays of speaking to sister missionaries in the Tegucigalpa Mission, we had a more leisurely day today and in the afternoon were able to participate with other members of the temple presidency and other senior temple missionaries in an excursion to see some of the more prominent local Catholic churches.  Photos follow:

Don and Virginia with President and Sister Amado and mission president Carlos Hernandez and wife with a group of sister missionaries to whom we spoke on February 10.

Don and Virginia in front of the main downtown cathedral, the Cathedral of San Miguel.  Note recent paint job.

Another shot of the same

Inside the Cathedral of San Miguel

The Basilica de Suyapa, situated prominently on a hillside on the other side of town from the temple.   It is mammoth, but much newer and less ornate than the downtown cathedrals.

Inside the Basilica de Suyapa.

Inside the Basilica de Suyapa.  It doesn't look as big in the photo as it actually is, unless you notice how little the people in front are (including Virginia).

One of the many lovely stained glass windows in the basilica.

Woman who crawled on her knees from the far end of the basilica to the front, presumably as part of a petition for divine favors of some sort.

Elder and Sister Bassett in front of the Iglesia de los Dolores downtown--the most ornate and one of the oldest of Tegucigalpa's churches.  It was closed so we didn't get to see the inside.

Don and Virginia in front of the Iglesia de los Dolores

The LDS Institute of Religion (just below the Burger King sign), as seen from the Basilica de Suyapa.  The Church had originally proposed building the temple on the grassy spot just left of the institute, but our Catholic friends felt it would detract from the Basilica's prominence, and the Church withdrew its plans.  The temple is much better where it is.

Recitement

That's a new word meaning "recital excitement."  Look for Webster to acknowledge it in the next edition. The highlight of the last week or two has to be the musical recital that Virginia organized and which was presented in our chapel on Sunday, December 15.  The lowlight of the highlight was probably the rendition of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" by her husband, but at least no one dared throw tomatoes in the chapel. (Just remember, that the root of "rendition" is "rend," which has the connotation of tearing it apart!)  Otherwise, it was a lovely event, and we're glad to have it behind us.  Following are a few photos and videos of the event, including Don's playing his number the following morning at the chapel, as the press arrived too late to film him the day before.

Saturday evening we had a very nice dinner and program for about 200+ temple workers and spouses.  We'll attach a photo or two of that, too.  Tonight we are going out with the other senior couples to see downtown Christmas lights and decorations.  If we get any good photos, they may end up on this site later.

Some of the recital participants, including Primary children

Playing bells, with congregational singing, at end of recital

Temple worker dinner

Christmas card photo in front of temple, with poinsettias in background

Close-up of captivating couple

Manger scene, with Caziers and temple

Bell playing at end of recital

Don demonstrates piano prowess

Virginia demonstrates markedly greater prowess.

As it turned out, the bus that was supposed to take us to see Christmas lights and decorations downtown never showed up, so we all went to the City Mall a couple of miles away to see the Christmas tree there and get some fast food.  Here we are in front of the tree.

And here is our group of senior missionaries enjoying fast food in the large food court at the mall.

Memorable visits during temple closure

Taking advantage of the temple's being closed for maintenance for a couple of weeks, we traveled to the States to see those of our kids and grandkids who live on the East coast.  We had a great time with all and even captured some of the highlights on film for your viewing enjoyment.  

Driveway cookout with the Adibs

Cyrus, Anya, AnnaSophia, and Dimitri Adib at the beach

Sunbathing beauties at the beach

Anya welcome sign

Dimitri welcome sign?

Cyrus welcome sign?

AnnaSophia welcome sign

Dimitri shows off boxing skills

Virginia sings "Little Lady Make Believe" to AnnaSophia

Hanging out with the Higgins

Larnie, Susan, Tali, Alexander, and Dallin Higgins

Higgins home looking toward back yard

While at the Higgins', Virginia broke off a tooth that had previously been broken and glued in Honduras, but which was predicted to last as little as only 2-3 weeks.  It had lasted some six months.  Providentially, Susan was able to make arrangements with a great LDS dentist to see Virginia the same day, and he was able to make a better repair by putting in a post, and with some care the tooth could last now for years.

Dallin, Sidney, Ashley, Lindsay, David, Amy, Joey, and Lukey in front of their house

Volleyball at David's and Amy's place

Cami flings frisbee

Cami and Danny play frisbee

Joey referees tug of war between Cami and Sage

View of David's and Amy's home and yard

John, Virginia, David, and Carina

Intrepid Arctic polar bear hunter encounters anonymous descendant at ward Halloween party

Back:  Kayla, Malisa, Danny, Danielle (Malisa's sister), Lily;  Front:  Joey, Emma, Cami, and Evan (Danielle's son)

Zeke, Megan, Ethan, Carina, John, Sage

Lily and Sidney? or Lindsay? show off trampoline skills.  (Sorry I can't be sure which twin it is

without being there again to get a better look.)

Don and Virginia with David's and Amuy's family

Don and Virginia with Cami

Don and Cami prior to Cami's baptism

Burrows boys at cabin at Lafayette Springs State Park--ready to see video

Burrows bunch with Jim and David.  Sorry it's out of focus, but it at least brings back good memories.

Loving mother cuddles lovely daughter

Sam, Max, and Eli

Singing time

Cabin where we congregated with the Burrows

Close up of Virginia with Ginette, Jacob, Max, Sam, and Eli

On deck of cabin

Thanks to all for their hospitality and for all each did to make our visit so enjoyable.  We look forward to seeing the other half of the family at our July reunion, if not sooner.

Temple photos

We continue to have a wonderful time serving in the Tegucigalpa Temple.  The temple will be closed for maintenance beginning October 20th, and we are looking forward to a couple of weeks of traveling to see our kids and grandkids on the east coast.  In the meantime, here are a few of our favorite photos of the temple as well as photos of the city taken in front of the temple.  Click on any that you want to see enlarged.

Our favorite view of the temple, because of the landscaping (north of the temple)

 Another view, with flowers in the foreground

 Same view, in landscape rather than portrait orientation

View from south east side of temple

Guest house ("case de huéspedes), where we live

 Tegucigalpa, seen from the temple grounds.  In the back, on the far right, is the Cathedral of Suyapa, near which it was originally planned to build the temple.

Close-up of the Cathedral of Suyapa.  Right beneath it you can see our institute of religion, just to the right of which the temple was originally to have been built.  It is in a much better location where it is, and doesn't give the appearance that we are trying to compete with our Catholic friends.