2 CEREMONIES
On Wednesday we attended two entrega ceremonies at schools.
We spent the morning at Colegio Los Héroes in the Santiago suburb of La Florida. This school is in a neighborhood where students confront many social challenges. More than 96% of the 200 students are classified by the government as vulnerable and at-risk. All but three or four of the students rely on breakfast and lunch provided daily at the school. For many, it is the only meal they have each day. Many students have been abandoned by their nuclear families or are in difficult family circumstances. However, the school offers a safe and nurturing environment that promotes good behavior and respect. Many students prefer to spend all day in the safety of the school, and only leave in the evening when the facility is locked by the school administration. None of the classrooms have heating or ventilation, resulting in cold winters and hot summers for the students. Teaching resources for academic and social development are limited. We hope the donation of music, art, and sports equipment along with fans and space heaters will improve the learning environment.
We spent the afternoon at Escuela Rural Los Bellotos in La Vega. We drove two hours northwest of Santiago to reach this school. We drove up a steep narrow road with hairpin curves and then down the other side into the valley to find these 84 amazing students. 500 school kits were donated to the Olmue school district and distributed between six rural schools. These students at Los Bellotos had prepared a wonderful ceremony complete with a young girl reciting a poem she had written and the performance of a traditional Chilean dance. It was a heart-warming afternoon.
We were in an area full of olive orchards, so we stopped to buy local Aceite de oliva.
2 PROSPECTIVE PROJECTS
On Friday we visited two prospective projects sites.
First stop, the port city of Valparaiso which is a 1 ½ hour drive west to the coast. We visited a homeless shelter run by the Salvation Army. It is an honor to work with other service organizations and people who have devoted their lives to caring for others. We were touched when they asked if we could pray together before we left.
Then a 30-minute drive north to Vina del Mar where we visited a government-sponsored preschool/daycare. This school was located at the very top of a hill, so like Wednesday, we found ourselves on a steep narrow road with hairpin curves, this time in the city. These sweet children were adorable. We await both solicitudes.
2 FEASTS
On Sunday we were invited to our mission presidents’ home for a farewell breakfast for Élder y Hermana Crockett, who have been serving as the office couple. They return home tomorrow, and we will miss them. Unable to find any senior couples to replace them, they trained six young elders to run the office.
After a wonderful physical feast, we enjoyed a spiritual feast listening to our church leaders wise counsel during General Conference this weekend.
With love, Elder y Hermana Lamb, (aka Ed & Debbie, Mom & Dad, Pop Pop & Tu Tu)
From the Music and the Spoken Word Broadcast March 27, 2022
When he was nearing 80 years old, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa was asked in an interview, “Have you found that your relationship to God has changed as you’ve grown older?” This deeply spiritual man, who has since passed away, thought for a moment and said: “Yes. I am learning to shut up more in the presence of God.”
He explained that previously he treated prayer like a kind of shopping list that you bring to God.” But now he saw prayer differently: “It’s like when you sit in front of a fire in winter. You are just there, in front of the fire…and the fire warms you.”
Throughout time, many of the noted and great have discovered the value of spending time with God and feeling the warmth of His presence. Moses met God alone at the burning bush and on Mt Sinai and these places became holy ground. The prophet Elijah found God, not in an earthquake or a mighty wind but in a still small voice….and we know Jesus often withdrew alone to pray.
Such sacred experiences are not just for prophets and archbishops. Jesus invited us all, “Enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father…”
As we all know, life sometimes feels as cold as winter. During difficult days, we need the warmth and reassurance that God offers His children. He knows us perfectly, loves us purely, and wants happiness and joy for us today and forever. And he is always only a prayer away. Sometimes we might approach Him with something specific to ask or request, but that isn’t required. While God welcomes our questions and petitions, He also just wants to be with us. So don’t’ worry if you don’t’ feel eloquent or aren’t sure what to say. Just come to him, let the fire warm you.
Lambs in Central Europe 