Bolivia May, 2024 (part 1)

In May, Randy and I took an adventurous trip to Bolivia.  The land of Randy's beloved 2 year church mission that he served 50 years ago.  We learned about a trip like this several years back, while attending one of his mission reunions.  There was a Bolivian speaker, Segundo.  He was introduced by a past missionary acquaintance when Randy served, Jim.  At the time, we were educated about a humanitarian effort that was organized to help Bolivians live a cleaner (water), healthier (medical expertise), and more educated lives for their families and many communities.  It was a nice presentation, and after wards, life went on.  We had just gotten home from our mission to Hawaii, and family was our priority.

About a year ago, our dear friends, Laurie and Larry Ball called Randy to ask if he knew Jim Arbuckle. (Randy's missionary friend) They were serving a mission in Minnesota and had been offering humanitarian service for a group called Mano a Mano, from Bolivia. How could we both know Jim?   It turns out, Jim has a summer home in Minnesota and a winter home in AZ.  He also works closely with Segundo's Mano a Mano, the same humanitarian organization we learned about at the reunion a few years earlier. Segundo is a Bolivian, with roots and family that live there, and is in close contact with the success of Mano a Mano from Minnesota and Bolivia.  

About February, Laurie called to see if we were interested in a trip to Bolivia in May.  There was a group of 15 going, including Jim and his wife (who had both been there with this group before) and coincidentally, Laurie and Larry were both going.  It was a no brainer.  Good friends, and back to Randy's mission that impacted his life forever.  How could we say no, except that Randy was just finishing radiation treatments.  We gave them a "we're pretty sure we're in", with high hopes of not having to worry about the test results.

We knew it wasn't going to be a leisurely, flawless trip.  This was Bolivia.  A land that looks exactly like the National Geographic's depiction.  Traditional clothing, food, celebrations, homesteads, windy dirt roads that connect little communities miles apart, across the Andes mountains.  Tropical terrains, jungles, cool altitudes, and plenty of dirt.  But breath taking.  And humbling as we could see their needs, and the wisdom and love in their eyes.

The Main Thing

The Main thing

is to keep

the Main thing

the Main thing.

     (Elder Gong)

Jesus Christ is our Main thing.  My love for him runs deep.  I am a sponge for learning and knowing about him.  I owe him everything.  

Another Awakening

     Last Friday morning our ukulele group practiced in the park.  (The Senior Center was closed because of Veteran's Day)   Our seating arrangement had us scattered across picnic tables; some facing our leader, and some behind her.  The weather was perfect, and with almost 30 players, it's always fun.

    We sat right behind our leader and "Jim" sat on the end of our bench.  Jim is a single, seasoned guitar and ukulele player.  Currently, after his retirement with the fire department, he plays at scheduled gigs during the week to brighten lives of many.  He's a good and talented man.  But he, like most of us, had to listen a little closer to hear.  And his patience was thin.  He began to be an obstacle in the progress of our efforts.  At one point, he didn't have a copy of the piece we were playing.  So I gave him my copy and easily read off of Randy's.  He did mutter, "Thank you."  But as time went on, he became more and more a hindrance.  Our leader struggled with him, but showed great patience as she centered on his "needs".  

    After class, I hovered around our leader.  I knew she needed a pat on the back for her patience.  She appreciated the pep talk.  And walking out over the grass, I heard a friendly voice ask what we had planned for our new week.  I turned to meet another friend.  She and her husband had been sitting beside us, knowing "Jim's" struggles.  I told her I hadn't thought too much about the new week yet.  That we had just completed a busy week, and I was glad for the new beginning.  I also shared my concern for the discord at our corner of class, because she was there, too.  And we talked about how quickly the year has gone by, and if Halloween is over, Christmas is going to fly by.  And to enjoy it all, we need to take a deep breath and smile.

    Then she said something profound.  "My husband and I have been talking about how life can be overwhelming.  We have said more than once, "'That can be a good thing!"'  All of a sudden, I wanted to hug her.  Those were the words I needed to hear.  It humbled me that as hard as I try to stay on a faithful track, here was a woman that was on a higher track.  I admired her outlook, and knowing she had a different Christian background than mine, made me appreciate the similarity more.  I wanted to be like her.  We both laughed and agreed, "We should write that on a T-shirt!"

    In a flash, I was awakened with my frustrated thoughts of Jim.  About my uncalled for speaking out about him.  About my busy life that is flying by.

    (deep breath)

    It was a beautiful fall morning.  I could wear a sweatshirt.   Birds were singing.  People were happy,  playing or listening.  I look forward to Friday mornings.  With Randy.  These are sacred holidays that only come once a year.  I sat by Jim.  I'll be more forgiving.

    These are all Good Things! 

    

 With 2022 behind us, we look back in awe of the blessings we have experienced and felt.  Not many could top a beautiful mission to Hawaii.  We met blessed, angelic people all around us.  Mixed with the beauty of the island, we were in heaven.  We learned and loved, and learned and loved some more.  We returned to sunny Arizona in April, reconnecting with family and friends we missed so much.  There is no place like home - or our own bed!  And it was heaven to be with family again.

We accepted callings and made up callings. (Randy offered to take on the empty nesters)We had 2 baptisms (September - Maddy, and October - Audrey)  That meant two quilts lovingly made.  We joined back up with my ukulele group (Randy, too!)  We look forward to the fun people there every week.  Randy continues his gardening and yard beautifying skills here, even though he misses the tropics of Hawaii, where everything there wanted to grow!  He also played Santa twice this season; thinking those days might be over.  I took on piano, again; but only with grandchildren.  It is a pleasure!  Seven littles come every week.  They take it seriously and we pulled off a "Grand" Winter recital in December - a beautiful event that added courage and confidence to their sharing skills.  The senior living center was filled with smiles all around. 

With the new year ahead, I look forward with hope.  Life is life.  Lessons are lessons.  So thankful for learning, for cheer leading, for prayer, for smiles, for family, for knowledge that Jesus Christ is our loving Savior, who loves us more than we can imagine.  So thankful!

One of our hymns in church yesterday, was packed with promise for the new year -

 "Come, Let Us Anew"  (Page 217)

Come, let us anew our journey pursue

Roll round with the year, And never stand still till the Master appear.

His adorable will let us gladly fulfill

And our talents improve

By the patience of hope and the labor of love,

By the patience of hope and the labor of love.

 

#1

     While we served on our mission to Hawaii, I was bothered by a tooth that hurt more than usual.  I really hated the thought of going to a new dentist.  Who wants to go to a dentist other than their own?  But I pursued one because I didn't want to worry.  There was a dentist located close by where we lived.  He was nice and qualified, but referred me to an endodontist.  From there, I was referred to an oral surgeon.   The surgeon diagnosed the problem.  It was my #1 tooth.  My wisdom tooth.  But so much time had passed that the pain subsided, so I put off making an appointment for an extraction.  Days and weeks went by and before we knew it, our mission was over and we were back home.  I made an dentist appt. with my own dentist here.  And I was happy to hear her diagnosis was the same as the Hawaiian oral surgeon.  It was my #1 wisdom tooth.  I even had a little conversation with her about why people have wisdom teeth anyway?  (I guess, back a few ages ago, people needed wisdom teeth for survival.)  she gave me a referral for an oral surgeon and off I went.

     I made an appointment with Randy's oral surgeon, since he is currently having work done.  So, I bypassed my dentists recommendation.  This would be another new Dr. for me, which is not my favorite thing.  Last Thursday was my appt.  His office was in Queen Creek, where I had never been.  It was pouring rain, and I was late because I was lost.  Randy offered to drive me.  When I walked in, everyone was busy.  So I took a seat.  Shortly the front desk girl called me and lead me back to a quiet, and spotless room.  I took a deep breath.  A new doctor.  

     I heard his voice greeting from the back.  He came around and shook my hand.  I sized him up carefully.  He was courteous, confident, and alert.  He made small talk for a minute and then held up my Xray to the light.  As he pointed out the tooth to be extracted, I nodded my head as if I knew exactly what a problem Xray looked like.  But I was surprised to hear him refer to my problem as being my #3 tooth.  How could that be?  From 2 previous sources I was certain it was my #1 wisdom tooth.  I listened as he ask if I would like a post or a bridge.  My tongue slid across my 1st molar and I realized it was indeed closer to the opening of my smile than I imagined.  Maybe a post would be better.  But why was I making plans for a surgery on a tooth I never planned on?  Then he ask if I would like to be sedated during the procedure, or not.  I opted to be awake - as long as I am numb.   It was about then that my courage kicked in.  I explained I had been lead to think my #1 wisdom tooth was the problem; by 2 different dentists.  What didn't I understand?  He held up the Xray again and pointed out that this Xray plainly shows my # 3 molar.  "There is not even an image of your wisdom tooth on this Xray.  This is the tooth."  He had his evidence.  I was confused.  He left as I was still stunned.  The office girl came in and handed me a form to sign showing I understood the procedure and to mark my initials on 15 items of information.  Then, before she handed me the pen, she pointed to a 3 digit total for the procedure.  She lead me out after I signed, and lined me up for payment.  She could have been referring to the payment of a consultation or the 3 digit payment, it was unclear.  Either way, I hardly stopped at the desk before I turned around to her explaining my husband was in the car and I would be right back after I counselled with him before I committed.  I knew he would be frazzled at the amount, whatever it was.   And before the door closed behind me, I faintly recall hearing her voice to invite him in.  

     As I stood at the window of the car, my heart raced.  I needed to get out of there.  I explained it all to Randy and we both agreed I needed to connect with my dentist before I did anything else.  So, I walked back in with fortitude.  I approached the office girl who was waiting outside the office for me.  I explained that I couldn't commit until I spoke with my dentist about the confusion.  She quickly motioned for me to come back in and visit with the Dr. one more time.  I was shown to the room I had just left.  It was currently occupied by a new patient.  The embarrassed office girl and a handful of chair side girls who were curious, hung around to get in on the hubbub.  They lead me instead to an empty room with a left over chair side girl from the last patient there, who thought she could help if I explained my concern to her first.  Just then the Dr. walked back in.  I was embarrassed for taking him away from his busy routine schedule, but he stood in front of me again, with a room full of curious workers that thought it was their job to line up behind me to be in on the confusion.  I started from the beginning; how it started in Hawaii.  I just wanted him to know I had valid reasons to clarify.  To question.  He held up the Xray again.  Then he pulled out his tapping tooth tool.  I was to tell him when I felt pain as he tapped each one.  No pain.  No pain.  No pain.  There was silence.  He had his evidence, but this was MY tooth.  Then I explained to him I would get back to him after I visited with my dentist, just to be sure.  I was escorted out, leaving a buzz of chair side girls behind me.  I wasn't to worry about any payment due today.  

     We drove home after hashing out all that had happened.  I went right to the phone to call my dentist as soon as I walked in the door.  Her front office girl was there.  I explained who I was and about what had just happened at the oral surgeons office.  She grabbed my chart.  Her next words were all I needed to hear,  "Yes.  It's your #1 wisdom tooth."  She could have said more, but I had tuned out.  I was not crazy.  She said she would contact the oral surgeons office for me. 

     About 2 hours later, and after office hours, my phone rang.  I was surprised to hear a woman's voice.  She let me know she was the oral surgeon's office manager.  I could tell this would be a listening conversation for me.   Her words swirled around and around and I was curious where she was going with her call.  Then she apologized for "the little mishap" that had happened in their office today.  She was cautious as if she thought I might blow up.  But I listened.  "The Xrays the doctor was reading for you today were someone elses."  All I could say was, "Wow."  Then she explained that the doctor felt so terribly about this that he would like to offer to do the surgery on the right tooth, complimentary.  I was floored.  But relieved.  My emotions were everywhere, but mostly for the doctor.  I had to imagine what had transpired in his office when I left, until they realized the mistake.  Somebody.  Somehow.  He could have lost his whole livelihood if I had been bitter.  I wondered if he was counting his blessings or crying all night for fear it would come back to haunt him.  I felt for him.

     The next morning we left without my phone.  I was anxious to get back because I had a feeling my dentist would call.  When I got home, sure enough, there was a text from her.  She apologized for the confusion I had gone through as she had learned mistakes were made at the surgeon's office.  She wanted to know if I would like a different referral.  I texted back asking her if she had any doubts that he was a good surgeon.  She replied with accolades.  "He really is an excellent clinician", she said.  She suspected he has a new assistant or administrator who jumbled things.  I told her I had already made an appointment with him.  

     In 2 weeks I am scheduled for surgery at his Gilbert office.  If he had had an opening the next day, I would have jumped on it.  Now, every day that goes by I recall the confusion.  And I begin to question if I am doing the right thing for me.  Either way, I still feel for him.  But mostly I'm comforted to know that I acted with my heart.  Something wasn't right.  I knew it.  I spoke up without hesitation for me.  I am the winner in this no matter what.  Once again, I have miraculously dodged another bullet to add to my collection of miracles. 

     

     

     

Our First Discussion

Yesterday we rode along with 9 other new missionaries, along the North Shore of Oahu, in a big van from the airport.  We were excited to meet, visit, and learn about this beautiful island.  The driver noticed our chatter and began asking questions about who we were. There was not a moment of silence before our leader, Sister Peterson, who was sitting next to me in the seat behind him, piped in confidently, telling him we were new missionaries to be serving at the PCC.  

“Have you ever heard of the PCC?”  She ask.

“I think so.  Is that where they have a big luau and dancing....up by a MormonTemple?”

“Yes!”  She said

“If I came to the PCC, could you get me in for free?”  He said kiddingly.  

“Only if you are a dancer.”  She said.

“Tell me about what you do in your temple?”  He said.

(a little silence) “We perform sacred ordinances and covenants.  We get married/sealed for eternity there.  Are you married?”  She said.

“Kind of.”  He said.

“If you want, you can walk around the Temple and go into the Visitor’s center for free, any time you want.  It’s beautiful there!”  She said.  

“Could I go inside the Temple?”  He said.

“Only if you are a member of the church.”  She said.  

“I think I remember something about your church that happened recently.....”. He said

(we finally realized he was talking about General Conference)

“What do you talk about in General Conference?  Do you hear new things every time?  Who can hear the Conference?”  He said.  

“It is an international broadcast that anyone can hear.  From leaders of our church.  About how we are all children of God and we should reach out to each other in love and kindness no matter where we are from.  About Jesus and his life on the earth.  His commandments...” We began to all chime in.

“Do you believe in the Bible?”  He said.

“Oh, yes.  His life on earth is for everyone to learn about.  The Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ.  Remember in the Bible when Jesus said  ‘There are other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  The Book of Mormon is a record of those other sheep.’

After an impressive conversation that proved Sister Peterson’s knowledge of the Gospel and how to interact as a true missionary, we drove into the parking lot of our destination.  

Then, the driver’s words,  “I have a kind of confession for you.....”

(silence)

“I am a member of the church!”

We had just been duped.  His name was Jordan and was a returned missionary from Brazil.

 "Let God Prevail".  A talk given last October general conference by President Nelson.  This has been a meaningful talk this week in the "6 weeks of study" in preparation for April conference.   I could have copied the talk word for word, but the highlighted parts are where it speaks to my heart the most:

Let God Prevail

By President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

My dear brothers and sisters, how grateful I am for the marvelous messages of this conference and for my privilege to speak with you now.

For the more than 36 years I’ve been an Apostle, the doctrine of the gathering of Israel has captured my attention.¹ Everything about it has intrigued me, including the ministries and names² of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; their lives and their wives; the covenant God made with them and extended through their lineage;³ the dispersion of the twelve tribes; and the numerous prophecies about the gathering in our day.

I have studied the gathering, prayed about it, feasted upon every related scripture, and asked the Lord to increase my understanding.

So imagine my delight when I was led recently to a new insight. With the help of two Hebrew scholars, I learned that one of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.”⁴ Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul!

The word willing is crucial to this interpretation of Israel.⁵ We all have our agency. We can choose to be of Israel, or not. We can choose to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not.

For a moment, let us recall a crucial turning point in the life of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. At the place Jacob named Peniel (which means “the face of God”),⁶ Jacob wrestled with a serious challenge. His agency was tested. Through this wrestle, Jacob proved what was most important to him. He demonstrated that he was willing to let God prevail in his life. In response, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel,⁷ meaning “let God prevail.” God then promised Israel that all the blessings that had been pronounced upon Abraham’s head would also be his.⁸

Sadly, Israel’s posterity broke their covenants with God. They stoned the prophets and were not willing to let God prevail in their lives. Subsequently, God scattered them to the four corners of the earth.⁹ Mercifully, He later promised to gather them, as reported by Isaiah: “For a small moment have I forsaken thee [Israel]; but with great mercies will I gather thee.”¹⁰

With the Hebraic definition of Israel in mind, we find that the gathering of Israel takes on added meaning. The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives.

For centuries, prophets have foretold this gathering,¹¹ and it is happening right now! As an essential prelude to the Second Coming of the Lord, it is the most important work in the world!

  

This premillennial gathering is an individual saga of expanding faith and spiritual courage for millions of people. And as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or “latter-day covenant Israel,”¹² we have been charged to assist the Lord with this pivotal work.¹³

When we speak of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, we are referring, of course, to missionary, temple, and family history work. We are also referring to building faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve. Anytime we do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.

.......................................

After Jill’s father passed on, the word myopic kept coming to her mind. She opened her heart to understand even more deeply that myopic meant “nearsighted.” And her thinking began to shift. Jill then said, “Myopic caused me to stop, think, and heal. That word now fills me with peace. It reminds me to expand my perspective and seek the eternal. It reminds me that there is a divine plan and that my dad still lives and loves and looks out for me. Myopic has led me to God.”

.........................................

 Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?18

You do not need to wander or wonder.

When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. So many issues become nonissues! You know how best to groom yourself. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and with whom to associate. You know what you want to accomplish. You know the kind of person you really want to become.

Now, my dear brothers and sisters, it takes both faith and courage to let God prevail. It takes persistent, rigorous spiritual work to repent and to put off the natural man through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.¹⁹ It takes consistent, daily effort to develop personal habits to study the gospel, to learn more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and to seek and respond to personal revelation.

During these perilous times of which the Apostle Paul prophesied,²⁰ Satan is no longer even trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan. Emboldened evil abounds. Therefore, the only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel.

Now, how does the Lord feel about people who will let God prevail? Nephi summed it up well: “[The Lord] loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and he remember[s] the covenants which he [has] made.”²¹

And what is the Lord willing to do for Israel? The Lord has pledged that He will “fight [our] battles, and [our] children’s battles, and our children’s children’s [battles] … to the third and fourth generation”!²²