Day 13

Elena and her mother told me how to get to the metro. Their instructions were to walk to sea, turn left, and just follow the pathway along the ocean. Okay, I think I can take those. :) Such a beautiful, long walk. Today was warmer, thank goodness. I still can’t believe all the green and the mountains. Absolutely beautiful. I found the metro station, and had it nearly to myself for a while. A lady got on, smiled and sat next to me, and pulled out Teachings of the Living Prophets. Yes! I introduced myself, and we talked and she showed me the church. I’m glad I found her because where the branch meets for church is a couple of rooms in this building next to a plaza--not super recognizable as a church. We ended up there a half hour early, when apparently some sisters of the branch have a choir practice of sorts. The lady lit up when we went into the building and asked if I played the piano. The sisters were elated that I could assist in their practice. It was good to feel useful and way good to play even a keyboard—it was decent enough quality to satisfy me. I was surprised to not see families or couples in the branch. Their branch is nearly entirely made up of individuals who are the only members in their family. I thought it was inspiring. There are just over 40 of them and they all seem like very strong members. The Sunday School teacher called on me to answer a question. I understood what she was asking, and withouth thinking, responded in English. The class just laughed which gave me time to think about how to word it Spanish. She called on me to give the closing prayer as well. My first oral public prayer in Spanish. Both of the missionaries serving in the branch are from Chandler, fancy that. The Branch President (he and his counselors are all young, unmarried guys) told me his girlfriend had been called to serve in Arizona. Small world. Three out of the four missionaries I have met in Spain are from Arizona. Weird.

It’s such a blessing to be able to go to church. 

The sun was out on my way back, making this piece of country even more gorgeous! It was still cold. I couldn’t believe walking through the beach that some kids were playing in the water, and people were laying out in swimsuits. Brrrr!