Nela is 90

 

Daniel's mom, Nelida or "Nela" turned 90 years young today. All of her children and grandchildren and their families connected via zoom to wish her a happy birthday. This is week 11 in isolation. If I had known then what I know now, I would have left this place over two months ago. It feels like you are on house arrest and I don't like it!

To Stay or to Go

Today is our sixth week in isolation and it was also the last flight out of Buenos Aires on a charter flight. We had to decide to stay or to go. We prayed and felt we will be fine so we are staying.

Mission interrupted in a hurry!

On our first week in isolation, Daniel and his team have been working 24/7 tying to find ways to relocate all missionaries to return home. That is a daunting task considering that all airports in Argentina are closed and all counties are blocking all citizens to come in and out of the boundaries.

In its 190 year history of missionary work this is a first time ever the a pandemic has caused, a mandatory quarantine, shuffled around, reassigned and release missionaries around the world in a speedy manner. What a head-ache!

Home bound

Today the President of Argentina declared a curfew decree for all inhabitants to remain home starting at midnight tonight. From now until the end of March everyone should stay home. Daniel has already been working from home all of this past week anyway.

At this time of uncertainty is good to keep a gratitude journal. Each of us plays a role. And we do make a difference no matter how big or small our contribution may be.

A day to remember

Daniel and I had Church at home today for the first time.

It went like this:

Opening Hymn: Amad a otros  (Love one another) 

Opening prayer: Vero 

Sacrament hymn: Asombro me da (I stand all Amazed) 

Partaking of the sacrament administered by Daniel 

Talk: Vero

Closing hymn:  Si hay gozo en tu Corazón (There is Sunshine in my heart today) 

Closing prayer: Daniel 

Today it became clear to me how the power of the priesthood is invaluable in times like this and for those who need someone who holds the priesthood, ministering is essential. 

We continued with dedicating our home. We still had not done it since we moved in last August. Daniel said a wonderful prayer. We continued our service with come follow me and watched King Benjamin’s video. 

The feeling was awesome. I loved having the sacrament blessed and passed by my wonderful husband. He felt the spirit so strong. It had been decades since he had the opportunity to bless the Sacrament. I felt like my home turned into a piece of heaven. What a truly blessed moment. 

Going East

On my way home to Buenos Aires, I took a detour to Connecticut to see Bianca. I love the feeling of being with the grandkids and see how much they have grown since I saw them. This is what I live for!

Turning 80 and feeling fabulous!

My mom's 80th birthday celebration was a blast!! 

First night we checked in to the Airbnb home 

Started Valentines by opening presents to everyone

Next, going shopping at the mall to find nice dresses 

Had dinner at a Peruan Restaurant 

Opened her birthday presents right at midnight 

Followed the next morning with a delicious breakfast and cake

In the evening, we went to dinner and to see the pirate show

Wearing our T-shirts courtesy of Liz

with Alex design:"mami is 80 & fabulous!"

The next day on Sunday went to Church and had tacos for lunch

Followed by a Vintage Victorian portrait of all of us 

Next, we had pupusas for dinner brought all the way from El Salvador

The next morning was a Holiday for Presidents day so we slept in

After "the meeting," went out shopping and had mediterranean food

Finally we went to St. Pete's beach to spend the day and had Italian food

The last day we checked out, returned the car, and Liz, Vane and I went to the airport 

Mari and mom stayed one more day in Orlando before going home

I am grateful for the chance I had to be there. Wound't want to miss it for the world!

Winter break

Who takes a Winter break to go where is cold? We do! We left Sunny Buenos Aires for freezing Utah on January 19th just to be with family as Daniel celebrated his 65th birthday.

It was a much needed vacation for Daniel. A visit to our Dr. for the shingles vaccine booster. A visit to the Church office building to get all the paperwork done to comply with my Argentine Visa requirements. Went shopping to get Daniel's apple watch. Went out to eat with friends and family at our favorite restaurants. We saw Heranan's new home, celebrated Chinese new year with Jami, Andres and kids and saw Daniels's nephews. Spent quality time with our children and grandchildren and it does not get any better than that! On January 26th we went back to Buenos Aires. We feel so blessed to have a beautiful place to stay.

Daniel turning 65

For Daniel's birthday we went to eat at Maddox, his favorite steak house in Utah and after a great meal we had cake for dessert. That was one of the four cakes Mandy brought as a gift. Those who were able to celebrate with us were: Vale, Mandy, Hernan, Owen, Jami, Andres, Sariah, Layna, Danielito, Joseph, Silvia and Jeff Allred.

My favorite number is 60!

We went to dinner and tango show at Madero Tango with Gabe and Danae who are visiting us. The best part is how Daniel was so happy. It was fun!

The end of a decade

We are ending a decade that left us with wonderful memories and brought so much joy and good into our lives. The past year, Daniel and I celebrated ten years together blending a large family of 10 children. , in-laws and 22 grandchildren and that takes patience, kindness, love and loyalty to each other. Life is good and we can't wait for 2020 to begin! Happy New Year to all of you from Buenos Aires!