Home Sweet Home

This morning was dedicated to inspecting missionary apartments.  We left uncharacteristically early (for us) to battle the rush hour traffic.  I have often seen so many bicycles, but am unaccustomed to so many cars trying to travel in the same direction at the same time.

Nevertheless, it is not as bad as the Phoenix rush hour traffic.  It is quite mild in comparison.

The first apartment we arrived at was two young sisters.  We interrupted their breakfast of green smoothies and peanut butter on toast.  They were fresh-faced, beautiful young women....both blonde and blue-eyed.  They are the picture of health....do you suppose it is the green smoothies or just that they are happy and engaged in great work?

Their apartment was immaculate.  The wooden floors fairly shined and the rows of clothing neatly stacked on shelves, books and fliers (about all things of the gospel) orderly on desks and in bookcases, dresses and skirts hanging primly in the open wardrobes, and beds made.....plus the bright sunshine that streamed through the windows all contributed to the general feeling of peace and happiness of that lovely little third-story apartment.

Next we visited two young elders...both of whom must be eighteen or barely nineteen.  Upon entering their apartment, we weren't quite as stunned with the tidiness of the place.  We were rather underwhelmed with it as a matter of fact.  They were both cute as could be, but they needed a little help  and instruction.  We didn't take long with them because they had a meeting they were trying to get to.

One of them followed me around with a pen and paper as I mentioned things they could do to make their place cleaner and more orderly.  I would like to check back on them....but I am not sure when.  I will call them later this week.  The place wasn't dirty, but just somewhat neglected and untidy.  I think they might enjoy it more if it were straightened up.

The last set of elders were older by a year or more.  They looked older, and their apartment rivaled the sisters' in being orderly.  And each one was in a freshly ironed shirt, tie and slacks.  Even their bathroom looked like it was frequently cleaned and their toiletries looked clean and well-ordered.

It always strikes me as so interesting the way people will make their surroundings into a home of sorts.  I like to see how people arrange things and what they choose to put on display.  It seems to me that becomes a part of themselves.  And who doesn't like to be comfortable and at peace in their homes?

We turned in all our bottles from soda pop at the center!  The YSAs come in and leave cans and pop bottles in the kitchen, so we tell them it is a donation to the center.  We shopped for some of the supplies this week....and the bottles brought almost $40.  So that helps enormously.

In the evening, I went visiting teaching.  I love the woman I visit.  She is around 38 or so, and has a lovely apartment that, besides being nicely decorated has a dozen or more plants scattered around her living room.  They are healthy and varied, all one shade or another of green with some blossoms.  She owns her apartment and enjoys the association of neighbors who gather together socially every now and then.

The last time we were together she told me about a drink she enjoys....it is simply Danish water that is lightly carbonated.  She had some ready tonight for me to try.  I loved it!  Have I told you how delicious the water here is?  Right out of the tap....it tastes soooo good.  It is relatively inexpensive to buy, and I guess I am just going to have to go get some.

I think it is a sweet experience to be invited into someone's home -- to feel the spirit there, and to catch a little glimpse into what is important and treasured to an individual.

It has been a great day.