Easter with the McAlisters


 We had another whirlwind week. First, we had our last few days with the Mussers. We took them up to Montserrat which was really neat for them. We took them into the basilica which we had never done before, and toured through to see the "Black Madonna" and then through the museum. It was pretty interesting. They have a room that is called the room of prayer. At first I was hesitant to go in there for fear that I would be interrupting someone who was genuinely worshipping, but we went ahead and very quietly went in. I realized that just because it was a holy place for them doesn't mean that I could not pray myself. I felt better about being there after that. It was a neat time. It was hard to put them on the Airplane, but we had to Wednesday morning. After that and through Friday, it was an all out sprint to get things ready for the next wave of wonderfulness as Sarah and her sweet family arrived Friday night. 

On Wednesday we had the missionary Easter Concert in Barcelona. We weren't planning on going because we needed to catch up. However, President Heckmann insisted, and I am really glad he did. Yes, the talent of the missionaries was better than I expected, but that wasn't what was amazing. It was the Spirit, and the light of the Savior that shown from every eye. It was so powerful to listen to these called and set apart representatives of Jesus Christ testify of Him through song. It was an evening to remember!

The McAlisters got here by train, so there was no jet lag to contend with. We only get a few days with them, so we tried to get a lot done. Saturday we dropped them off at Sagrada Familia. Once again, we didn't have tickets so we couldn't experience it with the like we would have liked. After that, we took them for Kebab and then down to Montjuic. We were able to get into the museum and took them up to the top of the building for the amazing view. We also took them to the Arena Mall so they could see that view. Sarah had turned into quite the bird-watcher and was really excited to see a bunch of different birds native to our area. One interesting encounter was a sea gull that was nesting just off the roof of the Arena Mall. Kind of fun to see. 

After the fun, we went back to the piso to listen to the first session of Conference. What a privilege to be able to participate in a Solemn Assembly. It was a thrill for me to be able to stand with my priesthood brethren to raise my hand to the square in a sustaining vote for the prophet. I am very grateful for the way that the Lord chooses His mouthpiece on the earth. There is no political infighting, no popularity contest, and no contention of any kind. He controls the lifespan of His leaders, and so we will always get who He has prepared and preserved. 

This morning, we woke up, and watched the second Session. Since we then had a huge break, we decided to go to the beach to let them visit there. Of course, I spend my time avoiding the burning rays of the sun, but I am glad that we were able to enjoy nature there. After getting back home we ate a wonderful meal and then watched the Choir broadcast and the Sunday Morning session. 

We have to put Sarah's family on an airplane on Tuesday. It will be sad to see them go. However, we only have a short time left to look forward to, and part of that will be training our replacements. President Heckmann was supposed to talk to the Johnsons this weekend, and so we will be able to make more concrete plans of when we will be returning home after counselling with him. It is getting to be a little surreal as the last few grains of sand drain from the hour-glass! In no time at all, we will be boarding a plane ourselves and heading home. It leaves me wondering what our next adventure is going to look like. We have loved the fact that we have been exactly where the Lord wanted us to be for these past 19 months. I wonder where He is going to take us next. 

At any rate, we hope that you have had a wonderful Easter as you have rejoiced in the "Reason for the Season". That tomb was empty, and He IS Risen! How grateful we are to be able to rejoice in our redemption. Have a great week!

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