tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51635589957150897832024-03-13T22:03:01.884-07:00Ecuador Quito North Mission - FamilyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-8531057332045506442015-11-23T16:14:00.000-08:002015-11-25T16:41:00.512-08:00Happy Sweet 16 Andrea!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmy52vHmXAk/VlZK5asXepI/AAAAAAAAjxM/PuQ6IeU1qa8/s1600/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmy52vHmXAk/VlZK5asXepI/AAAAAAAAjxM/PuQ6IeU1qa8/s640/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The big event of our week was celebrating Andrea's sweet 16th birthday. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Saturday, we took her to her favorite restaurant, "Crepes and Waffles" for her chosen Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese crepe and a yummy waffle for dessert!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsd8oyncq8M/VlZK9e4wTVI/AAAAAAAAjxw/um5Hw7oy3TU/s1600/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsd8oyncq8M/VlZK9e4wTVI/AAAAAAAAjxw/um5Hw7oy3TU/s400/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%25288%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoy lunch and a b-day treat at Andrea's favorite restaurant, Crepes and Waffles</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Then on Sunday the eight missionaries from the Inaquito Ward, which include the nurses
and office missionaries, came over to the Mission Home and surprised her.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFIjUU_Loyo/VlZKsOFQMaI/AAAAAAAAjwI/1QgCpZv0JZk/s1600/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFIjUU_Loyo/VlZKsOFQMaI/AAAAAAAAjwI/1QgCpZv0JZk/s400/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%252811%2529.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesecake for her birthday treat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtTYKg3phIM/VlZKyiZ42OI/AAAAAAAAjw0/Q2677Zz1cKY/s1600/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtTYKg3phIM/VlZKyiZ42OI/AAAAAAAAjw0/Q2677Zz1cKY/s640/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%252818%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermanas Garcia and Pemberton, the Richardsons, Elders Gallardo, Bahr, Dickerson, Chavez and Higgins</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">It's not every birthday that you get
to celebrate with eight awesome missionaries. They took a special
interest in Andrea and asked her some "inspired questions," like
"What will you miss the most about being here?" and "What do you want to
accomplish before you return to the States?" They each shared something they admired about Andrea, which in almost every case was her beautiful smile.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elders Ramponi and Higgins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGMeBvlddi0/VlZKpttnF4I/AAAAAAAAjvo/ANfeMtJjJMo/s1600/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGMeBvlddi0/VlZKpttnF4I/AAAAAAAAjvo/ANfeMtJjJMo/s320/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%252813%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elders Chavez and Dickerson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLcUTO_ltwE/VlZKrwMLLdI/AAAAAAAAjwE/NA-5jfvncIE/s1600/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLcUTO_ltwE/VlZKrwMLLdI/AAAAAAAAjwE/NA-5jfvncIE/s320/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%252812%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermanas Pemberton and Garcia</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The next morning, on her actual birthday, I decorated
her room while she was asleep and woke her to a personalized birthday song. I
actually got a smile but of her in the morning which is saying something. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmy52vHmXAk/VlZK5asXepI/AAAAAAAAjxU/WM-Xp7wgR8U/s1600/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmy52vHmXAk/VlZK5asXepI/AAAAAAAAjxU/WM-Xp7wgR8U/s320/20151123%2Bandrea%2Bb-day%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Later that day, I made arrangement for eight of the
youth in our ward to come over and surprise her. They watched a movie, ate
pizza and had chocolate cake and ice cream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2Vt1GAmEn4/VlZOZMbo1rI/AAAAAAAAjz8/NEZlfSkR448/s1600/IMG_4508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2Vt1GAmEn4/VlZOZMbo1rI/AAAAAAAAjz8/NEZlfSkR448/s400/IMG_4508.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac and Martin, Alexandra, Adriana and Fabiana, Katie Christensen (behind), Sol and Estaffanie and Andrea</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: start;">She was happy to hear from her brothers as well as her grandmother for her birthday and felt loved and remembered, so I guess you could say she had a great and memorable Sweet 16!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-73135514754973845802015-09-02T17:09:00.002-07:002015-09-11T14:59:42.979-07:00Great End of Summer 2015 for the Richardson family<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Andrea
arrived home on Wednesday night and she is slowly but surely re-adapting to
life in Quito. She definitely wants to be back in the States where she had a
wonderful time this summer. She shared a couple of faith promoting experiences
where her prayers have been answered and clearly her faith is growing. That is
a great blessing. She is doing on-line
school this year through a Utah Charter School, Mountain Heights Academy, which
seems to be an awesome school, and she’s really enjoying it (her first week!!) She and Steven enjoyed being together
immensely for the few weeks they were together. Steven mentioned that he is
missing Andrea and it's definitely mutual. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-df5oNo3EQgI/VeeOzcFky6I/AAAAAAAAe6M/MkCWRWURR3Q/s1600/IMG_2728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-df5oNo3EQgI/VeeOzcFky6I/AAAAAAAAe6M/MkCWRWURR3Q/s320/IMG_2728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea comes back from the U.S.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSha828gHYk/VeeO3p4NGEI/AAAAAAAAe6w/PmTOk2JfgmE/s1600/IMG_2731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSha828gHYk/VeeO3p4NGEI/AAAAAAAAe6w/PmTOk2JfgmE/s320/IMG_2731.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">The
good news for Steven is that he was able to purchase a car and has some good
leads on a job. He will begin school in September at LDS Business College. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl90Xoj8wsw/VeeO39GHH8I/AAAAAAAAe6g/xCDeuPslR58/s1600/20150830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl90Xoj8wsw/VeeO39GHH8I/AAAAAAAAe6g/xCDeuPslR58/s320/20150830.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven's new Forester!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">Matt finished the summer as the #1 top salesman for Vivint.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 18.6666660308838px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">To celebrate, he and Brittany are travelling to Europe in the next week prior to their move to Dallas, Texas. They are busy and happy.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt finishes #1 in Summer Sales for Vivint</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-74977945410062699292015-08-09T15:16:00.000-07:002015-09-11T15:00:40.337-07:00Happy Homecoming for Elder Richardson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzYzExQ-aHk/VdT8G2Q8bAI/AAAAAAAAd0Y/YVkXH7ZxMJM/s1600/20150713%2BSteven%2Barrival%2B%25285%2529%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzYzExQ-aHk/VdT8G2Q8bAI/AAAAAAAAd0Y/YVkXH7ZxMJM/s640/20150713%2BSteven%2Barrival%2B%25285%2529%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFQeonMRESA/VdT8EJnIkUI/AAAAAAAAd0Q/Nb2z3MMu0FI/s1600/11749658_1106414122721230_367979967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFQeonMRESA/VdT8EJnIkUI/AAAAAAAAd0Q/Nb2z3MMu0FI/s200/11749658_1106414122721230_367979967_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Mom and Steven hug in two years!</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The highlight of our week (lives) was getting Steven back from the Chile
Santiago North Mission and enjoying his humor and fun personality again. What has been most delightful is recognizing
the strength of his inner core and learning of his diligence and obedience as a
missionary. He was not much of a writer
so we guessed for two years how he was doing, but hearing his stories has
confirmed in our minds that he gave it his all and learned much, especially
about humility. That is never a fun
topic, but he tells us that he had a non-stop course in humility for the entire
two years. We are grateful that he
returned whole and happy. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-siRQqiS905I/VdT8f7RKzMI/AAAAAAAAd1I/KCD7cE35UGU/s1600/20150713%2BSteven%2Barrival%2B%252814%2529%2B-%2BCopy%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-siRQqiS905I/VdT8f7RKzMI/AAAAAAAAd1I/KCD7cE35UGU/s400/20150713%2BSteven%2Barrival%2B%252814%2529%2B-%2BCopy%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First family pic after two years - in the Quito Airport</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His arrival
was Stevenesque.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We checked the flight
times before leaving for the airport, but due to a road being closed, had to
cross the city in traffic, and then apparently, the plane was early and empty,
which meant no lines through customs.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thus to make a long story short, we arrived with banner, balloons and
excitement and stood waiting for him to come out of the terminal, </span><i style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">after</i><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> he had already come out.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He watched us as we hurried in to set up and
then snuck up </span><i style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">behind</i><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> our banner and
stood smiling at us until we registered that it was </span><i style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">him</i><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I literally screamed,
thus informing the entire airport that Steven was home.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So true to Steven form, we didn’t surprise
him; he surprised us!</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We returned him home to his bedroom which we hoped helped him feel welcomed and cherished!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lq8VJleLqJk/VdT8lzLqIVI/AAAAAAAAd1Q/jnGQcvPs8-Y/s1600/IMG_1727.JPGv%2Bupright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lq8VJleLqJk/VdT8lzLqIVI/AAAAAAAAd1Q/jnGQcvPs8-Y/s640/IMG_1727.JPGv%2Bupright.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven's door gives him a big welcome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNb-TTQj1Io/VdT8LZQkZ3I/AAAAAAAAd0o/8BMt-RS2L4c/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNb-TTQj1Io/VdT8LZQkZ3I/AAAAAAAAd0o/8BMt-RS2L4c/s320/IMG_1729.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea cuts out letters of Congratulation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkgXJ2HrTig/VdT8LWqeBXI/AAAAAAAAd00/IPYIsunfO28/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkgXJ2HrTig/VdT8LWqeBXI/AAAAAAAAd00/IPYIsunfO28/s320/IMG_1730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three of us write what we missed and love about Steven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwT3EUBIz0M/VdT8LbO5aiI/AAAAAAAAd0w/aybp3RmMnZY/s1600/IMG_1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwT3EUBIz0M/VdT8LbO5aiI/AAAAAAAAd0w/aybp3RmMnZY/s320/IMG_1731.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven's bulletin board await him with love and welcome notes from family and friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oHX3rFOpAk/VdT8L1XZIvI/AAAAAAAAd04/ITMhBd_MVhE/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oHX3rFOpAk/VdT8L1XZIvI/AAAAAAAAd04/ITMhBd_MVhE/s320/IMG_1732.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven's notebook of letters to and from him during his two years in Childe Santiago Norte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The following day, we took a couple days off with Steven to get
reacquainted and went to a few of our favorite spots.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We laughed more in those days than we’ve
laughed in two years.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Steven’s humor had only gotten better and his stories had us entertained.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We were thinking that he should go into some
form of Stand-up Comedian work.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While
with him, we went to our favorite fishing spot, a great jungle resort, and then
to the Butterfly farm, zip lining, and to the chocolate factory where we ended
our adventure with the most decadent chocolate brownie that exists in the
world…I’m convinced!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiPz3hLBihk/VdUKNoW5K6I/AAAAAAAAd70/OXwBzbxBqxg/s1600/201507%2BSteven%2B%252831%2529%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiPz3hLBihk/VdUKNoW5K6I/AAAAAAAAd70/OXwBzbxBqxg/s640/201507%2BSteven%2B%252831%2529%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elders Herrerra and Kerby with Pres, Hermana and Steven Richardson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfckkyvFWjc/VdT81gNxgdI/AAAAAAAAd14/2zr3D4x6eM8/s1600/20150716%2Bmindo%2Btrip%2B%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfckkyvFWjc/VdT81gNxgdI/AAAAAAAAd14/2zr3D4x6eM8/s400/20150716%2Bmindo%2Btrip%2B%252810%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We watch chocolate made from the cacao plant and meet a recently returned missionary, "Elder Montana" from Guayaquil.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-2O012bFdk/VdT8yNGY3TI/AAAAAAAAd1w/IfH6nORbKzQ/s1600/20150716%2Bmindo%2Btrip%2B%252849%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-2O012bFdk/VdT8yNGY3TI/AAAAAAAAd1w/IfH6nORbKzQ/s640/20150716%2Bmindo%2Btrip%2B%252849%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We get ready to do the zip line across the cloud forest in Mindo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMvwDmxOZ10/VdT8vx7SHgI/AAAAAAAAd1k/BrT9a3fLJSY/s1600/20150716%2Bmindo%2Btrip%2B%252848%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMvwDmxOZ10/VdT8vx7SHgI/AAAAAAAAd1k/BrT9a3fLJSY/s640/20150716%2Bmindo%2Btrip%2B%252848%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We decide to smile like Steven!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGIJ_CkJKd4/VdT8vutbTnI/AAAAAAAAd1o/gAyq5CE6MBs/s1600/20150716%2Bmindo%2Btrip%2B%252820%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGIJ_CkJKd4/VdT8vutbTnI/AAAAAAAAd1o/gAyq5CE6MBs/s400/20150716%2Bmindo%2Btrip%2B%252820%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We take a pic near our miniature golfing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">He and Andrea returned to SLC on August 1</span><sup style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">st</sup><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">, gave his homecoming talk on August 9</span><sup style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">th</sup><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> in the Alta View Ward, and was able to meet several families of our missionaries who came to hear both him and Andrea speak.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl_FiR1T1l8/VdUJ8uHfg3I/AAAAAAAAd7o/RWKc-8witkc/s1600/201507%2BSteven%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl_FiR1T1l8/VdUJ8uHfg3I/AAAAAAAAd7o/RWKc-8witkc/s320/201507%2BSteven%2Bedited.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying "Goodbye" to Steven and Andrea in the Quito Airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;">I received a
note at 3:59 a.m., her time, asking me to read her talk.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;">It seems that they were writing their talks </span><i style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;">all </i><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;">night, so hopefully, they didn’t
fall asleep mid-sentence!</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;">We received some
positive feedback from families of our missionaries who attended, which was
nice since I was sitting by the phone waiting for news.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;">That really was a hard event to miss!</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;">The good news is that Andrea recorded both
talks so we will be able to hear them.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;">Without having been there, we assume that Steven was funny, true to
form, but we're sure he was able to bear a strong testimony as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AG0n_d-HXU/VdT9jmGko7I/AAAAAAAAd2U/PFWLXptSvaQ/s1600/11229819_1439310543066112_5814477918456776356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AG0n_d-HXU/VdT9jmGko7I/AAAAAAAAd2U/PFWLXptSvaQ/s320/11229819_1439310543066112_5814477918456776356_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Steven and Andrea both speak in the Alta View Ward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSqcVGx8yvE/VdT9jmzJhsI/AAAAAAAAd2E/Uia1duxjYzs/s1600/11855864_1439304516400048_1253925801004397707_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSqcVGx8yvE/VdT9jmzJhsI/AAAAAAAAd2E/Uia1duxjYzs/s400/11855864_1439304516400048_1253925801004397707_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Keyes, Call, and Colfacks come to the Homecoming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lOfIbM0rwig/VdT9jXsm1gI/AAAAAAAAd2A/K4lPzMKec9E/s1600/11227045_1049093465101798_5547937977687024461_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lOfIbM0rwig/VdT9jXsm1gI/AAAAAAAAd2A/K4lPzMKec9E/s400/11227045_1049093465101798_5547937977687024461_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lunts and Sattrees also show support</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-33266034847958177442015-06-12T13:43:00.000-07:002015-08-19T15:17:36.703-07:00Hospital visit for Andrea<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Andrea has
definitely been my focus this past week because she came down with a
serious stomach infection which, after serious fluid loss (I’ll spare the
details), was showing dangerous signs of dehydration, including losing feeling
in her arms. I rushed her to the local
hospital and they immediately put her on an IV and pain killers. After several hours, we were able to go home
and she is appreciating good health much more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1xBoIPqAOk/VYR-EDSf7YI/AAAAAAAAaYI/BiTSeqxo4Bw/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1xBoIPqAOk/VYR-EDSf7YI/AAAAAAAAaYI/BiTSeqxo4Bw/s640/IMG_1113.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She
squealed when they put the IV in her arm, but was relieved when the pain
killers took effect. We're so grateful for good medical care, both for our
missionaries as well as for our family.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-45808566050513932662015-05-24T18:10:00.000-07:002015-05-31T18:20:21.891-07:00President Richardson's birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qgKeO7ggUU/VWuxnD2AcUI/AAAAAAAAZx0/8Ux55O2-xdk/s1600/11055730_10153069105908110_5203941087244728699_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qgKeO7ggUU/VWuxnD2AcUI/AAAAAAAAZx0/8Ux55O2-xdk/s400/11055730_10153069105908110_5203941087244728699_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Happy birthday Brian! Through the ups and downs, bumps and bruises, years with both tears and joys, I pause to reflect on 30 years with you and acknowledge that other than our Savior, you are my greatest inspiration, strength, comfort, refuge, light, and my very best friend in the universe. I must have done something very right to deserve the privilege of sharing my life with you. I am who I am today because of your love, encouragement, example, diligence, dedication, wisdom , constancy, faithfulness and goodness. May this final year in the mission be filled with memories to last an eternity. I love you. <i>Sue</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBLOpmAwPjs/VWumKIx2FdI/AAAAAAAAZlE/2M98nbrYj68/s1600/IMG_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBLOpmAwPjs/VWumKIx2FdI/AAAAAAAAZlE/2M98nbrYj68/s640/IMG_0913.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like bowling 100+ for your b-day celebration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKNgAPUdgtQ/VWumJKlr40I/AAAAAAAAZk8/jFM-W_a7E2Q/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKNgAPUdgtQ/VWumJKlr40I/AAAAAAAAZk8/jFM-W_a7E2Q/s320/IMG_0912.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.I didn't do quite so well, but I'll blame it on the skirt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW1W2F3VKYg/VWumHrlOgvI/AAAAAAAAZkk/2QbiFmCO7Rs/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW1W2F3VKYg/VWumHrlOgvI/AAAAAAAAZkk/2QbiFmCO7Rs/s320/IMG_0911.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elders Santana and Kerby bowled strike after strike!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUm8VP-VnFE/VWumC4tUNHI/AAAAAAAAZkA/ZoES_18YoJc/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUm8VP-VnFE/VWumC4tUNHI/AAAAAAAAZkA/ZoES_18YoJc/s320/IMG_0910.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Folsom took his bowling seriously!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBp5bHz1c94/VWumDLCHmwI/AAAAAAAAZkE/3nCqdKkbEag/s1600/IMG_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBp5bHz1c94/VWumDLCHmwI/AAAAAAAAZkE/3nCqdKkbEag/s320/IMG_0909.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea takes her turn!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03EFmoyhBy8/VWumDqXMLnI/AAAAAAAAZkU/LJjxnUwlbTc/s1600/IMG_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03EFmoyhBy8/VWumDqXMLnI/AAAAAAAAZkU/LJjxnUwlbTc/s320/IMG_0908.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elders Caballero, Folsom, Mogollon, Herrera, Kerby and Santana</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have a special birthday lunch of Chicken Broccoli with the assistants. </span></div>
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Our family has the tradition of making the b-day person's favorite meal. During dessert, each person shares what they appreciate about the b-day person. The elders shared that they appreciated President's love and patience, as well as his constant diligence. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOTmwpo3xGA/VWumZNcKA_I/AAAAAAAAZmU/ZU6Ywsxz5Iw/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOTmwpo3xGA/VWumZNcKA_I/AAAAAAAAZmU/ZU6Ywsxz5Iw/s320/IMG_0919.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elders Kerby, Herrera and Santana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P33zTEsIHM4/VWumfyg8L5I/AAAAAAAAZm0/Zx4VHwycAcQ/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P33zTEsIHM4/VWumfyg8L5I/AAAAAAAAZm0/Zx4VHwycAcQ/s320/IMG_0921.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea creates some amazing napkin masterpieces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T86lmgPl_So/VWumldBgf0I/AAAAAAAAZnk/PeeCHHAIYpQ/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T86lmgPl_So/VWumldBgf0I/AAAAAAAAZnk/PeeCHHAIYpQ/s320/IMG_0922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zV1w6UohndU/VWumrggSjmI/AAAAAAAAZoE/E7U283fnC8c/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zV1w6UohndU/VWumrggSjmI/AAAAAAAAZoE/E7U283fnC8c/s320/IMG_0924.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert were individual cheesecake cups from Cassolette.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovR2mGNse3w/VWumvZ0Tj0I/AAAAAAAAZoo/6bSvkZDT24s/s1600/IMG_0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovR2mGNse3w/VWumvZ0Tj0I/AAAAAAAAZoo/6bSvkZDT24s/s320/IMG_0925.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRsNTrqGjWs/VWumw-mQpAI/AAAAAAAAZow/sz_t9LJ0H4w/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRsNTrqGjWs/VWumw-mQpAI/AAAAAAAAZow/sz_t9LJ0H4w/s320/IMG_0926.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could it be another tie from Joseph Banks?? Yes!<br /></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-53370939598846152242015-05-10T15:05:00.000-07:002015-05-31T18:21:02.343-07:00Mother to many on Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mother's
Day was wonderful, the highlight being our call from Steven. He is doing great
and, believe it or not, will be coming home mid-July after having had wonderful
opportunities and developing beautifully in his service and leadership.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nu3XhCEmTtE/VWuCqO3E6YI/AAAAAAAAZbY/IQQgMF9QcoQ/s1600/20150510%2Bmother%2527s%2Bday%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nu3XhCEmTtE/VWuCqO3E6YI/AAAAAAAAZbY/IQQgMF9QcoQ/s640/20150510%2Bmother%2527s%2Bday%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We celebrate Mother's Day at Crepes and Waffles, our favorite Quito restaurant</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1KaiDc_cfE/VWuCqcwIDMI/AAAAAAAAZbc/44LmXo_DP2o/s1600/20150510%2Bmother%2527s%2Bday%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1KaiDc_cfE/VWuCqcwIDMI/AAAAAAAAZbc/44LmXo_DP2o/s400/20150510%2Bmother%2527s%2Bday%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea and I get a mom/daughter pic. I LOVE being a mom - especially to her!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX5tB-fUrAw/VWuCwA2zDlI/AAAAAAAAZbs/bEZF5SHuego/s1600/20150510%2Bmother%2527s%2Bday%2B%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX5tB-fUrAw/VWuCwA2zDlI/AAAAAAAAZbs/bEZF5SHuego/s320/20150510%2Bmother%2527s%2Bday%2B%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was fun to listen to the primary children sing a special Mother's Day song in Relief Society. They are such beautiful children.</div>
</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLzqel4Fvno/VWuCxd86qGI/AAAAAAAAZcI/GbF7qCN1e_8/s1600/20150510%2Bmother%2527s%2Bday%2B%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLzqel4Fvno/VWuCxd86qGI/AAAAAAAAZcI/GbF7qCN1e_8/s320/20150510%2Bmother%2527s%2Bday%2B%25288%2529.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
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I have blood shot eyes as I contemplate my many blessings, including a delicious meal prepared by Brian and Andrea. They gave me my favorite Crepes and Waffles ice cream for dessert!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOh6b_J7ktA/VWuEt8h14dI/AAAAAAAAZcg/Rgd2L5xDNKI/s1600/201505%2B%25282%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOh6b_J7ktA/VWuEt8h14dI/AAAAAAAAZcg/Rgd2L5xDNKI/s400/201505%2B%25282%2529.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture and sound quality wasn't too great, but it was clear from our conversation that Steven has really grown and matured. We're so proud of him!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We loved talking to Steven who is on his mission in Chile Santiago Norte, and I nearly melted as he shared his love for me and gratitude that we adopted him. He expressed sincere regret for any heartache he caused and said that he always wanted to stay close to us. He expressed so much love and gratitude that I was a weeping mess by the time we said goodbye.</div>
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We also spoke with Matt and Brittany and learned that they are doing great in sales.</div>
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I received many sweet calls and messages from our missionaries. I love that they see me as a Mom to them. That is a gift. Prior to the mission, I never understood my patriarchal blessing's line, "I will be a <i>mother</i> who will be looked to for leadership...in the organizations of the Church." Now I do. The following are a few of those special notes.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(233, 234, 237); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;"> Hna Palau<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 3pt;">
<span style="color: #373e4d; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;">Gracias madre saludes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 3pt;">
<span style="color: #373e4d; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;">A pte los amo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #373e4d; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;">FELIZ DIA HNA RICHARDSON <br />
GRACIAS POR TODA SU AYUDA Y PACIENCIA</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(219, 237, 254); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #373e4d; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(233, 234, 237); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC; mso-no-proof: yes;">Elder Macalopu</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #373e4d; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;">Muchas gracias a usted de veras por toda la paciencia que me tuvo y el
amor que me demostró. y yo estoy muy bien ahora estoy sirviendo en la estaca
como secretario de tecnología y espero seguir sirviendo al Señor donde me
necesite<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #E9EAED; line-height: 12.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #9197a3; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;">about an hour ago<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(233, 234, 237); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;"> Elder Meriles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #373e4d; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;">Happy Mother's Day sister
Richardson! Thanks for being a second mom to me out there. You're an amazing
person and you and President really changed my life. Just so you know I'm still
active in the church and the gospel, and striving each day to be a better
disciple. So pretty much, you guys did a good job here..thanks for that have an
amazing day and Saludos to presidente Richardson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #373e4d; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Elder Delgado:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #373e4d; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Hermana feliz día usted es una excelente
madre espero que haya pasado un excelente día con presidente richardson y su
hija , y tbiem con su hijo en la misión , gracias por todo usted es bien
graciosa .cuando vi a presidente y a usted .pude entender mejor la escritura
que el presidente dio en unas de las capacitaciones " la luz se allega a
la luz " el sólo. Verlos y poder ver la luz que tienen me motivo para ser
mejor .feliz día madre ! </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #373e4d; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Su hijo peruano que no es gringo elder delgado !</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #373e4d; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #373e4d; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><b>Hermana Landero:</b> Happy mothers
day hna .you are a great example to all .thanks for being my mom for 18 months
.i admire you,and would like to be like you. Love you.blessings</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #373e4d; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-EC;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 3pt;">
<br /></div>
<h5 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/johana.oropezasotelo?fref=nf"><span style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Johana
Oropeza Sotelo</span></a></h5>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Feiz
Dia Mama<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sue.richardson.54772"><span style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Sue Richardson</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">gracias por el inmenso amor a cada uno
de los misioneros en regla y misioneros retornados , no tengo palabras para
expresar todo lo que siento por ud y la influencia que ha tenido en mi vida .
Gracias por ser como una Madre para todos los que hemos servido en la mejor
Mision del mundo Mision Ecuador Quito Norte .... La amo y que hoy pueda ser muy
especial para ud<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h5 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ardiamond2?fref=nf"><span style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Amilcar Antonio Ramos</span></a><span style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></h5>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-EC; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Feliz
dia de las Madres, gracias por todo lo que hizo por cada uno de los misioneros
incluyendome, es una gran modelo a seguir gracias por siempre ayudarnos a
alcanzar nuestro potencial y hacernos ver cual es nuestro valor.<br />
Sin ninguna duda Sera recompensada por ser una madre ejemplar!<br />
le amo mucho y gracias por todo!</span></div>
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I went to sleep that night feeling enveloped in love by Brian, my children, and many more dear "hijos."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-53539355262403408552014-01-12T13:59:00.000-08:002015-08-19T15:18:01.939-07:00Matt gets engaged to Brittany Smith on New Years Eve in Quito<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -9pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">We couldn’t have asked for a bigger bang than we had on New Year’s Eve…literally. Because it’s a possibility that Brian won’t be able to come home for a wedding, Matt decided to propose to Brittany Smith in Ecuador so that we could be a part of it. We assured him that he could pull off something epic in Ecuador especially knowing of Matt’s creativity and determination. Brittany was clueless of the pending proposal so when Matt asked her out onto the balcony right before Midnight on New Year’s Eve, she had no idea that we were busily preparing an extravaganza inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">He shared with her 100 promises he would keep as her husband while we positioned a six member Mariachi band, gathered eight dozen long stemmed roses into three beautiful bouquets, and taped a congratulations banner on the wall.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Since she was looking into the horizon, she didn’t suspect the activity on the other side of the sliding door, nor of the camera filming the entire event.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Right at Midnight, when fireworks began exploding (like glittering bombs) into the Quito sky, he dropped to one knee and pulled out an exquisite ring.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">They both began to cry and as soon as they hugged each other, we slid the glass door open to a rousing Mariachi serenade with trumpets, guitars, singers, large hats, costumes, etc.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">It truly was like something you would see in a Disney love story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">To say it was overwhelming is an appropriate description, but then came the three big bouquets from Brian, Annie and then me. It was at that point that I think she saw the nearly life sized congratulations banner on the wall. Yes, you could say it was epic and most definitely a magical way to begin the New Year. We were so grateful to be a part of it and most especially to get to know Brittany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">What we most love about Brittany Smith from Newbury Park, CA is that she truly loves and appreciates Matt for his many wonderful qualities. She makes him feel so good about himself and encourages him to be his best. They are super fun and funny together and had us laughing the entire week we were together. Brittany shared her goals and dreams and they are right in line with Matt’s. We are thrilled with their engagement and excited to see where they go and what they do with their lives together. If their start is any indication, they will be big travelers and their marriage will be exciting!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">They will be married in the San Diego Temple on April 11<sup>th</sup>, have a reception in Thousand Oaks that evening, and then another reception in Sandy on Saturday, April 19<sup>th</sup>. Brian is going to talk to authorities this week to plead permission to at least attend the wedding…so our fingers are crossed. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-84486454771796918732014-01-05T19:37:00.001-08:002014-01-06T10:59:55.327-08:00Annies 14th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Annie's 14th SURPRISE birthday party that REALLY was a SURPRISE!!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YiYF1FYgDSA/UqeKlruYnyI/AAAAAAAAFXg/85h8WSyXntM/s1600/photo+2+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YiYF1FYgDSA/UqeKlruYnyI/AAAAAAAAFXg/85h8WSyXntM/s640/photo+2+%25287%2529.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Friday we pulled off a genuine surprise party for Annie. She was sooooo upset when she came home from school because all of the girls were going to see a movie and they didn’t invite her. What she didn’t know is that I told them to tell her they were doing something so that she couldn’t create her own party…Anyway, she was sad, discouraged, lonely, angry, etc. and I was at the computer, acting oblivious, but actually smiling that she didn’t know what was going to be happening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Finally later that night, she said, she wanted to leave the apartment, which happened to be just at the time when all of her 11 friends were gathered downstairs in the party room. I texted them to stand outside the elevator door to surprise her when it opened. Truly, it couldn’t have been more perfect. The elevator door opened and they screamed, "SURPRISE!!!!" She looked like she would faint. Then they pulled her into a massive group hug. I don’t think I have seen her that happy and surprised in a long time! It was fabulous. They brought their swim suits and went in the Jacuzzi and sauna, ate and listened to music, etc. It ended up being great!</span><br />
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Annie's birthday surprises!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">That night I waited outside of our apartment while one Dad drove around for two hours trying to find our building. Thus, when he finally came, I really did collapse at 1:00 a.m. knowing that we had to prepare for a two hour leadership training later that afternoon. Brian and his 1st counselor, Bilo </span><span style="font-size: small;">Montoya, were responsible for priesthood leadership training and Bilo's wife, Alexandra and I were responsible for training the women (prim., YW and RS). We were running on adrenalin for sure, and had miracles of guidance and inspiration because everything came together beautifully.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We drove to Ibarra, four hours from Quito, to the District which has a record, I think, for being a district. It just isn’t growing. The previous District President got offended and went inactive before we came. A true miracle is that Brian organized a meeting between him and those who offended him and they all gathered together to work out their issues. As a result, he was at the District Conference which was fabulous!</span><br />
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Annie wasn't too happy to spend her 14th birthday at a hotel babysitting the Montoya's daughter, but we attempted to help her feel better with a banana split later that evening!</div>
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We celebrate both Annie and Hermana Alexandra Montoya's birthdays on November 23rd</div>
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Some of the beautiful scenery we see on our travels back and forth to the District Conference<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-37272478110940413182014-01-05T19:36:00.001-08:002014-01-05T19:36:43.667-08:00Family pics...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The view from the entrance of our hotel room at Club del Sol</div>
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After a VERY long drive, we are happy to sit and have something to eat, especially because it's Pescado cocado...mmmmmmmmmmm. Delish! </div>
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The Pina colada is not much more expensive than the bottled water!</div>
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Annie eats her favorite pepper steak</div>
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The view from the restaurant.</div>
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While President speaks at the two afternoon and evening sessions, I stay with Annie and we actually go swimming in the ocean. It was delightful, and a fun Mom/Daughter activity!</div>
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Notice the cow in the back of the truck!</div>
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I love how they use even the unfinished upper floorsto hang clothes out to dry.</div>
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The mangoes are delicious and most plentiful!</div>
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These are the common modes of transportation in the coast!</div>
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Everything is cocada at the coast!</div>
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Choose what part of the pig you'd like to eat!</div>
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Notice how this guy sits on his motorcycle on the back of the truck!</div>
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This mango tree was heavily laden with abundant fruit!</div>
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This taxi had a scripture from John written on the back window</div>
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Look closely and see many people sitting in the back of the truck with several trees</div>
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When it's hot, no problem, you just pull up your shirt and let it all hang out!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-2468423320092646412013-11-29T10:14:00.000-08:002014-01-06T10:35:37.174-08:00Thanksgiving 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving 2013</span></b></div>
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The Senior missionaries spent Thanksgiving together with the Ghents and since we didn't think Annie would want to do that, we decided to have our own Thanksgiving with the Office Elders and had a great time!</div>
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We truly felt we had so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, especially being in the mission field with such fabulous and dear missionaries who we loved so much. We missed Steven who was working hard in Chile and Matt who was having too much fun on a European trip to Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland...need I say more!!</div>
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The office elders try out the new bells, which we purchased to use during our Christmas program.</div>
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The office elders help us set up our Christmas tree and take some pictures, which we would use for our mission Christmas card.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-67006497092369217582013-09-28T10:34:00.000-07:002014-01-06T10:35:04.993-08:00Feliz Cumpleanos a Hermana Richardson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Feliz Cumpleanos a "mua!" </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">I was royally spoiled on my birthday. Brian took us to our favorite spot, Crepes and Waffles, with the office elders. It truly was a treat. Our office elders are like sons so it was like being with family. We really missed having Matt and Steven with us physically, but they were definitely with us in our thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What made my day extra special were the 17 baptisms in two different zones, which we were able to attend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Elders Romney, Cedeno, Saez, and Quiroa with their new converts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hermanas Quishpe and Muir</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">To my surprise and delight, in both zones, the missionaries had planned a special birthday recognition for me. In the first zone, after the 14 baptisms, the missionaries said they had a special number and for everyone to stay seated. The 20+missionaries then went up and sang in English “Happy Birthday.” It almost brought tears to my eyes. They gave me a birthday cake with my name on it and all wanted to take their pictures with us. Truly, it touched me to the core.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elders Meriles, Granda, Quinaya, Araque, Damian, Walker, Chavez, Dearden, Rodriguez, Cantera, y Morton</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hermanas Harlos, Garcia, Ortiz, Muir, Quishpe, Palau, Chim, Cayama, y Elder Meriles</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIXoOqk7r7M/UsrzJbv8oOI/AAAAAAAAIK8/cWjznWfmmns/s1600/photo+3+%25283%2529+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIXoOqk7r7M/UsrzJbv8oOI/AAAAAAAAIK8/cWjznWfmmns/s1600/photo+3+%25283%2529+-+Copy.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hermanas Palau and Ortiz</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">We had to hurry from that baptism to get to the next baptismal service. Again, at the end of a very sweet meeting, the missionaries in that zone asked for everyone to remain seated and again sang “Feliz Cumpleanos” to me and to our dear Hermana Bastidas, who shares my birthday. They gave us each a shirt with all of the names of the Quito Zone, and our logo. I, again, was moved to tears. I don’t know how they knew it was my birthday, but I can’t begin to say how much love I felt from them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr5mj6A9RcA/Usry9-i3IHI/AAAAAAAAIKA/KmiJ0lGTcrU/s1600/photo+1+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr5mj6A9RcA/Usry9-i3IHI/AAAAAAAAIKA/KmiJ0lGTcrU/s1600/photo+1+%252811%2529.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Quito Zone makes cut out letters to recognize hermana Bastidas and me...so sweet!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Hermana Bastidas, Norton and I hold up our new shirts!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>September 28th birthday girls! Hermana Bastidas and I</b></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163558995715089783.post-56262221491708632172013-07-30T10:58:00.000-07:002014-01-06T10:58:30.750-08:00Steven becomes Elder Richardson<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Adios Elder Richardson</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a sad night on Tuesday, July 30th when we had our goodbye dinner with Steven. But we were blessed to be joined by Elders Rodriguez, Dearden, Morton and Cantera, the office elders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Elders Cantera, Morton (Steven) Dearden and Rodriguez</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ml9jk093xE/Usr6Pb2JWyI/AAAAAAAAIRI/16qFUPrJf6U/s1600/Steven's+Last+Night+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ml9jk093xE/Usr6Pb2JWyI/AAAAAAAAIRI/16qFUPrJf6U/s1600/Steven's+Last+Night+001.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They each take a minute to share something they appreciated about Steven. They had some very kind things to say. They mentioned that Steven was very approachable, genuine, fun, knew when to be serious and when to be funny, and that he would be everyone's favorite companion.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_IHH-DrW8A/Usr6fiDcilI/AAAAAAAAIRY/ua6rQUJ7hek/s1600/Steven's+Last+Night+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_IHH-DrW8A/Usr6fiDcilI/AAAAAAAAIRY/ua6rQUJ7hek/s1600/Steven's+Last+Night+011.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sk6IJF6Cizw/Usr6h2UN0EI/AAAAAAAAIRg/dnRz6Ec9DlQ/s1600/Steven's+Last+Night+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sk6IJF6Cizw/Usr6h2UN0EI/AAAAAAAAIRg/dnRz6Ec9DlQ/s1600/Steven's+Last+Night+006.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We celebrated his 19th birthday (August 16th) early and he opened several gifts, and we shared our thoughts and feelings for Steven.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqTHyh8u9kY/Usr6tbd9EkI/AAAAAAAAIRo/-9uWM3Z7WPM/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqTHyh8u9kY/Usr6tbd9EkI/AAAAAAAAIRo/-9uWM3Z7WPM/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We take advantage of the moment for one last family picture before our early morning departure the next day.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaPK65CmJCM/Usr64DITzpI/AAAAAAAAIRw/9q_yAopLIx4/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaPK65CmJCM/Usr64DITzpI/AAAAAAAAIRw/9q_yAopLIx4/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brian was given permission to set Steven apart so it was extra special to have not only his Dad set him apart as a missionary, but to have the office elders assist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">We didn't get much sleep because we went to bed at 1:30 a.m. and needed to leave for the Quito, Ecuador Airport at 3:30 a.m.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><b>Two years seems like such a long time!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qokzi5Ja1xo/Usr7PNNZdBI/AAAAAAAAISM/BSmPdTZjyao/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qokzi5Ja1xo/Usr7PNNZdBI/AAAAAAAAISM/BSmPdTZjyao/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><b>Red eyes in the morning</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a tearful goodbye, but we knew where Steven was headed and that he was prepared to be a wonderful missionary.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoKMCuZ_lNE/Usr8G1ykM_I/AAAAAAAAISc/cSsE61hYR_I/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoKMCuZ_lNE/Usr8G1ykM_I/AAAAAAAAISc/cSsE61hYR_I/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><b>This is a big step for Elder Richardson, but he has no hestiation!</b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And Steven's off to the Chilean MTC in Santiago, Chile on Wednesday, July 31st.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203088291375103976noreply@blogger.com0