Latter-day Pioneers

I have been reading a book every evening called The History of the Latter-day Saints in Uruguay , Stories of the Pioneers (Historia de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias en Uruguay, Relatos de pioneros.)  Of course it is in Spanish, which is good practice for me.  It has pictures of Jerry's mission president and some of the chapels.  It relates events such as Presidents David O. McKay and Gordon B. Hinkley visiting the mission and meeting with the president of the country. 

It also tells the story of how the church got started in different cities in the country.  When we went to Salto, we met Nélida Sosa.  She is 92 years old now, and was one of the first people baptized in Salto.  She was in Sacrament Meeting the week we were there.   As she bore her testimony, she told of the joy the gospel has brought into her life through the years.  What an amazing sister and a wonderful example of enduring to the end.  After the meeting, she thanked us for coming and serving.  We thanked her for all the work she has done in Salto.  Think of the service she has done over the years.  She has bright, beautiful eyes and a light in her countenance.  She has such a positive attitude.  She reminded me of my mom.  What a privilege it was to meet her! 

Here is a picture of her with us in the chapel.

Today, we met a sister who has been a member for 40 years.  That is very rare for Uruguay.   She talked to us after Sacrament Meeting.  She has been faithful all these years.  She lives in the Montevideo North Stake, Conciliation Ward.   (That's a funny name for a ward.)

Last week, we met a stalwart sister who told us that her whole family is in the ward.  Her son is the bishop, her son-in-law and daughter are there, and her grandchildren.  She pointed to all sorts of people who were getting ready to leave after the meeting was over.  Children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews....all were active members of the ward.  What a heritage!  Here is her picture.  Isn't she cute?  She is really short, less than 5 feet, I think.

 

These sisters have seen many changes over the years.  The gospel has been an anchor in their lives.  They have been faithful through many trials  and found joy through the gospel.  What a legacy they have made for their families and for the church.  They are an inspiration to us.  We are blessed to have been able to meet them.