Time is passing quickly!

We are doing well here in Santa Cruz.  We are getting to know everyone and they are getting to know us too.  Mike is doing very well with his spanish and I am as they say..."poco a poco".  Learning a little by little.
We have 2 new missionaries here working with us and they are great!  So we now have 4 in our area and 2 in the south of us.  It is fun for us to meet them on these busy city streets talking with people.  They brighten our day.
We fill our day with visiting members and leaving a message, working with the youth, helping with english classes, helping the missionaries with their lessons, studying our spanish, getting to know the city and people and many other things.
  We do love working with the JAS  (young single adults).  They are fun and they think WE are funny because of our spanish or lack of!  We are finding ways to get everyone together and enjoy each others company in doing meaningful things together.  We hope we are helping them become good leaders.

                                       Elder Mills and Elder Rodriguez!

                                              The African Market!

                              El Parque de Sanabria.  Very beautiful tropical park. 

 Elder Hilton....first day on the job!  Mopped the kitchen without a complaint!

                                The Branch president of Los Christianos!

The new elders in town...elder Lopez and elder Hilton!

The people here are wonderful in that whatever they do or talk about......they are excited about it!
We have tried out the great bus system here and the tranvia (train).  We love walking the city to see all the old buildings and tiny streets.  Watch out for the dog pooh though.  Everyone has a dog and some areas it is not a requirement to clean up.  Yikes.  We have been to the African market two times.  There are many fresh meats, spices and vegetables from all over.  Mike found his favorite brazilian drink called guarana. 
My specialty now is baking brownies or banana bread.  We wrap them up individually and give a little treat.  American baked goods are a favorite.  You can't beat the bread here though.  The panitos are the best!
Some sad news was that the couple that we replaced here were in a very bad accident back in their state of Idaho and Sister Andrews was killed and Brother Andrews was injured.  We were very sorry to hear this, and the people here were crushed.  The Andrews were well loved and did many, many good things during and after their 2 years here.  They had only been home 3 months but had continued with the wonderful relationships they had formed here.   Sister Andrews will really be missed and our thoughts go out to Brother Andrews.
Our testimonies have been strengthened by the wonderful members and missionaries here.  We realize our many blessings and feel grateful everyday for our families, our health and our faith.
Love always.