Missionary Visit and Indexing (Sunday)

Sunday, January 20

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Sabbath activities were restful and inspiring.  Breakfast (8:00 a.m.) was followed by Church meetings (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), lunch (12:15 p.m.), personal devotional time (1:00-4:00 p.m.), a missionary activity (4:00-6:00 p.m.), dinner, Family History Indexing (7:00-8:30 p.m.), and an AHS meeting (8:30-9:30 p.m.).

Taylor, Sam, Jacob, Nathan, Hector, and Victor before they turn 18 and are eligible to serve missions! 

Claudia, Cristina, Camila, McKenzie, and Cierra pause for a photo on their way to breakfast before church.
Don't they look like they are going to be great sister missionaries!

Church provided a spiritual feast. Two on-campus wards hosted students in the seminary building and library. Student and ward members partook of the Sacrament. Well prepared talks and lessons for youth addressed topics such as prayer, purification of desires and actions, setting goals (e.g. suggested goals discussed in detail included: be happy, receive personal revelation, improve employment, express spousal and familiar love, attending the temple, being orderly in homes and minds), and the Holy Ghost's ability to help us teach. Translation efforts from CEBA students helped AHS students understand and participate in the meetings.  Victor commented on how he enjoyed the morning church meetings. "I was translating all the things that people were speaking, and that is something I have wanted to do," he said.

Intelligence, Power, Light & Truth describe the characteristics and aspirations of CEBA and AHS students.

"Centro Escolar Benemerito de las Americas Vision: To form men and women with a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, that achieve excellence in the aspects: spiritual, intellectual, social and physical; prepared to serve as missionaries, be married in the temple, continue with advanced studies, be self-sufficient, exercise a leadership of effective service in the Church and their community, living the teachings of the prophets.

Reflective questions  and role play scenarios provided AHS and CEBA students opportunities to pair-up and share.

The evening indexing activity was spiritual, too. Melanie and Brittani Bills said the batch they downloaded was partially complete. When they had just about finished the batch, they were excited to find an extra person! "We found  Albert!" Brittani exclaimed!  

Daughter and mother Brittani and Melanie Bills enjoyed indexing together.
When they discovered an un-indexed individual on a partially completed record,
Brittani  joyfully exclaimed, "We found Albert!"

Cheylynn, Alma, and Kathy

Ayalte, Mextli, Karen, and Kaela

Davin busy at work indexing.

Lela, Juan Cristobal, and Efrain

Spencer said, "Although we only indexed for a short time [a little over one hour], we were still able to work together and love each other even more."

An evening meeting included group reflection about the service and learning we are experiencing. Many students said they have been inspired by the warmth, happiness, and cultural diversity they are experiencing. 

At the conclusion of the day, Bob Sorensen, a parent chaperone and AHS Board Chair-elect, commented "One could not have scripted a more perfect day. From the beginning to the end, it was inspirational." He said he wished every parent could see how great their children are. "If parents could be a bird observing their children today, they would be so impressed."

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