Mexico Mission Visit

 A week ago Chris called to ask if we wanted to visit his mission with him. Of course!

Dan started making arrangements and we considered dates, then asked Chris if he wanted to go with just us or if we could include Nick too. He paused then replied, 

"My mission wasn't really touristy and not a great place for families to travel." 

We knew that -- we were just excited to meet the people he loved and see his areas.

But he continued, "I was thinking it would just be me and dad because we're two men who both speak Spanish. We'll be inconspicuous." Oh, got it. His areas weren't safe for families.

So he and Dan made a quick three-day trip visiting 

Nogales, Pesqueira, Hermosillo, Guymas and San Carlos.

Dan reported Chris was beloved by his wards, the families he taught and the other missionaries, 

as well as his President and his wife. Of course he was.

Dan said his reception was every bit a happy reunion as when we were with Marty in Japan.

I'll cherish those memories of the joy from the members and friends when they saw Marty again.

I'm so glad Dan got to see that on behalf of Chris too!

The Moreno family in Nogales feeds the missionaries every week because the dad was fed on his mission and they want to return the favor. When the Elders come, they do the chopping. 

The Moreno Family. Sister Moreno made a cake especially for Chris' visit.

Pesqueira:

The Agapito family in Pesqueira were Christopher's landlords and lived next door.

Brother Agapito was the branch president for 20 years!

The Pesqueira church was getting expanded!

But the outdoor font where Chris had a night baptism is gone.

Hermosillo:

Chris got this couple married and baptized one of their sons.

They had very little, but always insisted on feeding the missionaries.

They fed Dan and Chris again, letting them sit in their two chairs while the rest of the family stood and continued bringing them more and more food.

Guaymas:

Beautiful sunsets in San Carlos (a short drive from Guymas).

A tourist town on the ocean, the missionaries didn't go there to proselyte,

but Chris did get special permission to go a few times to work with a family.

Back in Hermosillo, the AP had kept Chris' visit a surprise for the President and his wife.

He's being released next week, so Chris made it just in time.

The President had a huge smile the whole time talked to them and loved telling Dan

that Chris was such a GREAT missionary!

Dan got to tell them how much we appreciated his love and care for Christopher.

Their love was so apparent.

Last, but not least, Sonoran Dogos before heading home.