"VIVA MEXICO"

I thought I'd end the year by posting some pictures that seem to say "Viva Mexico".  I don't want to forget these sights and thought others might find it interesting too!

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Before a baptism service, this group gathered to make chocolate covered marshmallows as a treat for everyone at the baptism.  Mexicans love marshmallows: they come in every color and shape!

 This is the La Perla Stake Relief Society Homemaking  Display Day.  Each ward set up a table with all the foods and crafts they had learned to make during the past year.  They focused on economical foods made with soy and crafts they made from items they would normally discard - - they made everything possible from soda bottles you can imagine.  They had set a price of $80 pesos ($4.00) or less for heir craft items.  After we all walked around and looked at each display, they called on me, impromptu, to give the closing prayer and blessing on the food. (Good thing I was listening!)  Then everyone ate and visited.  It was great!  Food is always a big part of every church event, truly!  And it is usually very tasty!

 Missionaries don't need to do this, but many do cover their agendas with pictures from the Liahona so the can use it as a quick teaching tool in the street.

Mexicans always have access to delicious produce, fresh, every day.  You see many trucks like this one, usually loaded very heavy, going down the freeways and city streets every morning.  This produce makes it to street markets and local eateries every day.  The produce here is so yummy!

This is the Paraiso Stake Young Women in Excellence Program.  Every ward set up a display of all the things they had made during the year - including food, of course!  We wandered around and tallked to the girls, while all the time classical music was playing in the background.  The Young Women's program is so positive and inspired.  All the YW were so friendly and anxious to share their talents.

I believe every family must have at least one pinata at Christmas time.  In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we saw trucks and bikes piled high with every kind of pinata.  

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This photo does not do it justice.  This pinata, hanging from a tree in a 

neighborhood street was huge!

Yes, those are all pinatas, probably going to a street market!

This recipe would make your Grandma (and my Grandma Bessie) proud.  One ward we attended during December had a special "invite your friend" to Sacrament Meeting.  At the conclusion of the meeting, they served food so everyone could visit.  This ward made "Ensalada de Trigo", which is basically cooked wheat kernels in a sweet creamy sauce.  It was very good!

Mexican babies are adorable.  Their big brown eyes shine!  The little girl on the left had a crocheted hat that looked like pig tails and curly bangs.  Children are treasured here.

Speaking of food...and cooking together.  When the Valenzuelas toured our mission and stayed in our home for several days...we invited the neighboring mission president's wife, Hermana Mecham over to cook!  Hermana Valenzuela taught us how to make a traditional flan.  I am sure that worldwide, cooking together in the kitchen is a bonding experience!

"VIVA MEXICO"