Mann's In Mexico

Today I am writing about the importance of food - la comida - in Mexico.  Let me tell you - it is very, very important! First, food, prepared food, ready to eat food,  is available everywhere:  a person can set up an umbrella and a table or cart, with a propane fueled hot plate anywhere and sell hot food - virtually anywhere - without any license or permit.   Thus, hot tasty food is available everywhere there are people that might pass by.  Prepared food from street vendors is much less expensive to buy. At various corners in our neighborhood there is a little food vendor at all times of the day.  In the morning there is one on the corner selling hot breakfast tamales.  She always has a line when we drive by.  By my grocery store there is a very popular vendor with freshly prepared, hot tacos with salsa everyday.  I am not exaggerating when I tell you in the 7 minute walk from my house to the grocery store, I will pass 5 people selling hot food or snacks in a little cart as well

  One time every six weeks President Mann interviews each of the missionaries.  While he is in the interview, I get to chat with his companion - and it is one of my favorite parts about the mission.  Getting to know each of these remarkable young missionaries is a very enjoyable. Today, let me tell you about Elder Mercado, from Durango, Mexico.  He is a great elder and his family's conversion story is unique so I thought I might share it with you. Elder Mercado's father converted to the church at age 15.  He later met and married his wife, who was Catholic.  They had a very loving marriage.   Elder Mercado's Dad was always a faithful member of the church.  His Mom, didn't have interest in the church, but was always watched and noted how faithfully his Dad studied his Book of Mormon every day.  Occasionally she had dreams about the church. Elder Mercado was the second in his family to be baptized, at age 8.  He has one sister, who is 5 years younger than he is.