Our arrival in Albuquerque has been nothing short of a miracle. The drive on Saturday, November 13, down I-25 from Denver, was safe, beautiful, sunny, warm, fun. We passed over the state line between Colorado and New Mexico up on Raton Pass with a cheer. We've been through the town of Raton, New Mexico, many times on trips to Dallas and Austin, TX, to see family. So navigating south from Raton toward Albuquerque was new and gave us a sense of adventure! We passed through Las Vegas, NM (they call themselves the "original Las Vegas"), Santa Fe, then on to Albuquerque. Sun and blue skies greeted us. Not only that, but a wonderful missionary couple greeted us at our apartment front door to let us in, give us a key, and help haul our goods inside. Three young sister missionaries also greeted us to help. Quite a welcoming crowd!
Albuquerque looking east over the city toward the Sandia Mountains. There is a 4,000+ foot vertical rise from the eastern side of Albuquerque to Sandia Peak, a good hike! This photo was snapped near our apartment complex.
Our apartment is very nice. Interestingly, there are no doors between the bedrooms, kitchen and living room. It's designed this way, the builders didn't just leave the doors off. Fortunately, there are doors to the bathrooms!
Our bedroom is behind the shorty wall behind us. No doors.
We've spent the last week in training for our work here in New Mexico. The Church manager for Welfare and Self-Reliance Services for our region came on Monday, Nov. 15, and spent the whole week teaching us. We also had training from two Church Employment Services managers. They all bombarded us with what we're supposed to do and how to do it. Ever been blasted by a fire hose? The stream knocks you down, blows you around and soaks you. If you have the right mind-set, it's a ton of fun! That's how this week has been, just a blast!, so to speak.
We have responsibility for Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, including Employment Services, for seven Church geographical units. These units encompass a region ranging from north of Santa Fe to south of Socorro, NM. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints each unit is called a "stake" representing the stake of a tent. Just like a stake anchors a tent, keeps it from blowing away and keeps it safe, a "stake" in our Church keeps the people anchored in Jesus Christ, keeps us safe and anchored in His Gospel. Our stakes, as a geographical unit, can be compared to a diocese in the Catholic Church. Each of our stakes is led by a stake president. He is assisted by a host of individuals to carry out the work of God in their stake. Our job is to train those stake leaders who, in turn, train the people who reside in their stake on the principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance. This isn't just for members of our Church. It's for ALL people.
In our next blog we'll explain a little about how the principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance bless the lives of everyone in a community. Everyone has needs, no matter their situation or station in life. Everyone can be blessed by these principles.
Stay tuned!
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