Coro

Last night I taught my first "lesson" in Spanish. It went... well, it went great! I was asked to start a choir in the San Miguel ward. Imagine how happy and shocked I was when literally half the ward showed up on Wednesday to sing. They sounded amazing and taught me a lot! 

First, they taught me about kindness. If showing up is half the battle, friendliness is the other half. These people really know how to do both. They were smiling and encouraging me for the full 20 minutes, even though I didn't have much to say that made any sense. Then they thanked me profusely for helping them. But of course we both know they helped me more. 

Second, I learned about sincerity. You always know when someone in being sincere. It is in their eyes. And even if you don't  speak the same language, you know if the person talking to you is being sincere. Turns out, I love sincerity. 

Third, patience. I quickly realized that no one in the room could read the music. They had never heard of soprano, alto, tenor, or base, but they wanted to sing! They wanted to know the new songs in the new hymnbook! And they asked me to help. So, after a little trial and error, we sang, together. In reality, to me they sounded like angels. Some learned the notes quicker than others, but all of them sang, loud and proud. They will be ready for Sunday.

I'm very grateful for the Saints in Mexico. They are so loving, so diligent, so patient, so saint-like. I will forever cherish the last month we have spent here. Truly a gift.