Visiting General Authority

We had our first visiting General Authority.   Elder Rafael E Pino and his sweet wife, Patricia.  We didn't quite know what to expect, but we just loved every moment of it.  

Born 1955; Valencia, Venezuela- Baptized as a teenager; Aaronic Priesthood as a youth, Melchizedek Priesthood as a you ng adult. Missionary to the Venezuela Maracaibo Mission Married Patricia Dassler, 1981, Washington D.C. Temple; three children Bishop; Stake President; Area Seventy for the South America North Area President of the Argentina Rosario Mission First Quorum of the Seventy, 2008-present We picked both him and his wife up at the DFW Airport, and it didn't take long until we were fast friends.  We learned that they have only been in the US for two months, giving President Ames the opportunity to practice his Spanish! And though still learning, their English was amazing.  We then brought them back to the Mission Home where they met and visited with Jessica and Jacob.   With it being rainy and cold, we treated them to a light supper of homemade potato soup and rolls. The next morning we met with half of the mission/missionaries where Elder Pino gave an inspiring, uplifting and powerful training!  We then took him back to the Mission Home where Sister Passey, who is an amazing cook, had a nice meal waiting for us that included creme brulee (it now being Jacob's new favorite dessert)  I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that "for best results, use a small, hand-held torch to melt the sugar". Yum! The next morning before meeting with the other half of the mission/missionaries, Elder Pino led the Leadership Council.  This being where the leaders of the mission meet to discuss the needs, goals and vision of the Texas Fort Worth Mission.  Elder Pino was very impressed with our missionaries and we were proud to show them off....gotta love their welcome sign to the other missionaries  After Elder Pino met with the second half of the mission/missionaries, giving an equally amazing training and teaching, we ended with a beautiful lunch by my Visiting Teachers This is where Elder Pino went over with us what he has felt and has observed of the mission...how it is doing, what needs to be improved, etc. and we are happy to report that the feedback was all positive.  Elder Pino even told the missionaries that President Ames was the best mission president he has ever met and that they could not go wrong if they heeded his counsel and instructions.  Needless to say, President Ames was relieved, and was able to take a much needed nap.  And just for the record, I would have to agree with Elder Pino....he is pretty amazing.