This experience showed us how one can be happy with little of the world's toys, and that through dedication a woman can make home a little heaven for her husband and family. She can also be attractive and use her talents to decorate her home and even to be a source of additional income, if necessary.
Sis. Nieves Saldívar is a dedicated temple worker. She has been coming from Juan Pablo, a development on the west side of Mérida twice a week for almost 5 years to work during the first evening session, then she gathers the garbage and goes home about 8 o'clock. She has told us that her husband works at a beer dispensing place from 10 AM to 10 PM, so she wants to be home when he comes to fix his supper and spend time with him.
Early in March, she didn't come, and eventually called the temple to report that her husband had been taken to the hospital and that he was very ill. We hoped to hear from her, but had no further word, so went to church in Mulsay Ward where we meet her daughter and received directions to the Saldívar home. After church on Sunday, March 21, the Smiths guided us there since they had gone out once before to visit her when Sis. Smith needed someone to clean their apartment.
We were happy to find that Angel Jesus, her husband, was at home and they welcomed us. Their home was very neat and clean. Sis. Saldívar's handwork adorned shelves and a picture of the Mérida Temple was prominently displayed. Her husband hasn't gone to church for years, but she is determined to do what she feels is right.
He came out to visit with us and said he felt weak, but he was able to converse and had a good sense of humor. They showed us the diet he will have to follow, the scales to measure the quantity of food he is to eat, and discussed the regimen he will need to abide by so that his liver doesn't stop functioning again.



Sister Saldivar and Chucho showed us around their patio where she has her flowers that we have heard so much about
, a banana tree, an avocado tree, her washing area, and a storage area.
In times past she has had chickens also. A neighboring yard has an amazing papaya treee growing from seeds that were thrown over the wall.

We were intrigued by her cooking area, for she has told us that she prefers cooking outside over an open fire to cooking in her kitchen. She showed us how she arranges a big log, a smaller stick and the leaves and trash that accumulate. Her pots and pans were hung on the wall nearby ready for use.
Brother Smith had brought consecrated oil, so he and Gerhard anointed Bro. Saldívar and blessed him to be strengthened and for his body to heal. They also gave Sis. Saldívar a blessing that she would be able to take care of his needs and be comforted in this trial.
She told us that she had told him early in the morning, "Someone from the temple will come to visit us today," even though we had not been in contact with her.
We said goodbye, appreciative of the opportunity to have been instruments in the Lord's hands, and grateful for the friends we have made in Mérida.