Cinco de Mayo and Such

Feliz cinco de mayo, as we used to say in Mexico. This Mexican holiday on May 5^th every year celebrates the Mexicans victory over superior French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is a day of great pride and national heritage for the Mexicans. So how do we celebrate this fun holiday in Halifax, Nova Scotia where we have only seen a couple of Mexicans?

The answer is Zone Leaders Council. About every 6 weeks the 12 zone leaders from around the mission come to the Mission Office for a day of instruction. Of course, they have to be fed and Elder and Sister Foley are the feeders. It comes with the territory of being an office couple. We were told that we could order in pizzas or sandwiches to keep things simple. But not the Foleys! We like to do things right. Sister Foley decided to prepare a Mexican meal for this austere group of elders and expose their palates to food south of the border. Let’s broaden their culinary experiences away from Canadian cuisine. Viva Mexico! Viva Benito Juarez!

The Foleys, assistants and zone leaders

She made the main course honey lime chicken enchiladas with black beans and chips with home made salsa and cookie bars for dessert. Sister Foley takes pride in being authentic, so we had to locate a Mexican grocery to get the right ingredients. A Mexican brother that we home teach recommended a place in Halifax, so we went there and bought some green enchilada sauce for the event. It was worth it. Everything was delicioso. The serving table was very festive. We set it up in the reception area of the office. Sister Foley spoke some Spanish to the missionaries which undoubtedly impressed them. Our elders finished off three pans of enchiladas in good style and probably wished that there was a fourth. The only rule we gave them was NO LICKING THE PANS. That wouldn’t be dignified for ministers of the gospel.

One hungry elder

Is this a working lunch?

Now for another interesting event. Dartmouth is often called the City of the Lakes. We are fortunate, since we live about two blocks away from Lake Banook which is home to several sprint canoe-kayak clubs. It is very exciting to watch the kayakers out on the lake even in inclement weather.

Kayakers getting ready for the trials

Colorful kayaks lined up for action

On Saturday we had a special treat. The Canadian sprint canoe-kayak national team trials were held at Lake Banook. This venue often hosts world-class championships and trials. This event was originally scheduled for Montreal but because of low-water levels there it was moved to Dartmouth.

More bright colored kayaks

It was so fun to watch the participants get ready and then carry their boats to the water and start off. They all looked so very in shape and athletic.

Makes you want to participate

There was quite a crowd gathered on the lawn with chairs set up and their coolers next to them with their treats. We weren’t able to stay and watch the races but would love to on another occasion. It looked very exciting.