General women’s leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently returned home from a 10-day trip to South America.
Linda K. Burton, general president of the Relief Society, and Neill F. Marriott, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, spent time visiting with community leaders and Church members in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.
In Uruguay, Burton and Marriott spent some time sharing some Gospel doctrine during a visit with the first lady-elect of Uruguay, Mrs. Maria Auxiliadora Delgado de Vazquez. During their meeting at Vazquez’s home, the three discussed family values, humanitarian aid work, and ways to further help children and families. Vazquez is known for her support in helping children and the elderly receive dental work.
As the duo continued to Argentina, they were asked by the mayor of Cordoba, Dr. Ramόn Mestre, to speak with prominent female community leaders. Burton and Marriott decided to speak with them about the purpose of Relief Society, the different standards the Church has for the youth, and about the work they do as women leaders in the Church. Burton invited the women to the Cordoba Argentina Temple open house in April and told LDS.org,
It was a joy to meet and thank these good women for the service they give.
Throughout their visits of the four countries, the two presidency members also held trainings for Latter-day Saints and took the opportunity to become more aware of the needs of the South American members.
Burton explained that the trip increased her own faith in the gospel, saying that “visiting the faithful Saints in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile was a joy and has increased my own faith and devotion.”
