Come listen to a prophets' voice

We were so very blessed to have Elder Ballard come to address us in Guatemala. Those that were close to the capital came by bus and those outside the capital area had the meeting transmitted via closed circuit.

Elder Ballard spoke about putting forth the effort to study and prepare to better teach the gospel. "You have to work hard to become (a) master Gospel teacher. It doesn't just happen. You must never lose sight as to how precious God's children are." The focus was on Finding, Teaching and Baptizing. "You've been sent out to baptize!"

President Torres conducted the meeting where we had a choir of 20 missionaries sing a musical number, a medley of "I'll go where you want me to go, Called to serve, and Armies of Helaman." sung in English, Spanish and Ke'chi.

The missionaries left visibly thrilled to have been in the presence of an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. (see right for slide show)

Christmas in Guatemala

I love the light displays of Guatemala City. They remind me of the type that used to be popular in the States when I was a girl. They also have nativities all over the place, in commercial stores, public squares, parks, just every where...even gas stations. They also have little stands in the parks that sell mangers, pine needles, fruit, fireworks, lights, decorations, anything you can think of to set up your very own nativity.

The pine needles are sold so you can place them on the floor. When your Christmas guest arrive, they step on the needles that give off a wonderful aroma of pine. This is especially wonderful if you have a dirt floor. We tired this at the mission home and many told me that they would try this when they got home. It was a Christmas to remember.

Thanks to our many "Elves"

Our missionary "sub for Santa" was a complete success! Not one missionary went without a gift! For some, it was their very 1st Christmas gift ever. Thank you for all the candy, scriptures, socks, pens, decorations, and other wonderful items that told the missionaries "they are not forgotten," but are loved and cherished. President and I went around the mission twice, once as planned and another time the day of the 25th to deliver some packages that arrived after the initial trip. It was so wonderful to see the wide smiles on the missionaries' faces when they got their packages. We hope your Christmas was just as wonderful as the one we all experienced here in this blessed land.

5 Days till Christmas

With Only 5 days till Christmas, we received 5 new missionaries. They were Elder Travis Taylor, Elder Justin Allen, Elder Davy Joya, Elder Gerald Saenz, and Elder Oscar Centeno. This will be an unforgettable Christmas we are sure!

Brother and Sister McBride

We lost our great missionaries who were "our anchor" in Peten. They watched over the missionaries, did house inspections, taught them how to clean a toilet, baked brownies, consoled those who were disheartened, got referrals, taught piano lessons, visited the sick and the lonely, guided the leadership, and we do not know how we will ever get along without them! Thank you Brother and Sister McBride for spending your "golden years" helping us try to "shine a little' brighter by your love and example. What a wonderful legacy you have left.

I'll be home for Christmas

Two missionaries would truly be able to sing this song since they completed their missions just in time to share this Christmas with their families. One was our wonderful Assistant, Elder Kemish Castro as well as Elder Tzunux our Zone Leader from Senahu. Li Qaawa'Chi-osob'tesiinq aawe

District Conference in Senahu

The semi annual District Conference highlighted the Senahu choir which has received so much acclaim of late that they have been invited to present a program this year in Coban. The truly amazing aspect about this is that in the past, this choir has always had pianist and directors who were full time missionaries. They now have local musicians as well as a director of the choir who is the daughter of the District President, Federico Caal. Seeing their Independence and the strides they are reaching is truly marvelous. Ch'ina Us!