Letters from Guatemala

8/12/2013

This week was interesting because Hermana Sanchez was sick for pretty much all of it. We would leave the house, but after a few hours she would feel sick again and we would end up returning early. So, in many ways, it felt as though we didn't accomplish anything, but that's not really true. I'll hit the highlights of the week, so this might be kind of short today.

One, I touched a monkey. It sat in my lap too. I was sooo uncomfortable! Can you tell in the photos? The poor thing was so bloated in the stomach after 18 years of greasy, non natural food. The owner had no issue with this, though.

Two, we had an emergency house cleaning because we had an inspection the following day. We heard about it in our Zone Meeting with other missionaries on Wednesday and then we raced home and started to clean....for FOUR HOURS! I thought it was a bit excessive...there's really only so much we can do to redeem our humble little house from its rather lowly condition. But, on the plus side, we received two candy bars from the older couple missionaries that inspected our house. One for having a clean house, the other for living here. As the Hermano said 'It's the closest to the Amazon he's seen yet'. But really, we're quite accustomed to it. I actually like my little house and living in Laguna Seca.

The rains have begun though. The serious downfalls. Looking forward to some furture days of nonstop rain. Sigh.

Some miracles in the area. One, we started to visit a young woman who we found out was baptized some years ago. She hasn't gone to church in a long time and we invited her to the Noche Mormona on saturday and promised to pass by to pick her up. But Hermana Sanchez felt sick again so we didn't pass by and completely forgot about it. Until, near the end of Noche Mormona a patojo tugged on my arm and told me a woman was looking for me. What? It was her! Leticia Tecun. She had come all on her own! I know it seems small, but really, it's a huge blessing!

Also, we have another Leticia who desperately wants to be baptized, but due to an issue with her spouse, we didn't think she could be. However...we called Presidente the other day and explained her situation. SHE CAN BE BAPTIZED! Literally, her greatest desire right now is to be baptized and we are both SO happy that we can help her do so and while we're both still here to see her through!

With her baptism, we are going to meet branch goal for the year. Although there hasn't been any baptisms in 4 years before now, the branch had a goal for 6 baptisms. It seemed so lofty. But...we're actually going to meet it! Holy Smokes, what a miracle.

Also, one of our converts, is already preparing for a mission! Elias has a strong desire to serve and is going to start working on his mission papers! He has a year before he could actually leave, but that's still incredible! We're so excited.

The Lord truly loves this area- I'm convinced of it more and more every day. And He also loves Hna Sanchez and I. We can feel it. What a wonderful life!

Love you all! That's the quick and short of my life this week! Hope you are all doing well!

Love

Hermana Schultz

The few, the proud, District Cuilapa

Pictures!

We thought we were going to be climbing this to find some cascades.

This ended up being our path. I loved it! It was great. It was a nice hike. Precarious and lots of boulderhopping. LOVED it! Love doing that kind of hiking!