September 30, 2013

 

 

Hello Hello,family and friends!

I have had lots of questions about how we're doing here in Guatemala. Rest assured that,in my area, we have had nothing outrageously out of the ordinary. One day the rains came very suddenly, but that was about it. We get lightning storms every now and then and when it's really strong, the lights go out in todo Laguna Seca. But that's normal, so I hear. That happened yesterday. We had a very very strong lightning storm-you could feel the thunder in your whole body. The lights zapped and out not just in our house, but the entire village. I actually really enjoyed it because as no one had power, the evening was very peaceful and tranquil and the stars actually came out for us to marvel. Loved it! My companera may have been a little less enthusiastic about the obscurity.

This week we hiked up to an area called Los Pinos. It's about 30 to 45 minutes of walking distance and there's one family we go visit. Just as we arrived at their house (up in the mountain) the rain POURED down. They don't have a way to receive water up there, as in no running water,so all their water comes from the rain. A system of piping directs water to a large water barrel. Before we left, it was overflowing with water. I love hiking up there. We ended up visiting with some more people and we're going to try visiting again this week.

One of our investigators, Braian,has a date set for his baptism and is really excited about it. He's always looking up church stuff and loves to read and search the scriptures and talks to people about the gospel. What is this madness?? It makes me so happy to see the effect the gospel has had on someone else (and to have helped in it). 

We had a change in leadership in the branch. Our beloved Presidente Salazar no longer is President and that duty now falls to Hno Juan Campos. This change is something that is designated by the much higher up church leaders by revelation and not by popular election or a desire to "retire" from the position. It was a sudden and sad change. Ex PResident Salazar lives in another city,so we won't see him any more in the ward. He and his family promised to keep in touch however and will be visiting Laguna Seca frequently. Change is part of how we progress....even though it's sad at times.

 

We went without lights for two nights due to an electrical short in our house (besides the electrical storm). I actually liked reading by candle light. Kind of soothing.

Another thing I have learned and love...is that I feel like I can understand the scriptures so much better! I have learned a lot and one of my new favorite chapters, is Jacob 5, in the Book of Mormon. Previously, I had absolutely no love for this lengthy chapter about a vineyard....now that I understand it... is blown and I love it! There is so much we can learn in the scriuptures and I know it will be different the next time I read it. 

I don't have pictures for this week because the comnputer won't recognize my camera. Next week I'll have lots to share.Well, that's all I have time for! I love you all and hope you take care!

 

Sincerely,

Hermana Schultz