January 20, 2014

So...I don't really know what to say about this week...

MORE PICTURES THOUGH..............!

We've had lessons and some really spiritual experiences. Some of the simplest examples of the Spirit helping us is when I suddenly say something during an investigator that just rings true with the Spirit. The people become quiet and listen and seem to have a 'OH! That makes sense' expression. It's amazing. There was a couple yesterday who we are teaching who recognize that Satan is trying to make it impossible for them to draw closer to God through listening to us. I pointed out that it's true. Satan DOESN'T want them to listen to us. He's going to throw every obstacle possible in their path because he doesn't want them to know the truth. The spouse had an awed expression and as we were leaving he told me with a big smile that he liked my response.

Many of our investigators are sick so they can't go to church. But we have some plans to help them out.

It's always a learning experience here. Love every minute of getting to help people. Seriously. I love helping people with the gospel. I think my favorite solution is to tell people to go read the scriptures. It works!

Ok, I have to get going. I love you all!

Hna Schultz

                                                     A Park Called Seralush!

Eating in the warmest part of the house. :D

January 13, 2014

It's happened again! I've had my third child in the mission. Her name is Hermana Leon and she is from Honduras. She's very quiet and the first time we went contacting on the street I could barely hear her...much less those with whom we were talking. They generally had a little bit of a blank expression and I couldn't help thinking of movie characters who look like they're talking but it's like a wisp of wind and nada mas. She's great though. Very calm and with a great testimony. She's a convert of about 7 years.

We've been able to see a lot of 'at the right place at the right time' this week. It's always so inspiring to see how the Lord really does put us where we need to be, even if it's when an original plan falls through. Some of those experiences have been arriving at the time perfect to offer a prayer for someone when they needed it, or find someone who was incredibly receptive who normally isn't home at this hour. So perfectly timed.

We had yet another person accept the invitation to be baptized. But, truth be told, I thought she didn't understand me correctly when she accepted. So I asked again. Still said yes. So badly wanted to ask again, because I couldn't believe it, but she was sincere. Wow! That makes 5 people right now who are preparing to be baptized. What a blessing to be here right now!

Oh and another family, a woman with cancer, her husband and their special needs son are supposedly 'convinced'....holy smokes, pinch me, I think I'm dreaming. The Lord is listening to our prayers and answering them!

Oh and some fun, exciting news. One of the Apostles is going to be down here to talk to us missionaries! Elder Cook will be here later this week!! So excited! My commpanion and I have already decided that we're going to arrive EARLY to get a front row seat.

I love love love love love the mission. SOOOO hard. SOOO much stress. SOOO much work. But every little trial sera la pena. (Will be worth it)

Ok, that's it for today. I love you all and hope you are all doing well. Thanks for the cards and emails!

Love,

Hermana Schultz

Cultural note: They trim the grass with a machete....no joke

Pictures!!!!!

January 6, 2014

 

 

I have been thinking a lot this week on how we often can0t see our results although we work and work and work. We have been working and praying really hard and this week we have seen and had some amazing experiences. We suddenly have people who are accepting baptism and are keeping their commitments and going to church. It is amazing! And a little bit surprising at times. The approaching possibility of moving out of this area also had me thinking about this theme. I wanted to see people baptized, but if I at least could help them prepare a little, it would be sufficient. I was thinking about the desires of prophets in antiquity. In Alma 13:25, Alma talks about his desire to see Christ born and in Luke 10.23-24, Christ tells his disciples that many prophets before them have desired to see what they see. At times we don't see the results of our labors, but we leave with the promise of them coming to pass. We can have a confidence in them passing because...it's the Lord's work...and His promises.

As I said, we had some great experiences this week. Felt the Spirit a lot in our lessons, invited someone new to baptism and he accepted! He and other of our investigators actually kept their promise and came to church!! I cannot describe how happy I was to see them enter the chapel!

I was also, able to see us being an answer to prayers. As people pray, we at the same time are being led to where we need to go to be an answer to those prayers. For this, it is important to listen to that little voice that tells you to 'go here', 'talk to this person'. You never know how you might bless someone.

 

Tomorrow we have transfers and my companion will be leaving. We're sad, but you can usually tell when you're going to leave...and we were both expecting this. With her leaving, and other members of my district leaving for other parts of Guatemala it makes me a little sad to remember that perhaps I might not get to see them again. I love my district and the missionaries that I have come to know. I do love the mission. I know I'll be so sad to leave. Thankfully I have nine months left.

 

I'll end with my funny story. There's an old man of 70 years old who we've been teaching a little. He often talks about us as 'beautiful', guapas, etc... One day a member was talking to him and when he started talking about us in that manner, she told him to be careful. 'The canchita has a boyfriend who's a captain in the marine's and he's very protective.' Hahaha! Good to know the members are looking out for us in their own ways.

Ok, have to go! Love you all. Take care!

 Love,

Hna Schultz



December 30, 2013

 

This week was Christmas! What a wonderful time of year! We had the blessing to spend Christmas with a wonderful family. We helped them wrap Christmas presents and mole (it's a chocolate, spicy sweet sauce with plantanons) to give to church members and their families. We went and sang to them and then gave the gifts to the kids. It was so great and nice to relax and just follow along. We were able to stay out later and this made it possible for us to have an excellent dinner with this family and watch the ridiculous 'display' of fireworks...more like a war zone. Everyone in Guatemala was doing fireworks-the kind that burst into the air. I was running around with my camera taking all kinds of photos and videos. So great!

This week has been kind of rough with lessons, because people are out of town, have family, or sleeping during the times we tried to seek for them. But, we had some really awesome lessons this week. The Spirit was really strong and we're making progress. Listening to the Spirit has put us in the right places at the right times. That has been really awesome too.

It was really great to talk to my family this week and just laugh with them. I feel like I really didn't talk much about the mission, but just talked with them...it was so great. I love my family.

 

My companion got sick this week. I guiltily enjoyed reading from scriptures and Jesus the Christ while she slept. I seriously love having more time to read the scriptures. How is it that one hour every day is not sufficient?! Learning so much, mind seems to be blown constantly with new information and my scriptures are looking more and more colorful every day. <3

I love the mission. I love being here through the difficult and the easy. It's a rollercoaster at times, and the time passes quickly, but they are lasting memories, lasting friends, and eternal effects. So. Blessed.

Take care everyone. I love you all!

 

Love,

Hna Schultz

 

December 23, 2013

 

This week has been wonderful. We have worked really hard and obtained many blessings. We've had the opportunity to do lots of service too. We have delivered things to a family in need, we have gone caroling and seen the joy that it brings. I have celebrated 9 months in the mission (WHAT?!) We have met new families who need the gospel, we have been building our faith. I have marveled at times how our coming in contact with people can pour blesses on their lives. One family with whom we have started teaching has received so many blesses and support from people...all because we stopped for directions and she accepted to hear a short message. I love this family so so sooo much.

We have two people preparing for baptism. They have accepted a date, but for health at times cannot make it to church. We have faith too that someone is going to be baptized this Saturday. What a wonderful thing is faith! 

One of the best gifts a missionary can receive is when someone helps become friends with our investigators. There is nothing more disheartening than to see people we care about and are teaching sit in the church with absolutely no one talking to them. Then, someone goes and sits next to them and talks to them...we feel such a relief and joy. Someone will help take care of them. The thing is...we have the amazing opportunity to know so many people and they are all so wonderful! I love them so much! It breaks my heart that others do not take the opportunity to know them. What they are missing! The worst is that I know I won't always be here to support and love them personally. We all NEED support. Those to whom these things are new...need support too. So, this holiday season, I exhort all of you to know someone new. Whether it's in the church or outside, seek for someone who is in need of a helping hand, who needs someone to talk to. No one wants to feel alone. Help brighten someone's world. This is the best gift a missionary can have.

 This is a rather short message, but I feel it's sufficient. It has been a wonderful week. We have felt incredible exhausted from all we've been doing, but it fills one with satisfaction and an assurity that we are doing all we can. Love being here. Love the Mission and love the Gospel! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! I love you all. Take care!

Love, Hermana Schultz

December 16, 2013

 

It has been a very eventful week! (I think I say that a lot, but that's because life here certainly is not boring.) This week I have a little less to say on lessons and investigators and more on some experiences we've had. It seems the buses this week have been a great source of entertainment this week. First, I am not a huge fan of clowns...they're over exaggerated makeup makes me nervous...and one of these clowns boarded the bus and started off on a monologue. He introduced his companion and everyone in the bus turned to look at the clown at the back of the bus. They then begin a comedy routine that had all of us laughing. It is such a great joy to hear laughter in these buses. Maybe they do need more clowns on the bus. Second experience on the bus this week happened yesterday. We boarded (or tried to) an overly packed bus. These buses are literally like your typical school bus, but it was PACKED, the seats, the aisles, and the stairs. There literally wasn't space. So, I was the last of our little party to board and there wasn't room for me. I secured myself in the doorway just as the bus began to take off. I wasn't panicked at all and rather enjoyed it because it reminded me a little bit of sailing again. Only difference is that ships don't come to a lurching stop as suddenly or often. ,) We stopped at a bus stop where the Elders saw me hanging on. Haha, they couldn't believe it. 'Ay, no, Hermana!' Haha, you have to hear the phrase to appreciate it wholly.  

Another funny experience this week also happened yesterday. We had a lesson with a man who talks...ALOT and we were short on time. We finished really quickly but then he offered us soda. We all chugged it so fast. Do you know how hard it is to chug freshly opened soda? As he chattered away, we were tearing up from chugging the soda. Haha, we had to fight back laughter. Speaking of laughter, my companion and I have contagious laughs. When she starts laughing about something, I'll start laughing then neither of us can stop. Very amusing...to us anyway.

We had our choir performance this Saturday outside in front of a little park. It was so great! People started to gather as we warmed up and got set. We did a little contacting first and it was fun to see all the Santa hats (missionaries) wandering about the crowd. We sang really well and I conducted a couple of pieces. It only started raining on us for the last 10 minutes or so. It has been great to spend so much time with our Zone and get to know the Elders and Hermanas really well. Love it.

The last thing I will talk about is the blessing of this season. This season I am reading from Jesus the Christ which examines all the experiences of the life of Christ and I'm also reading more from the Bible. It is AMAZING to consider all that He did for us and truly what the importance is of his life. When we celebrate the birth of the Son of God, really, we are celebrating the fact that He came into the world to do all these things for us. To be an example, to live a perfect life and make possible for us to improve and become better people and return to live with our Heavenly Father in all glory. As I learn more and share these things more with people, I realize more and more how amazing the gospel is and the importance to share these things. When we have a clear understanding of all that Christ did and the plan that God has for us, we can overcome everything...because this world, this life is not for us to fail, but to succeed and be happy. I know that Christ really has restored His church; that the power and authority with which he worked miracles is once again on the earth and is available for every worthy man to exercise to bless the lives of others. I know that God has put in the hands of young people with imperfect knowledge to demonstrate the power of God in HIS WORK. He helps guide us in our moments of trouble, in our moments of uncertainty, and rejoices when we follow His direction and become instruments in his hands. I know that the church is true. I know that we are never left on our own unless we personally distance ourselves from the Lord, because God and Christ love us SO so much. I know that these things are true, otherwise I would not be here in Guatemala. I love this opportunity to serve the Lord and so grateful for every tribulation as well as moments of joy.

I love you all and look forward to sharing more of my experiences next time. Happy Holidays!

 Love,

Hna Schultz

December 9, 2013

 

Yesterday was the Christmas Devotional of the Church Presidency. I/We were able to go watch it. I LOVE listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and especially mixed in with messages from the Prophet and apostles. Watching it made me feel a little bit closer to friends and family. Who knows how many of my friends or family were watching this very program or how many of my Utah friends were actually in the Conference Center. It was heartwarming.

On that pleasant not, this last week was a little crazy. Are mornings were used up almost every day in order to go to the Stake Center (about 20-30 minutes travel, including walking and bus). But it was nice to see the missionaries of our zone so frequently. There are 28 missionaries (only 4 of which are Sister Missionaries) Also, we've been practicing for our choir performance this upcoming Saturday. It sounds so great!

 

In addition, Hna Rodriguez and I are practicing a song to perform in our Zone Conference this Wednesday. We sound good! I think my singing has improved since I came it.

This week for lessons has been a little bit of a struggle. We have tried very hard to work with the members and have them help us with visiting investigators but something ALWAYS goes wrong. Oy. We have a new goal to do ALL possible to have members with us. People are excited to help we just have to talk with them.

We did have some noteworthy experiences this week. One day was so very very powerful. The night previous one of our investigators, Amanda, had just experienced the death of her mother. We only passed by to consol her a little bit and passed by the next day to share a small message. During the message, I could feel something indescribable in my chest. A powerful feeling like I was being urged onward, like a swelling in my heart. It was the spirit. I knew that today she would accept a date for baptism. I expressed sincerely my desire to help her have peace and light in her heart through her experiences and heart ache. She felt it too. Everyone in the room could feel it, even her 3 year old wild child grandchild. He is usually running around doing things to seek attention (and receiving it) but at this precise, pivotal moment, he was absolutely silent. It was amazing.

Then, we gave an amazingly powerful lesson to a less active member, Antonio. It was the first time anyone had taught him a lesson in two years since he stopped assisting church! What?!

This week was the Presentation of the Primary here in our ward. They were so cute! It is so amazing to see the children stand up and share their knowledge on the gospel. Simple and short,but honest and true; amazingly powerful. It helped brighten my day. :)

Cultural: This Saturday was the Dia Del Diablo, The 7th of December at 6:00pm. They burn piñatas Del Diablo and make LOTS of noise with fireworks. LOTS of noise. It's symbolic to chase away the devil so they can have a peaceful Christmas. I have no idea which religion invented this, but it was interesting to hear the world exploding outside and pass burning piles of things in the streets.

 Well, that's all I have for this week. I forgot again to write down a list of things so I may be forgetting things. Love you all! Hope everyone is doing well!

 With Love,

Hermana Schultz



November 25, 2013

Hola hola from the country down south!

It has been an interesting week for sure. We've had a LOT of our planned lessons fall through and we have been unable to teach. But, at the same time, we've had a lot of miracles and perfectly timed visits. It's been amazing. First off, we ended up stopping by a member's house on a whim and she was feeling really down, emotionally and spiritually. We were able to help her with an incredibly spiritual, impromptu message. Then also, we found a new family to teach! We knocked on their door but obviously no one was home. Just as we were getting ready to leave a family comes up the stairs and opens that exact door. We had seen this family a few minutes prior in the street but didn't know they were THIS family.

We're also filling our time with searching for something called 'The Lost Sheep' or 'Ovejas Perdidas'. These are people who were baptized about 15 years ago and the church at this time isn't sure where they are. So...we ask neighbors if they live here, but it's interesting because in this area there are two obstacles. The first is that it's mostly factories, so 15 years ago it was actually residential-ish. Not anymore. Also, the directions changed. So 41st avenida is now 13 avenida. UGH!!! But, we've managed to find out that many don't live here.

Also, we found someone who is super excited to get baptized! She told us the first visit that she feels this is the right path. WOW! That was so incredibly amazing!

Some downers have been that we have lost investigators this week. One of our favorites left suddenly because she was having problems with her daughter. We're incredibly sad, but we know that if she really wants to continue in her learning about the gospel, the Lord will make it happen. We have her new address, so we're going to pass it along to the missionaries in her area.

 We had a Stake Conference this week and that was wonderful too. There were so many people that came from different local areas. It's a little mind blowing to see so many Mormons in one place after Laguna Seca and Cuilapa. The messages were given by Apostle Richard G Scott (who speaks Spanish!) and Elder Henry B Eyering. They were great messages and specifically intended for Guatemala only! My favorite part was that Elder Richard G Scott talked about modesty for women, the divine role of women and how the men MUST treat their wives with respect. It is something SO needed for Guatemala to hear.

All and all, it has been a great week. Although we didn't get to teach much, I was very grateful for the blessings and miracles we were able to see this week. I had to cheer my companion up a little on this and help her recognize those miracles in our week. But, we're pressing on and look forward to seeing the Lord's hand more and more in this area. DyC 3:3 (I think) The plans of men can be destroyed, but Lord's plans never can be. Love it! I love the mission and, as odd as it sounds, I love being forced to depend on the Lord for direction and being molded to what He needs me to become.

 :) Ok family and friends. That's about all I have time for today. I hope you all enjoy this larger installment. I know I've stalled a bit with the cultural aspects of life in Guatemala, but I'll try to include more next time. Love you all! Cuidense!

 Love,

Hermana Schultz

November 18, 2013

 

 

 

It was an interesting week. Highlights, because once again I am short on time.

We found many new people to teach this week. Eleven! This is a HUGE number for the time that we have to use. Thankfully several of these are members of families who we are already visiting. We just seem to stumble upon people. After we apologize, they let us share a short message and permit us to keep sharing. So cool!

My favorite new investigator this week is named Karin. She is of rich Mayan descent and practices many things of the culture. I was really excited when we found her for one thing because we had a little miracle in helping her open her locked door. And after we helped, she let us coming in to chat. Another reason I'm excited is that there are SO many correlations between the Mayan culture and history and the Book of Mormon. Why? Because it's about the people here, in the Americas. It's even more amazing when we consider the similarities along with the fact that the Book of Mormon was translated in a time when the people knew very little about the indigenous in the Americas. Spine tingling (in a good way).

We presented a plan for our members in the ward to help us in the work. It was really spiritual and moving. They signed right up to help us.

 I had a little bit of a rough time early this week, but I had an interview with the President of the mission and...wow. I felt so much better. We talked about some issues I had and also some doctrinal stuff. It was amazing the peace that it all brought to me. He told me exactly the things I needed to hear. It was wonderful. I love my mission president!

 That's about all I have time for this week. How on earth does time go so quickly!

I love you all and stay happy!

 Love,

Hna Schultz