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