May 19, 2014

Today I heard a lot of sad news.  The same sad news, but over and over.  It's super hard to read it all, but I was prepared.  Being distant from family is especially hard when someone in the family dies.  Hearing about the funeral of my cousin was definitely something devastating.  When I found out, I sobbed, hoping it was a dream, wanting to go be at home to comfort those I love.  But...I found a couple of scriptures that helped remember my purpose here and fortify me.  First was in Luke 9:59-60 :  59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. .  Usually, upon reading it, I think how hard-hearted it sounds.  But reading it in these circumstances gave me a new energy to press on despite the tragedy.  It's true. There is nothing I can do here...but I have a purpose here in Guatemala and that is to share the joy of the gospel with others.   Another is found in the Book of Mormon Mosiag 16:8  8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.  purpose  It's so true...  we really can feel more at peace because Christ overcame death. He resurrected and we all will too.  So, we will all be able to see our families again.  It still hurts to think about it, but at least I know how to find a peace in it all due to the gospel.  I hope my family is doing well. I keep sending prayers for everyone at home.  

As to how I am doing in my new area.  GREAT!  I am once again training. I have my fourth 'daughter', Hna Vallecillo.  She's from Honduras and is really great.  Has a bit of a thick accent and I have a hard time understanding her at times, but she's PILAS!  (motivated) Our area is beautiful!! I seriously love it!  We're up on a mountain and have to drive in a mini bus through trees and twisting roads to get to it!  The members are animated to help and they are SO nice!!   I feel like I died and went to missionary heaven. I hope I finish my mission here.

The only other funny thing I'm going to add is that a drunk called us racist because we wouldn't teach drunks.  Haha, we were laughing a bit about that.  That's not quite the definition of racist.  Oh well. :D

Ok, I have to get going. Love you guys! 

Have a great week and keep smiling. There's always sunlight behind the rain clouds.

-Hna Schultz