Spencer woke up and wondered why I was kicking against the wall and causing the bed to move. Isn't that just like a man to think his wife is the cause? Then he realized the walls were swaying. While he analyzed whether or not he should put some clothes on, or wake me, the 7.1 quake stopped. I slept through it and missed it all! Lots of people here went outside for safety. These pictures are in Izabal which is the next departmento over. Not that far from us. There was a tsunami watch for several hours afterward.
Friday, May 29
Our First Earthquake!
Spencer woke up and wondered why I was kicking against the wall and causing the bed to move. Isn't that just like a man to think his wife is the cause? Then he realized the walls were swaying. While he analyzed whether or not he should put some clothes on, or wake me, the 7.1 quake stopped. I slept through it and missed it all! Lots of people here went outside for safety. These pictures are in Izabal which is the next departmento over. Not that far from us. There was a tsunami watch for several hours afterward.
Tuesday, May 26
Feelings on the Atonement
Feelings on the Atonement May 19, 2009
Today, on BYU-TV, I listened to Scott Anderson talk about his experience as a bishop in helping a young man go through the repentance process. It was very touching. He described the young man’s joy as he held the sacrament bread in his hands, when he was first able to partake of it, after several months without that privilege. After the Sacrament Meeting he went to the Bishop’s Office and knelt in prayer with the Bishop and expressed how much love he felt from the Savior when he partook of the sacrament. Brother Anderson went on to describe those same hands (of the young man) and the feelings he had as he baptized others in the mission field, then the amazing joy of remembering how much the Lord loves him as he held his bride’s hand across the altar in the temple. He wept with the joy of the love he felt from the Savior. But when he later held his baby in his arms, his joy was even greater.
As he spoke, a flood of memories came to me. I remembered the times when I too, have felt the Savior’s love in my life. I remembered the joy of making temple covenants, of kneeling across the temple altar, of holding precious babies in my arms—and precious grandbabies—all of whom have been born in the covenant. All of this is possible because of the Savior’s love and His atoning sacrifice. I have a strong testimony of the atonement of the Savior. Because of His love, we truly can be forgiven as we forsake our sins. That is an amazing process. I am so very grateful. The atonement guarantees our resurrection and the opportunity to be reunited with our Father. Everyone will be reunited with Him—at least long enough for the Day of Judgment. But we won’t be alone as we make an accounting, on that judgment day. The Savior, will be there to act as our Advocate before the Father. But I suspect we will meet with Him (the Savior) first.
Imagine what it will be like to meet, alone with the Savior prior to that final judgment. Sometimes, we look back over our lives and remember the things we have done wrong, and we feel unworthy and unclean. But we know we have repented and truly forsaken those sins—we just haven’t been able to forget. Sometimes, we even doubt the Lord’s word when He said, “I will remember them no more.” If we are to truly believe what the Savior says, then we can imagine our “PPI” with Him. Imagine Him expressing His love for you, and as you think of your sins, you try to explain about what happened, “Yes, but there was that time when….” And He just looks you in the eyes with His love encompassing you and says, “I don’t remember that.” And He moves on to ask you about something else. Each time you feel unworthy and start to explain why, He surrounds you with His love and calmly states, “I don’t remember that.” He, who is perfect, has promised that if we repent [and because of his atonement] He “will remember them (our sins) no more.” Wow. I am in awe of His capacity to love. I am inspired to try harder, to live better, and to become more worthy. There are so many ways I can grow and improve.
I hope my love as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, cousin, friend and in every other role in my life, I can truly pattern my actions after His love. Can I ever get to the point that when I have been hurt or offended “I remember no more?”
I hope as I partake of the sacrament, I can feel the same deep reverence for the emblems that were described earlier. I hope I can remember that these are emblems of His love for me—individually—doing it just for me was enough. But he did it for each one of us individually.
He loves me enough….
Do I love Him enough?
Today, on BYU-TV, I listened to Scott Anderson talk about his experience as a bishop in helping a young man go through the repentance process. It was very touching. He described the young man’s joy as he held the sacrament bread in his hands, when he was first able to partake of it, after several months without that privilege. After the Sacrament Meeting he went to the Bishop’s Office and knelt in prayer with the Bishop and expressed how much love he felt from the Savior when he partook of the sacrament. Brother Anderson went on to describe those same hands (of the young man) and the feelings he had as he baptized others in the mission field, then the amazing joy of remembering how much the Lord loves him as he held his bride’s hand across the altar in the temple. He wept with the joy of the love he felt from the Savior. But when he later held his baby in his arms, his joy was even greater.
As he spoke, a flood of memories came to me. I remembered the times when I too, have felt the Savior’s love in my life. I remembered the joy of making temple covenants, of kneeling across the temple altar, of holding precious babies in my arms—and precious grandbabies—all of whom have been born in the covenant. All of this is possible because of the Savior’s love and His atoning sacrifice. I have a strong testimony of the atonement of the Savior. Because of His love, we truly can be forgiven as we forsake our sins. That is an amazing process. I am so very grateful. The atonement guarantees our resurrection and the opportunity to be reunited with our Father. Everyone will be reunited with Him—at least long enough for the Day of Judgment. But we won’t be alone as we make an accounting, on that judgment day. The Savior, will be there to act as our Advocate before the Father. But I suspect we will meet with Him (the Savior) first.
Imagine what it will be like to meet, alone with the Savior prior to that final judgment. Sometimes, we look back over our lives and remember the things we have done wrong, and we feel unworthy and unclean. But we know we have repented and truly forsaken those sins—we just haven’t been able to forget. Sometimes, we even doubt the Lord’s word when He said, “I will remember them no more.” If we are to truly believe what the Savior says, then we can imagine our “PPI” with Him. Imagine Him expressing His love for you, and as you think of your sins, you try to explain about what happened, “Yes, but there was that time when….” And He just looks you in the eyes with His love encompassing you and says, “I don’t remember that.” And He moves on to ask you about something else. Each time you feel unworthy and start to explain why, He surrounds you with His love and calmly states, “I don’t remember that.” He, who is perfect, has promised that if we repent [and because of his atonement] He “will remember them (our sins) no more.” Wow. I am in awe of His capacity to love. I am inspired to try harder, to live better, and to become more worthy. There are so many ways I can grow and improve.
I hope my love as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, cousin, friend and in every other role in my life, I can truly pattern my actions after His love. Can I ever get to the point that when I have been hurt or offended “I remember no more?”
I hope as I partake of the sacrament, I can feel the same deep reverence for the emblems that were described earlier. I hope I can remember that these are emblems of His love for me—individually—doing it just for me was enough. But he did it for each one of us individually.
He loves me enough….
Do I love Him enough?
Sunday, May 24
Missionary Pay Day! 5/24/09
This is back in Chiquimula. We started working with the Perez family in January -- today their 9 year old was baptized by his uncle. Yeah! They are a great family.
Esquipulas Chapel
Spencer and Hermano Victorio Sanchez just outside the chapel. Now if we can just fill this building up with reactivated members!
Inside the Chapel in Esquipulas
President Lajpop and I as we finished setting up the chairs for Sacrament Meeting. He is a wonderful leader!
The Guatemalteca!
Hope you like the blouse--I'm turning into a Guatemalteca or a "pura Chapin" either way, I'm almost a native now--only somehow everyone still knows I'm from the United States. I can't figure it out!
The mountains outside of our favorite hotel--so far!
We like the view here--take note. We like the price Q250--just over $30 and it includes hot water, adequate #'s of towels and a clean room! Even shampoo and soap! All the amenities of home.
Spencer preparing a Sunday School Lesson
We like this hotel! Nice area to eat and study just outside your room. Spencer prepared a great lesson and I prepared great food!
Lidia y Eustorgio
This is the nurse who owns this tiny pharmacy behind us--can't you just see someone her size in a fight with her neighbors over the cleanliness of the pila?!
Spencer shaping a tortilla
Now this caused a lot of laughter. You should have seen the finished product--pretty scary!
Tortillas in Esquipulas
Beramina Alonsa supports herself selling tortillas. Notice the house she lives in. What an awesome lady! You would love her.
Joys of living in Guatemala
There is a broken pipe (we think) in the wall between two apartments. In theory it is being worked on. We had to empty out our living room. Joy!
Head, shoulder, tummy, hand...
Our three teams raced to put identifying names on selected team mates. It was a fun race and very noisy!
Hokey-Pokey
When you have finished learning the names of body parts, you have to celebrate with a good round of Hokey Pokey to put all those parts to use!
Wednesday, May 20
Who is Tuli?
One of my cousins asked about Tuli and I thought maybe I should explain a little about who she is and why she is important in my life.
Her family were already members of the church when my brother Harold served in Guatemala on his mission. Her mom cooked for the missionaries, so he became really close to the family. Her family came to Arizona to be sealed in the temple in November 1968. Ron had died the June before and Rachelle was due to be born in a few weeks. Tuli wanted to stay in Arizona so that she could learn English. It was a win/win situation for both of us. I was lonely and didn't want to move back into my trailer without someone to share it with. She could attend High School during the day and when I did go back to work in the evenings, she took care of Rachelle and put her to bed every night. She rocked her and sang songs and loved her.
She became the little sister I had always wanted. During the summer we both went up to Vernon to live because she couldn't work while in the states on a student visa. We had such a wonderful time together. When I remarried she lived with Mom and Dad and then eventually lived with other young women while she went to Yavapai College and got her nursing degree. But our house (my parent's) was always her home base for holidays, family gatherings, etc for the five years she was in Arizona. She is WONDERFUL. But she came back to Guatemala and married out of the church and the rest is history. No one in her family is active anymore. Her mom was active until her diabetes caused her to have her legs amputated and she couldn't go anymore. When Tuli married Cesar they became completely involved in a Mennonite Church. It isn't the conservative branch, like the Amish, but is a peace-loving, Good Samaritan type thinking church. But it isn't the true church and that makes me sad.
Tuli and I stayed in touch over the years--sometimes better than others. She came to visit once when Jason was a baby. When Rachelle graduated from High School, she came to Guatemala and stayed with Tuli for several weeks. It was an awesome experience for her. Then several years later Janae came down and lived here for two months and attended a Spanish Immersion school. She shared a room with Vicky and Pablo was a little guy then. Several of Tuli's nieces still remember Janae and when she came to visit at Tuli's sister's beach house.
Mail was always sporadic to Guatemala. For awhile I sent faxes to her sister's husband's office. But then that number changed. Somewhere about the time Spencer and I were married, I lost her address and contact info. So we were out of touch the last 10 years. When we got our mission call, the first thing I did was check to see if Mixco was in our boundaries--and it is. So our first day here I looked up Cesar Montenegro in the phone book--and we reconnected. Cesar said the whole night after I called she spent the time crying and reminiscing about all of our memories. When Nate and Christena were here she called me later and said, "I still can't believe it. You were really sitting and eating in my house. It seems like a miracle."
Tuli was the little sister I always wanted and she was Rachelle's "other mother" for many years. She is family. What more is there to say? :)
Her family were already members of the church when my brother Harold served in Guatemala on his mission. Her mom cooked for the missionaries, so he became really close to the family. Her family came to Arizona to be sealed in the temple in November 1968. Ron had died the June before and Rachelle was due to be born in a few weeks. Tuli wanted to stay in Arizona so that she could learn English. It was a win/win situation for both of us. I was lonely and didn't want to move back into my trailer without someone to share it with. She could attend High School during the day and when I did go back to work in the evenings, she took care of Rachelle and put her to bed every night. She rocked her and sang songs and loved her.
She became the little sister I had always wanted. During the summer we both went up to Vernon to live because she couldn't work while in the states on a student visa. We had such a wonderful time together. When I remarried she lived with Mom and Dad and then eventually lived with other young women while she went to Yavapai College and got her nursing degree. But our house (my parent's) was always her home base for holidays, family gatherings, etc for the five years she was in Arizona. She is WONDERFUL. But she came back to Guatemala and married out of the church and the rest is history. No one in her family is active anymore. Her mom was active until her diabetes caused her to have her legs amputated and she couldn't go anymore. When Tuli married Cesar they became completely involved in a Mennonite Church. It isn't the conservative branch, like the Amish, but is a peace-loving, Good Samaritan type thinking church. But it isn't the true church and that makes me sad.
Tuli and I stayed in touch over the years--sometimes better than others. She came to visit once when Jason was a baby. When Rachelle graduated from High School, she came to Guatemala and stayed with Tuli for several weeks. It was an awesome experience for her. Then several years later Janae came down and lived here for two months and attended a Spanish Immersion school. She shared a room with Vicky and Pablo was a little guy then. Several of Tuli's nieces still remember Janae and when she came to visit at Tuli's sister's beach house.
Mail was always sporadic to Guatemala. For awhile I sent faxes to her sister's husband's office. But then that number changed. Somewhere about the time Spencer and I were married, I lost her address and contact info. So we were out of touch the last 10 years. When we got our mission call, the first thing I did was check to see if Mixco was in our boundaries--and it is. So our first day here I looked up Cesar Montenegro in the phone book--and we reconnected. Cesar said the whole night after I called she spent the time crying and reminiscing about all of our memories. When Nate and Christena were here she called me later and said, "I still can't believe it. You were really sitting and eating in my house. It seems like a miracle."
Tuli was the little sister I always wanted and she was Rachelle's "other mother" for many years. She is family. What more is there to say? :)
Vicky's wedding
This was a great day! For those who want to see the Rodriguez and Montenegro families up closer, don't forget to click on the collage. The pictures will magically enlarge! Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 19
Enjoy the "brevity"
May 17, 2009
Hello everyone,
Friday we went to Guatemala City on the bus fairly early in the morning. Four hours+ on bus cost Q70 and the taxi ride across town—which we shared with another lady (who also paid a fare) costs us Q60. Go figure.
I had a doctor’s appointment Friday afternoon with an ENT specialist recommended by Dr. Taylor, our Area Medical Advisor. It was really interesting. The medical building (just one block from the temple and two blocks from Casa de Huespedes, where we stayed) is 12 stories high and as modern as anything I have ever seen. In the restroom, they even had an automatic toilet seat cover. You just push the red button and the seat rotates to an invisible reservoir where the film covering the seat is replaced with a new film. I was astounded, to say the least. Dr. Calderón Kiesling looks just like his name sounds—very European. But he is a Guatemalteco. Fortunately, he spoke English quite well. He was impressed that Dr. Taylor had figured it out enough to refer me—and when I told him all my consultations with Dr. Taylor were over the phone, he was even more impressed. I learned a lot from him. A couple of different doctor friends kept mentioning inner ear infections being the cause of the ongoing vertigo. I couldn’t understand how I “just happened” to get an inner ear infection the same time I had diarrhea and passed out and smacked my head really hard on the tile floor. To me it seemed like it would be a neurological problem, not ear. But now you can all learn something right along with me. In your inner ear you have “little, tiny rock like substances” (otolitos, or something like that) that adjust for your equilibrium every time you move your head. But if you have a head trauma (fall, car accident etc.) and you experience vertigo (which is different than light-headedness—it is when the world is spinning and you have nausea, vomiting and hear ringing sounds), it is because these little stones are floating around and not reattaching themselves to one another in the right place. So the doctors were right and wrong. The problem was the inner ear, but it had nothing to do with an infection. Two months later I still have some of these little things floating around and messing me up with positional changes. He gave me a prescription and exercises—the exercises (moving your eyes, your head, your body, leaning over, standing up—everything that makes me dizzy and nauseous) are the most important part of the treatment. Right now, the exercises make me feel worse, but he said that would pass in a few days. Spencer said I just am losing my marbles—they are floating every which way. Nice guy, huh?
After the appointment, we went to the temple. Sister Christianson (the wife of the MTC president) was the sister leading our session. Fortunately, she was the one at the veil, where once again I worked really hard at remembering as much as I could in Spanish. Later, I saw her in the locker room and she was very complimentary. Going thru the veil with minimal help is one of my goals and she felt like I was getting close! I had visited with her when we first arrived and she thought my Spanish was sooooo much better. That made me happy, but I still have really high expectations of myself. I told her I try to shop and interact with the public without Spencer so that I can learn to express myself better. In our conversation, our first mission came up and I mentioned how frustrated and disappointed I had been in my Spanish in Kansas, especially since in my setting apart, I was told I would have the gift of tongues. She immediately said, “You know someone told me, or I read it somewhere, but it really impressed me, when a sister felt disappointed, but she had learned that the Gift of Tongues comes in different forms and she had definitely experienced the Gift of Tongues in the language of love.” I just commented on how true that was and never divulged that it was me that told her that when we had visited six months ago. It was a different experience to have someone quote me back to myself.
Now I have to tell you a funny story about shopping without Spencer. I needed new stuffing for some throw pillows that we had washed. So I bravely went to a fabric store and explained that I didn’t know the word in Spanish, but I needed the “thing” you put in alfombra—the word I was using for pillow. She laughed, but didn’t tell me about my mistake. She just said that the stuffing was “esponge” and the tienda across the street should have it. So I bravely went over there and started over—explaining that I needed esponge for my alfombra. The two women there looked even more confused. Finally I made the motion of my head resting on my hands and said, in Spanish, “for your head on the bed.” The light bulbs came on and they said at the same time, “almohadas.” That is when I realized I was asking for sponge to put in my “carpet” instead of my “pillow.” We all laughed together, almohada/alfombra, what’s the difference?! They seemed pleased that I was trying to communicate in their language. We actually had a fairly good conversation after that. They probably thought “crazy gringa!” But they were great while I was there. I guess that is life in a foreign country.
I probably don’t have to tell you that Guatemala has been rocked by the political scandal of the president ordering the assignation of an attorney—who had the foresight to make a tape with the accusations. We just don’t make comments or get involved in any discussions.
Saturday was Vicky Montenegro’s wedding to Eder. Cesar Jr. and Suzy picked us up—at five minutes before the scheduled beginning! And the church was a 30 minute drive across town. I was feeling like we would miss the whole thing, when he finally arrived. We missed the first part of the ceremony, but it was a long service. I didn’t realize that Tuli and Cesar serve as ministers for their church. It made my heart feel sad to know what Tuli gave up when she chose to become a Mennonite instead of a Mormon. How sad to have an elaborate service with songs, scriptures and expressions of love for the Lord and for each other without any priesthood power to make it binding. On a happier note, it was wonderful to see all Tuli’s family. It was only family and close, close friends who were invited to the ceremony (the reception was huge). Enrique looks exactly like their dad did 40 years ago. Harold would have loved seeing them all grown up and with grandchildren. Since the missionaries (including Harold) ate with the family, he saw them much more than I did. When Tuli asked for a picture with all of her sisters with Vicki, she insisted that I join them, since I was one of her sisters. I’ll post some pictures. After the ceremony at the church we rode with Cesar and Tuli to a beautiful hotel where an elaborate reception and meal were held. Unfortunately, Spencer was anxious to leave—to the point that I had to lie and tell them the last bus left at 3:00 (when I know there are later buses) so that we could graciously leave. Tuli felt so bad that we didn’t get to enjoy the dinner. There was a band and bubbles and fun stuff for the dances between the couple and the parents. It was beautiful—but sad at the same time. Cesar called a friend from his church, who drives a cab, and he wouldn’t let us pay for the ride to the bus terminal. What kind and gracious people all of them are. Tuli wants to sleep for a week—two weddings in six months has been taxing on her and Cesar has had some health problems at the same time.
The medical students at CUNORI have held another demonstration—this time about being overcharged for tuition. I’ll !post it as well—if I can remember how I did it last time. I am getting old!
We have Zone Conference next week and we will have temple recommend interviews with President Alvarado. I love having just one signature—every time you go to the temple, they will know you were a missionary.
We love you all! Elder and Sister Brown
Hello everyone,
Friday we went to Guatemala City on the bus fairly early in the morning. Four hours+ on bus cost Q70 and the taxi ride across town—which we shared with another lady (who also paid a fare) costs us Q60. Go figure.
I had a doctor’s appointment Friday afternoon with an ENT specialist recommended by Dr. Taylor, our Area Medical Advisor. It was really interesting. The medical building (just one block from the temple and two blocks from Casa de Huespedes, where we stayed) is 12 stories high and as modern as anything I have ever seen. In the restroom, they even had an automatic toilet seat cover. You just push the red button and the seat rotates to an invisible reservoir where the film covering the seat is replaced with a new film. I was astounded, to say the least. Dr. Calderón Kiesling looks just like his name sounds—very European. But he is a Guatemalteco. Fortunately, he spoke English quite well. He was impressed that Dr. Taylor had figured it out enough to refer me—and when I told him all my consultations with Dr. Taylor were over the phone, he was even more impressed. I learned a lot from him. A couple of different doctor friends kept mentioning inner ear infections being the cause of the ongoing vertigo. I couldn’t understand how I “just happened” to get an inner ear infection the same time I had diarrhea and passed out and smacked my head really hard on the tile floor. To me it seemed like it would be a neurological problem, not ear. But now you can all learn something right along with me. In your inner ear you have “little, tiny rock like substances” (otolitos, or something like that) that adjust for your equilibrium every time you move your head. But if you have a head trauma (fall, car accident etc.) and you experience vertigo (which is different than light-headedness—it is when the world is spinning and you have nausea, vomiting and hear ringing sounds), it is because these little stones are floating around and not reattaching themselves to one another in the right place. So the doctors were right and wrong. The problem was the inner ear, but it had nothing to do with an infection. Two months later I still have some of these little things floating around and messing me up with positional changes. He gave me a prescription and exercises—the exercises (moving your eyes, your head, your body, leaning over, standing up—everything that makes me dizzy and nauseous) are the most important part of the treatment. Right now, the exercises make me feel worse, but he said that would pass in a few days. Spencer said I just am losing my marbles—they are floating every which way. Nice guy, huh?
After the appointment, we went to the temple. Sister Christianson (the wife of the MTC president) was the sister leading our session. Fortunately, she was the one at the veil, where once again I worked really hard at remembering as much as I could in Spanish. Later, I saw her in the locker room and she was very complimentary. Going thru the veil with minimal help is one of my goals and she felt like I was getting close! I had visited with her when we first arrived and she thought my Spanish was sooooo much better. That made me happy, but I still have really high expectations of myself. I told her I try to shop and interact with the public without Spencer so that I can learn to express myself better. In our conversation, our first mission came up and I mentioned how frustrated and disappointed I had been in my Spanish in Kansas, especially since in my setting apart, I was told I would have the gift of tongues. She immediately said, “You know someone told me, or I read it somewhere, but it really impressed me, when a sister felt disappointed, but she had learned that the Gift of Tongues comes in different forms and she had definitely experienced the Gift of Tongues in the language of love.” I just commented on how true that was and never divulged that it was me that told her that when we had visited six months ago. It was a different experience to have someone quote me back to myself.
Now I have to tell you a funny story about shopping without Spencer. I needed new stuffing for some throw pillows that we had washed. So I bravely went to a fabric store and explained that I didn’t know the word in Spanish, but I needed the “thing” you put in alfombra—the word I was using for pillow. She laughed, but didn’t tell me about my mistake. She just said that the stuffing was “esponge” and the tienda across the street should have it. So I bravely went over there and started over—explaining that I needed esponge for my alfombra. The two women there looked even more confused. Finally I made the motion of my head resting on my hands and said, in Spanish, “for your head on the bed.” The light bulbs came on and they said at the same time, “almohadas.” That is when I realized I was asking for sponge to put in my “carpet” instead of my “pillow.” We all laughed together, almohada/alfombra, what’s the difference?! They seemed pleased that I was trying to communicate in their language. We actually had a fairly good conversation after that. They probably thought “crazy gringa!” But they were great while I was there. I guess that is life in a foreign country.
I probably don’t have to tell you that Guatemala has been rocked by the political scandal of the president ordering the assignation of an attorney—who had the foresight to make a tape with the accusations. We just don’t make comments or get involved in any discussions.
Saturday was Vicky Montenegro’s wedding to Eder. Cesar Jr. and Suzy picked us up—at five minutes before the scheduled beginning! And the church was a 30 minute drive across town. I was feeling like we would miss the whole thing, when he finally arrived. We missed the first part of the ceremony, but it was a long service. I didn’t realize that Tuli and Cesar serve as ministers for their church. It made my heart feel sad to know what Tuli gave up when she chose to become a Mennonite instead of a Mormon. How sad to have an elaborate service with songs, scriptures and expressions of love for the Lord and for each other without any priesthood power to make it binding. On a happier note, it was wonderful to see all Tuli’s family. It was only family and close, close friends who were invited to the ceremony (the reception was huge). Enrique looks exactly like their dad did 40 years ago. Harold would have loved seeing them all grown up and with grandchildren. Since the missionaries (including Harold) ate with the family, he saw them much more than I did. When Tuli asked for a picture with all of her sisters with Vicki, she insisted that I join them, since I was one of her sisters. I’ll post some pictures. After the ceremony at the church we rode with Cesar and Tuli to a beautiful hotel where an elaborate reception and meal were held. Unfortunately, Spencer was anxious to leave—to the point that I had to lie and tell them the last bus left at 3:00 (when I know there are later buses) so that we could graciously leave. Tuli felt so bad that we didn’t get to enjoy the dinner. There was a band and bubbles and fun stuff for the dances between the couple and the parents. It was beautiful—but sad at the same time. Cesar called a friend from his church, who drives a cab, and he wouldn’t let us pay for the ride to the bus terminal. What kind and gracious people all of them are. Tuli wants to sleep for a week—two weddings in six months has been taxing on her and Cesar has had some health problems at the same time.
The medical students at CUNORI have held another demonstration—this time about being overcharged for tuition. I’ll !post it as well—if I can remember how I did it last time. I am getting old!
We have Zone Conference next week and we will have temple recommend interviews with President Alvarado. I love having just one signature—every time you go to the temple, they will know you were a missionary.
We love you all! Elder and Sister Brown
Sunday, May 17
Beautiful Sunrise
We had a beautiful sunrise this morning as we were up early getting ready for a trip to Esquipulas. Notice the classic corrogated tin roofs--they are called "laminate" here in Guatemala.
Wednesday, May 13
Bounty from the Mercado
These are the fruits and vegetables that Spencer brought home on a typical trip to the mercado. They are cleaned and ready for me to put into bags in the refrigerator. This is truly a bountiful land.
Mothers' Day!
Mothers' Day was fun. Spencer bought me a corsage, a flower basket and a cute Guatemalan clutch. I was the only mom at church with a corsage. I am grateful for the blessing of being a mother in Zion.
Tuesday, May 12
May 11, 2009 - Thanks for the Mothers’ Day calls!
I was so happy to talk to so many of you this weekend. I love all of my family sooooo much! You are the best. Even my Patriarchal Blessing talks about having sweet and obedient children who love me. What a great eternal blessing that is in my life. And when I’m far from home, I especially benefit from your love and support.
Mothers’ Day in Guatemala was fun and interesting. Here it is always celebrated on May 10th—no matter what day of the week that is. This year it happened to coincide with the American 2nd Sunday date. It is typically a holiday and we noticed that lots of stores closed Saturday afternoon —I guess so that employees had some time off for Mothers’ Day. Because it is often on a weekday, there is usually a celebration separate from Sunday. So our Ward had a party on Saturday afternoon. The first part was a spiritual meeting—song, prayer and thoughts from the Bishop. He quoted D&C 1:38 where the Lord says “…whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” Then he read some quotes from prophets about mothers and stated that those represented the esteem the Lord has for mothers. It was great. There were some other poems and musical numbers as well. Then they put on a DVD from CES Old Testament series. It had been going for about 2-3 minutes and I was completely engaged in it when other sisters started chuckling and they turned it off and suddenly I realized it had been in English. I laughed and told them I understood every word, what was their problem? They started it over in Spanish and then I understood about 2/3 of it. It related the story of Hannah taking the boy Samuel to the temple to a modern day situation on the value of being a righteous mother. I would like to watch it in English so I get all of the little nuances that I missed. After a closing song and prayer they started games. There was a whole table of gifts. They acknowledged the oldest, youngest, most prolific, etc. Then we played a lot of fun games. They made sure that every mother there received a wrapped gift. Most were useful things like kitchen gadgets or bowls with covers, etc. It was really a nice event. Spencer went on home because he was a 5th wheel at a Relief Society party. Refreshments are typically more practical foods—sandwiches, tostados, apple cider and a tiny piece of cake—people need real food—not cookies and punch. It started pouring rain during the party. We briefly lost power a couple of times. When the party ended, we had a deluge going. We were stuck inside for probably another hour. Very few families have cars and you have to walk a ways to catch the buses. That part was frustrating. We joked around about spending the night and being early for church on Sunday morning. When it let up a tiny bit, I struck out. There was only one area where the road was completely flooded and I had to walk sideways on about a 3” concrete edge to the road to keep my feet out of a small lake in the road. I jumped across where the water drained down the hill and continued on the edge until I got to higher ground. I made it without submerging my feet in water! You who know how uncoordinated I am can recognize what an amazing feat that was! I had on a plastic rain “capa” so I was OK otherwise. Once I got off the bus, part of the way to our house, I had to walk in the middle of the street because the gutters were like small rivers. One good thing about the rainy season—there is a lot less litter in the streets—it gets washed to the rivers. Eventually, when the rivers run higher it will get washed out to sea. One of my tourist books advises tourists to avoid beaches where rivers empty into the ocean for the first few weeks of the rainy season because there is so much garbage. Disgusting—but the country does look somewhat cleaner now.
Spencer ordered me a corsage for Mothers’ Day and they make them out of artificial flowers. Since it is red, I can also use it for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. No one else at church had one so that is apparently not a tradition here. I felt very loved. But the best part of the day was talking to family members. I miss you all and love you more than words can express.
Last week I alluded to our conference in Zacapa. It was really interesting. Elder Quentin L. Cook was in Guatemala City. He had been visiting various countries in Central America. They did an Area Conference for all Central American Missions. The missionaries in the city were in the same chapel and the rest of us went to the Stake Centers and watched by satellite. It was a great conference. He shared such solid advice about using “Preach My Gospel.” He talked about its creation and how much inspiration played a role. He emphasized focusing on the attributes of Christ and incorporating them into our lives. This is a book that can be utilized by all members of the church for FHE or personal study to try to become more like the Savior. He pointed out that not all spiritual gifts are enumerated in the scriptures. We should determine what our gifts are and magnify them. He also pointed out that a missionary can do everything just right and still not get the results he hopes for—and that is OK. All people have agency and the Lord knows our hearts. We have to know that we have honestly done our best—that is what the Lord asks of us. We aren’t accountable for the choices made by others—just our own. An aside note that was funny, during the conference several times Skype calls came in for Elder Cook over the internet. The first time it just kept ringing for a long time. Finally one of our Elders in Zacapa went to the computer and clicked on “reject call” and it stopped. I wondered if the ringing was heard all over Central America. When succeeding calls came in, Elder Carling rejected them immediately so it wouldn’t be so disruptive. Technology is our friend, but sometimes it is inconvenient.
The rainy season (“invierno” or winter) has officially started. Temperatures are down (but the humidity is in the 90’s) and most of the time we open doors and windows in our room to sleep. One night Spencer went to sleep on the top of the sheet (we had removed the bedspread). I got under the sheet. When a breeze came up later, he automatically reached to cover himself up with a sheet and deftly grabbed the sheet off me and covered himself—like a taco shell. I pulled it back and said, “No way, Jose. If you want a sheet, you have to get under it yourself—I’m not giving you mine!” So now, when he lies down on top I just remind him that there are no tacos and he gets under the sheet instead of on top.
Last Thursday night we had a major storm. We were at the church and didn’t think anyone would show up for our classes. One student came at 6:00—but she drives from Zacapa twice a week for our classes and she had left Zacapa in dry weather. She had no idea what a storm was raging here. Then at 7:00 we had another student show up who rides a bus for Quezaltepeque twice a week for our classes—she also left in dry weather. One couple, who lives in town, skipped the 6:00 class and came at 7:00. So at 7:00 I had 3 students and Spencer had 2. But we still taught. I hadn’t realized that Elda came by bus twice a week for our classes. I know Rosanna was driving in from Zacapa. It certainly made us feel they truly appreciate our classes.
Last week I shared a list of interesting differences I have noticed. One more is the use of apellidos (surnames). I think most of you know that in Latin America everyone uses two—their father’s is listed first and then their mothers. When a woman marries she can add her husbands by using a “de” (of) and then her husband’s first apellido (the father’s name). But interestingly, lots of women never do use the husband’s name. They just continue with their original ones. So even on church records, sometimes families aren’t grouped very well. And when we have names of sisters whose husbands are non members or less active, we can’t assume when we get to the door that the husband is “Hermano______,” because very likely, the wife still uses her own name, and his name is completely different. The children do follow the tradition and use the apellidos of both parents, so that often helps me figure out family groups.
People here love their names. Everyone has two first names and two last names and when they introduce themselves it is with all four names. Even little kids do that and it is really hard for my brain to wrap around what I should actually call them, because four names per person is just a little much for me to grasp—especially with as many students as we teach. It would be like Chad always introducing himself as “Chadwick Nathan Dike Tenney”—said very rapidly! But then, what would you call him in a conversation or a class?
Another interesting difference would not be appreciated by those of you in Queen Creek who had shortened church schedules for a long time. Here, we don’t share a building and don’t have any urgent need to get out on time. The teachers just keep going until they have given all that they have prepared. It is crazy enough if it happens in only one meeting. Yesterday, our Sunday School teacher ran over by 15 minutes. Then in Relief Society we had another long—and great lesson. I loved the lesson on Joseph Smith’s writings from the Liberty Jail. That teacher also just kept going. The kids were out of Primary and running in the halls at 12 noon. RS finally ended at 12:30. But the High Priests didn’t dismiss until 12:40 PM. So Spencer couldn’t say anything about the sister being yakky—the brothers were worse!
Over the years, many times I have heard mothers laugh about a child being allergic to water—meaning they don’t like baths. Well, I have about decided I am allergic to the water here—only I do like my showers! Several months ago I started itching after every shower. I was using lots of Calamine and other lotion every time I showered. I thought it was the body wash, so I switched brands. I have changed soaps three times now—with no relief. Finally, I wondered if it might be the high mineral content in the water itself. So I started quickly getting wet and turning the water off. I shampoo and suds and scrub and then quickly rinse off and turn the water off again to use conditioner on my hair. In other words, minimize the amount of water on my skin. That has been the solution. Very little itching these days. So I guess I am allergic to the water! No long soaking baths for me in the next year (not that I had planned on them anyway).
I hope you all received my email this week with my thoughts on “Trials in the Lord” by Elder Richard G. Scott. His message really spoke to my heart. How incredible it is to have an apostle reassure us that often times challenging times indicate “that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Prov. 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.” Maybe that is why I also loved #31 in the Joseph Smith manual. Adversities can be our friends—even if they don’t seem like it at the time.
Studying the gospel is one of the great benefits of serving a mission. There are fewer distractions in life and more time to dedicate to scriptures and gospel study. Besides, the Holy Ghost is a closer companion and I think our understanding and learning is increased. Another of the little miracles the Lord blesses us with when we are willing to sacrifice and serve missions.
I must close. I love all my loving support system. Each one of you is dear to my heart.
Love, Mom/Jeanine
Mothers’ Day in Guatemala was fun and interesting. Here it is always celebrated on May 10th—no matter what day of the week that is. This year it happened to coincide with the American 2nd Sunday date. It is typically a holiday and we noticed that lots of stores closed Saturday afternoon —I guess so that employees had some time off for Mothers’ Day. Because it is often on a weekday, there is usually a celebration separate from Sunday. So our Ward had a party on Saturday afternoon. The first part was a spiritual meeting—song, prayer and thoughts from the Bishop. He quoted D&C 1:38 where the Lord says “…whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” Then he read some quotes from prophets about mothers and stated that those represented the esteem the Lord has for mothers. It was great. There were some other poems and musical numbers as well. Then they put on a DVD from CES Old Testament series. It had been going for about 2-3 minutes and I was completely engaged in it when other sisters started chuckling and they turned it off and suddenly I realized it had been in English. I laughed and told them I understood every word, what was their problem? They started it over in Spanish and then I understood about 2/3 of it. It related the story of Hannah taking the boy Samuel to the temple to a modern day situation on the value of being a righteous mother. I would like to watch it in English so I get all of the little nuances that I missed. After a closing song and prayer they started games. There was a whole table of gifts. They acknowledged the oldest, youngest, most prolific, etc. Then we played a lot of fun games. They made sure that every mother there received a wrapped gift. Most were useful things like kitchen gadgets or bowls with covers, etc. It was really a nice event. Spencer went on home because he was a 5th wheel at a Relief Society party. Refreshments are typically more practical foods—sandwiches, tostados, apple cider and a tiny piece of cake—people need real food—not cookies and punch. It started pouring rain during the party. We briefly lost power a couple of times. When the party ended, we had a deluge going. We were stuck inside for probably another hour. Very few families have cars and you have to walk a ways to catch the buses. That part was frustrating. We joked around about spending the night and being early for church on Sunday morning. When it let up a tiny bit, I struck out. There was only one area where the road was completely flooded and I had to walk sideways on about a 3” concrete edge to the road to keep my feet out of a small lake in the road. I jumped across where the water drained down the hill and continued on the edge until I got to higher ground. I made it without submerging my feet in water! You who know how uncoordinated I am can recognize what an amazing feat that was! I had on a plastic rain “capa” so I was OK otherwise. Once I got off the bus, part of the way to our house, I had to walk in the middle of the street because the gutters were like small rivers. One good thing about the rainy season—there is a lot less litter in the streets—it gets washed to the rivers. Eventually, when the rivers run higher it will get washed out to sea. One of my tourist books advises tourists to avoid beaches where rivers empty into the ocean for the first few weeks of the rainy season because there is so much garbage. Disgusting—but the country does look somewhat cleaner now.
Spencer ordered me a corsage for Mothers’ Day and they make them out of artificial flowers. Since it is red, I can also use it for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. No one else at church had one so that is apparently not a tradition here. I felt very loved. But the best part of the day was talking to family members. I miss you all and love you more than words can express.
Last week I alluded to our conference in Zacapa. It was really interesting. Elder Quentin L. Cook was in Guatemala City. He had been visiting various countries in Central America. They did an Area Conference for all Central American Missions. The missionaries in the city were in the same chapel and the rest of us went to the Stake Centers and watched by satellite. It was a great conference. He shared such solid advice about using “Preach My Gospel.” He talked about its creation and how much inspiration played a role. He emphasized focusing on the attributes of Christ and incorporating them into our lives. This is a book that can be utilized by all members of the church for FHE or personal study to try to become more like the Savior. He pointed out that not all spiritual gifts are enumerated in the scriptures. We should determine what our gifts are and magnify them. He also pointed out that a missionary can do everything just right and still not get the results he hopes for—and that is OK. All people have agency and the Lord knows our hearts. We have to know that we have honestly done our best—that is what the Lord asks of us. We aren’t accountable for the choices made by others—just our own. An aside note that was funny, during the conference several times Skype calls came in for Elder Cook over the internet. The first time it just kept ringing for a long time. Finally one of our Elders in Zacapa went to the computer and clicked on “reject call” and it stopped. I wondered if the ringing was heard all over Central America. When succeeding calls came in, Elder Carling rejected them immediately so it wouldn’t be so disruptive. Technology is our friend, but sometimes it is inconvenient.
The rainy season (“invierno” or winter) has officially started. Temperatures are down (but the humidity is in the 90’s) and most of the time we open doors and windows in our room to sleep. One night Spencer went to sleep on the top of the sheet (we had removed the bedspread). I got under the sheet. When a breeze came up later, he automatically reached to cover himself up with a sheet and deftly grabbed the sheet off me and covered himself—like a taco shell. I pulled it back and said, “No way, Jose. If you want a sheet, you have to get under it yourself—I’m not giving you mine!” So now, when he lies down on top I just remind him that there are no tacos and he gets under the sheet instead of on top.
Last Thursday night we had a major storm. We were at the church and didn’t think anyone would show up for our classes. One student came at 6:00—but she drives from Zacapa twice a week for our classes and she had left Zacapa in dry weather. She had no idea what a storm was raging here. Then at 7:00 we had another student show up who rides a bus for Quezaltepeque twice a week for our classes—she also left in dry weather. One couple, who lives in town, skipped the 6:00 class and came at 7:00. So at 7:00 I had 3 students and Spencer had 2. But we still taught. I hadn’t realized that Elda came by bus twice a week for our classes. I know Rosanna was driving in from Zacapa. It certainly made us feel they truly appreciate our classes.
Last week I shared a list of interesting differences I have noticed. One more is the use of apellidos (surnames). I think most of you know that in Latin America everyone uses two—their father’s is listed first and then their mothers. When a woman marries she can add her husbands by using a “de” (of) and then her husband’s first apellido (the father’s name). But interestingly, lots of women never do use the husband’s name. They just continue with their original ones. So even on church records, sometimes families aren’t grouped very well. And when we have names of sisters whose husbands are non members or less active, we can’t assume when we get to the door that the husband is “Hermano______,” because very likely, the wife still uses her own name, and his name is completely different. The children do follow the tradition and use the apellidos of both parents, so that often helps me figure out family groups.
People here love their names. Everyone has two first names and two last names and when they introduce themselves it is with all four names. Even little kids do that and it is really hard for my brain to wrap around what I should actually call them, because four names per person is just a little much for me to grasp—especially with as many students as we teach. It would be like Chad always introducing himself as “Chadwick Nathan Dike Tenney”—said very rapidly! But then, what would you call him in a conversation or a class?
Another interesting difference would not be appreciated by those of you in Queen Creek who had shortened church schedules for a long time. Here, we don’t share a building and don’t have any urgent need to get out on time. The teachers just keep going until they have given all that they have prepared. It is crazy enough if it happens in only one meeting. Yesterday, our Sunday School teacher ran over by 15 minutes. Then in Relief Society we had another long—and great lesson. I loved the lesson on Joseph Smith’s writings from the Liberty Jail. That teacher also just kept going. The kids were out of Primary and running in the halls at 12 noon. RS finally ended at 12:30. But the High Priests didn’t dismiss until 12:40 PM. So Spencer couldn’t say anything about the sister being yakky—the brothers were worse!
Over the years, many times I have heard mothers laugh about a child being allergic to water—meaning they don’t like baths. Well, I have about decided I am allergic to the water here—only I do like my showers! Several months ago I started itching after every shower. I was using lots of Calamine and other lotion every time I showered. I thought it was the body wash, so I switched brands. I have changed soaps three times now—with no relief. Finally, I wondered if it might be the high mineral content in the water itself. So I started quickly getting wet and turning the water off. I shampoo and suds and scrub and then quickly rinse off and turn the water off again to use conditioner on my hair. In other words, minimize the amount of water on my skin. That has been the solution. Very little itching these days. So I guess I am allergic to the water! No long soaking baths for me in the next year (not that I had planned on them anyway).
I hope you all received my email this week with my thoughts on “Trials in the Lord” by Elder Richard G. Scott. His message really spoke to my heart. How incredible it is to have an apostle reassure us that often times challenging times indicate “that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Prov. 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.” Maybe that is why I also loved #31 in the Joseph Smith manual. Adversities can be our friends—even if they don’t seem like it at the time.
Studying the gospel is one of the great benefits of serving a mission. There are fewer distractions in life and more time to dedicate to scriptures and gospel study. Besides, the Holy Ghost is a closer companion and I think our understanding and learning is increased. Another of the little miracles the Lord blesses us with when we are willing to sacrifice and serve missions.
I must close. I love all my loving support system. Each one of you is dear to my heart.
Love, Mom/Jeanine
Trials in the Lord
Elder Richard G. Scott, October 1995 (shortly after his wife died)
It is so hard when sincere prayer about something we desire very much is not answered the way we want. It is especially difficult when the Lord answers no to that which is worthy and would give us great joy and happiness. Whether it be overcoming illness or loneliness, recovery of a wayward child, coping with a handicap, or seeking continuing life for a dear one who is slipping away, it seems so reasonable and so consistent with our happiness to have a favorable answer. It is hard to understand why our exercise of deep and sincere faith from an obedient life does not bring the desired result.
No one wants adversity. Trials, disappointments, sadness, and heartache come to us from two basically different sources. Those who transgress the laws of God will always have those challenges. The other reason for adversity is to accomplish the Lord’s own purposes in our life that we may receive the refinement that comes from testing. It is vitally important for each of us to identify from which of these two sources come our trials and challenges, for the corrective action is very different.
If you are suffering the disheartening effects of transgression, please recognize that the only path to permanent relief from sadness is sincere repentance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Realize your full dependence upon the Lord and your need to align your life with His teachings. There is really no other way to get lasting healing and peace. Postponing humble repentance will delay or prevent your receiving relief. Admit to yourself your mistakes and seek help now. Your bishop is a friend with keys of authority to help you find peace of mind and contentment. The way will be opened for you to have strength to repent and be forgiven.
Now may I share some suggestions with you who face the second source of adversity, the testing that a wise Heavenly Father determines is needed even when you are living a worthy, righteous life and are obedient to His commandments.
Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Prov. 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.
When you face adversity, you can be led to ask many questions. Some serve a useful purpose; others do not. To ask, Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to suffer this, now? What have I done to cause this? will lead you into blind alleys. It really does no good to ask questions that reflect opposition to the will of God. Rather ask, What am I to do? What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I remember my many blessings in times of trial? Willing sacrifice of deeply held personal desires in favor of the will of God is very hard to do. Yet, when you pray with real conviction, “Please let me know Thy will” and “May Thy will be done,” you are in the strongest position to receive the maximum help from your loving Father.
This life is an experience in profound trust—trust in Jesus Christ, trust in His teachings, trust in our capacity as led by the Holy Spirit to obey those teachings for happiness now and for a purposeful, supremely happy eternal existence. To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning (see Prov. 3:5–7). To produce fruit, your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience.
To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your first petition, you could not grow. Your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son love you perfectly. They would not require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or for that of those you love.
As in all things, the Master is our perfect example. Who could have asked with more perfect faith, greater obedience, or more complete understanding than did He when He asked His Father in Gethsemane: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39). Later He pled twice again: “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42; see also Matt. 26:44).
How grateful I am personally that our Savior taught we should conclude our most urgent, deeply felt prayers, when we ask for that which is of utmost importance to us, with “Thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42). Your willingness to accept the will of the Father will not change what in His wisdom He has chosen to do. However, it will certainly change the effect of those decisions on you personally. That evidence of the proper exercise of agency allows His decisions to produce far greater blessings in your life. I have found that because of our Father’s desire for us to grow, He may give us gentle, almost imperceptible promptings that, if we are willing to accept without complaint, He will enlarge to become a very clear indication of His will. This enlightenment comes because of our faith and our willingness to do what He asks even though we would desire something else.
Our Father in Heaven has invited you to express your needs, hopes, and desires unto Him. That should not be done in a spirit of negotiation, but rather as a willingness to obey His will no matter what direction that takes. His invitation, “Ask, and ye shall receive” (3 Ne. 27:29) does not assure that you will get what you want. It does guarantee that, if worthy, you will get what you need, as judged by a Father that loves you perfectly, who wants your eternal happiness even more than do you.
I testify that when the Lord closes one important door in your life, He shows His continuing love and compassion by opening many other compensating doors through your exercise of faith. He will place in your path packets of spiritual sunlight to brighten your way. They often come after the trial has been the greatest, as evidence of the compassion and love of an all-knowing Father. They point the way to greater happiness, more understanding, and strengthen your determination to accept and be obedient to His will.
It is a singularly marvelous blessing to have faith in the Savior and a testimony of His teachings. So few in the world have that brilliant light to guide them. The fulness of the restored gospel gives perspective, purpose, and understanding. It allows us to face what otherwise appear to be unjust, unfair, unreasonable challenges in life. Learn those helpful truths by pondering the Book of Mormon and other scriptures. Try to understand those teachings not only with your mind but also with your heart.
True enduring happiness with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the most challenging difficulties comes from a life centered in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a sure foundation upon which to build. That takes effort. There is no guarantee of overnight results, but there is absolute assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and emptiness will be filled.
Recently a great leader, suffering from physical handicaps that come with advancing age, said, “I am glad I have what I have.” It is wisdom to open the windows of happiness by recognizing your abundant blessings.
Don’t let the workings of adversity totally absorb your life. Try to understand what you can. Act where you are able; then let the matter rest with the Lord for a period while you give to others in worthy ways before you take on appropriate concern again.
Please learn that as you wrestle with a challenge and feel sadness because of it, you can simultaneously have peace and rejoicing. Yes, pain, disappointment, frustration, and anguish can be temporary scenes played out on the stage of life. Behind them there can be a background of peace and the positive assurance that a loving Father will keep His promises. You can qualify for those promises by a determination to accept His will, by understanding the plan of happiness, by receiving all of the ordinances, and by keeping the covenants made to assure their fulfillment.
The Lord’s plan is to exalt you to live with Him and be greatly blessed. The rate at which you qualify is generally set by your capacity to mature, to grow, to love, and to give of yourself. He is preparing you to be a god. You cannot understand fully what that means, yet, He knows. As you trust Him, seek and follow His will, you will receive blessings that your finite mind cannot understand here on earth. Your Father in Heaven and His Holy Son know better than you what brings happiness. They have given you the plan of happiness. As you understand and follow it, happiness will be your blessing. As you willingly obey, receive, and honor the ordinances and covenants of that holy plan, you can have the greatest measure of satisfaction in this life. Yes, even times of overpowering happiness. You will prepare yourself for an eternity of glorious life with your loved ones who qualify for that kingdom.
I know the principles that we have discussed are true. They have been tested in the crucible of personal experience. To recognize the hand of the Lord in your life and to accept His will without complaint is a beginning. That decision does not immediately eliminate the struggles that will come for your growth. But I witness that it is the best way there is for you to find strength and understanding. It will free you from the dead ends of your own reasoning. It will allow your life to become a productive, meaningful experience, when otherwise you may not know how to go on (see D&C 24:8).
I testify that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you. I witness that the Savior gave His life for your happiness. I know Him. He understands your every need. I positively know that as you accept Their will without complaint, They will bless and sustain you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
It is so hard when sincere prayer about something we desire very much is not answered the way we want. It is especially difficult when the Lord answers no to that which is worthy and would give us great joy and happiness. Whether it be overcoming illness or loneliness, recovery of a wayward child, coping with a handicap, or seeking continuing life for a dear one who is slipping away, it seems so reasonable and so consistent with our happiness to have a favorable answer. It is hard to understand why our exercise of deep and sincere faith from an obedient life does not bring the desired result.
No one wants adversity. Trials, disappointments, sadness, and heartache come to us from two basically different sources. Those who transgress the laws of God will always have those challenges. The other reason for adversity is to accomplish the Lord’s own purposes in our life that we may receive the refinement that comes from testing. It is vitally important for each of us to identify from which of these two sources come our trials and challenges, for the corrective action is very different.
If you are suffering the disheartening effects of transgression, please recognize that the only path to permanent relief from sadness is sincere repentance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Realize your full dependence upon the Lord and your need to align your life with His teachings. There is really no other way to get lasting healing and peace. Postponing humble repentance will delay or prevent your receiving relief. Admit to yourself your mistakes and seek help now. Your bishop is a friend with keys of authority to help you find peace of mind and contentment. The way will be opened for you to have strength to repent and be forgiven.
Now may I share some suggestions with you who face the second source of adversity, the testing that a wise Heavenly Father determines is needed even when you are living a worthy, righteous life and are obedient to His commandments.
Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Prov. 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.
When you face adversity, you can be led to ask many questions. Some serve a useful purpose; others do not. To ask, Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to suffer this, now? What have I done to cause this? will lead you into blind alleys. It really does no good to ask questions that reflect opposition to the will of God. Rather ask, What am I to do? What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I remember my many blessings in times of trial? Willing sacrifice of deeply held personal desires in favor of the will of God is very hard to do. Yet, when you pray with real conviction, “Please let me know Thy will” and “May Thy will be done,” you are in the strongest position to receive the maximum help from your loving Father.
This life is an experience in profound trust—trust in Jesus Christ, trust in His teachings, trust in our capacity as led by the Holy Spirit to obey those teachings for happiness now and for a purposeful, supremely happy eternal existence. To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning (see Prov. 3:5–7). To produce fruit, your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience.
To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your first petition, you could not grow. Your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son love you perfectly. They would not require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or for that of those you love.
As in all things, the Master is our perfect example. Who could have asked with more perfect faith, greater obedience, or more complete understanding than did He when He asked His Father in Gethsemane: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39). Later He pled twice again: “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42; see also Matt. 26:44).
How grateful I am personally that our Savior taught we should conclude our most urgent, deeply felt prayers, when we ask for that which is of utmost importance to us, with “Thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42). Your willingness to accept the will of the Father will not change what in His wisdom He has chosen to do. However, it will certainly change the effect of those decisions on you personally. That evidence of the proper exercise of agency allows His decisions to produce far greater blessings in your life. I have found that because of our Father’s desire for us to grow, He may give us gentle, almost imperceptible promptings that, if we are willing to accept without complaint, He will enlarge to become a very clear indication of His will. This enlightenment comes because of our faith and our willingness to do what He asks even though we would desire something else.
Our Father in Heaven has invited you to express your needs, hopes, and desires unto Him. That should not be done in a spirit of negotiation, but rather as a willingness to obey His will no matter what direction that takes. His invitation, “Ask, and ye shall receive” (3 Ne. 27:29) does not assure that you will get what you want. It does guarantee that, if worthy, you will get what you need, as judged by a Father that loves you perfectly, who wants your eternal happiness even more than do you.
I testify that when the Lord closes one important door in your life, He shows His continuing love and compassion by opening many other compensating doors through your exercise of faith. He will place in your path packets of spiritual sunlight to brighten your way. They often come after the trial has been the greatest, as evidence of the compassion and love of an all-knowing Father. They point the way to greater happiness, more understanding, and strengthen your determination to accept and be obedient to His will.
It is a singularly marvelous blessing to have faith in the Savior and a testimony of His teachings. So few in the world have that brilliant light to guide them. The fulness of the restored gospel gives perspective, purpose, and understanding. It allows us to face what otherwise appear to be unjust, unfair, unreasonable challenges in life. Learn those helpful truths by pondering the Book of Mormon and other scriptures. Try to understand those teachings not only with your mind but also with your heart.
True enduring happiness with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the most challenging difficulties comes from a life centered in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a sure foundation upon which to build. That takes effort. There is no guarantee of overnight results, but there is absolute assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and emptiness will be filled.
Recently a great leader, suffering from physical handicaps that come with advancing age, said, “I am glad I have what I have.” It is wisdom to open the windows of happiness by recognizing your abundant blessings.
Don’t let the workings of adversity totally absorb your life. Try to understand what you can. Act where you are able; then let the matter rest with the Lord for a period while you give to others in worthy ways before you take on appropriate concern again.
Please learn that as you wrestle with a challenge and feel sadness because of it, you can simultaneously have peace and rejoicing. Yes, pain, disappointment, frustration, and anguish can be temporary scenes played out on the stage of life. Behind them there can be a background of peace and the positive assurance that a loving Father will keep His promises. You can qualify for those promises by a determination to accept His will, by understanding the plan of happiness, by receiving all of the ordinances, and by keeping the covenants made to assure their fulfillment.
The Lord’s plan is to exalt you to live with Him and be greatly blessed. The rate at which you qualify is generally set by your capacity to mature, to grow, to love, and to give of yourself. He is preparing you to be a god. You cannot understand fully what that means, yet, He knows. As you trust Him, seek and follow His will, you will receive blessings that your finite mind cannot understand here on earth. Your Father in Heaven and His Holy Son know better than you what brings happiness. They have given you the plan of happiness. As you understand and follow it, happiness will be your blessing. As you willingly obey, receive, and honor the ordinances and covenants of that holy plan, you can have the greatest measure of satisfaction in this life. Yes, even times of overpowering happiness. You will prepare yourself for an eternity of glorious life with your loved ones who qualify for that kingdom.
I know the principles that we have discussed are true. They have been tested in the crucible of personal experience. To recognize the hand of the Lord in your life and to accept His will without complaint is a beginning. That decision does not immediately eliminate the struggles that will come for your growth. But I witness that it is the best way there is for you to find strength and understanding. It will free you from the dead ends of your own reasoning. It will allow your life to become a productive, meaningful experience, when otherwise you may not know how to go on (see D&C 24:8).
I testify that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you. I witness that the Savior gave His life for your happiness. I know Him. He understands your every need. I positively know that as you accept Their will without complaint, They will bless and sustain you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Thursday, May 7
CUNORI Demonstration
This is the newspaper article about the demonstration regarding our new building that appears to be completed--but not available to use.
Tuesday, May 5
May 3rd news from Guatemala
May 3, 2009
Hello Family and Loved Ones,
This week we officially passed our six month mark. Amazing how fast it goes. While we were on the bus to Esquipulas yesterday I started making a list of interesting things I was observing along the way, or had noticed recently. I thought you might like a glimpse of my list.
1. Businesses with odd names:
a. Some of the Beauty Salons here have attempted to copy the American names—they are close, but not close enough. I know of at least three that have gigantic signs out front saying they are a “Saloon de Belleza (Beauty).” I wonder if they sell booze?
b. “Hotel Good Price”—looks sort of seedy on the outside, so maybe that is all they have going…
c. Clothing stores that make a point of letting you know all of their merchandise is new. That is because there are dozens of stores that receive huge bundles of used clothes from the states and proudly display them. There are rows of used clothing stores on 3a Calle. Just walking down the sidewalk you can smell the “used clothes smell.”
d. A pet store called “Arca D’ Noe” I thought that was very creative—Noah’s Ark.
e. “Escuela Experimental” Of course it has been around for 20 years with the same experiment running. When asked what the experiment was, one student explained that they have teachers teach the same subject all day and the students move from class to class. It works, too!! Amazing idea.
f. We have a “Victoria’s Secrets” right across the street from the church, with the expected lingerie displayed.
2. Education is apparently pretty tough in the city (different in the aldeas, as Spencer explained). One of my students is in third grade here. She just moved here from the United States, where she has lived for the past four years. She is finding it difficult to catch up to where they are in several subjects. Most schools run two sessions. One from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM and one from 12:30-6:00 PM. Some teachers teach both sessions for a larger salary. No breaks for meals for kids—just work straight thru.
3. “Free education” All kids are supposed to attend school until the age of 14. But many are unable to attend because of the costs of supplies and uniforms. They just join the workforce with their parents when they are about 6-7 y.o.—helping in the market or growing the produce, selling newspapers, shining shoes, etc.
4. You can teach the lower grades with just two years of education beyond high school. But you have to pass lots of tests to get into the program—so there is already a screening to find capable, bright teachers. However, teachers only make about Q900 a month--$125. That is definitely a middle class wage. They usually even can afford concrete floors in their houses instead of dirt.
5. Being an armed guard is a major form of employment—Spencer touched on that last week. I think it must be the most boring job in the world. Standing all day long holding a shotgun and not visiting with people. Sigh. Not my kind of excitement.
6. America is a “throw away” culture and mentality. Here, everything is repaired. That is because labor is so cheap. [And because Americans high labor costs probably reflect a little greed.]
a. Old school buses are sent down here (often as a donation) and Guatamaltecos keep them running for an additional 20 years or so.
b. Spencer has found a deaf/mute repairman who is a genius with electrical motors and can repair anything.
c. My shoes were getting really worn on the outside of the heels and I had them re-heeled and resoled for $5—labor and materials.
d. There are “sastrerias” (tailors/seamstresses) everywhere. You can get clothes repaired or made from scratch really inexpensively. Spencer has stocked up on dress pants and is getting a suit made now.
e. Shoe shines only cost Q6—about $0.80
7. Streets have no regulations. Spencer already told you about the traffic. But if you have a parade, a party, a business delivery or any other reason you just put up barricades to block the street. No permits required. If a street is blocked the traffic just reroutes itself—even if means going the wrong direction on one way streets. Not only that, but if you are building a cistern or an addition several floors to your house, you just have them delivery the rocks and sand in the street outside your building. The piles will remain for months while you are slowing doing your project. All cement is mixed by hand. Last week (I didn’t have a camera with me) we watched a bucket brigade sending five gallon buckets of cement up scaffolding that went up to the third floor. There were two guys in the street mixing it, two guys shoveling into the buckets and about eight on the scaffolding and roof. It was amazing how fast and efficiently they lifted those heavy buckets up and empty buckets down.
8. There aren’t many rules enforced anywhere. Last week the students in CUNORI had a demonstration because we have a new building we can’t use because of litigation between the construction company and the San Marcos University (our “mother” campus) so they blocked the traffic on the state highway by building big fires with old tires on the main highway in two different locations. It stopped the traffic for several hours. The police were there, but didn’t try to stop them. Even the paper indicated they were there to be certain no one got hurt. There was publicity—a picture and article in the national newspaper. But we still aren’t in the building. We will watch for future evernts.
9. Buses don’t follow schedules or routes.
a. We got on one of the regular “run around town” buses to go to Pradera and shop last week. It picked up a group of four passengers and they had a conversation with the driver. On the way to the shopping center the bus suddenly turned off the highway and went about ¾ miles back into an area that was truly a ghetto—even for Guatemala. We never knew it existed. He dropped off the passengers, picked up about five more (with bundles of corn husks) and returned to the highway and the “normal” route.
b. We decided to take a “big bus” (like a Greyhound) to Esquipulas Saturday. We went to their office and she said one was scheduled for 9:00 “mas o menos” (more or less). About 9:25 it drove down the street and didn’t even stop. Spencer had to chase after it to flag down the driver to stop, so we could bring our stuff and get on. Sigh. Why do they even have an office at the terminal if they don’t stop there? However, it was a great trip. We tried to catch the same bus to come back and in the Esquipulas office, the clerk said she didn’t think the bus would go into Chiquimula, it would just go on the highway, so we should take one of the smaller “chicken buses.” Great advertising—for the chicken buses. But it was OK (this time).
10. Speaking of buses—when we were coming back from Zone Conference in Zacapa, we arrived at the terminal when a chicken bus and a big bus were both ready to leave for Chiquimula. Spencer was going to take the chicken bus—‘cause they go deeper into town (closer to home). I was speechless just standing there, I couldn’t believe we were even discussing it after the number of times we have wished our timing would work right to take the comfortable buses—however, we did travel in comfort.
11. There are no “run around town” buses in Esquipulas. Everyone uses “moto-taxis”. You have see them to believe them. Check the blog for pictures. They are a little cart to haul people with a motor scooter front.
12. Guatemala is north of the equator, however they call it verano (summer) from November thru May and “invierno” (winter) from May-November. Basically, it is just winter when it rains and summer when it doesn’t. Nothing to do with the sun or the equinox or the equator or anything like that. It is just how it is in Guatemala.
13. I’m a little worried about the upcoming “winter.” We have had two rain storms this week and both times the city lost electrical power. I hope that won’t be the situation for the entire six months of invierno—when it rains everyday! The first time it happened it was during the night. The power went off while we were asleep and Spencer’s c-pap (which he uses for sleep apnea) machine, naturally, quit working. He woke up because he was fighting to get air thru the mask. Great way to learn you had no power.
14. “Dry heat” is a relative term. We are accustomed to hearing it and saying it in Arizona. Last week when I commented on the heat, one of the bus drivers said, “At least it is a dry heat.” Every time I have checked the internet, our humidity has been at least 50%. I told him I thought it was humid—I sweat a lot here, and I never do in Arizona. He reassured me that it is a “dry heat” here in Chiquimula –nothing like Puerto Barrios and Livingstone (both are seaport towns, east of us). So I guess, compared to 90-95%, our 50% is a dry heat. But Arizona’s 12% is even drier!
That’s enough of the list of interesting things. I just have to tell you a couple of stories about our weekend in Esquipulas. I think we mentioned earlier that the Branch President has asked us to focus on families where the priesthood holder is not active. Saturday we went to the home of Sister Lidia. She is a nurse and has a teeny-tiny store front pharmacy. She has a little exam table and sees patients for injections, too. There is about 15” between the exam table and the ironing board. And the table doubles as a bed for her teenage son at night. We made an appointment to return that night after 6 PM when she expected her husband to be home. When we returned she was very distraught, because they rent their little quarters and they share the pila with several other families who rent and they all open to a common courtyard in the back. The pila is the only sink for all of them. They wash clothes, foods and dishes, get water for food preparation, etc from the pila. She is very clean—always uses chloro and cleans up after herself. But a lot of bad people live there and some of the ladies leave corn meal in the sink and everywhere. Saturday there was a confrontation and two of the ladies wanted to beat her up. She might be all of 4’ 6” tall. In the fracas, she was hurt on the inside of her knee—I don’t know if she got kicked or what. Her son had to call the police. So now she is afraid to use the pila because she knows these ladies want to hurt her. Spencer gave her a blessing to help her calm down. When we were visiting with her husband (who doesn’t attend because somewhere along the way he had his feelings hurt), he was very pleasant. [First I have to tell you that many people have commented on what a visionary people the Mayans are—many have dreams and warnings and personal revelations—it has helped many recognize the gospel]. Finally, he asked if God sent us because the night before he had a dream that God had an army and he was sending soldiers from his army of men and women to bring him back to Him. So he wanted to know if God had sent us. Spencer said he thought so—a prophet of God had called us to come to Guatemala and the Mission President (who is called of God) asked to come to Esquipulas to help the members, and the Branch President asked us to come see him. That is a lot of priesthood power, authorized by God that caused us to be there. He didn’t come to church today (he had to work), but he has invited us back into his home to meet with him, have prayer, share a message and sing some hymns. I hope, as one of the soldiers in God’s army, that I can do my part.
Then today after church, we went to see the Primary President. She wasn’t at church today. Her husband is also inactive. When we arrived, she was excited to see us, but her husband (who was lying sort of sideways on/off the couch) greeted us warmly, but didn’t get up. He only had on athletic shorts, and I noticed he had some blood stains by his right hip. Spencer asked about his work and he said now he doesn’t have a job since he was “injured.” We then learned that last Wednesday, he was shot in a random shooting and sustained a bullet wound to his hip—no wonder he didn’t get up to greet us! His wife stayed home to care for him today. He has been inactive so long he didn’t know what kind of priesthood he held (“the first one”). Spencer offered to give him a blessing and he seemed pleased. The first thing he did was ask his wife to get him a shirt to put on. I felt like that was a good sign—he has some spiritual flicker that reminded him that if he was to receive a blessing, he should be appropriately dressed.
We have been visiting and home teachers for a long time in the church, but never before have we been in one home one day where a little 50+ year old lady was in danger of being beaten up and the next day in a home where the husband had been shot. There are different challenges here than we are used to seeing at home. But the people we interact with are kind and sincere and love the Lord. More importantly, He loves them. That is why He has called us here to teach, encourage and support His children in this little corner of His vineyard. Our prayer is that we can do our part with faithful diligence and dedicated service.
At church today, I led the music in Sacrament Meeting and since I was already on the stand, I was the first one to bear my testimony. I am getting better at communicating in Spanish—not to the level I’d like, but so much better than on our last mission. Spencer ended up teaching the Gospel Doctrine Class. Fortunately I had read it from the Spanish SS manual to him the night before, to have some practice with Spanish, so he had some familiarity with it.
Speaking of my Spanish, the last two times we have been to the temple. I have used Spanish to go through the veil. It is really a challenge—because it has to be exact—and there is a lot to translate in my head. But I have done it! My goal is to be able to do it without a lot of help before we go home. Of course, that is only one of a multitude of goals I have in speaking Spanish. Today, we didn’t have anything to read on our bus ride home, so I had Spencer check me as I made sentences using all of the conjugations and tenses of “tener” (“to have” or “to have to”) that I could think of. I was even getting bored, so I can only guess how he felt!
I must close now, so you won’t be bored, too. (Spencer wants to know if this letter has a concordance and index—or maybe a few foot notes for cross referencing!) I don’t want to make it that easy—you just have to read the whole thing!
Love,
Mom/Jeanine
PS. After reading the letter, Spencer is wondering about a title page and a dedication. But, I’ll leave all the rest off and just dedicate this letter to my patient, kind and tolerant companion, who actually enjoys my long letters, but is afraid to admit it, because it might encourage me. This epistle is thereby dedicated to Elder Spencer Brown.
Hello Family and Loved Ones,
This week we officially passed our six month mark. Amazing how fast it goes. While we were on the bus to Esquipulas yesterday I started making a list of interesting things I was observing along the way, or had noticed recently. I thought you might like a glimpse of my list.
1. Businesses with odd names:
a. Some of the Beauty Salons here have attempted to copy the American names—they are close, but not close enough. I know of at least three that have gigantic signs out front saying they are a “Saloon de Belleza (Beauty).” I wonder if they sell booze?
b. “Hotel Good Price”—looks sort of seedy on the outside, so maybe that is all they have going…
c. Clothing stores that make a point of letting you know all of their merchandise is new. That is because there are dozens of stores that receive huge bundles of used clothes from the states and proudly display them. There are rows of used clothing stores on 3a Calle. Just walking down the sidewalk you can smell the “used clothes smell.”
d. A pet store called “Arca D’ Noe” I thought that was very creative—Noah’s Ark.
e. “Escuela Experimental” Of course it has been around for 20 years with the same experiment running. When asked what the experiment was, one student explained that they have teachers teach the same subject all day and the students move from class to class. It works, too!! Amazing idea.
f. We have a “Victoria’s Secrets” right across the street from the church, with the expected lingerie displayed.
2. Education is apparently pretty tough in the city (different in the aldeas, as Spencer explained). One of my students is in third grade here. She just moved here from the United States, where she has lived for the past four years. She is finding it difficult to catch up to where they are in several subjects. Most schools run two sessions. One from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM and one from 12:30-6:00 PM. Some teachers teach both sessions for a larger salary. No breaks for meals for kids—just work straight thru.
3. “Free education” All kids are supposed to attend school until the age of 14. But many are unable to attend because of the costs of supplies and uniforms. They just join the workforce with their parents when they are about 6-7 y.o.—helping in the market or growing the produce, selling newspapers, shining shoes, etc.
4. You can teach the lower grades with just two years of education beyond high school. But you have to pass lots of tests to get into the program—so there is already a screening to find capable, bright teachers. However, teachers only make about Q900 a month--$125. That is definitely a middle class wage. They usually even can afford concrete floors in their houses instead of dirt.
5. Being an armed guard is a major form of employment—Spencer touched on that last week. I think it must be the most boring job in the world. Standing all day long holding a shotgun and not visiting with people. Sigh. Not my kind of excitement.
6. America is a “throw away” culture and mentality. Here, everything is repaired. That is because labor is so cheap. [And because Americans high labor costs probably reflect a little greed.]
a. Old school buses are sent down here (often as a donation) and Guatamaltecos keep them running for an additional 20 years or so.
b. Spencer has found a deaf/mute repairman who is a genius with electrical motors and can repair anything.
c. My shoes were getting really worn on the outside of the heels and I had them re-heeled and resoled for $5—labor and materials.
d. There are “sastrerias” (tailors/seamstresses) everywhere. You can get clothes repaired or made from scratch really inexpensively. Spencer has stocked up on dress pants and is getting a suit made now.
e. Shoe shines only cost Q6—about $0.80
7. Streets have no regulations. Spencer already told you about the traffic. But if you have a parade, a party, a business delivery or any other reason you just put up barricades to block the street. No permits required. If a street is blocked the traffic just reroutes itself—even if means going the wrong direction on one way streets. Not only that, but if you are building a cistern or an addition several floors to your house, you just have them delivery the rocks and sand in the street outside your building. The piles will remain for months while you are slowing doing your project. All cement is mixed by hand. Last week (I didn’t have a camera with me) we watched a bucket brigade sending five gallon buckets of cement up scaffolding that went up to the third floor. There were two guys in the street mixing it, two guys shoveling into the buckets and about eight on the scaffolding and roof. It was amazing how fast and efficiently they lifted those heavy buckets up and empty buckets down.
8. There aren’t many rules enforced anywhere. Last week the students in CUNORI had a demonstration because we have a new building we can’t use because of litigation between the construction company and the San Marcos University (our “mother” campus) so they blocked the traffic on the state highway by building big fires with old tires on the main highway in two different locations. It stopped the traffic for several hours. The police were there, but didn’t try to stop them. Even the paper indicated they were there to be certain no one got hurt. There was publicity—a picture and article in the national newspaper. But we still aren’t in the building. We will watch for future evernts.
9. Buses don’t follow schedules or routes.
a. We got on one of the regular “run around town” buses to go to Pradera and shop last week. It picked up a group of four passengers and they had a conversation with the driver. On the way to the shopping center the bus suddenly turned off the highway and went about ¾ miles back into an area that was truly a ghetto—even for Guatemala. We never knew it existed. He dropped off the passengers, picked up about five more (with bundles of corn husks) and returned to the highway and the “normal” route.
b. We decided to take a “big bus” (like a Greyhound) to Esquipulas Saturday. We went to their office and she said one was scheduled for 9:00 “mas o menos” (more or less). About 9:25 it drove down the street and didn’t even stop. Spencer had to chase after it to flag down the driver to stop, so we could bring our stuff and get on. Sigh. Why do they even have an office at the terminal if they don’t stop there? However, it was a great trip. We tried to catch the same bus to come back and in the Esquipulas office, the clerk said she didn’t think the bus would go into Chiquimula, it would just go on the highway, so we should take one of the smaller “chicken buses.” Great advertising—for the chicken buses. But it was OK (this time).
10. Speaking of buses—when we were coming back from Zone Conference in Zacapa, we arrived at the terminal when a chicken bus and a big bus were both ready to leave for Chiquimula. Spencer was going to take the chicken bus—‘cause they go deeper into town (closer to home). I was speechless just standing there, I couldn’t believe we were even discussing it after the number of times we have wished our timing would work right to take the comfortable buses—however, we did travel in comfort.
11. There are no “run around town” buses in Esquipulas. Everyone uses “moto-taxis”. You have see them to believe them. Check the blog for pictures. They are a little cart to haul people with a motor scooter front.
12. Guatemala is north of the equator, however they call it verano (summer) from November thru May and “invierno” (winter) from May-November. Basically, it is just winter when it rains and summer when it doesn’t. Nothing to do with the sun or the equinox or the equator or anything like that. It is just how it is in Guatemala.
13. I’m a little worried about the upcoming “winter.” We have had two rain storms this week and both times the city lost electrical power. I hope that won’t be the situation for the entire six months of invierno—when it rains everyday! The first time it happened it was during the night. The power went off while we were asleep and Spencer’s c-pap (which he uses for sleep apnea) machine, naturally, quit working. He woke up because he was fighting to get air thru the mask. Great way to learn you had no power.
14. “Dry heat” is a relative term. We are accustomed to hearing it and saying it in Arizona. Last week when I commented on the heat, one of the bus drivers said, “At least it is a dry heat.” Every time I have checked the internet, our humidity has been at least 50%. I told him I thought it was humid—I sweat a lot here, and I never do in Arizona. He reassured me that it is a “dry heat” here in Chiquimula –nothing like Puerto Barrios and Livingstone (both are seaport towns, east of us). So I guess, compared to 90-95%, our 50% is a dry heat. But Arizona’s 12% is even drier!
That’s enough of the list of interesting things. I just have to tell you a couple of stories about our weekend in Esquipulas. I think we mentioned earlier that the Branch President has asked us to focus on families where the priesthood holder is not active. Saturday we went to the home of Sister Lidia. She is a nurse and has a teeny-tiny store front pharmacy. She has a little exam table and sees patients for injections, too. There is about 15” between the exam table and the ironing board. And the table doubles as a bed for her teenage son at night. We made an appointment to return that night after 6 PM when she expected her husband to be home. When we returned she was very distraught, because they rent their little quarters and they share the pila with several other families who rent and they all open to a common courtyard in the back. The pila is the only sink for all of them. They wash clothes, foods and dishes, get water for food preparation, etc from the pila. She is very clean—always uses chloro and cleans up after herself. But a lot of bad people live there and some of the ladies leave corn meal in the sink and everywhere. Saturday there was a confrontation and two of the ladies wanted to beat her up. She might be all of 4’ 6” tall. In the fracas, she was hurt on the inside of her knee—I don’t know if she got kicked or what. Her son had to call the police. So now she is afraid to use the pila because she knows these ladies want to hurt her. Spencer gave her a blessing to help her calm down. When we were visiting with her husband (who doesn’t attend because somewhere along the way he had his feelings hurt), he was very pleasant. [First I have to tell you that many people have commented on what a visionary people the Mayans are—many have dreams and warnings and personal revelations—it has helped many recognize the gospel]. Finally, he asked if God sent us because the night before he had a dream that God had an army and he was sending soldiers from his army of men and women to bring him back to Him. So he wanted to know if God had sent us. Spencer said he thought so—a prophet of God had called us to come to Guatemala and the Mission President (who is called of God) asked to come to Esquipulas to help the members, and the Branch President asked us to come see him. That is a lot of priesthood power, authorized by God that caused us to be there. He didn’t come to church today (he had to work), but he has invited us back into his home to meet with him, have prayer, share a message and sing some hymns. I hope, as one of the soldiers in God’s army, that I can do my part.
Then today after church, we went to see the Primary President. She wasn’t at church today. Her husband is also inactive. When we arrived, she was excited to see us, but her husband (who was lying sort of sideways on/off the couch) greeted us warmly, but didn’t get up. He only had on athletic shorts, and I noticed he had some blood stains by his right hip. Spencer asked about his work and he said now he doesn’t have a job since he was “injured.” We then learned that last Wednesday, he was shot in a random shooting and sustained a bullet wound to his hip—no wonder he didn’t get up to greet us! His wife stayed home to care for him today. He has been inactive so long he didn’t know what kind of priesthood he held (“the first one”). Spencer offered to give him a blessing and he seemed pleased. The first thing he did was ask his wife to get him a shirt to put on. I felt like that was a good sign—he has some spiritual flicker that reminded him that if he was to receive a blessing, he should be appropriately dressed.
We have been visiting and home teachers for a long time in the church, but never before have we been in one home one day where a little 50+ year old lady was in danger of being beaten up and the next day in a home where the husband had been shot. There are different challenges here than we are used to seeing at home. But the people we interact with are kind and sincere and love the Lord. More importantly, He loves them. That is why He has called us here to teach, encourage and support His children in this little corner of His vineyard. Our prayer is that we can do our part with faithful diligence and dedicated service.
At church today, I led the music in Sacrament Meeting and since I was already on the stand, I was the first one to bear my testimony. I am getting better at communicating in Spanish—not to the level I’d like, but so much better than on our last mission. Spencer ended up teaching the Gospel Doctrine Class. Fortunately I had read it from the Spanish SS manual to him the night before, to have some practice with Spanish, so he had some familiarity with it.
Speaking of my Spanish, the last two times we have been to the temple. I have used Spanish to go through the veil. It is really a challenge—because it has to be exact—and there is a lot to translate in my head. But I have done it! My goal is to be able to do it without a lot of help before we go home. Of course, that is only one of a multitude of goals I have in speaking Spanish. Today, we didn’t have anything to read on our bus ride home, so I had Spencer check me as I made sentences using all of the conjugations and tenses of “tener” (“to have” or “to have to”) that I could think of. I was even getting bored, so I can only guess how he felt!
I must close now, so you won’t be bored, too. (Spencer wants to know if this letter has a concordance and index—or maybe a few foot notes for cross referencing!) I don’t want to make it that easy—you just have to read the whole thing!
Love,
Mom/Jeanine
PS. After reading the letter, Spencer is wondering about a title page and a dedication. But, I’ll leave all the rest off and just dedicate this letter to my patient, kind and tolerant companion, who actually enjoys my long letters, but is afraid to admit it, because it might encourage me. This epistle is thereby dedicated to Elder Spencer Brown.
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