Thanksgiving Day

Today (Monday, Nov, 30th, we celebrated Thanksgiving (on P-Day instead of after District Meeting). It turned out fantastic. It is a lot more labor intensive to cook Thanksgiving dinner here. You have to whip your own cream -- no Cool Whip; make your own pumpkin pie spice -- after looking up the recipe on the internet; snap your own beans; improvise for items not available (lemon jello, Romaine lettuce, Craisins); cook in an oven where it is a wild guess to gauge the temperature and pay $1.50/lb. for the turkey. But we loved it anyway. We had turkey, dressing (such a yummy recipe from Janae), potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, green beans w/ham and onions, corn on the cob (can't do that in the US at this time of year), 7-up fruit salad (there is no lemon jello here--it is lime, so we used lime and pineapple--it was a big hit), yummy salad with caramelized almonds (a recipe from Aunt Lynda) and a pumpkin cobbler (crunch) from a recipe that Rachelle uses and Janae sent me one addition--nuts on top. We even had ice cream to top it off. They scarfed it all up. I have some left overs, but not tons and I have my Weight Watchers crustless pumpkin pie to enjoy, guilt-free at my leisure. I have to admit, I am tired tonight. I cooked all afternoon on Sunday and all day today. The missionaries went home raving about the meal. We are thankful for the opportunity to share this holiday with them. We have much to be thankful for!

There is now a Deacon in the Branch

We have a brand new Deacon (our only one). Sunday was his first time to pass the Sacrament. During the meeting his tie was under the collar of his shirt. Notice the size of the suit coat and the tie. Even his shoes were too big. But he was there, fulfilling his brand new priesthood responsibilities. It was about the cutest thing I've seen in a long time.

Sunday's Sacrament Meeting

Sunday we had a great turn out at Sacrament Meeting. It was the Primary Program. We got a picture of all of them that were there before the meeting started. About six more and the other leader arrived a little later. They also had the young women participate. They sang a couple of numbers and recited the YW theme. It was really a nice meeting. It was even longer that allowed. Of course, if we started on time, it might have been just right! :)

Spencer's entertainment on the bus

Report from Spencer: Something hilarious happened on the way to Esquipulus. I sat by this 92 y.o. unkept gentleman. In the states we would thing of him as a bum. He had a big wide rimmed hat. I said to him. "I like your hat, where could I get me one? It was dirty, he wanted me to try his on. I said, "That's all right. I'll get me one in town." I asked what he had done for a living. Now he cuts mountain trails with his machete, "that's why he's in such good health." Then he said, (in a very loud voice), when I was a little younger, I was quite a womanizer." I said, "Oh no! Aren't you ashamed?" He said no and asked if I didn't do some womanizing. I said "No, I just have my wife." Everybody on the bus was cracking up. They would look at the old guy and me, then at Jeanine to see her reaction. I asked if he thought he'd live another six years. He said, no, he might live longer than that, as long as he could match up with some young woman and die with her. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment and I couldn't stop giggling.

A typical bus ride to Esquipulas

A while back you got to see the outside of the bus we ride to Esquipulas every week. Well, now you can look at the inside! There were probably close to 40 of us this week. We have had as many as 50 on some occasions. The ayudante (assistant/helper) had to stand on the step and hang on to a window frame and bar as we drove the mountainous roads. I took random shots behind me and in front of me so you could see the view. In one you can see the ayudante collecting money. Everyone has to help pass it up to him and then pass back the change, since he can't budge from the doorway. It is quite the experience. I wish all of you could enjoy it with us!

Last night of classes at the Church

On Thursday night we finished up for this year. I made treats for Spencer's two classes. In our adult class, everyone brought food, they learned to play Rummi Kube, we ate and laughed and visited. It was a "language learning laboratory" where they were able to practice speaking English in a social situation (party) and converse on that level. However, we did have to use some Spanish in learning to play the game. In the kids' class we played Memory with cards for Opposites (in English) and had some parents join in. Then we played Bingo with vocabulary and phrases in English and then we ate! It was a fun night and I was pumped. Two kids brought me presents--that was a surprise for me.

Decorating for Christmas

On Thursday, while all of you were enjoying Thanksgiving, Tere's two younger kids, Wilmer and Sofi helped me decorate for Christmas (while Tere was cleaning the house and washing clothes--sort of unfair, but she is grateful for the chance to earn money). It turned out pretty good--it went a lot faster than decorating in Prescott -- only one small box instead of about five huge bins! But either way, I LOVE Christmas and I am glad to have some decorations up.

Reported activities Nov. 22, 2009

November 22, 2009
Dear Family,
This afternoon we returned from our weekend in Esquipulas. When we arrived at home we found that our electric water cooler that supports a 5 gallon bottle of water (which I changed right before we left on Saturday) had leaked all of the water out onto the kitchen floor. Other than that, it was a great weekend experience. We were able to make visits to six families on Saturday and attend church meetings at the branch. We were surprised to find the mission president and his wife at church this morning. It is a 4½ hour drive from Guatemala City and they were here for an 8:30 meeting with the branch presidency. It is nice to get caught doing what you’re supposed to be doing as opposed to the alternative.
Last Sunday was the Guatemala and Belize Conference over the satellite. The Branch came in to Chiquimula for that. The attendance was a lot less than it was for General Conference. President Packer and two 70’s (Elder Spencer Jones and Elder Clayton) spoke as well as Sister Margaret Lifferth (Primary General Presidency). When the general authorities speak to them as Guatemalans they feel more connected to the church. President Packer has been here on many trips for key events. He was part of the dedication process of many chapels. He has been present for many special occasions. He told them that while they don’t know him, he knows them. The two 70’s served as area authorities and temple presidents in Central America or Latin America and spoke excellent Spanish and could speak to the culture.
Tuesday, the stake president contacted me to inform us about food commodities that had been sent from church welfare for the Esquipulas and Ipala branches. The church welfare department had provided large bags (60# apiece) with equal quantities of corn, beans, rice and milo maize. A couple of months ago commodities were distributed to all of the stakes in the country. We were concerned that Esquipulas and Ipala branches were left out. They are not attached to any stake or district. I mentioned it to President Alvarado at Zone Conference. Low and behold, another shipment was sent for these two branches. On the blog we have a picture or two of the people receiving their grain. Just a side note, milo is the round seed that is grown in our country but is used for cattle feed. Here they grind it and mix it into the corn tortillas, especially when corn is in short supply. Very often they feed the same tortillas to their chickens and ducks and receive their food in the form of eggs and meat.
On a slightly different topic, the Benson Institute, under the direction of the presiding bishopric is promoting a vegetable garden and chicken project for families who need more food and to encourage self-reliance. They are at-risk families. The program provides materials and help/instructions for them to build the chicken coops as well as the chickens. The coops are supplied with feeders and water containers. Each family receives 24 chickens and feed for the first six months. It takes six months for baby chicks to mature enough to start laying eggs. The family agrees to pick up the ongoing feed costs when they can sell half the eggs (and keep half for their family’s consumption). At the end of a year, they can butcher and/or sell the hens (who have passed their laying prime) and with the proceeds, they agree to start a new batch of chicks. The coops are compact and secure. The manure can be used as fertilizer in their small vegetable gardens. The church provides seed, fertilizer, insecticide and basic tools, if needed. There is a person who provides instruction and guidance for the chickens and the gardens. The chicken coop looks like a rabbit hutch. I plan to build one myself when I get home. I will put mine on pipe skids to move around as needed.
Back to the weekend, We always go to Esquipulas with the basic lessons studied because we could be asked to talk or give a lesson on a moment’s or a day’s notice. It happens often. Jeanine talked in Sacrament meeting the Sunday before the area conference and always leads the music. I teach the 1st and the 4th Sunday priesthood lessons from the Liahona (equivalent to the Ensign). It is good to be needed.
We always pray for all of you back at home. We’re prayful about your well being and hope you are also prayful about your families. May the Lord prosper you where needed and keep you well.
Love,
Spencer/Dad
PS Note from Jeanine: I always do the pictures and then I don’t have time to write a letter. But Spencer said I could add anything I wanted.
We have had good experiences recently presenting certificates to both the medical students and the employees who completed the English classes this year. The certificates were beautiful and had our picture as a watermark (I think that is what it is called) in the background. On both occasions, students thanked us in Spanish and in English for our generosity in giving our time to help them grow and develop new life skills. We included a couple of pictures from the faculty dinner and presentations on the blog.
One very “different” thing happened Friday night. There were great musicians that provided entertainment. Then there was a comedian to perform. I’m glad I don’t know any bad words in Spanish because I didn’t get any of his jokes and didn’t know what he was talking about. I could tell from the mixed responses, that some people were very unhappy. Apparently he was excessively vulgar and crude. Finally, the assistant to the director of the school came up and told him to stop. “At this school we have respect for women.” The guy just kept going! Nery told him again and the creep acted like he was going to challenge him to a fight. Nery went over and had the sound technician disconnect his microphone from the sound system. There were many employees applauding to support Nery. Finally, some woman came up took the guy by the arm and they left (in a huff). Perhaps his jokes would be appreciated in a bar—but not a university banquet. Sigh. No matter where you go in this world, you see both evil and good—in stark contrast to each other.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, take time to reflect on our many, many blessings. We will be celebrating late, because of teaching conflicts.
On Fast Sunday, December 6th, many people are asking that we unite in fasting for our country. No matter what your political alliances are, I think you can agree that our leaders need the Lord’s guidance in bringing us out of this economic crisis. We definitely need guidance in knowing how to best bring about the changes in our personal lives and in our nation that would be for the best good. There is power in united fasting and prayer.
Love,
Jeanine/Mom

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

The Christmas season has officially started in Chiquimula. Here is the city tree. I wonder who financed it??? Do you think this tree honors Christ or the Gallo beer company? Even the lights strung across the intersections spell Gallo. There is just something horrible wrong with this image!
But I do love singing Christmas songs at church. I have found some good Christmas music on the internet, since all of my music was lost with my other computer. By the way, the thieves also got the MP3 player, so I have no music at all. What a bummer. I hope Nathan will help me load it all again when I get home.

Oh, woe is us!

I don't know what is wrong with pictures. When we left home we both thought we looked pretty good. I even had earrings on! So we had someone take a picture. I don't know what happened between the view in the mirror and the view in the camera! In every picture we take, Spencer thinks he looks a little fatter and I think I look a little older. Maybe we need a new camera!

Chistmas Celebration at CUNORI

Friday night was the Christmas Party at CUNORI for all of the employees. The admin. all had very kind comments to make about us and told how much they appreciate us and the contribution we make to the school. They had also prepared some really nice certificates to pass out to the employees that completed our classes this year. None of the pictures were very clear, but this at least gives you an idea.

A family (re)united

The father of twins, Dyana Marleni and Dyana Jose, has returned from Logan. He had never met the twins. His wife died a few hours after giving birth and the grandparents have raised them. He plans on staying for about a year. The girls were surely excited to meet him. They had talked to him on the phone many times. We are excited because he holds the Melchezidek priesthood!

Passing out food commodities

Today after church, President Lajpop passed out bags of food commodities to many of the families in the branch. What a blessing it is in the lives of these people. They have so little -- and so few opportunities to rise out of their poverty. This gives them a boost for awhile.

Kids at play

Watching kids play in Guatemala is like revisiting the 50's in the USA. Kids still play jacks, marbles, fly kites (that they made themselves, without a kit), and jump rope. Even though I see old TVs in homes, I don't know if they work, because kids don't sit around watching TV. They are out playing in the dirt all the time. These are Gladys' daughters and nieces in the road by their house.

Lots of Cousins!

You thought the Tenney's and/or Brown's were prolific. There are 20 cousins in these two houses and less than 1/4 mile up the hill there are 15 more. The Ramirez family has us beat--at least for cousins in the same proximity.

Enjoy the inside of the house

This is the inside of the house. The TV divides the "kitchen / living room" from the bedroom. The one bed is behind the TV and there are mats to layout at bedtime for the seven kids. The kitchen table that serves as a cupboard is on the right.

Visit with Gladys and "troops:

Gladys was busy measuring her kids' feet with a knot in a string so we could buy some shoes for them to wear to church. Notice the blue metal barrel in the foreground? That is their cook stove--you don't need heat here--good thing with plastic outside walls and a palm frond roof. A member of the bishopric helped them get the roof up so that they could have a place to call their own, instead of living and sleeping with cousins all of the time.

Limburg's return for a visit

The Limburg's visited for a week+. It was wonderful to see them. We had lunch at the home of Mario Diaz who is the director of Cunori and his family. Do you love the contrast in heights? :)

Lunch with the district

Just before transfers we had all of our district over for lunch. Only one pair remained intact--so it was nice we had this get together. Elder Godoy returned home to Honduras. So we probably won't see him again. But thanks to the internet we can keep in touch. He served in Esquipulas as his last area and we enjoyed working with him.

Spencer's report

November 8, 20009
Hi Family,
It’s my turn to write a few thoughts down and tell of some experiences here. As we’ve mentioned, this has been an especially dry six months, even more than normal, with some serious hunger among the Chorti Indians. Recently a tornado crossed Nicaragua with spin off rains bringing some relief to this area. When we travel there seems to be some nice bean patches on the sides of the slopes. The beans climb up the dead corn stalks from earlier in the year. We have no way of observing what it looks like around Jalapa (southwest of us) that was hit hard by the drought. I don’t like to see any of God’s children suffer from want of food. By the way, we’re aware of many notable efforts by Christian groups doing humanitarian service. We must not think that our church is the only group of people who have charitable hearts and do selfless service. However, there is nothing in the world more organized than Christ’s church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We can be grateful for being part of the restored church of Jesus Christ and to be blessed as His people. This conviction is born of the Holy Ghost and comes from my heart.
As Jeanine mentioned in her letter, last Sunday (a week ago) I saw Jeanine to the bus to go back to Chiquimula and then boarded a bus bound for Guatemala City. It was pleasant, however, from half way and onward we started picking up more passengers than got off and there was a full line of people in the center aisle, holding on to the overhead bar. When we approached an area of police, they yelled out a command for everyone standing to squat down. It was funny, but sad that the bus lines have such little regard for the safety of their passengers. Well, anyway, there was a mother with a two year old toddler who got on and was standing in the aisle. The child wasn’t about to stop holding on to her mother’s neck. I asked how far they were going. She said to Guatemala City, but said she was OK. She may have been embarrassed to have a foreigner show concern. I said, that if people didn’t get off and open up a seat for her I would switch places with her. Some time went by and there was no change. I reached over and tugged on her arm and said “Sit here”. With reluctance and then insistence from other people, she accepted the offer. After an hour she got off at the first stop in Guatemala. She expressed her great appreciation for the relief of standing and holding her child. The point I want to make for our children/grandchildren is that when you wear a missionary badge, you can do more with acts of kindness than knocking on doors. I hope you will always be considerate of others throughout your life.
On that Monday, at the temple, there were not the predicted 400 saints, but 500 who came to the temple on 17 buses from El Salvador. They arrived at 9:00 AM after travelling many hours. It was a busy, long day. Two special points: first, I was able to attend the last meeting with temple workers for the outgoing temple president and his wife (the Martinez). He is such a teacher. He spoke of the exactness that should be observed in the temple and the unity needed by the temple workers (“obreros”). He gave a stirring reminder of the respect that workers must give to all who come to the temple. They come with all different levels of understanding from the Area Presidency to the most humble Indians from the mountains. We must treat all of God’s children the same. He also taught a principal that I will always remember. There can only be one leader with keys at any given time. He said that when he would go to the airport that evening to receive President Mask (newly released from the 2nd quorum of Seventies) that the moment they shook (touched) hands, the keys of authority would switch and that all our loyalty (sustaining support) must shift to the new temple president. We must support our leaders despite any human frailties they may have.
I don’t think I have ever developed the ability to memorize and now at 67, it is a struggle for me. I can think what should be said in English, but the moment my mind goes back to English for help, the wrong word pops out, and then I get corrected and asked if I didn’t recognize the mistake. However, I was asked yesterday to monitor someone else’s performance on the back side of the veil. The supervisor recognizes that I have that portion well under control.
Just one more thought, the Limburgs came back for a week-long visit here to visit to tie up some loose ends and visit people here. They rented a car in the capital and drove to Chiquimula. They were taken aback over the dangers on the highways. They had forgotten what it was like. There are no rules enforced here on the highway. It’s just go and take your chances. Speed and the passing of cars here is out of control (as are many behaviors here in these third world countries. Crime is unbelievable). There was a young couple from our ward being married in the temple. In most Latin American countries, including Guatemala, a couple is married civilly and then makes the trip to the temple the next day to be sealed. The Limburgs opted to park their car and ride the midsize bus with ward members. They came back appalled by the riskiness of the bus driver who made the return trip. This is the same size of bus we ride in every week to Esquipulas. I only mention that to point out my own feelings of concern. Around the time we were robbed in our apartment, we were aware of some bad wrecks and I was an eye witness to a scary maneuver a bus driver did to jockey around another van. He shot (or drove) around the bus in front of him for no apparent advantage and inadvertently sandwiched himself between a parked car and the van ahead of him. It is nuts. He nudged past but took off mirrors and head lamp covers and anything he brushed against in the passing. I was showered with flying debris. The bus being passed wouldn’t give one inch. For them there was nothing to stop about. They just kept trucking, ignoring the damage that had been done. Some of us picked up the shattered pieces and tossed them aside. That and other motor scooter and car accidents here on our corner left me paranoid to the point that it was affecting me. I prayed for peace of mind for days. Then came to me the words of our setting apart prayer (or maybe it was just a comment that President Campbell), that they couldn’t hurt us here. I’ve had a calmness since then about these conditions. I speak of this after listening to the Limburgs comments. I don’t know if I would want to travel in Guatemala without the dome of protection offered to a servant of the Lord. I have such respect for our privileges and hope we can live worthy of them.
Love to all of you parents, children, grandchildren and relatives,
Dad/Spencer

The Elder and the Priest

Quezaltepeque has a model home for the handicapped and many support programs for the families. It has no government support. It was the most impressive facility I have seen in Guatemala. One of the handicapped girls grabbed on to Spencer and wanted hugs and attention. It was fun to watch. This Catholic Priest with Spencer worked in Esquipulas in the early 70's and had dream of creating a home for handicapped and undernurished children. When he returned to Spain, he got the wheels turning for funds. Spencer was an attentive guest and saw a lot of good things that had been accomplished.

Party with our church class

Last night we had a movie night and dinner with our advanced class and the Limburgs. It was a great night. Some had already left, but these are most of the students. It was a lot of fun.

Our faculty class took us to lunch.

The adult students in our faculty classes took the Limburgs and us to lunch at De Calero to show their appreciation and love for us. It was expensive for them and lots of fun for everyone. These are warm and wonderful people.

The Day of the Dead

November 1st is All Saints Day in the United States. In Latin America it is called "The Day of the Dead" which is in reality Memorial Day. During the week before there were flowers, both real and artificial, on sale everywhere! You can see people making wreaths in the park and along the side of mercado, they set up an entire alley of make-shift booths filled with flowers. The entire country supports this day.

Spencer found a great tienda (a little store) that was perched on the side of the hill. This is just the kind of place to go shopping, don't you think? You have to love Latin America. These little tiendas are found EVERYWHERE. I think they inspired convenience stores in the USA.

Spencer loves taking pictures in Esquipulas on the steep hills. We hiked to the top of this road looking for a home we had only been to once. We didn't find it this time. Sigh... Last Saturday was also very bright and sunny, so I had to protect my delicate skin. Cute, huh?

New Car!

Carlos is one of our English students in the faculty class at Cunori. He has a master's degree, is in charge of the chemistry lab and teaches chemistry. He is in his mid-forties and he just bought his first car ever! He is like a little kid on Christmas morning. It is a '95 Geo Metro "in perfect condition!" Amazing to not own a car until 45.

November 3, 2009
Dear Family,
It is almost two weeks since I wrote a letter. I hope you know I have thought of you every day. I feel so very blessed to have your love and support as a part of my life. Thank you.
My back is soooooo much better, I can’t tell you. Rich (my nephew, who is a PT—for the Brown side of my family) had emailed me some exercises and I had been doing them for two weeks. They had helped a lot, but I still was having a lot of pain. The chiropractor Tuli found in Guatemala City is from Minneapolis and educated in the United States. He married “a beautiful Guatemalan girl” and they moved back here 12 years ago. I had an evaluation by the doctor, was taught more exercises for both my back and ankle, had ultra sound and a hot compress to my back, an adjustment and a massage. I got an ankle brace for when I am walking in rough, uneven places. It took 2½ hours and cost $100. It He also gave me the names of two different medicines—one a muscle relaxant that doesn’t make me sleepy and an anti-inflammatory agent that won’t cause rebound headaches. I was still pretty sore for a few days—my back was pretty rigid and hard for him to adjust. But once that calmed down, I have been better than I have been in many months.
The Limburgs (the missionaries here before us) are here visiting. They are such delightful people to be with. Everyone is so happy to see them. Today we were set up at CUNORI with cookies so they could see some of the medical students. Then the faculty classes, past and present, took us to lunch at the most expensive restaurant in town, as their guests. It was a relaxing, rewarding time. Tonight, I am hosting a movie night, meal, and get together at the church for the English students, past and present. Everyone is bringing food. I made chili and will provide nachos—plus plates, cups, napkins, etc. It should be a lot of fun. I had to cancel the kids’ class for tonight, in order to host the party.
Spencer went from Esquipulas to Guatemala City on Sunday, because there was a special excursion coming from El Salvador and the temple was going to be opened for it. There were 17 buses and 500 people. I guess it was crazy. He will probably want to write about it.
We received an email from the missionary department, indicating that unless CUNORI can support the classes by actually making them required and expecting a level of required performance, we will probably not be replaced. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Each year they have said the classes are obligatory. We keep roles and scores—but they don’t really want them in administration. The classes actually are strongly suggested, not obligatory. So as the year gets more intense and students are worried about staying in medical school, attendance dwindles down to almost nothing. We have given the medical administration the lists of attendance and performance, but there are no consequences and no rewards.
Not a lot has changed in our work. The members in the branch are still struggling economically and spiritually. It is an emotional roller coaster to see new people come out and others drop out of activity.
I will post a few pictures with comments on other things, so to complete this letter, go to spencerandjeanine.blogspot.com.
Love, Mom/Jeanine