Jeanine's report for the week ending January 26th: It has been both exhausting and exhilarating in the temple! We have been shorthanded (especially the sisters) since some have had emergencies and family deaths. One night we only had eight sisters to cover all of the positions. I was on my feet for more than 5 hours straight--but it gave me a BIG jump start on memorizing the initiatory ordinances and I was able to become certified in everything except the very last paragraph! I thought that was pretty good for the first week here! Now I just have to finish learning that paragraph and how to be initiatory coordinator. I will then be A-OK for all ordinances. One shock I've had to adjust to is that the other two sisters who came when we did have limited Spanish. Chrys Meadows' is really new to the language. Both the anglo and the native sisters turn to me to do all of the translating and explaining! I didn't think my Spanish was strong, but I am to help and to translate more than I ever thought I could. Today I was dressed in "tipico" clothes and when we went to the remote branch, I told them I was "pura chapina" (a true Guatemalan). One brother laughed and told me it didn't work--but only because of my hair--that my Spanish was good. He was very kind. :) In this culture children are not left with babysitters. When parents come to the temple, the children come to and play in the annex or on the grounds. They are really very well behaved. Spencer and I have a special assignment. Each Saturday morning we are to give a "charla" or lesson for about 30 minutes to the kids. We taught about prayer on Saturday. We had a ball that they tossed back and forth and mentioned things they were thankful for and later, things or people to ask blessings for. At first kids were reserved, but they warmed up and it was great. One morning Spencer and I were returning from a walk when we spotted an old Datsun pickup pulling into the temple grounds. It had a tarp over the back and we thought they were delivering something. But no, when they arrived, 12 people climbed out of the back ready to attend the temple. They were the wonderful, faithful Mayan saints who sacrifice so much to come. The kids are tired, but the adults immediately begin their temple worship opportunities. We love hearing from you. You can call us at 928-554-2348. Our MagicJack is now working and you can leave a voice mail. But we love emails and/or responses to the blog.