We leave tomorrow for another trip to Guatemala. This time I'm not sick and anticipate that the doctor will give me a clean bill of health (finally!). He may put me on a low dose antibiotic for a while--at least that was the plan before.
We missed being home for the Memorial Day week-end. We would have loved to have been at the cabin and helped with all of the work of opening it up, cleaning things, setting up the playground, working on the play set, etc. We were happy to learn that kids slept in the homestead cabin. We are so glad they liked it!
Saturday, May 31
May 31, 2014
This has been a month of birthdays so we have had the opportunity to talk to quite a few families as we acknowledged the following birthdays: Ben, Carter, Brigham Alexander, Sierra, Cassie, Jason, Nathan, Jon, Melody and Cody. We love getting to visit with you on any occasion--you don't have to wait for birthdays.
We haven't had any outstanding events this week. However, this morning while Spencer was in the shower we had a knock on our door to inform us that there were a group of less active members here. So Spencer hurried and dressed and went out to teach them. He got them laughing about themselves and their inactivity and reviewed the essential questions for a temple recommend. Then they walked around the outside of the temple. It was well received.
While he was doing that I made the copies for the coloring activity with the kids, set up the easel and posters and all of the other stuff we use for our class. While Spencer tried to gather the children he invited three little boys to join us. They informed him they didn't need to come to our class because Jesus watches out for little boys and they would be OK if they just kept playing.
When we were in Guatemala City the last time our mission picture was taken. They needed to do it then because Sister Perez (the president's wife) is receiving chemo therapy and wanted a picture before she lost her hair. It was good timing because it was only four more days before she lost so much hair that they shaved her head. They saved a spot for us in the photo and this week the photographer took our picture and photo shopped us into the picture. We were grateful for their thoughtfulness in making it possible for us to be in the official photo.
We leave tomorrow for another trip to Guatemala. This time I'm not sick and anticipate that the doctor will give me a clean bill of health (finally!). He may put me on a low dose antibiotic for a while--at least that was the plan before.
We missed being home for the Memorial Day week-end. We would have loved to have been at the cabin and helped with all of the work of opening it up, cleaning things, setting up the playground, working on the play set, etc. We were happy to learn that kids slept in the homestead cabin. We are so glad they liked it!
We leave tomorrow for another trip to Guatemala. This time I'm not sick and anticipate that the doctor will give me a clean bill of health (finally!). He may put me on a low dose antibiotic for a while--at least that was the plan before.
We missed being home for the Memorial Day week-end. We would have loved to have been at the cabin and helped with all of the work of opening it up, cleaning things, setting up the playground, working on the play set, etc. We were happy to learn that kids slept in the homestead cabin. We are so glad they liked it!
Sunday, May 25
5/25/2014
On our trip to San Pedro this morning to give our talks in church, we were privileged to make a visit to a home of a member. Behind a tin gate you enter their yard and you can immediately see the pila where they wash clothes.
And you can see the hen with her baby chicks in the yard. 
There was a small one room cinder block building next to their house. The door was open (undoubtedly for ventilation) and you could see the two missionaries on their knees having prayer before they left for the day. It was very touching. When we went into the house we met the family. As we talked, we discovered that the wife/mother was having severe abdominal pain and had a very difficult night last night. She had been in and out of the hospital. We inquired if she had had a blessing and she hadn't. I asked the husband if he had oil and he said yes and ran over to the missionaries next door and came back with the oil. Her husband is the Elders' Quorum president. I don't know why it hadn't occurred to him to do that--probably because they are converts of only three years. In retrospect, maybe it was a good teaching/learning experience that we were guided to provide. I hope it helps her because it didn't look like they had a lot of money. He drives big trucks for a living. Their family was sealed in the temple last December. It was fun to ask the girls what they thought about it. The wife is the Primary President, so they have really become involved in the church programs. All of the family came to church and he also spoke in Sacrament Meeting before we did.
After that home visit we went to the church. You can see a lot of pictures of us there, in the street in front of the chapel and looking at the house next door.
On our way walking to the park where we were meeting our ride we met a man selling milk. How would you like to have milk delivered to you front door this way? :)
San Antonio Sacatepequez is only a small town in the mountains, but it still has a central park that is right in front of the Catholic Church. It was drizzling when we got there, so we were happy for a pavilion to stand under. It was warm in the morning, so Jeanine left her jacket in the Mortenson's car. She really wished she had when the cold drizzle started.
And you can see the hen with her baby chicks in the yard. 
There was a small one room cinder block building next to their house. The door was open (undoubtedly for ventilation) and you could see the two missionaries on their knees having prayer before they left for the day. It was very touching. When we went into the house we met the family. As we talked, we discovered that the wife/mother was having severe abdominal pain and had a very difficult night last night. She had been in and out of the hospital. We inquired if she had had a blessing and she hadn't. I asked the husband if he had oil and he said yes and ran over to the missionaries next door and came back with the oil. Her husband is the Elders' Quorum president. I don't know why it hadn't occurred to him to do that--probably because they are converts of only three years. In retrospect, maybe it was a good teaching/learning experience that we were guided to provide. I hope it helps her because it didn't look like they had a lot of money. He drives big trucks for a living. Their family was sealed in the temple last December. It was fun to ask the girls what they thought about it. The wife is the Primary President, so they have really become involved in the church programs. All of the family came to church and he also spoke in Sacrament Meeting before we did.
After that home visit we went to the church. You can see a lot of pictures of us there, in the street in front of the chapel and looking at the house next door.
On our way walking to the park where we were meeting our ride we met a man selling milk. How would you like to have milk delivered to you front door this way? :)
San Antonio Sacatepequez is only a small town in the mountains, but it still has a central park that is right in front of the Catholic Church. It was drizzling when we got there, so we were happy for a pavilion to stand under. It was warm in the morning, so Jeanine left her jacket in the Mortenson's car. She really wished she had when the cold drizzle started.
Monday, May 19
Earthquakes, volcanos and tremors
We have truly come to a different part of the world. During our training for emergencies in the temple, the majority of the time was spent on earthquakes or severe tremors. Now I bet in the Manhattan Temple, Carl and Linda learned about attempted invasions or terrorists or something. But in reality, the temple is built to withstand even severe earthquakes, so that is where I'd want to be if a big one hit. One day when we were in the temple there was a pretty strong tremor and the power was on reduced power (lights) from the emergency for quite some time. Today while I was studying we had another strong tremor that moved my chair and made the light over the table sway for about 12 seconds. We read in the paper that the southern and western part (we actually live in the western highlands--the northern part is considered to be Peten which is in the eastern part where Tikal is) of Guatemala has had 2031 tremors in the last 16 months. We are definitely part of the "Ring of Fire" that circles the Pacific Rim. In addition our many tremors (most in the 4-5 range on the Richter Scale) we have lots of volcanoes. Some are extinct, but many are still active. About 5 weeks ago, one that normally spews only steam was sending lava down the mountainside near Antigua. It was threatening homes and caused evacuations, but then I didn't hear anymore about it. We got some of the ash here and the air quality was zilch for a few days. Then last week, both Spencer and I kept waking up in the morning with horrible sinus headaches. When I mentioned it to another temple worker, she said a volcano just outside of our city that normally only has smoke was spewing out ash and sulfur gases--no wonder our sinuses were messed up! All parts of the world have challenges, don't they? I pray daily for protection from forest fires in Arizona.
The Xela Temple after a rain storm
The rains have started and my friend, Chrys Meadows took this picture after a rain storm. You can see the water in front of the temple at night. A beautiful picture.
SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014
Sunday we were up by 4:20 (for me)and later for Spencer. Six sets of missionaries loaded into three cars and headed to El Distrito Tiquisate at 5:30 AM. It took 3 hours to get there. Then we met priesthood leaders who joined each group. Our drivers dropped us off at the smallest branch in the district--La Noria--and then traveled a little further to their branch. The chapel we attended is VERY tiny. It had one large room that could be partitioned off into two rooms, a small room in the back and the Branch President's office. The bathrooms were not attached and were in the back. They were very clean--better than many in the large chapels we have attended. The church built the chapel, but we don't own the land. There is a fairly poor dwelling on the same piece of property.
The Branch President didn't have any counselors there. He is only 28 years old, he's married, but has no children. He has been a member for 11 years. A counselor in the district presidency and his wife were there and taught the classes (Gospel Doctrine and Relief Society). There were two missionaries and the two of us and 16 other members. We had been looking forward to visiting this district because they are the ones who brought the entire district Primary to the temple recently and we taught them. We figured no matter what branch we visited, we'd see children we had taught, but not so--this branch has no Primary children. Sigh.
The rains have started so it was amazingly green. This district is further south than Guatemala City and further west. It is really hot in this area. Here are some pictures that demonstrate the "greeness" of the rain forest.
Bananas are plentiful in this area. You can see a tree with bananas growing, some growing in a yard and a load of them in the back of a truck.
The Branch President didn't have any counselors there. He is only 28 years old, he's married, but has no children. He has been a member for 11 years. A counselor in the district presidency and his wife were there and taught the classes (Gospel Doctrine and Relief Society). There were two missionaries and the two of us and 16 other members. We had been looking forward to visiting this district because they are the ones who brought the entire district Primary to the temple recently and we taught them. We figured no matter what branch we visited, we'd see children we had taught, but not so--this branch has no Primary children. Sigh.
The rains have started so it was amazingly green. This district is further south than Guatemala City and further west. It is really hot in this area. Here are some pictures that demonstrate the "greeness" of the rain forest.
Bananas are plentiful in this area. You can see a tree with bananas growing, some growing in a yard and a load of them in the back of a truck.
Sunday, May 18
May 18, 2014
The only thing we have to offer picture-wise is a ward temple day that one of the wards had here at the temple on Thursday. This was a full day of activities at the temple. We were asked to help in the morning with a class for the children. The parents had a full day to be in the temple, with just a short break for lunch. So the kids needed to be taught and fed little meals all day long. The youth did baptisms in both the morning and afternoon and also had a service project on the temple grounds and did indexing in the Family History Center.
The children had individual pictures taken on the wall in front of the temple.
You can see our annex building in the background while the photographer was working on one little boy's picture. The annex building is where we live and teach the classes. It is also where people gather when they are not in the temple. The children also had snacks morning and afternoon and a trip to the zoo (to appreciate Heavenly Father's creations). 
There are a few pictures of an 11 year old taking car of his little siblings, including a little brother with a repaired cleft lip. He was very attentive. 
It was really amazing how much planning went into this "Day at the Temple". They met at their ward building at 7:30 in the morning and they left the temple at 7:30 at night. 
Our lesson went well and we had lots of adults listening in from the outside periphery. It is a worthwhile calling. We enjoy it a lot.
You can see our annex building in the background while the photographer was working on one little boy's picture. The annex building is where we live and teach the classes. It is also where people gather when they are not in the temple. The children also had snacks morning and afternoon and a trip to the zoo (to appreciate Heavenly Father's creations). 
There are a few pictures of an 11 year old taking car of his little siblings, including a little brother with a repaired cleft lip. He was very attentive. 
It was really amazing how much planning went into this "Day at the Temple". They met at their ward building at 7:30 in the morning and they left the temple at 7:30 at night. 
Our lesson went well and we had lots of adults listening in from the outside periphery. It is a worthwhile calling. We enjoy it a lot.
Sunday, May 11
Happy Mothers' Day
I can't let this day go by without commenting on the wonderful mothers I have known and enjoy associating with now. First I have to mention my own mom--she loved me, taught me, encouraged;and supported me and thought I could to ANYTHING! She gave me the confidence to try many things. I can't give lots of details and examples here, but I want to acknowledge Grandma Tenney and her unconditional love and cheerful heart. Then there was Noni who loved me and loved my children. I miss all of these amazing women. I'm glad to now have Grandma Brown as another mother-in-law who offers me love.
Next are the women of my generation--my sister, Diane, my sisters-in-law (Lynda, Linda, Kitty, Sandy and Marilyn) who were wonderful aunts to my kids; my cousins (Vicki Jo, Judy and Kathy were particularly "present" in the lives of my children). Marsha--who keeps all of the mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles all connected--we couldn't get to heaven without her efforts! And then to my daughters--Rachelle and Janae--you are great moms, as are Ann Marie, Chandra, Christena and Carolyn. AND I have seven more wonderful daughters that I share with Spencer--Cody, Audrey, Kelly, Amy, Marjon, Melody and Tanna! I'm so impressed as I watch face the challenges of life. ALL of my grandchildren are so lucky to have such wonderful and righteous women as mothers(and I cannot forget Cassie --the mother of my great-granddaughter).
I knew the list would be long--and it is incomplete even at this length. Just know that I love you all and I am in awe of the mothers in this generation. These are the last days and Satan has made the task more challenging than ever. But we know we will be on the "winning" team in the end. Hang in there, you wonderful and precious women!!
Unplanned trip to Guatemala City
Same song, new verse (or however that saying goes). I realize about a week after finishing my antibiotics that my UTI was back. I went for testing to confirm it. It took several days for results and a visit to the doctor. Dr. Cifuentes didn't want to simply start another round of antibiotics without seeing a specialist--so I called the temple president, called Tuli and she made the appointments. However, by Saturday afternoon (the 3rd--after our busy day that Spencer described) I started getting much sicker. By Sunday I had a high fever and the shakes and was getting weaker by the hour. Our ride didn't leave until 5 PM. I curled up in the back seat with a pillow and blanket and shook most of the way. I was so glad to crawl into bed at Tuli's house. Monday I slept on the couch between meals and doctor's appointments. Finally about 7 PM on Monday I was able to start on antibiotics. Boy was I happy to get some meds. I started feeling a little better on Tuesday after a long morning getting an ultra sound. We had another appointment on Wednesday and then caught the bus to head back home. Tuli and Cesar were amazing hosts. I don't know how we could have managed without our private chauffeur service to get us to all of the right places. :) Didn't figure out exactly why these have been recurring, but there is an aggressive plan in place. I return in about 3 weeks for a little more testing and then will probably be on suppressive therapy with low dose antibiotics for several months.
Pablo was home on Wednesday morning, but unfortunately Cesar was taking care of church responsibilities. I was feeling MUCH better by this point. Now I hope this is the last time I have to report on health issues!
Pablo was home on Wednesday morning, but unfortunately Cesar was taking care of church responsibilities. I was feeling MUCH better by this point. Now I hope this is the last time I have to report on health issues!
Report for the last two weeks
On Saturday, May 3rd, we had an extraordinarily large group. I don't think we expected that many people and they brought lots of kids and filled a big portion of the "anexo" The parents and other adults in the room positioned themselves where they could hear the lesson, too. The were also supportive with their kids. Many times one parent goes into the temple at a time and the other is in the Annex. We were expecting a big Primary from a district, but when we went out there were so many kids we taught a class first. These kids were really knowledgeable and attentive. We took the kids around the temple and into the foyer and waiting room. We then repeated the process with a 2nd large group when the district Primary arrived. 
That same day we had the assignment of tending three siblings in the "Guarderia" and preparing them to enter the temple and be sealed to their parents. The kids were cute, but they were little pistols. When Jeanine stopped the little girl from hitting her brothers she removed herself from Jeanine and the boys and attached herself to me. Jeanine had the boys totally captivated with the church games on her iPad, but had to stay right with them [actually with the iPad :)]Sisters who were dressed in white came to help take them into the temple.
Saturday the 10th we had an unusual group in that they were very poor people. In some families there is alcohol abuse (generally the fathers), poverty,malnutrition or just lack of education. The only hope for people in these circumstances is the gospel. It will bring them up out of these conditions. As you look at these pictures look at the discolored skin in their cheeks and notice some of the clothing of the children. They are our brothers and sisters and I feel love and compassion for them.
We took these kids into the temple waiting room as we do all of the now.
This boy has a broken foot. His dad made the crutches. If he would give them to me (and if he didn't still need them himself) I'd send them home and put them in a glass case. To me, it represents what can be done, when we are in need. 
That same day we had the assignment of tending three siblings in the "Guarderia" and preparing them to enter the temple and be sealed to their parents. The kids were cute, but they were little pistols. When Jeanine stopped the little girl from hitting her brothers she removed herself from Jeanine and the boys and attached herself to me. Jeanine had the boys totally captivated with the church games on her iPad, but had to stay right with them [actually with the iPad :)]Sisters who were dressed in white came to help take them into the temple.
Saturday the 10th we had an unusual group in that they were very poor people. In some families there is alcohol abuse (generally the fathers), poverty,malnutrition or just lack of education. The only hope for people in these circumstances is the gospel. It will bring them up out of these conditions. As you look at these pictures look at the discolored skin in their cheeks and notice some of the clothing of the children. They are our brothers and sisters and I feel love and compassion for them.
We took these kids into the temple waiting room as we do all of the now.
This boy has a broken foot. His dad made the crutches. If he would give them to me (and if he didn't still need them himself) I'd send them home and put them in a glass case. To me, it represents what can be done, when we are in need. 
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