June 29th report from Spencer

Hola familia (Hi ya'll) We've had a wonderful week. What stands out for me is fulfilling the purpose we are here for--not to take away from the theme park that we went to or even the trip this morning, though it was beautiful and enjoyable. I would say that the feeling of being useful and the fulfillment of our assignments are what bring joy and the feeling of well being. In our case much of of our mission work can't be discussed because of the sacredness. I've felt fulfillment in the assignments that have come our way during our morning shifts this week. Such as officiating two sessions, performing 200 and then 250 baptisms on separate days and now the feeling of being "fluent" in the initiatory ordinances. With the feeling of being respected as a competent member of the team. This week we had three days when we had a change of pace by working with kids. It is usually only on Saturday, but this week Primaries made appointments to come both Thursday and Friday. The Friday group was scheduled for 4 PM, but came at 10 AM so they had to pull us from assignments in the temple to come teach them. We then returned to the temple to finish our shift. On Saturday a Primary showed up that didn't have an appointment at all! But we were able to teach them and provide a good activity. We were especially blessed with our ward visiting assignment. Our talks were rewarding, but maybe even more fulfilling than that we were asked, on the spur of the moment, to conduct the 5th Sunday combined Relief Society, Priesthood and Youth meeting. We were asked to make a presentation and answer questions the ward members might have about the temple. We were to encourage the ward members to feel the need to be regular temple attenders and to understand the blessings of temple attendance. It was well received. We both stood at the pulpit together and made comments. I felt a good feeling of promoting the Lord's work. I wish that for all of your, when the time is right, you can go out and serve in whatever form you are called to. I think of you in your every day working lives and realize that also qualifies for sacrifice and building of the kingdom and is very much a function of our mortal probation. The high counselor (and ward clerk) that was with us all morning is also a temple worker every Saturday. He is 100% Quiche and that is the language they speak in their home. His name is Pedro Martinez. There were also two little boys who wanted their picture taken with me. After our speaking assignments, we (and the Salgueros)took Hermano Martinez from San Francisco de Alto to Momostenango where he lives. That is the stake center. We saw some very beautiful country. The pictures can't really show how bright the green is. We took pictures of things that are very unique to Guatemala--the buildings, to roads, men and women carrying wood on their backs,the city surrounded by farms and trees on the mountains, kids on the backs of women in tipico clothes, etc. And last but no least is our good friends Freddy and Vilma Salguero. They were our chauffeurs for the day and they take us shopping every week. They are wonderful people.