Spiritual insights

From Spencer: Just a few words about our visit to our old missionary areas. Pardon the preaching for just a few lines. In our preexistent state we made an agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed the Plan and we accepted it. We are partners with the Almighty for our own salvation and for those around us. Se secure our own salvation by helping others. That reflects on temple work, family history and encouraging lost sheep among our fellow men. I felt that connection when we visited all those people. Some of them needed our visits. To me it was the highlight of our break. I had a feeling of euphoria. We helped them see their way with our visits and priesthood blessings. We were able to rekindle the ties with the personnel at the university where we taught. We, I hope, helped the struggling branch in Esquipulas. I felt very good about our effort. One of our temple workers, Peter Socop, offered to take me on a hike up a mountain on the other side of the city. He makes a meager living as a car mechanic. I took him up on his offer. Yesterday (Saturday) we left early for our hike. We could see for many miles in all directions. He is pure Quiche, a descendant of Lehi. He taught me a lot about his people and this beautiful area. He has studied the Book of Mormon and can relate its history to all of these parts of Guatemala. He related how all of the dialects relate with the "-ites" in the Book of Mormon. Ishmaelites, Jacobites, Josephites, etc. He shared his strong testimony that this is where the Savior walked when He came to this continent. He could tie events with geographic areas. He taught me all about the trees and their uses, the hot sulfur springs, the crops, and the volcanoes. He told me where Lehi landed and the unique resources there: a place where fishing is abundant and where all kinds of plants grow. It is a place where air currents come and make the weather temperate. He testified that they are the descendants of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. They are true Israelites. It was a special experience yesterday. Here are a few pictures from our hike.