This man just came up to me and he said, " The Oooh, Essay, Ah is playing right now." I thought, "What is the Oooh, Essay, Ah?" Then I realized that's how you say USA in Spanish. Normally people just say Los Estados so I was a little confused for a second. EL MUNDIAL HAS STARTED. President just emailed us and told us that we could watch the games. When my companion read it to me and i was was so excited! PUEDO CREER LO. We are so excited. The world of Honduras can't focus on anything else so the work is slow right now. What a fun place to be with the World Cup going on, though. Honduras lost on Sunday but we weren't allowed to leave the apartment while they were playing. I guess they get pretty into it and it can be dangerous. The fireworks are constant here lately because every goal anyone scores the people light off fireworks. Super fun. It is also terrifying because sometimes it sounds like gunshots. The fireworks are different here.
We found the best family ever. All we have done this week is pray for
someone who can progress and we decided to just walk and walk and walk
to this part of our area that we have never been to. We were about to
turn around because there was nothing out there when we spotted this
little hut on a ton of gorgeous land. We walked up to it and this family
of 6 was sitting outside enjoying each other's company. We asked if we
could visit and they let us in. We taught a little and they said they
want to go to church! They just showed up to church yesterday! We didn't
even have to invite twice. They went to our Noche de Hermanamiento,
too. They are SUPER PILAS. We are so excited. The two oldest kids and
the dad can't read, but the 10 year old and the mom can read so they
have been reading the Book of Mormon out loud to the family. They are
coming to a family home evening with us tonight. We are thrilled to have
such a cute family and praying they stay as committed as they have
been!
It hasn't stopped raining all week which sounds fun, but actually it is hard to be wet all the time. It rains so hard that our umbrellas leak. The streets don't have gutters so the streets are actually rushing rivers. It's about knee high. That sounds like it would be really pretty, authentic, and awesome but it's the nastiest trash water with animal gunk in it. When it rains we don't have power or water so we just feel dirty all the time. Good thing I learned from my momma to laugh it off. We have actually come to love these adventures. I am grateful that God has given me these crazy adventures. I love adventures SO MUCH!
We had a Ron Ron in our apartment when the lights where out and it was the nastiest and scariest thing ever. Hermana O didn't help me kill it. I just had to be brave enough and it was nasty. It was the size of my face.
We also had a very large terranchula in our house this week. I am not scared of spiders but...ewww90.
Hermana Orgill's unfortunate moment of the week: She bought a suitcase for 650 Limps and we were walking back to the bus through all the city and the wheels fell off. She dragged her suitcase without wheels all the way to Mezapa and the Elders and I were laughing so hard. She did not think it was funny. Pobresita. Worst luck ever.
We found the best family ever. All we have done this week is pray for someone who can progress and we decided to just walk and walk and walk to this part of our area that we have never been to. We were about to turn around because there was nothing out there when we spotted this little hut on a ton of gorgeous land. We walked up to it and this family of 6 was sitting outside enjoying each other's company. We asked if we could visit and they let us in. We taught a little and they said they want to go to church! They attended church yesterday! We didn't even have to invite twice. They went to our Noche de Hermanamiento, too. They are SUPER PILAS. We are so excited. The two oldest kids and the dad can't read, but the 10 year old and the mom can read so they have been reading the Book of Mormon out loud to the family. They are coming to a family home evening with us tonight. We are thrilled to have such a cute family and praying they feel the Spirit testifying the gospel is true.
Family Atunez--please keep them in your prayers. They need to get married before they can be baptized and they have basically no money to do that so that will be a challenge. Sometimes I just want to pay for it! It's literally only like 50 American dollars to get married.It breaks my heart.
I love all of you and you are all in my prayers! Loves and kisses!
Hermana Saylin
Monday, June 23, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
The world cup is this week and the whole entire world of Honduras could not be more excited. I have been wanting to buy a Honduras soccer jersey and they can be cheap (well compared to America). I was going to buy one today. When Hermana O was getting her hair cut by Hermana Bautista I was asking Hermano Bautista where I should buy one and where they have the cutest and cheapest ones. She then told me to look at the ones they have! Then they made me try on the ones that they had and then they just told me it was a gift from them to me! They gave me a super cool jersey for free! These people would literally give you everything they had. They have nothing but they give everything. That taught me a huge lesson today. Anyway, this jersey rocks and I'm excited about it.
Okay, talk about the worst week ever. It was painful. Okay, I'll start with my Luis story. Luis is 32 and he was the most solid investigator ever. He was even telling our investigators that they needed to join the church cause it was true. He was so upset with Maria for not getting baptized when she was supposed to get baptized. He was golden. He was going to be baptized this past Saturday. Then Thursday came around and he said he couldn't be baptized because he was moving to San Pedro Sula. And Hermana O and I just sat there with our mouths gaping open. He got a job in San Pedro Sula and was leaving Monday. We told him he could still be baptized before he leaves!!!! There are no such thing as adresses so we were worried about finding him in his new home. However, he said he really liked the branch in Mezapa and didn't want to go to a new church in San Pedro Sula.
We tried to explain that the church is the same anywhere you go. After a few minutes of talking we asked him to say a prayer and ask God what He wants him to do. When he said amen and looked right up at us , he said, "Elder Vargas is going to baptize me right? I'm going to be baptized Saturday at 3." I think my smile SPLIT my face right open. Then we had to get permission for him be baptized if he wasn't going to be there the next Sunday (a week and a day after the day of his baptism.) So after a painful wait of 3 hours our DL called our ZLs who called the APs who called President.
It was a MIRACLE and they said he could get baptized. The next day we went to pick up Luis for his interview with Elder Vargas and he was gone. His mom shewed us away and we were DEVASTATED. We searched literally all of Mezapa and he was gone. Luckily, he was only in Progresso for the day and hadn't moved to San Pedro Sula. The next morning after seriously praying our heart out for 24 hours for a miracle, I KNEW that the will of God was for him to get baptized that day. Why else would He have opened every single door for Luis to get baptized? He even made it so that Luis didn't have to move until Monday! This was the day of his baptism and we were going to find him. With a serious prayer for a miracle in our hearts, we walked to Luis' house. He was there!!! I said a huge prayer of thanks in my heart for that. Then we sat and had a 2 hour lesson where he answered all the baptism questions perfectly and with a testimony at the end of each question he answered. However, he just kept saying that he needed to know more and that he wanted two more weeks. I read that scripture about choosing this day whom ye will serve...God or the world? Hermana O read one about not procrastinating the day of your repentance. Literally everything we were saying were words fully influenced by the spirit. We literally did everything we could for him. He knew he needed to get baptized Saturday. He KNEW it, but he didn't do it. I am sad that he chose to go this way but there is one thing I know for sure. God can open every door for someone. He can make anything possible, but He cannot take away someones agency. Neither can we. I am just glad to say that I did everything I could for him.
I think it was his mom that said something because when we were she asked him if he had told us that he could be baptized. the sisters that you cant be baptized? It was a hard week. Maria has a lot of doubts too. We watched the testaments with her the night that everything happened with Luis. Do you know how the end is really powerful?? Well, she talked to her daughter throught the entire end. Too bad. We just need to find new, prepared people.
Last p- day we went to Pizza Hut and it felt like America. It was seriously fine dining to us. Well...the fine dining went seriously foul when our whole entire district had the runs the next day. That got some pretty good laughs...
I got a letter from Elder Gerrard!!!! Made my whole day. week. mission.
So now for Hermana Orgill's unfortunate moments of the week. There are always so many. We were on the bus to Progresso with 658 people per seat. Hermana O was hanging off the side of the seat and there were tons of people in the isles. This man with a button up shirt and a chubby belly slid past her and her hair got stuck in his button of his belly! Suddenly she was being awkwardly dragged all the way through a million people down this bus isle. I was laughing so hard that I could barely get my hands to stop shaking to untangle them. SO FUNNY.
Also, one day we were walking down the street full of dirt and wayward rocks. Hna Bennett kicked a rock and it nailed the ankle of Hna O. Her face was all scrunched up and she was about to cry. I'm sure that KILLED. The elders couldn't keep it together. Then two minutes later Hna Olivas lost her hold on her water bottle and it nailed the back of Hna O. It soaked her shirt and I am sure that killed as well. Two minutes after that Hna Bennett lost her hold on her umbrella and it nailed Hna O's foot. She has bad luck I think!
Yesterday we were walking to church after finding out Luis moved a day early and couldn't come to church. We walked past a house where they were killing the Sunday pig! The pig was squealing and crying, and the big huge momma chanco was crying, too. This boy dragged the pig by its' back legs back behind the house and it was so loud! It was also so sad! Then the squealing just suddenly stopped, and Hermana O and I were traumatized. That was a great start to a Sabbath morning.
This week we were teaching the Bautista family about The Book of Mormon and Hermana Bautista said, "Wait, so that means that the people who are from Honduras, Guatamala, and Nicaragua are literally descendents of the people of Lehi?" They literally thought that was the coolest thing ever. The Book of Mormon could not be truer. It's real you guys. It's the truth. It speaks to people's souls. This book has blessed the lives of the Bautista family and it WILL bless anyone's life who gives it a chance and asks God with real intent if it is true.This book can touch your soul if you let it. I watched it touch their hearts this week. It was awesome.
Even though this week was hard, we had divine help to make it through. I know without one ounce of doubt that this church is true. It's real. There is no other church on the planet that is the church of God. There are many good churches. However, this church has the complete truth and the priesthood of God. Can I just be boldly honest and say that? It's real. The Book of Mormon is actually the word of God and contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ died for us. He loves us. He is the perfect example of kindness and love. When He had the world to save, He had a world of time to stop and hold a little child. I want to live my life in a way that when I kneel at His feet He will have no problem recognizing me as one of His own. I want to spend every day becoming a little more like Him. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. The Book of Mormon has a converting power and through that book anyone can know the church is the truth. President Monson is a prophet. Joseph Smith was the prophet of the restoration. I know it with my whole soul.
Love you all!
Hermana Saylin
Okay, talk about the worst week ever. It was painful. Okay, I'll start with my Luis story. Luis is 32 and he was the most solid investigator ever. He was even telling our investigators that they needed to join the church cause it was true. He was so upset with Maria for not getting baptized when she was supposed to get baptized. He was golden. He was going to be baptized this past Saturday. Then Thursday came around and he said he couldn't be baptized because he was moving to San Pedro Sula. And Hermana O and I just sat there with our mouths gaping open. He got a job in San Pedro Sula and was leaving Monday. We told him he could still be baptized before he leaves!!!! There are no such thing as adresses so we were worried about finding him in his new home. However, he said he really liked the branch in Mezapa and didn't want to go to a new church in San Pedro Sula.
We tried to explain that the church is the same anywhere you go. After a few minutes of talking we asked him to say a prayer and ask God what He wants him to do. When he said amen and looked right up at us , he said, "Elder Vargas is going to baptize me right? I'm going to be baptized Saturday at 3." I think my smile SPLIT my face right open. Then we had to get permission for him be baptized if he wasn't going to be there the next Sunday (a week and a day after the day of his baptism.) So after a painful wait of 3 hours our DL called our ZLs who called the APs who called President.
It was a MIRACLE and they said he could get baptized. The next day we went to pick up Luis for his interview with Elder Vargas and he was gone. His mom shewed us away and we were DEVASTATED. We searched literally all of Mezapa and he was gone. Luckily, he was only in Progresso for the day and hadn't moved to San Pedro Sula. The next morning after seriously praying our heart out for 24 hours for a miracle, I KNEW that the will of God was for him to get baptized that day. Why else would He have opened every single door for Luis to get baptized? He even made it so that Luis didn't have to move until Monday! This was the day of his baptism and we were going to find him. With a serious prayer for a miracle in our hearts, we walked to Luis' house. He was there!!! I said a huge prayer of thanks in my heart for that. Then we sat and had a 2 hour lesson where he answered all the baptism questions perfectly and with a testimony at the end of each question he answered. However, he just kept saying that he needed to know more and that he wanted two more weeks. I read that scripture about choosing this day whom ye will serve...God or the world? Hermana O read one about not procrastinating the day of your repentance. Literally everything we were saying were words fully influenced by the spirit. We literally did everything we could for him. He knew he needed to get baptized Saturday. He KNEW it, but he didn't do it. I am sad that he chose to go this way but there is one thing I know for sure. God can open every door for someone. He can make anything possible, but He cannot take away someones agency. Neither can we. I am just glad to say that I did everything I could for him.
I think it was his mom that said something because when we were she asked him if he had told us that he could be baptized. the sisters that you cant be baptized? It was a hard week. Maria has a lot of doubts too. We watched the testaments with her the night that everything happened with Luis. Do you know how the end is really powerful?? Well, she talked to her daughter throught the entire end. Too bad. We just need to find new, prepared people.
Last p- day we went to Pizza Hut and it felt like America. It was seriously fine dining to us. Well...the fine dining went seriously foul when our whole entire district had the runs the next day. That got some pretty good laughs...
I got a letter from Elder Gerrard!!!! Made my whole day. week. mission.
So now for Hermana Orgill's unfortunate moments of the week. There are always so many. We were on the bus to Progresso with 658 people per seat. Hermana O was hanging off the side of the seat and there were tons of people in the isles. This man with a button up shirt and a chubby belly slid past her and her hair got stuck in his button of his belly! Suddenly she was being awkwardly dragged all the way through a million people down this bus isle. I was laughing so hard that I could barely get my hands to stop shaking to untangle them. SO FUNNY.
Also, one day we were walking down the street full of dirt and wayward rocks. Hna Bennett kicked a rock and it nailed the ankle of Hna O. Her face was all scrunched up and she was about to cry. I'm sure that KILLED. The elders couldn't keep it together. Then two minutes later Hna Olivas lost her hold on her water bottle and it nailed the back of Hna O. It soaked her shirt and I am sure that killed as well. Two minutes after that Hna Bennett lost her hold on her umbrella and it nailed Hna O's foot. She has bad luck I think!
Yesterday we were walking to church after finding out Luis moved a day early and couldn't come to church. We walked past a house where they were killing the Sunday pig! The pig was squealing and crying, and the big huge momma chanco was crying, too. This boy dragged the pig by its' back legs back behind the house and it was so loud! It was also so sad! Then the squealing just suddenly stopped, and Hermana O and I were traumatized. That was a great start to a Sabbath morning.
This week we were teaching the Bautista family about The Book of Mormon and Hermana Bautista said, "Wait, so that means that the people who are from Honduras, Guatamala, and Nicaragua are literally descendents of the people of Lehi?" They literally thought that was the coolest thing ever. The Book of Mormon could not be truer. It's real you guys. It's the truth. It speaks to people's souls. This book has blessed the lives of the Bautista family and it WILL bless anyone's life who gives it a chance and asks God with real intent if it is true.This book can touch your soul if you let it. I watched it touch their hearts this week. It was awesome.
Even though this week was hard, we had divine help to make it through. I know without one ounce of doubt that this church is true. It's real. There is no other church on the planet that is the church of God. There are many good churches. However, this church has the complete truth and the priesthood of God. Can I just be boldly honest and say that? It's real. The Book of Mormon is actually the word of God and contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ died for us. He loves us. He is the perfect example of kindness and love. When He had the world to save, He had a world of time to stop and hold a little child. I want to live my life in a way that when I kneel at His feet He will have no problem recognizing me as one of His own. I want to spend every day becoming a little more like Him. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. The Book of Mormon has a converting power and through that book anyone can know the church is the truth. President Monson is a prophet. Joseph Smith was the prophet of the restoration. I know it with my whole soul.
Love you all!
Hermana Saylin
I can NOT believe I opened my call a year ago, June 5th. How can that possibly be??
Okay, I'm just really excited about this one investigator Lester so I am going to talk about him first. He is in Honduras because he is originally from here, but he's lived in the States for more than half of his life. Now he is around 29 years old. Anyway, his wife and two little boys are living in Sunnyside HOUSTON right now. However, he got kicked out of the States because he is illegal. We found him because he started speaking perfect English to us two white girls. He is the cousin of one of the members. Anyway, here is my plan. He is planning on going back to the States in about a month. So... 1.) teach Lester 2.) baptize Lester 3.) send Lester back to the Texas Houston South Mission 4.) have the THSM missionaries teach his wife 5.) have them sealed in the Houston temple where my two missions can be joined forever and ever!!!!
I realize this is a dream that is going to take a miracle and also is a very much a Kate Saylin designed plan, but it would be awesome. I am sure the Lord's plan is just like this one don't you think?? We tried to have him read this verse in El Libro de Mormon and he said he couldnt really understand it. He then asked if we could teach him in English instead and if we had this book in English. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES that we are the only white companionship in the whole mission and we just happened to find one random guy that needs the lessons in English? God's hand is definitely in His work.
Okay, Eric Bautista was wearing an Eaglwood Golfcourse shirt this week. I told you they get all their clothes from the States. I was really excited.
Our companionship is now in constant Spanglish. Hermana O is worse than I am but we have had some pretty good laughs. We started this conversation once in English and ended it in Spanish.We are loving that both of us are bilingual. Super cool. We always speak Spanish when we are out of the house and we get the WIERDEST looks from people because they can't figure out why we aren't just speaking English. Everyone trys to give us directions because they think we are tourists but we think.... who would go on vacation to Mezapa? Mezapa is our life. We don't need directions. haa.
Henry. So we got this super cute shasta cell phone. We can't talk on it in the middle of the road so we were hiding. I was standing there waiting and this man came out of his house and asked me if I had something he could read. I thought, "Something you can read? What?"I thought I had misunderstood him because nobody ever just asks you for a pamphlet about your church, but it is true! He wanted something about our church. I talked to him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then Hermana O got off the phone and Henry asked, "Do you guys have time right now to teach me?" DO WE HAVE TIME TO TEACH YOU???!?!??! So we taught him. He told us he doesn't go to a church because it's his goal to find the right one. I'm pretty sure my jaw was dragging in the dirt. We are going to teach him again this week. Wonderful blessings!
I have had a wierd, awful stomach pain for the past two weeks. The mission nurse thinks it's H. Pylori. That's exciting.
The branch has saved up their money for a year and now they're all leaving Wednesday morning at 3 AM to take a bus to the temple. They are so excited. Our investigator, Luis, is going with them. He will get baptized this Saturday and we are so excited for him.
One time this week there were these three ladies. I asked them their names and one said," Maria." Then the next one said, "Maria," and then the next one said, " Maria!" Ha! That's not the first time that's happened.
Speaking of Maria's...Maria Juaquina didn't get baptized this Saturday because a member told her false information about the temple and baptisms for the dead. Also 20 years ago the branch president was stealing tithing money and the rumor still circulates around this little town. Basically we took a huge step backwards, but we are working really hard with her. Luis heard the same rumors because he's good friends with Maria but his testimony was strong enough to pull him through, and he's getting baptized this weekend!
This is funny. Hermana Bautista has a cousin who just built a new house. He had his pastor from this other church come over and bless his house. H. Bautista was telling us the story of what it was like. Basically the pastor blessed a water bottle, poked holes in the top, and then sprayed the whole house, including the people in it with water. That was a cool story. She was laughing so hard. She thought it was so weird. She's a recent convert and she wondered...does our church do that?
Everyone read D&C 130:2 . It makes me think of hanging out with all of my favorite people in heaven. Actually, it really just reminds me of Scott Pot driving everyone nuts and the boys making everyone laugh up in heaven after this life.
It seems like you all have had an awesome week.... graduations and grandmas funeral. Glad to hear it.
Well, I love you guys! The church is true and I love this great work of salvation.
Hermana Saylin
Okay, I'm just really excited about this one investigator Lester so I am going to talk about him first. He is in Honduras because he is originally from here, but he's lived in the States for more than half of his life. Now he is around 29 years old. Anyway, his wife and two little boys are living in Sunnyside HOUSTON right now. However, he got kicked out of the States because he is illegal. We found him because he started speaking perfect English to us two white girls. He is the cousin of one of the members. Anyway, here is my plan. He is planning on going back to the States in about a month. So... 1.) teach Lester 2.) baptize Lester 3.) send Lester back to the Texas Houston South Mission 4.) have the THSM missionaries teach his wife 5.) have them sealed in the Houston temple where my two missions can be joined forever and ever!!!!
I realize this is a dream that is going to take a miracle and also is a very much a Kate Saylin designed plan, but it would be awesome. I am sure the Lord's plan is just like this one don't you think?? We tried to have him read this verse in El Libro de Mormon and he said he couldnt really understand it. He then asked if we could teach him in English instead and if we had this book in English. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES that we are the only white companionship in the whole mission and we just happened to find one random guy that needs the lessons in English? God's hand is definitely in His work.
Okay, Eric Bautista was wearing an Eaglwood Golfcourse shirt this week. I told you they get all their clothes from the States. I was really excited.
Our companionship is now in constant Spanglish. Hermana O is worse than I am but we have had some pretty good laughs. We started this conversation once in English and ended it in Spanish.We are loving that both of us are bilingual. Super cool. We always speak Spanish when we are out of the house and we get the WIERDEST looks from people because they can't figure out why we aren't just speaking English. Everyone trys to give us directions because they think we are tourists but we think.... who would go on vacation to Mezapa? Mezapa is our life. We don't need directions. haa.
Henry. So we got this super cute shasta cell phone. We can't talk on it in the middle of the road so we were hiding. I was standing there waiting and this man came out of his house and asked me if I had something he could read. I thought, "Something you can read? What?"I thought I had misunderstood him because nobody ever just asks you for a pamphlet about your church, but it is true! He wanted something about our church. I talked to him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then Hermana O got off the phone and Henry asked, "Do you guys have time right now to teach me?" DO WE HAVE TIME TO TEACH YOU???!?!??! So we taught him. He told us he doesn't go to a church because it's his goal to find the right one. I'm pretty sure my jaw was dragging in the dirt. We are going to teach him again this week. Wonderful blessings!
I have had a wierd, awful stomach pain for the past two weeks. The mission nurse thinks it's H. Pylori. That's exciting.
The branch has saved up their money for a year and now they're all leaving Wednesday morning at 3 AM to take a bus to the temple. They are so excited. Our investigator, Luis, is going with them. He will get baptized this Saturday and we are so excited for him.
One time this week there were these three ladies. I asked them their names and one said," Maria." Then the next one said, "Maria," and then the next one said, " Maria!" Ha! That's not the first time that's happened.
Speaking of Maria's...Maria Juaquina didn't get baptized this Saturday because a member told her false information about the temple and baptisms for the dead. Also 20 years ago the branch president was stealing tithing money and the rumor still circulates around this little town. Basically we took a huge step backwards, but we are working really hard with her. Luis heard the same rumors because he's good friends with Maria but his testimony was strong enough to pull him through, and he's getting baptized this weekend!
This is funny. Hermana Bautista has a cousin who just built a new house. He had his pastor from this other church come over and bless his house. H. Bautista was telling us the story of what it was like. Basically the pastor blessed a water bottle, poked holes in the top, and then sprayed the whole house, including the people in it with water. That was a cool story. She was laughing so hard. She thought it was so weird. She's a recent convert and she wondered...does our church do that?
Everyone read D&C 130:2 . It makes me think of hanging out with all of my favorite people in heaven. Actually, it really just reminds me of Scott Pot driving everyone nuts and the boys making everyone laugh up in heaven after this life.
It seems like you all have had an awesome week.... graduations and grandmas funeral. Glad to hear it.
Well, I love you guys! The church is true and I love this great work of salvation.
Hermana Saylin
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
I THOUGHT I WOULD INCLUDE IN KATE'S BLOG THE LETTER I WROTE TO HER TELLING HER THAT HER MOST WONDERFUL GREAT GRANDMA PASSED AWAY. SHE WAS TRULY AN ANGEL AND LOVED SO MUCH!
Dearest Kate,
It is with all the tenderness of my heart that I tell you that last night at7:36pm Grandma Logie passed away. Oh Kate, It was the most amazing experience. I am so absolutely sure of the plan of salvation and life after death. I am so grateful to know these truths and that you are sharing them so others will understand the purpose of this life and through the Savior, we will live again!
These last few days (Thursday night) hospice came in the middle of the night because she was in so much pain. They started her on morphine. Friday morning Mom, Sam, Marva, Kathy, Joann and I came quickly. She was in her chair in a pink blouse. We had a wonderful visit with her. Her eyes were open and she'd participate in the conversation every so often, and she was out of pain. It was quite something to see her as well as she was. A true blessing……… Hospice had said at this point it could be days to several weeks until she dies.
She hadn't eaten a real meal in many days. On Friday after Marva left they brought her a little food into her room. I feel so blessed to have fed her one small bit of sweet potatoes, the last thing she would eat. She ate it and said she was full. Sammy finished the rest of the plate! She, of course, was happy to share it with him….giving and kind to the very end. It was at this point that Grandma Hilbig and I decided we should plan a family prayer, fast to know the will of the Lord, and plan to give her a blessing.
Saturday she took a turn for the worse. The girls had ballet auditions so daddy got to her home before I did. He was there at the perfect time and helped Grandma Logie and the CNA's to move her from her chair to the bed. I arrived as they were doing this. It was apparent she would never return to her chair. I cried and talked to her. She is so precious to me. She would periodically open her eyes and interact but she said she was in a lot of pain. Daddy in his wonderful way asked her if she wanted a cheeseburger and she said, "Yes, with lots of pickles!" She has always had the most wonderful sense of humor and dad and she were perfect in that moment. I love that about dad. He said he knew when he left it would be the last time he'd see her alive and that it was such a tender experience to share with her. Seth was there, too. It was his birthday and here he was ministering to Grandma. That boy is so gentle and has the kindest heart. Sophie and I stayed for quite a while. Grandma even asked Sophie about her ballet. As we were leaving, the last thing I said to her was "Grandma, I love you so much." She replied, "Jennifer, I love you and your family so much, too." wow That was the last time she spoke to me. Sophie was so tender and leaned down to kiss her.
Last night at 5pm many of us gathered to be there for a prayer and a blessing. The room was full of her posterity including Marva, Michael and many of David's side of the family. David was still in CT and we skyped him and Paul in. Daddy is in Minnesota and is so sad to have missed it all. We gathered and sang two of grandma's favorite hymns and then Uncle Clarke gave her a beautiful blessing. He didn't say that she should go, but he blessed her to know she lived a beautiful life, her family was all surrounding her and loved her, and that we couldn't be more grateful for the way she lived. She has passed on, but more importantly, she "passed on" so much to each of us. There could not have been a more wonderful grandma.
Two hours later she passed away. She didn't open her eyes or communicate at all yesterday and struggled to swallow. The hospice nurse said she could be like this for a few more days. However, Grandma was told by Jilene at 7:35pm that David was on his way and would be here tomorrow. It was then that she opened her eyes and everyone thought she was responding to that! Once she knew that, she took her last breath. I wasn't there, but that is ok.I have no regrets and I feel so blessed to have had so much time with her these past 2 years. Anyway I was at Scott's seminary graduation last night (I am so proud of him!) Ally called me right away and I just knew it. When I was sitting at the graduation Seth was on my right. He turned to me and said, "Grandma's going." I had just at that very moment had that very same impression. It was amazing.
Auna and I quickly left all 11 kids in Scott's care and hurried over to Grandma. Mom, Todd, Matt, Ally, Auna, Craig, Maren, Clarke, Jilene, Emme and I were there. We sat for hours until they came to take her body away. Kate, I wish I could describe to you the spirit that was in that room. There was such a sense of peace, reverence, and sure knowledge that her spirit left her body but this is not the end. She lives on and is happy. I know absolutely that her family was there to greet her and all is well. I know that through the Savior the sting of death can be taken away and we have the hope in Him that we will live again and be together forever. None of us wanted to leave. It was an experience perfectly orchestrated by the Lord. He is so near. He knows every one of us. He was so kind to allow her to pass on with her family gathered around.
In a minute we are leaving to go to the cemetery. We didn't have a plot for her so mom was going to look at buying 3 in Farmington. She then just thought she wouldat least try to call the Salt Lake Cemetery where her parents and baby sister are buried. It is an old cemetery. Do you remember going? Anyway, we knew chances were that there were no spots, but mom called an hour ago just to see. There was a family who just recently released 3 of their ten spots and, wouldn't you know, they are right by Grandma and Grandpa Goring! This is another tender mercy from the Lord. We are so grateful. The funeral will be Tuesday. They do not allow funerals on Memorial Weekend because it is so busy. This will give everyone time to be there.
I love you, Kate. I can't wait to hear how your week has been. It was a treasure to talk with you on Mother's Day and then again on Monday. I am so proud of who you are and who you are becoming. You are a blessing to me and I love you.
Love, Mom
Dearest Kate,
It is with all the tenderness of my heart that I tell you that last night at7:36pm Grandma Logie passed away. Oh Kate, It was the most amazing experience. I am so absolutely sure of the plan of salvation and life after death. I am so grateful to know these truths and that you are sharing them so others will understand the purpose of this life and through the Savior, we will live again!
These last few days (Thursday night) hospice came in the middle of the night because she was in so much pain. They started her on morphine. Friday morning Mom, Sam, Marva, Kathy, Joann and I came quickly. She was in her chair in a pink blouse. We had a wonderful visit with her. Her eyes were open and she'd participate in the conversation every so often, and she was out of pain. It was quite something to see her as well as she was. A true blessing……… Hospice had said at this point it could be days to several weeks until she dies.
She hadn't eaten a real meal in many days. On Friday after Marva left they brought her a little food into her room. I feel so blessed to have fed her one small bit of sweet potatoes, the last thing she would eat. She ate it and said she was full. Sammy finished the rest of the plate! She, of course, was happy to share it with him….giving and kind to the very end. It was at this point that Grandma Hilbig and I decided we should plan a family prayer, fast to know the will of the Lord, and plan to give her a blessing.
Saturday she took a turn for the worse. The girls had ballet auditions so daddy got to her home before I did. He was there at the perfect time and helped Grandma Logie and the CNA's to move her from her chair to the bed. I arrived as they were doing this. It was apparent she would never return to her chair. I cried and talked to her. She is so precious to me. She would periodically open her eyes and interact but she said she was in a lot of pain. Daddy in his wonderful way asked her if she wanted a cheeseburger and she said, "Yes, with lots of pickles!" She has always had the most wonderful sense of humor and dad and she were perfect in that moment. I love that about dad. He said he knew when he left it would be the last time he'd see her alive and that it was such a tender experience to share with her. Seth was there, too. It was his birthday and here he was ministering to Grandma. That boy is so gentle and has the kindest heart. Sophie and I stayed for quite a while. Grandma even asked Sophie about her ballet. As we were leaving, the last thing I said to her was "Grandma, I love you so much." She replied, "Jennifer, I love you and your family so much, too." wow That was the last time she spoke to me. Sophie was so tender and leaned down to kiss her.
Last night at 5pm many of us gathered to be there for a prayer and a blessing. The room was full of her posterity including Marva, Michael and many of David's side of the family. David was still in CT and we skyped him and Paul in. Daddy is in Minnesota and is so sad to have missed it all. We gathered and sang two of grandma's favorite hymns and then Uncle Clarke gave her a beautiful blessing. He didn't say that she should go, but he blessed her to know she lived a beautiful life, her family was all surrounding her and loved her, and that we couldn't be more grateful for the way she lived. She has passed on, but more importantly, she "passed on" so much to each of us. There could not have been a more wonderful grandma.
Two hours later she passed away. She didn't open her eyes or communicate at all yesterday and struggled to swallow. The hospice nurse said she could be like this for a few more days. However, Grandma was told by Jilene at 7:35pm that David was on his way and would be here tomorrow. It was then that she opened her eyes and everyone thought she was responding to that! Once she knew that, she took her last breath. I wasn't there, but that is ok.I have no regrets and I feel so blessed to have had so much time with her these past 2 years. Anyway I was at Scott's seminary graduation last night (I am so proud of him!) Ally called me right away and I just knew it. When I was sitting at the graduation Seth was on my right. He turned to me and said, "Grandma's going." I had just at that very moment had that very same impression. It was amazing.
Auna and I quickly left all 11 kids in Scott's care and hurried over to Grandma. Mom, Todd, Matt, Ally, Auna, Craig, Maren, Clarke, Jilene, Emme and I were there. We sat for hours until they came to take her body away. Kate, I wish I could describe to you the spirit that was in that room. There was such a sense of peace, reverence, and sure knowledge that her spirit left her body but this is not the end. She lives on and is happy. I know absolutely that her family was there to greet her and all is well. I know that through the Savior the sting of death can be taken away and we have the hope in Him that we will live again and be together forever. None of us wanted to leave. It was an experience perfectly orchestrated by the Lord. He is so near. He knows every one of us. He was so kind to allow her to pass on with her family gathered around.
In a minute we are leaving to go to the cemetery. We didn't have a plot for her so mom was going to look at buying 3 in Farmington. She then just thought she wouldat least try to call the Salt Lake Cemetery where her parents and baby sister are buried. It is an old cemetery. Do you remember going? Anyway, we knew chances were that there were no spots, but mom called an hour ago just to see. There was a family who just recently released 3 of their ten spots and, wouldn't you know, they are right by Grandma and Grandpa Goring! This is another tender mercy from the Lord. We are so grateful. The funeral will be Tuesday. They do not allow funerals on Memorial Weekend because it is so busy. This will give everyone time to be there.
I love you, Kate. I can't wait to hear how your week has been. It was a treasure to talk with you on Mother's Day and then again on Monday. I am so proud of who you are and who you are becoming. You are a blessing to me and I love you.
Love, Mom
I literally can not believe how fast the time is going. How can we already be in the next transfer??!
Okay, I am SO upset that I never got the email about Grandma dying... It has been almost 10 days since she died and I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT IT. When was her funeral?? I am not super sad that she died because she really was ready to go and I know she's probably running around in heaven baking those super yummy cookies. She isn't just sitting around not being able to do much anymore. I am sad that I didn't know about it for this long and couldn't think about her whenever her funeral was! How was it? Were you guys with her when she died? What was it like? Who was there? I want details! She was an amazing woman and I love her so much! I wonder what that moment was like when she got to see Grandpa again. She is probably having a wonderful time preaching the gospel just like I am! Maybe she's even teaching people who have family living in Mezapa, Honduras!
This week we had a Multi Zone Conference! It was really awesome and seriously so many memories from THSM came running back. I miss that mission. It will ALWAYS have a place in my heart. I wear my Texas ring every day here in Honduras and think about the THSM glory days every day. President read the email that Hermana Rosales wrote to him about Maria Juaquinas dream in Zone Confrence! It was so awesome. Everyone was super suprised. We were happy. He also read about 7 other president emails about dreams that investigators have had. These people really do have cool dreams and receive a ton of revelation from these dreams.
Another miracle that happened in our mission is that there was a 9 year old girl who came from a family of 12. She hadn't been baptized but her entire family was inactive. She went looking for the missionaries and told them she wanted to be baptized. She then reactivated her whole family of 12 all in a matter of 2 weeks. Just goes to show you that it doesn't matter how young you are or how insignificant you feel. You can be POWERFUL with the Lord on your side.
I don't know the entire story but an elder in our mission got bit by a monkey. I don't know the whole story but I am pretty sure it's awesome.
This week has been one of SICKNESS in our companionship. Honduras does weird things to your tummy...and also I have heat rash all over my neck and it's super hideous and totally itchy. Cute huh? Hahahh No, but hey we are alive and working hard and loving every minute.
Have you guys gotten a chance to look at Hermana Kleins blog?? Super cute! I think there are pics from Zone Confrence up. (themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com I think is her blog.)
Oh, this is exciting. I think we have bedbugs because I have millions of bites all over my body. Oh Honduras. I love you.
Sometimes i just want to yell at people. Here we are offering them a BEAUTIFUL ETERNITY and they won't accept it because they want to make tortillas Sunday morning instead of going to church. Seriously I just want to be like "What are you thinking??? When you get to heaven and God says, 'What did you do with your time on earth that was more important than saving your own soul?' I hope you remembered to make a few tortillas for God so you can just hand Him one in that moment and He can just take a bite and say 'Enter into my Kingdom, your tortillas have saved your soul.'"
YEAHHH NOOOO.... but seriously their tortillas are amazing. They really could get you through the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Hahah no just kidding. But they are good.
Yesterday we were a little late for church so I was just trying to find a seat really quickly. I scooted past 2 girls, a crying baby, a dog, 3 bags and sat down. Then during the last talk I realized that I probably should have thought it was weird that there was a dog in sacrament meeting, but it took me about 25 minutes to even think twice about it. I think it's safe to say I have adjusted to life in Honduras.
Coolest moment of my week? Maria Juanquina didn't get baptized this week ): We changed the date to the 31st but it's actually a good thing because we found out that Luis isn't a member! The church can't find his records so he gets to be baptized with Maria Juaquina and they are really good friends. Tania, the daughter of Maria Juaquina is 14 and she is going to be baptized as well with them. We are going to have a great baptism this week if all goes as planned! I really have come to love them, with all of my heart!!! Anyway, the cool thing is that Maria was really doubting if Joseph Smith was a prophet and if she needed to be baptized this upcoming Saturday. We were surprised because she has been so solid ever since we found her, but we decided to have a kneeling prayer with her. We knelt on her dirt floor in her cute little hut and as the rain poured down on her tin roof she humbly asked God if Joseph Smith was a prophet and if she needed to get baptized in His church. After the prayer we all just stayed there kneeling for about 5 minutes in silence. She had these big ol' tears rolling down her cheeks. I'm not kidding...I will never be the same.
This church is real. It holds all the truth and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. All it takes is one prayer with real intent and anyone can know that this church is true.
Basically everyone calls me Hermana Ashcraft because she was the last Gringa in Mezapa for about 7 months .The whole little city of Mezapa knew her. The other day two 5 year old twin girls came running after me yelling Hermana Ashcraft! It turns out their family was taught forever ago but the sisters had dropped them. We went and taught a lesson to their family and we are going back this week. We will see how it goes. Maybe they have changed! Their little girls are seriously SO CUTE. Everyone knows these twins because they have green eyes but they are Honduran. Super pretty.
Maria Juaquina reminds me so much of Grandma Rose. I am so serious. They are about the same height and they are both that super, super sweet spirit that would never say anything bad about anyone. Super loving. Super graceful. I'm not kidding. I love Maria just because she is like my grandma. I put my arm around her the other day and I felt like I was hugging Grandma Rose. I LOVE YOU GRANDMA ROSE!
Maria's mom is dying ): She lives across the street. We brought the Elders over to give her mom a blessing and it was awesome. I put my arm around Maria while we were standing around (because they don't have furniture to sit on) during the blessing. She was sobbing and she just leaned into me and held my hand. I love her!
The Bautista family is awesome. They taught me how to make tortillas this week. Super cool. That's what the pictures are of on dropbox.
Okay, LOVE YOU GUYS. The church is true.
Hermana Saylin
Okay, I am SO upset that I never got the email about Grandma dying... It has been almost 10 days since she died and I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT IT. When was her funeral?? I am not super sad that she died because she really was ready to go and I know she's probably running around in heaven baking those super yummy cookies. She isn't just sitting around not being able to do much anymore. I am sad that I didn't know about it for this long and couldn't think about her whenever her funeral was! How was it? Were you guys with her when she died? What was it like? Who was there? I want details! She was an amazing woman and I love her so much! I wonder what that moment was like when she got to see Grandpa again. She is probably having a wonderful time preaching the gospel just like I am! Maybe she's even teaching people who have family living in Mezapa, Honduras!
This week we had a Multi Zone Conference! It was really awesome and seriously so many memories from THSM came running back. I miss that mission. It will ALWAYS have a place in my heart. I wear my Texas ring every day here in Honduras and think about the THSM glory days every day. President read the email that Hermana Rosales wrote to him about Maria Juaquinas dream in Zone Confrence! It was so awesome. Everyone was super suprised. We were happy. He also read about 7 other president emails about dreams that investigators have had. These people really do have cool dreams and receive a ton of revelation from these dreams.
Another miracle that happened in our mission is that there was a 9 year old girl who came from a family of 12. She hadn't been baptized but her entire family was inactive. She went looking for the missionaries and told them she wanted to be baptized. She then reactivated her whole family of 12 all in a matter of 2 weeks. Just goes to show you that it doesn't matter how young you are or how insignificant you feel. You can be POWERFUL with the Lord on your side.
I don't know the entire story but an elder in our mission got bit by a monkey. I don't know the whole story but I am pretty sure it's awesome.
This week has been one of SICKNESS in our companionship. Honduras does weird things to your tummy...and also I have heat rash all over my neck and it's super hideous and totally itchy. Cute huh? Hahahh No, but hey we are alive and working hard and loving every minute.
Have you guys gotten a chance to look at Hermana Kleins blog?? Super cute! I think there are pics from Zone Confrence up. (themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com I think is her blog.)
Oh, this is exciting. I think we have bedbugs because I have millions of bites all over my body. Oh Honduras. I love you.
Sometimes i just want to yell at people. Here we are offering them a BEAUTIFUL ETERNITY and they won't accept it because they want to make tortillas Sunday morning instead of going to church. Seriously I just want to be like "What are you thinking??? When you get to heaven and God says, 'What did you do with your time on earth that was more important than saving your own soul?' I hope you remembered to make a few tortillas for God so you can just hand Him one in that moment and He can just take a bite and say 'Enter into my Kingdom, your tortillas have saved your soul.'"
YEAHHH NOOOO.... but seriously their tortillas are amazing. They really could get you through the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Hahah no just kidding. But they are good.
Yesterday we were a little late for church so I was just trying to find a seat really quickly. I scooted past 2 girls, a crying baby, a dog, 3 bags and sat down. Then during the last talk I realized that I probably should have thought it was weird that there was a dog in sacrament meeting, but it took me about 25 minutes to even think twice about it. I think it's safe to say I have adjusted to life in Honduras.
Coolest moment of my week? Maria Juanquina didn't get baptized this week ): We changed the date to the 31st but it's actually a good thing because we found out that Luis isn't a member! The church can't find his records so he gets to be baptized with Maria Juaquina and they are really good friends. Tania, the daughter of Maria Juaquina is 14 and she is going to be baptized as well with them. We are going to have a great baptism this week if all goes as planned! I really have come to love them, with all of my heart!!! Anyway, the cool thing is that Maria was really doubting if Joseph Smith was a prophet and if she needed to be baptized this upcoming Saturday. We were surprised because she has been so solid ever since we found her, but we decided to have a kneeling prayer with her. We knelt on her dirt floor in her cute little hut and as the rain poured down on her tin roof she humbly asked God if Joseph Smith was a prophet and if she needed to get baptized in His church. After the prayer we all just stayed there kneeling for about 5 minutes in silence. She had these big ol' tears rolling down her cheeks. I'm not kidding...I will never be the same.
This church is real. It holds all the truth and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. All it takes is one prayer with real intent and anyone can know that this church is true.
Basically everyone calls me Hermana Ashcraft because she was the last Gringa in Mezapa for about 7 months .The whole little city of Mezapa knew her. The other day two 5 year old twin girls came running after me yelling Hermana Ashcraft! It turns out their family was taught forever ago but the sisters had dropped them. We went and taught a lesson to their family and we are going back this week. We will see how it goes. Maybe they have changed! Their little girls are seriously SO CUTE. Everyone knows these twins because they have green eyes but they are Honduran. Super pretty.
Maria Juaquina reminds me so much of Grandma Rose. I am so serious. They are about the same height and they are both that super, super sweet spirit that would never say anything bad about anyone. Super loving. Super graceful. I'm not kidding. I love Maria just because she is like my grandma. I put my arm around her the other day and I felt like I was hugging Grandma Rose. I LOVE YOU GRANDMA ROSE!
Maria's mom is dying ): She lives across the street. We brought the Elders over to give her mom a blessing and it was awesome. I put my arm around Maria while we were standing around (because they don't have furniture to sit on) during the blessing. She was sobbing and she just leaned into me and held my hand. I love her!
The Bautista family is awesome. They taught me how to make tortillas this week. Super cool. That's what the pictures are of on dropbox.
Okay, LOVE YOU GUYS. The church is true.
Hermana Saylin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)