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
Monday, May 19, 2014
I have literally almost been out as long as I had been out before I had to go home. Where does the time go?? Why can't I be fluent in Spanish already??
I am eating a banana that I just bought for 2 limps up the street. YUM
Today we were at the beach with President and Hermana Klein and our whole zone because we won Zona Celestial this transfer! WOOOHHOOO. Anway, this huge storm blew in and we were DRENCHED. I pulled out some limpieras from my purse and they were soaked. Hermana Odekirk said, "Wow, that's one limp limp!" It was so funny.
We were on this bus (with the stereotypical 156 people on a bus that's made for 50 people) on our way to this zone meeting with a ton of other missionaries. My companion suddenly just gots off the bus but I really didn't know why she was getting off the bus. When the bus started to drive away I yelled up to the driver and I said, "No, stop!" So then my companion ran next to the bus and the bus driver slowed down so she just jumped back on. All the missionaries were crying laughing. It was too good.
We had THE COOLEST baptism this week. It was one of the Elder's investigators, but at the baptism there were only missionaries and then the branch pres. and his family. It was pouring rain. We were standing on the edge of the river behind president's house and it was kind of misty...like that rainforest mist...all over the river. It is in this canyon with millions of green trees. Literally was a DREAM. This country is beautiful and that moment when Elder Vargas was standing there with her in this beautiful Honduran river was a moment that I have dreamed of since I was a little girl. How can this be real? I'm literally living a dream.
Okay, we got in the worst water fight two nights ago. So we have our pila, then a ten foot wall, and then the other Hermana's pila. Every once and a while we just chuck a bucket of water over the wall to drench each other. It's always so hot that it's kind of awesome when they get you. This particular night was SO BAD. I was out there with an umbrella on top of the pila and then I dropped the umbrella to fill my bucket. Hermana Olivas dumped an entire bucket all over me. We were all dying laughing for the entire time.
The Spanish is coming along really fast but I still dream of the day when I will be able to say everything I want.
I love this gift of tounges! It's so cool. My offical vote is that Scott is going to the Phillipines. So whenever he submits his papers make sure my vote gets written down.
I miss you guys!
Maria Juanquina is getting baptized Saturday. We are teaching her daughter Tania, too, who will hopefully be baptized soon after. Yesterday at church Tania was there and I was so surprised I had the words to ask Mabel (the branch pres. daughter) to bring Tania to young womens and everything. She was awesome for Tania. Then Tania tried to leave before Sunday School started and I saw her walk out. I chased after and again was surprised that I had the words to ask her to stay and that Mabel had a seat for her. She ended up staying and I literally have the biggest testimony of the gift of tongues.
I see miracles every day. I wish I could write them all.
Luis is my favorite person ever. He is probably the only person here in Honduras who hasn't given up on being able to say my name. Every time we teach him he says, "Syyyyylinggg." We practice all of the time. He rocks. He is 32 but I swear he's 22. He got beat up one time when he was younger and they hit his head a ton. He's lucky to be alive but sometimes he is forgetful. He says he was baptized when he was 10 but we can't find his records so he gets to be baptized again! We love him. He is Maria Juanqinas' neighbor.
Oh, pray for Johanna. She has a date to be baptized but she doesn't want to marry the man she is living with which is understandable because she is 22 and he is 50 something. She doesn't want to leave him though because she loves him....oh, I just don't understand. Praying for miracles!!!
I met a 30 year old lady who was kidnapped when she was 12 in Tegucigalpa and sold on the black market. She lives here in Mezapa still with the man who bought her. I don't think her family knows where she is or what happened to her. She is living with this man and doesn't want to leave. It makes me sick. I am not in America that's for sure. I see kids with cleft lips often and I just want to write them a check for everything I have to help them. There just is no medical care here. Kids have the worst rashes and when you ask what it is they say it's from the heat. I have sat in enough medical classes to know that "ain't no heat rash!!"
I love this work. I love these people. I love everything about missionary work.
Hermana Saylin
I am eating a banana that I just bought for 2 limps up the street. YUM
Today we were at the beach with President and Hermana Klein and our whole zone because we won Zona Celestial this transfer! WOOOHHOOO. Anway, this huge storm blew in and we were DRENCHED. I pulled out some limpieras from my purse and they were soaked. Hermana Odekirk said, "Wow, that's one limp limp!" It was so funny.
We were on this bus (with the stereotypical 156 people on a bus that's made for 50 people) on our way to this zone meeting with a ton of other missionaries. My companion suddenly just gots off the bus but I really didn't know why she was getting off the bus. When the bus started to drive away I yelled up to the driver and I said, "No, stop!" So then my companion ran next to the bus and the bus driver slowed down so she just jumped back on. All the missionaries were crying laughing. It was too good.
We had THE COOLEST baptism this week. It was one of the Elder's investigators, but at the baptism there were only missionaries and then the branch pres. and his family. It was pouring rain. We were standing on the edge of the river behind president's house and it was kind of misty...like that rainforest mist...all over the river. It is in this canyon with millions of green trees. Literally was a DREAM. This country is beautiful and that moment when Elder Vargas was standing there with her in this beautiful Honduran river was a moment that I have dreamed of since I was a little girl. How can this be real? I'm literally living a dream.
Okay, we got in the worst water fight two nights ago. So we have our pila, then a ten foot wall, and then the other Hermana's pila. Every once and a while we just chuck a bucket of water over the wall to drench each other. It's always so hot that it's kind of awesome when they get you. This particular night was SO BAD. I was out there with an umbrella on top of the pila and then I dropped the umbrella to fill my bucket. Hermana Olivas dumped an entire bucket all over me. We were all dying laughing for the entire time.
The Spanish is coming along really fast but I still dream of the day when I will be able to say everything I want.
I love this gift of tounges! It's so cool. My offical vote is that Scott is going to the Phillipines. So whenever he submits his papers make sure my vote gets written down.
I miss you guys!
Maria Juanquina is getting baptized Saturday. We are teaching her daughter Tania, too, who will hopefully be baptized soon after. Yesterday at church Tania was there and I was so surprised I had the words to ask Mabel (the branch pres. daughter) to bring Tania to young womens and everything. She was awesome for Tania. Then Tania tried to leave before Sunday School started and I saw her walk out. I chased after and again was surprised that I had the words to ask her to stay and that Mabel had a seat for her. She ended up staying and I literally have the biggest testimony of the gift of tongues.
I see miracles every day. I wish I could write them all.
Luis is my favorite person ever. He is probably the only person here in Honduras who hasn't given up on being able to say my name. Every time we teach him he says, "Syyyyylinggg." We practice all of the time. He rocks. He is 32 but I swear he's 22. He got beat up one time when he was younger and they hit his head a ton. He's lucky to be alive but sometimes he is forgetful. He says he was baptized when he was 10 but we can't find his records so he gets to be baptized again! We love him. He is Maria Juanqinas' neighbor.
Oh, pray for Johanna. She has a date to be baptized but she doesn't want to marry the man she is living with which is understandable because she is 22 and he is 50 something. She doesn't want to leave him though because she loves him....oh, I just don't understand. Praying for miracles!!!
I met a 30 year old lady who was kidnapped when she was 12 in Tegucigalpa and sold on the black market. She lives here in Mezapa still with the man who bought her. I don't think her family knows where she is or what happened to her. She is living with this man and doesn't want to leave. It makes me sick. I am not in America that's for sure. I see kids with cleft lips often and I just want to write them a check for everything I have to help them. There just is no medical care here. Kids have the worst rashes and when you ask what it is they say it's from the heat. I have sat in enough medical classes to know that "ain't no heat rash!!"
I love this work. I love these people. I love everything about missionary work.
Hermana Saylin
Monday, May 5, 2014
Wow, this week went so fast! Doesn't it feel like I just sent an email yesterday?
I fasted for a couple things yesterday but I especially fasted for a miracle that I might be able to understand the Honduran people, and seriously the miracle that I begged for HAPPENED. I am still not perfect but I am understanding so much more. Before, I couldn't understand anything a Honduran person said.
I fasted for a couple things yesterday but I especially fasted for a miracle that I might be able to understand the Honduran people, and seriously the miracle that I begged for HAPPENED. I am still not perfect but I am understanding so much more. Before, I couldn't understand anything a Honduran person said.
We had the coolest storm this week and the lights went out of course. It was SO HOT for 24 hours straight because we didn't have power for our little fans. We couldn't buy cold water or Topogigos either. It was a super cool storm because it made me think of 3 Nephi 11 when there was 3 days of darkness and the storms. I am actually living where the Book of Mormon was written and I just could imagine what that was like! The lighting was so cool. We had to plan with candles so there are cool pictures from planning in the dark on dropbox.
Sometimes our water turns off while we are taking our bucket showers. This week it turned off when I had soap in my hair....that was a bummer. Ah, Honduras. Why do I love you so much?
When this storm came in, it came in fast. We only ever teach outside because it's too hot and too small to teach inside. Anyway, we were in the poorest part of our area when this storm came in and their tin roof was flapping around. I was like, "Wow, this roof is going to fly off and decapitate me." Then this big gust of wind came and the roof flew off and BARELY missed me. Prayers answered.
After planning in the dark we just sat and listened to the rain. (There is a video of the sound of the rain.) So here we are... no power, no phone, no lighs...nada. We were laying in bed and we had our window open because it was so dang hot. Hna O moved the curtain and slid the screen over so we wouldn't get eaten alive while we slept. Then I SAW TWO PEOPLE RIGHT OUTSIDE OUR WINDOW staring in and not moving. It was so creepy and I told Hermana O to look, but she just screamed and dropped the curtain so she didn't see. Finally, I got her to open the window and look but they were gone. However, her umbrella had been moved to halfway inside the window instead of outside. I stayed calm and shut the window while the Hnas cuddled together creeped out. Then someone banged on our window in the other room. I got up, locked all the windows, and bolted shut the doors with all the locks, but we couldn't see anything at all. We couldn't call anyone because we didn't have power for our phone either. Then someone banged on the window again. I just said Hola? Nobody answered. Seriously, so creepy. We gathered in our room and offered a prayer. I didn't like that since we had a candle and they could see into us, but it was so dark outside we couldn't see them. It was this super eerie feeling here in the murder capital of the world. Then someone knocked on the door. I was the only one brave enough to walk over and say Hola? The other hermanas from our district answered back. We opened the door and told them to come in quickly and then they busted up laughing. It was them the whole time. They were just bored because when the power is out we have to come home extra early! hahahha. We had a good laugh about it and sat outside on our porch and watched the rain and talked until it was time to go to bed. TOO FUNNY.
We are teaching the best lady ever. When we were going to teach the Bautista family they ended up not being home. However, the lady that lives right next door to them was outside and we asked if we could share a message. She said yes. She is Catholic. Mas o menos. Anyway, we taught this super awesome restoration lesson and when we taught about the Book Of Mormon she ran into her house and got this super old crumpled copy of the BOM. We were so suprised. The missionaries taught her once a while ago. We think she just wasn't prepared then, but now she SO IS. We can just feel it. The best part is that she's not living with a man. That never happens. That makes this so much easier. She has a teenage daughter. Anyway...she's so prepared. That was Saturday so we invited her to church and she came with the Bautista family and sat by us! We were so happy. Pray for her. Se llama Maria Joquina. She's literally so sweet. She is a lot like Grandma Rose. I love her!
Someone in the Elders area got a washing machine (no dryer) and all the members were walking over to their house just to look at it! HAHAHA.
There is this family with 4 kids. The oldest is 16 and the youngest is like 8? Anyway, they got baptized a little bit ago but now they are inactive. We go visit them a lot. They don't have parents. Their dad left forever ago and their mom is living in the states somewhere. They just take care of eachother. Can you even imagine?? They're never home all together. What a life.
So everyone here has clothes that are used and sent over from the states. They have shirts that say Houston Basketball game 2008 or what not. Super funny. The worst is that they don't know what their shirts say because nobody speaks English so everyone is always asking me to translate it. This girl brought me a deep conditioner bottle and asked me to translate it. haha. So the branch president's wife is the best . She looks exactly like Lucrecia. I love her. Anyway, she was wearing this shirt that was pink with a bow. It said something SUPER inappropriate in English but nobody knows because nobody can understand English. Well, nobody can really even read Spanish let alone English. Hna O and I got a good laugh out of it. It happens a lot around here. We even saw this boy on the bus this week on our way to El Progresso for a meeting that had a mormon boys shirt. So funny.
Okay, at church we have this little branch of about 50 people including the 7 missionaries. The first two hours were awesome. I even got to teach the second hour about prayer. I was so nervous because I can't speak that much Spanish but it kind of rocked and I loved it. During the third hour it was POURING rain so the branch president said we all needed to meet together. Normally YW, RS, and Priesthood meet outside but since it was raining, we all got to meet together inside.
Alex y Catia are about 18 years old and they are about to have a baby in June. They're adorable but SO YOUNG. We are trying to get them married and baptized before the baby comes, but they won't come to church! Catia says it's too hot for her to sit in church without AC and it's too far to walk because she is SO pregnant. Alex is always working on Sundays. He is afraid to ask for Sundays off because he can't lose his job before the baby comes. I really like them. Alex told us last night that he prayed about the BOM and the church and he knows they're both real and true. We just need to get them to commit to getting married. Catia is more hesitant but she's adorable. Their cousin Miley is a less active and they're always with eachother. It makes it hard because she isn't a very good example to them. I really love them. Their young cousins are about Sophie's age and they always sit in our lessons and go buy us cold coke and stuff. They won't come to church because Miley and Catia and Alex won't...UGGHHH. We fasted for them last Sunday though so hopefully things will start looking up.
We taught the Familia Bautista last night. They have a little more money than most people in Mezapa but still not much money. They're backyard is HUGE though and full of huge palm trees, horses, chickens, turkeys, etc. Anyway, last night we all sat outside and the weather was perfect. For once we were not sweating our guts out. We taught about heaven and the plan of salvation. They had a lot of questions even though they are already members. Anyway, when it got dark enough the fireflies came out and they were swarming all around us while we were teaching in their perfect backyard. They have hammocks and literally it's beautiful. Green everywhere. The fireflies here are about the size of a nickel. HUGE. So while we taught about heaven, we had a little bit of heaven on earth. I couldn't be more thankful to be here in this beautiful country among some of Gods most humble people. I never want to go home! I feel like my life is the music video for George Strait's song "I Saw God Today."
I forgot to tell you how we ran out of food!! We don't have a super market or an ATM in Mezapa, though. We couldn't get real food even if there was a store because we didn't even have money to buy something--not even at the little pulperia that we call Walmart, but it's just the size of a closet. We lived off my bland corn flakes with water poured in it for like 3 days!!!! hahah. It was quite the adventure. Then we ran out of clean water so then we just had cornflakes with nothing. We just had to laugh about it. Finally, we got to go to El Progresso for a secratary meeting because we are the secretaries for the zone and our whole district gave us their cards to get money at the ATM there. We were all practically starving to death haha. Gotta love this mission!
Constantly the hand of God is in His work of salvation. I know that this is the only church with the full priesthood of God. I know that only through baptism and other ordinances performed with the authority of God can we return to the highest kingdom of glory in Heaven. There are scriptures that say we will sit down with those that are the fruit of our labors in Heaven. I just hope one day I can be as humble and as close to God as these people of Honduras are so that I can be worthy enough to sit with them in the kindom of God. The work of salvation is easily the hardest thing I've ever loved to do. I absolutely love every moment here and I couldn't be more thankful for this oppertunity to serve among some of God's best people. CATRACHO LYFE PARA SIEMPRE!
Love you guys to Honduras and Back!
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