October 26, 2014

   What a week it has been! So much to do and so little time. Hermana Pitcher has been working at downsizing our stuff. Many items have been given away and there is more to do yet. Our replacements are the benefactors of a large amount of "stuff".
   On Friday we went to lunch with the 2 secretaries from the Area office, Pati and Telma. It was just the 4 of us. They are such special people! We love them a ton.

 

   We had a last supper at the CCM. These wonderful people are truly amazing. We had a tearful departure today. Our service with missionaries in the CCM has been a high point for us.

 

 

   On one of walks this past week we stopped and chatted with a lady and her housekeeper. They walk their dog every day. The doggy is 14 and kind of crippled up with aches and pain. So the dog gets to ride most of the time but does walk a little. It's name is Mateo.

 

 

   We had our picture taken in front of the CCM. Elder Pitcher is wearing his new suit and shoes that he had made here in Guatemala. Hermana Pitcher is sporting her new wrap around skirt that was a gift from some friends that we served with.

 

    We have not decided if this is the last blog post or not. Time will tell. It will be a great way to save our mission experiences. We may try to get it printed in a book. Thank you all for your prayers and help while we have been away. We never doubted that God could take care of you much better than we could had we stayed home.




October 19, 2014

   It has been a very busy week for us. We have been helping our  replacements, the Lloyds, learn their duties and responsibilities in the Area Office. They are doing great. They will not miss a beat. We are blessed to get to know them and serve with them.
   We have been giving away items that we will not need any longer and will not be taking home with us. We are trying to minimize the amount of luggage and weight we have to pack around. The fewer  the bags the better, especially going through customs. We certainly do not want to miss our connecting flight from LA to SLC.
   Hermana Pitcher had a wonderful day on Saturday. Elder Pitcher had an all-day meeting and usually Hermana Pitcher just stays in the apartment. Because Hermana Lloyd has arrived and Hermana Pitcher didn't want her to experience a boring day, Hermana Pitcher decided to be brave and drive the car around town. So, Hermana Pitcher and Hermana Lloyd went to the Area Office, a store, the Temple, a restaurant and back to the apartment. She was able to park the car in the garage. All of this activity and no new dents in the car. It was a milestone day.
   The Temple President, President Burk, had some heart trouble this past week. He ended up getting 4 stints. Everyone was very worried about him for several days. Many prayers were offered in his behalf this past week. We are happy to know that he is back home and doing well.
   We are counting down the days until we return home. We are under 2 weeks now. It won't be long now until we can give you a hug and see you in person!
   Love you all!!!!
Here is a PS to the BLOG:
 Our friend, Arnulfo who was baptized 2 weeks ago, was confirmed yesterday. He had a problem getting to the church the following day after his baptism. He was very happy and excited to inform us how he felt after his confirmation. His Bishop has him progressing so as to be able to bless the sacrament in 2 weeks. We mentioned to him about receiving his Patriarecle blessing in the near future. While doing a adventure today, we found another interested person. We gave him a couple of pamphlets. We have his name , cell and address to pass on to the missionaries. On our walk this afternoon, we followed up with to guards that we had given some pamphlets to. They had read them and had a some comments about what they had read. Our next step is more literature to read , name , address and phone for the missionaries. This is really quite exciting to invite others to learn about the gospel. We highly recommend it to all. That is our challenge to all of you.
  

October 12, 2014

   With the Area Presidency gone for General Conference, our time requirement in the office was lessened. We spent 1/2 days mostly and then in the afternoon we would walk, shop, and of course nap. Hermana Pitcher is sorting, cleaning, and preparing for our departure.
   We were able to pick up Elder and Sister Lloyd from the airport last evening. They are from Sandy Utah. They are very nice people. They are acquainted with several people from Pleasant View that we know. We were appointed to be their Hosts which means provide a little food in their apartment, take them shopping, show them around the Area Office to introduce them and help them get settled in.
   A few days ago, our friend Arnulfo, asked if we could attend his baptism.  He just lacked his interview to be ready. He passed his interview and was told he could have anyone he chose to baptize him. He asked Elder Pitcher if he would consider doing it. What a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this young man's life! A few days before his baptism date, we stopped and talked to Arnulfo as we returned from a walk. Elder Pitcher asked him if he could swim. He said a little. Elder Pitcher said that he could not swim either. What were we to do was the question, Arnulfo responded, drown I guess. We laughed. The Baptismal service was very special! The Elders that taught him conducted and spoke at the service. There were 6 or 8 investigators present that have dates set for their baptism.

 

   Hermana Pitcher speaking...I was sitting two rows behind Elder Pitcher and Arnulfo during the opening part of the service, before he was baptized. While we were singing the opening hymn, "Come, Follow Me" I noticed Elder Pitcher's arm around Armulfo giving him support. I had a little tear come to my eye. I remembered a question our grand-daughter, Mia, had asked about a year ago. She had asked if we had had any baptisms yet. Now we can let her and others know what a wonderful feeling it is to be a little part of someone being baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

   Needless to say it was a very special day. 4 Senior couples were present to support Arnulfo. Many folks at Victoria Suites have been encouraging and helpful with Arnulfo. His confirmation will be Sunday. We will not be able to attend due to assignments in the CCM, however some of the Sr. couples will be there to support him.

   The group of children are children of a Sister who will be baptized in two weeks. They enjoyed being teased by Elder Pitcher. They wanted him to play soccer with them. Each of them gave all of us a handshake, a slobbery kiss, and a hug

 before they left.

  

   

October 6, 2014

   The excitement for this week was Hermana Pitcher´s birthday on the 4th. We went for a wonderful walk early Saturday morning. The traffic was very light. The temperature was just perfect. About 2/3 the way thru the walk we stopped at McDonald´s so Hermana Pitcher could have an egg McMuffin. Elder Pitcher had a McGriddle. It really tasted good. This was the first time we have done the McDonald's thing. Some cute grand kids sang Happy B-day via an email. We watched conference in our apartment in the morning. Elder Pitcher purchased a special B-day cake from a little pastry shop close to our apartment.

 

 In the afternoon we went to the CCM. Elder Pitcher asked the Latino Missionaries to serenade

Hermana Pitcher with Happy B-Day. They did so with great gusto. We ate afterwords and then stayed for the Priesthood session. The Sisters went up to Coxes apartment and watched the Women's broadcast. Afterwords the Hermanas served Ice cream for everyone. Yummy!
  Sunday morning we went for another walk since we had nothing to do early. We choose to walk in some areas that we had not visited before. It was just so relaxing and beautiful. We are anxious to return home but we will miss the spectacular weather here.
   We love seeing and hearing from our family at home. Face Time has been a wonderful blessing for us. It keeps us connected with our loved ones at home.
  We stopped by the apartment where our friends the Barlow's lived. They have been gone for almost a week. So we took a selfy to send to them ringing their doorbell. On seeing the foto, Pat commented that they didn´t answer because they were in the shower.

Here you can see them (out of the shower) in the conference center. They look pretty relaxed. 

We miss them but are happy for them because they can be with their family.

    We are making lots of lists to work on during the coming weeks. We did get the suitcases down out of the closet on the 1st of Oct. Our replacements will arrive this Saturday. We will pick them up at the airport. We are assigned as their hosts. This means we just help get them settled and oriented. They will be in our building, just on the 1st floor. We are excited to finally meet them. We have had much e-mail correspondence with them answering some of their questions.

   We love you all and are excited to see you again.  lol

September 28, 2014

   This past week has been a little slow for us, especially Hermana Pitcher. She was down ill for several days. No fun! She is feeling much better now and enjoying life much more.
   One bit of news is that there is remodeling going on at the Area Office. We have been moved temporarily to an annex right next to the Area Office while they replace carpet and move a few walls back on our floor. The remodel is suppose to take place while the Area Presidency is in Salt Lake for General Conference. It will be interesting to see how quickly it can be completed.
   Sister Pitcher processed 49 calls this week. That is the most she has done so far. Even though she was ill , she has to do the calls. They have to go out in the mail on Monday.
   The latest news about Arnulfo, the guard at our building, is that he is scheduled to be baptized this Tuesday. We are hopeful that it will happen this time. He seems to be more positive this time. We will make sure and attend if all goes as planned.
   We are busy preparing and giving lessons at the CCM on Sundays. It is always a joy to be with the missionaries. Hermana Pitcher especially enjoyed the participation of the North American Hermanas today. They were very talkative and shared experiences they have had with prayer and personal revelation.
   President Pitcher( better known as Elder Pitcher) wore his tailor made suit and his hand made shoes to the CCM today. He did look quite dapper. Our new assignments at the CCM requires more teaching opportunities. It is exciting to interact with them. They are amazing!
   On Tuesday this week we will pick up the Barlow's and take them to the airport. We have had several activities with them over the last few weeks. They have promised to let us know when they will be reporting their mission in their ward. We will keep you posted. Hopefully some of you can make it to hear them speak.
   This is a Pano shot of the CCM Presidency along with the Branch Presidencies. It was a farewell party for the Johnson's. They had lived and worked here in Guatemala for 6 years. He was the Church Legal Counsel.

 This is the handsome CCM Presidency. Pres Cox (center) Pres Alvardo ( left) and Pres Pitcher.

   We will get the suitcases down this Wednesday so we cab at least look at them for a while before packing. We will bring back less than brought. We will give away a lot items that can be used by the local members.
   So , we are just trying keep things under control and moving forward. Some days are better than others.
   OK, that is about it for now. Love you allllllllllllllllllllllllll



21 September, 2104

  We took our friends the Barlow's on a road trip. Guatemala has an Auto Safari, yes an African animal type drive your car thru the game preserve. This foto is of a large Hippo. It was posing with its head propped up on the fence. As we drove closer it did a 180 and backed up to the fence. This photogenic wonder began to defecate while making its tail do a helicopter like circular spin. This was like a giant manure spreader! We were close enough to get a first hand view and smell. Yes the windows were down. We laughed so hard. This trip was a visual treat of not only animals but a wonderfully beautiful country.  These beauties were happy to pose for us.                       

  We were stopped 2 times by the Police as we drove back. This the first time we have been stopped. They check the drivers license and vehicle documents. The first one was no problem. The second  one proved to be a different story. They asked for the license and documents. All that was in order. However he wanted the receipt for the property tax fee. Of course we did not have that. It is paid by the church, so no receipt. It turned out that what they wanted was some gas money for their government owned truck they were driving. They wanted us to return back to a gas station that we had passed previously. We said no to the going back idea, but agreed to a station further ahead. They indicated they would follow us. Upon arrival at the gas station, we paid them Q 100.00 ( about $10.00). So we were free to continue on our way.                                           

These wild creatures were just roaming around looking for something to pounce on for lunch. Luckily every visitor in the Safari that day could run faster than they could. We had an exciting day of adventure with our friends.

   We both have new callings in the CCM as of today. Hermana Pitcher is the 2nd Counselor in the CCM Relief Society. Elder Pitcher is the 2nd Counselor in the CCM Presidency. This change makes it possible for some new people to begin serving and learn all the ins and outs of the CCM. We are

happy to continue for the balance of our time here. We started serving in the CCM the very first Sunday that we arrived. We have really enjoyed the opportunity to be in the CCM.  

Several weeks ago Elder Pitcher ordered a new handmade suit. It finally arrived this past week and WOW, does he look terrific in it! Elder Pitcher also ordered some handmade shoes. We were able to pick them up yesterday. Watch for these new additions to his wardrobe when we return home.

Last night we were blessed to be able to watch part of the Ogden Temple Celebration. Our internet connection wasn't the best and we missed big chunks of the program, but thankfully we were able to see the part when the Primary children sang. Our grand-daughter, Addi, was in the children's choir. She looked so beautiful "all dressed in white." What a chance of a lifetime for her.

Many of you have had the opportunity to attend the Ogden Temple Open House. We have been a little envious of you, but we look forward to attending the new Temple when we return home.

Have a wonderful week! Stay happy!

 

 



 

 

                      







 

September 14,2014

    This past Sunday we attended a break-the fast meeting in the Area Office. This month there we a total of 6 couples that will be leaving in the coming weeks. These wonderful people are our dear friends the Barlow's. We will really miss them. The good part is that they live in Layton! They fly out on the 30th of this month. We will be 1 month behind them. Yes, we will leave Guatemala on November 1st.

 These 2 were the concluding speakers. We kept our remarks brief. It seemed strange to be giving a farewell address.

Our week has been pretty busy. Last Saturday we took the Barlow's and drove to Antigua. Gary had ordered a pair of shoes to be handmade for him. We drove around and bingo, Elder Pitcher drove right to the shoe store. Elder Pitcher loved the shoes so much, he ordered a pair for himself. They will be done next week. Just as we were leaving the shoe store another couple from Barlow's ward drove up to pick up shoes they had ordered. We visited and then all went to lunch together.

 

These are 2 photos of the beautiful restaurant where we ate. It was called Finca Filadelphia. Such beautiful surroundings.

We love getting out, driving to new places, and exploring. Tomorrow we have plans to do more exploring because Sept. 15 is Independence Day here. Hermana Pitcher has even bought a Guatemalan flag.

As usual, Sundays are so spiritual at the CCM. Even with challenges and obstacles they have overcome, the missionaries have much love for our Savior and strong testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel. We had a Sr. couple shadow us today in the CCM. Soon they will take our places and we will be put to pasture. And so it goes, change  always brings new opportunities and growth experiences for us.

 

LOL to all