November 24, 2013

 Hermana Pitcher and Hermana Barlow are showing off their new backpacks. We are on our way to a favorite restaurant for dinner. Then we did a little shopping on the way back. That's why we both have new backpacks. The men are pleased that the women love to wear the backpacks.

 There are many vendors who sell fruits and vegetables on the street. This particular vendor gave a taste of pineapple and papaya. The pineapple was three for Q15 (Q15 equals about $2). It was the best pineapple we've had so far, and we've had some very good ones. The vendor pulls the cart around through the streets in the subdivision.

 

 We've walked past this home many times and thought we should get a picture here. Finally we did it. Elder Pitcher asked at the home if it was alright to take the picture there. We think it made the maid a little nervous and had the gardener come out to make sure we were up to no good. The gardener actually took our picture.

When we went to the Temple Saturday morning this couple was out on the grounds having their picture taken after their wedding. The groom has been a Temple worker for a while. He is a RM and a great young man. We were in the Temple last week when they came for her first. We will see if he has time to continue working in the Temple now he is married. Our guess is no.
   Today was a regional conference which included the entire country. We think it was broadcast from Salt Lake to different Stake Centers and to the CCM, which is where we watched it. The talks that were in Spanish were translated into English. Speakers were Elder Falabella from the Seventy and a native Guatemalan, Sister Wixom, Elder Scott, and President Eyring. President Eyring mentioned the growth of the church here from 1948 to a current membership of 243,000. The church continues to grow rapidly here Guatemala. There are 2 Temples and 41 Stakes. There are just over 1200 missionaries serving here. There are that many more Guatemalan missionaries serving outside of Guatemala. The prophecies of the Book of Mormon are surely being fulfilled without question.
  We feel so very blessed to be here and feel of the strong faith and see the commitment of these wonderful, humble Saints. It makes us feel guilty because we have been given so much.
  We will be having our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow at the Temple President's home. The holiday is not celebrated here. We will be in the Temple serving as you all are getting stuffed.
 Love to you all, stay strong.