March 16, 2014

  The Latins that come here to the CCM usually stay for 2 weeks and then off to their missions. The Nortes are here for 6 weeks and off they go. We want to describe something that happened over the past 6 weeks. An Hermana from Brazil came here for her 2 weeks, Her call was to Nicaragua. She spoke Portuguese and needed to learn Espanol. The 2 weeks passed and she did great learning Espanol. Her Visa did not get approved so she remained another 2 weeks. She passed those 4 weeks in the other Branch not ours. The CCM President transferred her into our Branch for the next 2 week cycle. Hermana Soares was assigned a short, dark, shy, backward Hermana from the highlands of Guatemala. Hermana Tambriz was not used to the new foods provided in the CCM. She only ate fruit and ice cream. Eventually hunger won out and she began to eat real food. Hermana Tambriz had the deer in the head-lights look for sure. Hermana Soares was so very kind and patient with her companion. As the 2 weeks passed Hermana Tambriz gradually came out of her shell with the nurturing love and care of her companion. Today being the last Sunday for this group, Hermana Soares has her Visa and will leave for her mission. Hermana Tambriz will leave as well for her mission. It was a tender mercy of the Lord for Hermana Tambiz to have Hermana Soares here in the CCM. We really doubt that Hermana Tambriz would have made it. Divine planning always brings miracles if we just look.
   Last Monday in FHE, President Burk, Temple President, spoke to us. One of the things he spoke about really had us thinking and also feeling very tender. He said we agreed to leave our children and grandchildren back home, to be away from them so their lives will be blessed. He also said we were willing to give up time with them now so we can be together in the eternities. We do miss our family, but can see that their lives have been blessed while we have been away. We also look forward to being together in the eternities.
   We've also thought this past week about why we were sent to a Temple Mission and not some other mission here in Central America. Of course, we don't know all the reasons or any for that matter, but we can see after being here for nine months how our path has been directed for some specific purposes that we never would have experienced had we not started out as Temple Missionaries.
   An old mission companion of Elder Pitcher's has been in town and we were able to spend a little time with him. He is a dentist and comes down twice a year, sets up a clinic in the Lake Attitlan area, and helps young people with special needs have better dental care. He also brings 500 white shirts to the CCM for the young men who come without all the clothing they need for their mission. It is amazing what a blessing he is to people here in Guatemala, both 47 years ago and also at the present time.
   Well, it has been a week of blessings and reflecting on blessings.