October 23rd through October 29th

 October 23^rd through October 29^th: Monday, having done our shopping the previous Friday and Saturday, we loaded up to go to Megapaca, a huge second-hand thrift store.  The Winkfields stayed home and the Fishers were on their way back from a weekend in Salama. So 10 of us piled in our car.  I use the words “piled in” loosely, because we put a blanket in the back for Sisters Jenson and Holman.  I got a pair of jeans and a new shirt for just under 8 dollars. The shirt was a brand new Timberland and the jeans used Wranglers.  

"On the road again,  Just can't wait to be on the road again."

Megapaca

Second floor at Megapaca

In the afternoon we all went to a birthday party for Sister Canev who works in the temple and is also a member of the ward.  She has lived in the states and speaks pretty good English.  The Calls arrived with the Fishers in time for the birthday party, so we had to take the temple van and our car.  

Birthday Party

More birthday party.

Sister Canev has her hands up.

We then had family home evening and the Calls talked about some of their experiences while serving as Branch President in Rabinal.  In a few weeks, they are moving to another small town north of Coban, Fray Bartolome de Las Casas, to serve in a newly formed branch.  We had family home evening on Facetime with Ginny’s family and with Kate’s family.  We had sent them a power point presentation on Chris’ dad, Glenn.  

Refreshment after Family Home Evening.

Tuesday we went to our painting class and then spent the afternoon with the Calls playing games.  They come to the capital every 6 weeks for supplies, to attend the temple and to have a little R&R.  

Still working on Miles.

Mom started a landscape.

Thursday during our afternoon shift I slipped out and spoke to a group of about 80 youth from Senahu.  It was the first time to the temple for about half of them.  It is the first time the youth from the Senahu stake have come since they were made a stake earlier this year.  

Youth from Senahu.

Friday, I cooked Chinese food for all the district presidents, mission presidents and their wives in our temple district.  I cooked all day, from 6:30am to 6:00pm, and made Beijing Beef, Orange Chicken, Chicken with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Fried Rice, fried wontons, and cucumbers.  Chris was sous chef and Sister Fisher came over after the morning shift and helped me deep fry all the meat for 2 of the dishes. We expected 34, but only 28 were able to make it.  We then had a meeting on how they could better use the patron housing to help their members have a more uplifting experience in the temple when they come from so far away.  We got to bed about 10:00pm and we got up at 3:00 am for the 

Sister Fisher and me showing off our handywork.

The tables are set and we are ready.

The blessing is said and the food is being served.

Table 1

Table 2

Saturday morning shift.  After our shift, we drove to Coban with the Winkfields, a 5 hour trip. We stayed with President and Sister Faundez.  Sister Faundez had dinner ready for us and we went to bed early.  I was bushed.  

Stuck in road construction on the way to Coban.

Both directions as far as you can see, just parked cars and people selling food.

Click below to view the fog

Fog on the way to Coban

Sunday President Faundez and I went to our coordinating council meeting.  After talking about the temple for an hour, we all went to sacrament meeting.  I was asked by Elder Arredondo to speak.  I had 20 minutes and was the concluding speaker.  I felt the Spirit profoundly as I testified of our Savior and the temple, the House of the Lord. We had started at 7:00 am and finished up about 1:00 pm. Mom and everyone else went to Sunday meetings at one of the wards in Coban.  We then had dinner with the office Elders, two sister missionaries, the Faundez’s son and daughter-in-law, 14 in all.  We had an enjoyable evening talking and laughing and sharing stories of our experiences in this wonderful country.  

After the Coordinating Council meeting. L to R Brother Caal, Area Secretary, President Faundez, Coban Mission, me, Elder Arredondo, Area Seventy, President Coy, Coban Stake, President Lopez, Salama District, and President Cuz, Senahu Stake.

Dinner with the Faundezes

We are having such great experiences and are so blessed to be able to travel and visit the saints in so many different places.  As I am writing this on November 1^st, it is hard to believe that we have completed 2 years.  Now everything we do will be our last time.  This month will be our last Thanksgiving here, next month our last Christmas and so on.  Our testimonies are strengthened and our faith stronger as we feel the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost. We love our Savior and love being able to serve in His House.