August 6th through August 12th

August 6^th through August 12^th:  Monday evening we had a Family Home Evening to introduce a new missionary couple, the Solorzanos, who have come to serve with us in the temple. They are Guatemalan, but have lived the last 15 or so years in the United States. They served here in the temple when it was dedicated in 1984 and have served in other temples in the United States.  It is an answer to our prayers to have such capable people come to serve in the temple.  They will be a great blessing to the temple and the saints who come to worship.  

Refreshments after FHE.

The Solorzanos are the couple on the left.

Tuesday the Calls arrived for their last visit to the temple before they finish their mission next month.  They serve in a small town, Fray Bartolome de las Casas, about 2 1/2 hours northeast of Coban.  They come to Guatemala City about every 6 weeks, to visit the temple and stock-up on supplies.  It is always fun to have them spend a few days with us.  We help them get their batteries recharged by playing some cards and talking to them in English.  The only contact they have with other senior English-speaking couples is when they come to visit the temple.  Wednesday we had the morning shift and played with the Calls in the afternoon.  Thursday morning we took the Calls to Mega Paca.  I scored big.  I found 6 new shirts for about $14.00.  I say new, but some of them are used, but still in good condition.  We then worked the afternoon shift.  Friday morning we got up early and took the Calls to Lake Atitlan.  They have served 22 months in Guatemala and have not been able to visit this famous place.  We drove to San Lucas Toliman which is right before Santiago Atitlan.  We walked through the market there and mom bought 2 CDs.  One by ABBA and the other the Bee Gees.  We were surprised that the ABBA CD was in Spanish.  Who knew that ABBA had done a Spanish version of their songs?  

The market in San Lucas Toliman.

We then went on to Santiago.  We walked through their market and then went to lunch, but it was only 10:30am.  The restaurant had just stopped serving breakfast and would not be ready for lunch till noon.  The owner is an American said that if we wanted to order breakfast they could still serve us.  So we had breakfast.  With one last visit to the market and then having to go back to the restaurant because I had forgot my hat, we were on our way home.  We got home in time for a couple of card games.  

We stopped to take a picture of Lake Atitlan.  I am wearing one of my new shirts.

In front of the church in Santiago.

I love this door within a door.

The church in Santiago is a very interesting blend of Mayan and Catholic traditions.

This beautiful  statue is in native dress

Market in Santiago.

This was the local market day in Santiago. 
Lots of hustle and bustle going on.

We took a tuk tuk ride back to our car.

Click below to ride with us.
Riding in a Tuk Tuk

Saturday morning we had the 4:00 am shift, so we went to bed at 8:30pm. The temple is really busy on Saturdays and we had a great morning.  In the afternoon, I worked on the floor plan for the basement apartment we are going build in our son's home when we return.  Our good friend, Wally Cooper, said he would help us with the plans if we could get him some dimensions.  So this last week I have been sending John, our son, drawings of things I need measured and then putting all the information on a large floor plan.  I had to do an "as is" drawing and then one showing what we want to build new.  Our plan is to live in John and Jill's basement while I am doing the remodel.  Chris calls this camping out, but it should only take 4 or 5 months.  I told Chris yesterday that, if Chip and Joanna Gaines can do a house in 8 weeks, I should be able to do one in 3 months.  But we are setting our expectations at 4 to 5 months.  I am really excited for this new challenge, but Chris may need to visit some of you during some phases of the remodel.  Sunday we went to the stake conference at Las Victorias stake.  Our assistant recorder, Brother Carranza, is the stake president.  It was a very nice meeting and we were glad to be able to support him in his church calling.  

The choir practicing before the conference.

Click below to listen to the choir.
Choir Practice 

After the meeting.

L to R President Christensen, Guatemala East mission, President Carranza, Stake President.  It was great to be with these dedicated men.

Each week as I write this blog I feel so lucky to be having these experiences, words cannot describe my feelings.  Words like wonderful and marvelous just don't seem to do justice to what we are experiencing.  Right now tears are running down my cheeks.  I feel so blessed and honored and thankful for this time here in Guatemala.  Our time is short and when we get emails from Salt Lake saying, "In preparation for your release as President and Matron of the Guatemala City temple we need you to answer the following questions", you realize it is coming to an end.  There is some sadness in the thoughts of no longer having these experiences with the Spirit each week, of no longer getting kissed on the cheek by little old ladies, and of no longer seeing the native dress.  Ok, I have to stop, I am making myself cry even more.  You get the picture.  It is a great day to be a missionary.  God bless you all.