July 31st through August 6th

 July 31^st through August 6^th: This last week we did some extra shifts so that we can take a few days to show some of our family beautiful Guatemala.   Our daughter, Charlotte, is bringing her son, Evan, and John and Jill’s son, Moose (aka James), to visit us.  We are excited that they will arrive next Monday.  We worked all the morning shifts this week and next week we will work all the evening shifts.  President Rosales took this week off and President Funes will take next week off.  That leaves us free the week Charlotte and the boys are here.  Both Evan and Moose turned 12 this summer and when our oldest grandson, Badger, turned 12 we took him to Nauvoo to do baptisms for the dead.  Since we can’t take Evan and Moose anywhere, we decided to bring them to visit us so they can do baptisms for the dead here in Guatemala.  Friday evening I had a fireside with two wards from Coban and President Coy said that the area seventy, who would be presiding at his next conference, had asked him to invite me to all of the meetings.  So we will be going to Coban in October.  

Fireside with two wards from Coban.

Stake President Coy, Coban

Temple after the fireside--taken from outside the chapel next to the temple.

Saturday I had a very nice experience in the temple when at the end of our shift a young couple asked if I could officiate for their sealing.  These are some of the most spiritual experiences I have had in the temple.  It is always such an honor and privilege to be asked to officiate for these sacred ordinances. Sunday I went to the East Area Coordinating Council Meeting with Elder Galvez and 9 stake presidents and President Christensen, the new mission president for that area.  

Coordinating Council Meeting with Elder Galvez and the Stake Presidents from the Guatemala City East Area

In the afternoon we went to the monthly “Break the Fast” dinner at the area offices.  It reminded me of Sunday dinner when our kids were growing up, pork roast with mashed potatoes and gravy.  It was delicious.  It was a good week.

"Break the Fast" Dinner

L to R Elder and Sister Oyler, Mom, and Sister and Elder Hogge

L to R, Elder and Sister Winkfield, Brother and Sister Gordon, and Sister and Elder Hill