March 19th through March 25th

March 19^th through March 25^th:  Thursday morning on our way over to the gym at the MTC, we saw that the all girls at the Catholic school across the street from our house were busy making carpets for an Easter procession.  We went to Antigua the last two years to see the carpets and the largest Easter processions in Guatemala.  But all over Guatemala, many church and church sponsored schools also have their own processions during the weeks before Easter.  Later that morning they had a mass and then their procession where they carried on their shoulders a platform with Mary on top.  The platforms in Antigua need as many as 100 men to carry them.  It is a wonderful time where everyone is remembering our Savior and His resurrection.  

The students designed and made their carpets.

Each class made a carpet.

They started inside the school.

And finished down the street.

The procession.

The older students carried the float with Mary on top.

I spent some time in the morning before our afternoon shift trying to paint a portrait with water colors.  I am surprised that I like this new medium and am excited to have a few more lessons.  

My first attempt at a watercolor portrait. 

Sweet Willa

Friday I finally got in touch with the office of the first presidency and got their help in getting the letter of authorization to set apart my new counselor and mom’s new assistant.  Saturday morning I set apart President Funes as my new first counselor and Oscar Flohr as my new second counselor.  He and his wife have been serving as  temple missionaries for the last year.  I also set apart his wife, Clara, as the new assistant to the matron.  It feels good to have the presidency complete.  The Flohrs have been devoted missionaries and we know they will be a blessing in the presidency.  Sunday afternoon we had a training session for all of our coordinators and assistant coordinators.  Mom has changed almost all of her coordinators in the last few weeks.  

Our Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators.

As soon as we were done, we drove to the San Cristabal stake center where mom was the main speaker at their Relief Society celebration.  I only had to bear my testimony, but mom spoke for 45 minutes.  She did a great job. 

Click below to hear the music.

Prelude music

The San Cristobal Stake Relief Society Presidency.

We got home about 8:30 pm and we were able to talk to a couple of our kids on Face Time.  We worked hard this last week not having a counselor, but feel so blessed to have the Flohr’s join us in the presidency.  This next week is Easter and we will have a busy day on Friday.  It is a holiday here and many members with take advantage of a day off and come to the temple.  There is no public transportation on Friday, so we will be short workers who rely on the bus to get to the temple.  We are already excited that next week is general conference and we will hear from our new prophet and two new apostles will be called.  We feel so blessed and we know it is a great day to be a missionary.