EMAIL... Week 11

Hola All!

Another week in Nicaragua! Just got back from Managua, where we went to see one of the live volcanos in Nicaragua, called Volcan Masaya. We went with the other 2 Senior Missionary couples and the Mission President and his wife. We all went to lunch at Laguna de Apoyo, where we sat outside with a lake view. It was beautiful and fun. Then we got to hit Walmart and Price Mart for stuff we can't get up here in Esteli. Great p-day!

Last Sunday was our last time in the Rosario branch for 3 months or so, so we made cinnamon rolls and took them for everybody for their walks home. We will miss these precious people, and are so glad we get to do visits with many of them one day a week. We were able to take treats to two of our favorite families, who were unable to come that day, and let them know we would still be coming to see them, just not as often.

Started the week with changes...talk about an organizational nightmare! One of our Hermanas finished her mission and went to Managua last Sunday to fly home Wednesday, so her comp stayed with us Sunday night and until her new companion got there Monday. We all got up Monday and were at one of the bus stations at 5:30AM waiting for an Hermana needing to be picked up and taken to another bus stop. She didn't get there until 7:15 and at a different station, when we were supposed to be at another bus station picking up 2 others. Good thing the bus stations and bus stops are all on the same street. We got news that the new comps were going to be late, then one got off the bus before she got here. It was pouring, so Lee got especially soaked helping the girls with their luggage, but by the afternoon we had everybody where they needed to be. Whew! It was like the first day of school all over again!

We were able to start visiting our new branch members and investigators Wednesday. It's the other side of town and includes the town center, so there are lots of one way streets. The first night was nuts as it was their big parade for their Independence Day, so streets were blocked off for the event. So between the one ways and the blocked off streets, it took FOREVER to get anywhere. Lee's getting the hang of it and a sense of which streets to avoid and which directions to go, as many of the signs telling you the street is one way are down, and the cab drivers are not very patient.

A sweet experience this week was taking food to the Rosario branch president's family, since his daughter had her tonsils and adenoids out. Lee suggested that I make a huge pot of chicken noodle soup and stuff to take. So we took them half and had a great visit. Later that evening, the Elders texted us to see if we were busy. We were at an appointment, but told them we could help them in an hour. They texted back for us not to worry about it and that it was no big deal. We texted back and told them we really wanted to help them. They talked to us after we were done. One of them had been sick all day, but was still working, and wondered if we had any soup, because they didn't. We were able to take them soup and the rest of a meal because Lee had been inspired to have me make soup. Heavenly Father really is involved in the details of our lives! We need to notice and share all of our needs, thoughts, and feelings with Him. He is there and He loves us!
That's Nicaragua for the week.


Love,
Elder and Hermana Koelliker