EMAIL... Week 12

Hola from Esteli!
Started attending our new branch (El Centro) last Sunday. They have a much stronger branch with many more priesthood holders, people, members serving in callings, and members who have been through the temple. It has been so interesting to start meeting and getting to know them. The youth have seminary 4 nights a week and are having their version of EFY today. They are the future leaders here, and it is amazing to see how seriously they take the gospel and the blessings they can receive from it. Reminds us of our valiant youth at home!

Crazy Monday with taking both sets of Hermanas (1 set at a time) grocery shopping and then having them do their laundry here. They only have pilas, which are cement sinks with a ribbed scrubbing area, Nicaraguan washing machines. We have a nice one in our laundry room here,  but we also have an American version. It saves them a lot of time to use ours. They also like to use our laptop to email home, as they can do that while their clothes are washing. Unfortunately, we don't have a dryer, so everything goes on the line outside or on our little contraption for hanging stuff inside. We have had a few times when it poured rain with our stuff on the line, and it gets soaked. That's Nicaragua.

We feel blessed to be able to visit people with both sets of Hermanas. We love a little 80 year old woman, who lives a few doors down from a man we visit often. She is always sitting outside on her gated in front porch. She calls to us and we go sing, pray, and visit with her. She calls us "mi Chiquitas". She loves company and to be prayed for. It takes so little to cheer, encourage, and lift others. We feel so blessed to have this opportunity at this time in our lives. Lee have been able to give several blessings in Spanish, and is doing fabulously with the language. We have scheduled some Family Home Evenings for this week, and are excited to work with families and take cookies. (That's my greatest contribution, but I'm getting braver in commenting. It helps when I understand what is being said!) We have grown to love the people here. Most are humble and truly trying to do their best. Their lives are hard, but the gospel and a relationship with Heavenly Father and the Savior give them hope and peace.

We're having both sets of Hermanas over for the Women's Broadcast tonight. Another couple will be here with their laptop, so we'll have English in one room and Spanish in another. I am having flashbacks of my Stake RS calling as I have been preparing veggies, fruit, and treats for after.

As we try to follow the Savior and submit to Heavenly Father's will and timing, we are seeing the fruits of our labor and experiencing many tender mercies. We know there are many blessings available for these people, as well as for each one of us. Thank you for your love, prayers, support, and examples!

We love you!
Elder and Hermana Koellike