EMAIL... Week 18

Hola All!
We have almost recovered from last weekend with District Conference, feeding the masses, having house guests, and speaking. It was a great weekend, and Elder Koelliker nailed his full on talk! I could understand everything he said, which was huge for me, and his message was great. We emphasized the blessings of the temple and the great need for one here in Nicaragua. Elder K reminded them how critical the little things are to bringing that about and for fortifying our testimonies and conversion. It was sweet to sing in the choir, even with the few practices we had had. Another Senior Sister Missionary accompanied on the keyboard, and that made a huge difference. They almost always sing acapella, so have never heard how songs are really supposed to sound, and it gets pretty sketchy sometimes. (We sometimes don't even recognize what song we are singing.) You pianists will be a true blessing for congregations in the mission field with your talent!
We had 3 meaningful Family Home Evenings (Noche de Hogares) this week. We shared the videos: "Because of Him" with 1, a video on the Sacrament with 1, and President Uchtdorf's "Our True Identity" with Marvin and his family. All felt the spirit powerfully, and hopefully the spirit motivated them to start to change. Poco poco.
One of the most powerful experiences we had this week was visiting a former district president, who had left the church after his wife, who he was sealed to in the temple, committed adultery. He was devastated! He and his live in girlfriend watched "Because of Him" with us. Elder K had him read Mosiah 24:14 to us all, and he barely made it through as tears were streaming down his face. Sometimes when we stray from Heavenly Father, we need a reminder that we are His children, He does love us unconditionally, and that the Savior has already suffered and paid for all of the wrong in our lives. He invited us back, so hopefully we can help him get his life in order so he can have the spirit with him again always and enjoy the blessings of the gospel. The ironic thing was that we walked almost a mile through pouring rain and mud to get there. Lee even fell into a puddle on the way back and soaked his shoes and pant legs. Somebody did not want that visit to happen.
We are so blessed to know what we know, have the gift of the Holy Ghost to help us, a temple close enough for frequent attendance, and the many temporal blessings that we enjoy. We cannot take these things for granted, but always need to be grateful and guardar los mandamientos. I love that the Spanish form of Keep the Commandments uses the verb "guardar", which to me is a much stronger version of keep, as it means to guard them as well. Foreshadowing of the day in which we live?
There are many lost and lonely people among us. May we share our light and the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ boldly with others! He is counting on each one of us!
Love you all!
Elder and Hermana Koelliker