EMAIL... Week 22

Hola All!
I can't believe it is December already! People here have been putting up decorations since the middle of November, but they are few and far between. We'll post a few pictures on our blog. We love the "Light the World" theme this month, as service, kindness, and love are traits of our Savior that we all desire to have. We are looking for opportunities each day, and planning acts of service for specific people and families here. I am trying to make a Nica version of cookie plates, but they won't be like the ones we do at home. We have only found the ingredients for 4 out of the 7 kinds we make, but are thrilled to be able to try that many. We'll keep you posted. So far they have loved the chocolate chip version, especially the missionaries from the US.
We love the missionaries we are serving with here in Esteli and enjoy spending at least one day a week working with each set, plus feeding them at least once a week. They are a mix of nationalities and personalities, and are amazing, each in their own way. Our Thanksgiving dinner last Sunday was fun, and I loved watching the Latinos try some of the different foods we prepared. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve them in this small way. Our conversations are so interesting as they share their customs and traditions, and tell us about their families and growing up in Central America. The ones we have right now are from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Utah, and New Mexico. The energy in the room, when all of them are here together, is wonderful. They love the gospel! They love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! They love the people of Nicaragua! They are serving with all that they have to give and all that they are! They are AWESOME examples for us! We are sad that there are changes on Monday, and that Hermana Melendrez is headed home to Guatemala after serving a faithful mission. Sunday and Monday will be crazy, but we love being a part of it! I'm grateful I don't have to change companions or homes, but we're excited to get back to the Rosario Branch next week.
We have been working with the Rosario Hermanas to help a couple get their paperwork together so they can get married, so they can get baptized. They have been ready for almost a month, but the cost, red tape and paperwork have been the hold up. We missionaries can help with some things, but most of it is on them. It was all supposed to happen yesterday, but there was a birth certificate snag. We think they have everything now, and the wedding and baptism are on for tonight at 6. We'll post pictures if things go as planned. It's interesting that many can't get baptized, because they won't get married, or their "spouse" won't marry them. Commitment is a huge problem here...relationships, families, jobs, church. The traditions of their fathers are powerful influences in their lives. What we have seen makes us want to be the best examples of what we know and how we know we should live to our family and others we have the opportunity to influence.
We started sharing Christmas videos and messages, and singing Christmas hymns with those we visit this week, and are encouraging all to look for ways to serve others, to choose to be kind, to choose to forgive, and to smile! We love this time of year and the extra reminder of the precious gift from Heavenly Father of His Son, Jesus Christ. Christmas encourages and reminds all of us of who we are and that we can improve, repent, and return to our Heavenly Father one day as families! We are sooooo blessed!
Have a wonderful week doing good and reflecting on the real reason for this special season!
We love you!
Elder and Hermana Koelliker