EMAIL... Week 23

Hola All!
Great week working back with the Rosario Branch. They are the poorest of the 3 branches and only have 2 Melchizedek priesthood holders that come every week. They have 2 others who are active, but one works every other Sunday and the other is in the district presidency, and is rarely there. Lee will be extra busy. We are going to help them finish preparing for their Primary program next week. They have 4 "for sure" children, and 2 other "maybes". We shall see! They are so cute and I am excited to see how well they know the songs and their parts tomorrow. We're also back in time to help with their Branch Christmas Party next Saturday. Our assignment is cookies and brownies for 70. They usually have 35-45 at Sacrament Meeting, but when there is food involved, they are expecting more. We'll let you know how it goes. We are so blessed to be able to serve these precious people, who are struggling to make it temporally, and striving spiritually to progress. We count our blessing every day...including each of you!
AWESOME Multi-zone Conference in Matagalpa with Elder Ochoa, one of the 70. He and his wife were visiting the mission from Guatemala. They and the Poncios are wonderful leaders! Firm, but encouraging, and very effective teachers. It was great to see them use Mormon Messages, and other church video clips. After lunch, served by the RS there (which brought back great memories, Amy, Laura, and Sunny), Elder Ochoa opened it up for questions. He, his wife, President and Hermana Poncio, the 2 AP's, and even Lee and I were called up to answer different questions. We talked about where and how to meditate, ponder, and receive answers to prayers. It hit me hard how my number one place to be to receive personal revelation is in the temple, and how much I am missing the opportunity to be there often. What power and peace come from temple attendance!
With this change we only have 1 English speaker out of our 6 missionaries here. Talk about pushing my envelope! Honestly, this is good for me! Poco poco! Lee is kicking it! He understands most things, unless they have no teeth or speak so fast that there are no words, only blurred syllables. We had them all to lunch on Monday, and they were chatting away. We love the new ones already, but are really missing the ones who were transferred. We're planning a Christmas celebration with them, but just have to figure out which day will work the best. We are loving looking for and finding extra opportunities to serve others. The "Light the World" theme is so inspired and meaningful. Thank you all for the LIGHT you bring into our lives! Thank you to the Relief Society for the wonderful Christmas box! We have hung the cards and ornaments, which are helping bring in the Christmas spirit! Thanks you so much for your treats, gifts, thoughtfulness, and goodness.
We love you all!
Love,
Elder and Hermana Koelliker