EMAIL... Week 32

Hola All!

Elder K is doing a fabulous job working with the new male converts to help them prepare to receive the Priesthood and to be able to function well in their responsibilities. It's awesome to see the spirit work with these men as they take on the armor of God and learn how they can bless the lives of those around them. He is also working with a father of 2 sons, who is working to prepare to ordain both of them and to attend the temple to be sealed as a family. It has been a mini-miracle to watch the changes he has made in his life, and how committed he has become to his family and to their eternal goals! His 16 year old daughter asked Elder K to give her a Priesthood blessing last night and the spirit was strong as her father, mother, and brothers witnessed the power of the Priesthood first hand. This father is on his way! 

Just got home from Somoto Canyon...a micro-mini Grand Canyon. We viejos (the 3 Senior couples) had a great time! We hiked in, then rode in a very sketchy boat being poled and paddled by a young Nica. Next we each got into an inner tube with our feet hooked under the person ahead of us and our now 2 young guides swam beside us pulling us along. We had to get out a few times and walk over the rocks, where it was too narrow to tube. It was awesome and beautiful, and well worth our freezing bottoms, feet, and lower legs that were in the river. We even got used to the cold, but our swimming guides were shivering quite violently and their teeth were chattering by the end. They worked hard for their money! The only downside to the trip was that Elder K's phone got dropped into the river in the 20 meter deep part, so our pictures went down with it. Hopefully we can get some from the other couples to post. 

Our miracle for the week...Luis Armando's bag with his scriptures, church manuals, work papers and phone had been missing since his accident. He told us and the Hermanas that one of the men in the branch had taken it for him, but when we went to get it for him, the man said he didn't have it. Luis Armando was mostly worried about his work papers, and was concerned enough to ask us about it each time we visited. I had a feeling about a week ago to check the church since his accident had been in front of the chapel. We don't have keys to go check, but the impression just kept coming back. We were finally able to check  yesterday, right after we visited him, and one of the Hermanas found it in the office. We took it over to him and he was so happy and relieved. My lesson was that when I pray for help, I need to listen more carefully and then respond quickly to the answer. Our loving Heavenly Father is there wanting to help us, and sometimes we don't recognize the help or answers He is sending. We are soooo blessed to be able to pray and have the spirit help us! 

That's Nicaragua for the week! Thank you for your love, examples, and prayers!

We love you!

Elder and Hermana Koelliker