Hola All!
Crazy, but wonderful week! We drove down to Managua Monday night for our Tuesday devotional with Elder Rasband and Elder Craig Christensen for both missions here in Nicaragua. As much as I detest driving to Managua, as it is a stressful drive on a two lane highway with way too many buses and big trucks, it was sooooo worth it! We had to be there 2 hours early to be in our seats and prepared for the messages we were to receive. WOW! We were not disappointed! We stood as they all walked in, and Elder Rasband quickly had us sit down. He is so humble and they were all so real! We were able to go up to the front row by row, and shake hands with Elder and Sister Rasband, Elder and Sister Christensen, Elder and Sister Duncan (our Area President), and Elder and Sister Ochoa (Elder Duncan's first counselor). It was smooth and amazingly fast with over 400 of us, and kind of reminded me of a graduation ceremony. All 8 of them spoke, the Duncans and Ochoas only for a few minutes each and all in Spanish. Sister Christensen gave a little longer message about how we all need the Savior, repentance, and to feel the spirit in our lives. Her Spanish was wonderful! Elder Christensen also had amazing Spanish and I especially loved that he reminded us to record our feelings, not just what we hear with our ears. A few other things that hit me quite powerfully: He thanked us for bringing the spirit into the homes in Nicaragua; encouraged us to work together with the local units to get them more engaged in this work and prepare Nicaragua for a temple, which is one of our roles already; and reminded us that we are here to invite all the people here to come unto Christ and receive the blessings of the Gospel and the temple! The Rasbands had interpreters, so I enjoyed hearing their messages in English! Sister Rasband told us that she didn't marry an apostle, she married a straight arrow, returned missionary. Great insight for these young missionaries, who will be in the "looking for a spouse" phase in the not so distant future. She read her testimony in Spanish, which brought back memories of my first two weeks here, reading my testimony and hoping that the locals could at least kind of understand what I was trying to say. Elder Rasband brought us love and thanks from President Monson! We could truly feel it as he spoke. What comfort to know that we are all loved, thought of, prayed for, and appreciated as members of the Church, trying to prepare the world for the Second Coming of our Savior! 10 of the 11 Stake Presidents in Nicaragua were there, most with their wives. He had the Presidents, Area Authorities, Mission Presidents, along with Elder Christensen link arms and spread across the stand. He told us that these men hold all the keys in Nicaragua. It was truly an awesome sight. He also stressed that baptism is not the end goal, but that everyone should be focused on getting to the temple. It was a humbling experience and for most of the Latinos here, this may be the only time they get to shake the hand of an apostle. He gave us an apostolic blessing that included guidance from the spirit and success as we strive to build up the kingdom of God in this country. What a wonderful experience and blessing in all of our lives. Later that day they met with the President and Vice President of Nicaragua to build relationships. Their meeting got a lot of positive press here.
Elder K has continued assisting men and young men prepare to receive and advance in the Priesthood. His testimony and appreciation for the Priesthood touches my heart every time. He has given many Priesthood blessings without notice and in Spanish, and it has been so sweet for me to be able to witness the spirit working through him. I hope all of you Priesthood holders truly recognize the power for good you have! So many people are counting on your worthiness and spirituality to bless their lives.
We are happy and busy, even though we miss all of you! We know that this is where we are supposed to be at this time, and that there are specific people we are here to help.
Thanks for all you do, for who you are, for the examples you set, and for your love and prayers! We love you!
Love,
Elder and Sister Koelliker
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