EMAIL... Week 35

Hola All!

Another busy week in the land of the Nicas! We laugh, because when we got our cédulas, we became Nicas for a year...so Yo soy una Nica! Every day is a new adventure or experience that is unique! We love the people and wish we could help them progress with every facet of their lives, so we keep plugging away with one by one. As we help them understand that they truly are children of a loving Heavenly Father, and that our Savior has already paid for their sins, trials, and difficulties, they catch a glimpse of their true identities and potentials. It reminds me of teaching Math, and the light would turn on as my students grasped a new concept...but the concepts we are teaching now are much more meaningful!

Last Sunday Elder Koelliker was sustained as the Branch President of the Rosario Branch. We were worried that the people wouldn't want to sustain a gringo, but they smiled and did! He gave a great talk and invited them all to be totally committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to attend with their families every week, and to be willing to serve others through having callings and serving those around them. This is the weakest branch in Estelí, so he has his hands full, especially when there were only 4 people with callings in the branch. He's definitely in need of divine help and inspiration, and is grateful for your prayers in his behalf. Many came up to him and told him that they would help however he needs them. You can see why we love these people. Now we just need to teach them how to serve in the various callings. The former first counselor, who has become a dear friend, agreed to stay in and serve with him. He's awesome and has been here quite awhile, so he knows the members of the branch well. Elder K has already had to do a food order (no Relief Society President since October, but one coming soon!) and go to the bank to get the money for a family's bills. The procedures are sooooo different here, but Elder K is taking it all in stride. Thank goodness for long legs! 

The father of the Estelí Branch President died a little after midnight Tuesday morning. He's the sweet man who had his leg amputated right before Christmas, due to complications with his diabetes. Such a great man, who we will miss visiting regularly, but we know that he is in a better place and out of pain. We went to the viewing at their home that night, and the funeral the next morning. So different from how things are done at home, but just as meaningful.

 We had a baptismal service today for a woman from a little town about 30 minutes south. They don't have a chapel for their branch and the main chapel had no water. We rushed over to make sure we did and filled the font. Only 7 of us attending and it took 4 times before the Elder got her all under. She was a good sport about it and so happy! Yes, things are different here, but these people are doing the best they can with the lives they have. We love and appreciate them so much for their honest efforts to live good and worthy lives.

Have a great week and enjoy the many blessings in your lives.

We love you!

Elder and Hermana Koelliker