EMAIL... Week 40

Hola All!

Are we all so pumped after General Conference, or what? Elder K showed the Priesthood Session at our chapel and 7 attended there, and a few others at the main chapel. For the Sunday morning session we had 15 at our building and 26 at the main chapel. That's really good for here, as they emphasize District Conference more than General Conference. Elder K talked to the Mission and District Presidents about maybe spreading them out a little, to increase the attendance for both. We shall see in the Fall. We sat in the back and listened on the iPad in English with ear buds. I need to go over and over my notes until I glean all that was offered, and then study the Conference edition of the Ensign (we get the Liahona here) when it comes. What amazing leaders we have and what awesome messages they delivered! We love the spirit of General Conference and the apostolic and prophetic witnesses and blessings we receive!

Fun p-day adventure on Monday with our Elders and one of the other Districts in our Zone. We drove south and met the other group and then ventured up into the mountains to a natural reserve called El Jalacate. There is an older man, Alberto Gutierrez, who has painted and carved rocks and into the mountainside for many years. It was fun to meet him and visit with him in his little home at the start of the trail. It was amazing! The views were also fabulous! (Pictures on the blog.) We did some serious hiking up and down, but we did great, especially being viejo missionaries.

This week we had some more wonderful visits with members who have been struggling with difficulties in their lives, and are trying to overcome them and have their joy and peace restored. It is humbling to see them work and try so hard to be obedient, and to seek heaven's help with their attempts to progress. They love for us to come and to feel the spirit we bring as representatives of Jesus Christ. He is the answer. He is the way. He is peace and love. When we follow Him, we too can have the love, joy, and peace that we all seek! What a blessing to know these truths and to know that we can pray to our Heavenly Father anytime and anyplace, and He is there listening and ready to help and bless us. We have felt His love, help, peace, and encouragement so much during this experience. We are truly blessed!

We had interviews with the President this week. He is awesome and is so in tune to the spirit! He and Elder K discussed the needs of the branch and a few issues. Then he gave us counsel and prayed for us! So sweet! 

The Church is true and has been restored to the earth through the prophet, Joseph Smith. We have a living prophet today, who talks to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus. Christ. They live and love us, and want us to live our lives so that we can return to them someday. The Gospel is here to help us accomplish Their goal and ours. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and has the fullness of His Gospel. It was written for us in our day, and reading it daily, solo and with our families, will not only strengthen our testimonies of the Savior and of His Gospel, but we have also been promised personal and family blessings for doing so. We are loving our service and hope that many of you in our season of life are also preparing to serve. The need for Senior couples is great! Every branch in Nicaragua would be blessed to have a Senior couple serving with them. You will not regret it and the blessings your family will receive are greater than if you were at home.

We love you!

Thanks for all you do!

Love,

Elder and Hermana Koelliker