EMAIL... Week 42

Hola All!

The rainy season gave us a preview last week...Tuesday, coming home from Condega, it started pouring and we could hardly see out the windshield. This is not a good situation on winding mountain roads. Then yesterday we were on our way to visit some investigators and it started pouring. We couldn't drive right up to their house, so we waited for a few minutes to see if it would let up...nope! So we got out the umbrellas and ran for it. They weren't home yet, as they were stuck somewhere trying to wait out the rain. We ran back to the car, pretty wet and with muddy shoes. Croc time! It did cool things down, after a week of intense heat and humidity. We really can't complain, since our area is one of the coolest in the mission. We just need to make sure all of our windows are closed, when we leave the house for the day.

We have gained an enhanced vision and testimony of visiting and home teaching here. There are several individuals and couples who are virtually home bound and struggle to get out, or who are alone. They literally wait for our visits each week. It's hard to lose your independence and ability to get around easily, and when your family grows up and moves on. We can all be more sensitive to these precious people who easily disappear, and brighten their lives, as well as learn how amazing they truly are and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and experience they have. Families are eternal, so we also want to make sure that all of the members of our families know and feel of their value to us and others, and the love we have for them. It isn't much of a sacrifice to call, email, Skype, and/or visit our loved ones and others who will become our loved ones!

Sweet experience last week for Easter. Elder K and I both had to speak, so I had to receive a lot of help with translation and pronunciation. I was able to talk about my visit to Israel during my Semester Abroad experience, and walking the places Jesus walked. I testified that this experience strengthened my testimony of the Savior and of His Gospel, but that this experience is not necessary to develop a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, His Mission, and of His Gospel! It's the little things...reading the Book of Mormon every day; praying multiple times a day and regularly for a strong testimony; fasting each month for greater faith, strength and courage to do what is right and to endure well, and to have our testimonies strengthened; serving others; and keeping the commandments. I was able to relate the story of the push-ups for donuts, which was actually taught by a Seminary teacher to his class to help them better understand the Atonement, and to help them realize that Jesus suffered for every one of us, whether we use the Atonement in our lives or not. I love the analogy! The spirit was the teacher, and we both felt so blessed to have that powerful witness born to our small congregation. We gave them a cinnamon roll, since I don't make donuts, for a tangible reminder to eat on their way home. Elder K is trying to provide greater spiritual experiences for our branch, especially in Sacrament meeting. Poco poco.

We feel so blessed to be having this opportunity to serve our Heavenly Father and our Savior here in Nicaragua. We love the people and so enjoy our times with them. Thank you for your prayers and love! We feel them! We love you!

Love,

Elder and Hermana Koelliker