EMAIL... Week 49

Hola All!

Another great week starting with testimony meeting last Sunday. We were both able to bear our testimonies, and for me that is a mini-miracle in and of itself. I testified of the blessings of the temple, of the need for a temple here in Nicaragua, and of the things we need to do to qualify to have a temple here. Temple attendance heightens the level of spirituality of individuals, and having a temple brings the great spirit of the temple to a city or country. Elder K also encouraged temple preparation, commitment, and attending the temple to make those sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father and Savior. We have started a Temple Prep class in our branch, and hope that all of the people in it will fully prepare and be able to go to the temple in Honduras before we come home. What a great blessing in this life and for eternity, to be sealed to our spouses and families forever. We so want for these precious people to understand, desire, work for, and achieve this great blessing for themselves and their families.

Fun time taking this batch of Hermanas serving in Estelí to the waterfall. I only got a little nervous with Hermana Pratt being so close to the edge at the top looking down. We all had sore legs the next day, as the hike out of the bottom looking up is quite steep...but soooo worth it! They were happy with our Ritz chicken, stuffed potatoes, and pizookie dessert for our lunch after our adventure. We love the missionaries who we get to work with here. Elders to the waterfall next Monday!

Elder K, Marvin, and one of Marvin's young neighbors installed doors on the home of Flor de Maria. Marvin built the doors and frames. It was amazing to watch the ingenuity of the installation project, without many of the tools Steve Gibson has in his shop. Their home is now much more secure from the weather and intruders. Oh the blessings of Fast Offerings and Priesthood service. It was so humbling to witness this blessing for this family.

We had a wonderful Family Home Evening with Mauricio, Claudia, and her aunt, Grisel, on personal revelation and inspiration. The 3 teenagers weren't home, so we thought that was a little weird, but Elder K remembered that Grisel was struggling with recognizing and identifying the answers or lack of answers she was receiving to her prayers. He showed Elder Bednar's video from his talk on the Spirit of Revelation, where he compared it to turning on a light versus the light of the rising sun. She had some great questions after the video and we had a wonderful discussion with a powerful spirit. The kids all came home in time for treats, but it was important for Grisel to have the opportunity to learn and question without distraction or inhibition. Tender mercy!

We love these people! We love teaching them, testifying to them, helping them understand Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness and what they can do to be happier and have the spirit in their lives continually. Even though their lives are different from ours in many ways, they are children of God with the great potential that we each have. Most of the differences are due to the oppression they deal with, their lack of education and what to us are basic needs, and lack of spiritual light. We know that we are here to help them to become happier and to find greater light and success, not just for this life, but for the eternities.

We're on our way down to Managua this morning to hear Elder Renlund. He is here for a Stake Conference and is doing a session just for the missionaries in Nicaragua. Can't wait! I love to witness the communication with the differences in language, and how the spirit is the universal translator.

We are blessed! Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and examples! We love you!

Love,

Elder and Hermana Koelliker