EMAIL... Week 61

Hola All!

I'm sitting here waiting for one of the baptisms of the day to start, and thinking about how amazing many people are! They truly want to have Heavenly Father and our Savior in their lives, not just to give them lip service, but to truly understand who They really are, their relationship with each Member of the Godhead, their potential, and what they need to do to achieve their full potential while on this earth. It's wonderful and humbling to see their lights turn on as they learn poco poco what this life is really all about. The young missionaries are such fabulous teachers of the Gospel, and we are blessed to observe them in action and share our testimonies and experiences as well.

Yesterday we were taking the Hermanas, who we had worked with that afternoon, to meet the brother and sister who are being baptized today. It was the third day of incredible downpour and the path down the hill to their home was literally a river. The sister and her mother came up behind us while we were discussing (in the car) how to get down there, as the path is hard to climb down on a good day. The mother had the young girl stay with us and she went down a back way and sent her daughter dry clothes up with a neighbor young man. We took them all to the church to wait for their interviews. We often take our vehicles, our modes of transportation, so for granted. Most of the people here walk and take taxis or buses, when they can afford it. We were reminded again how blessed we are in so many ways. We really feel for the people in Houston, as our flooding here is minimal compared to what they are experiencing. It's so inspiring to see people of all races, religions, and cultures come together to help the people in Houston! There is goodness in most people and it's awesome to see it in action in the service of others. We are grateful to be able to participate in the worldwide fast for them. I love that we can unite in faith, prayer, and fasting to call down the blessings of heaven on people everywhere, as well as on individuals. What an untapped opportunity to petition for help from heaven!

We love the opportunities to serve individuals and families, from teaching them life skills, to sharing the gospel, to helping them with food orders or transportation. All are blessed with service! All receive joy from giving of ourselves, and receiving love and service from others when we are in need. We are so grateful for our Savior and for His perfect example of loving and serving others. The best way to thank and honor Him is by loving and serving those around us.

Thank you all for your love and service to us and our family, and to those around you! We love you!

Elder and Hermana Koelliker