Christmas 2008 at the Guatemala MTC

We received a pkg from our home Primary (which includes grandchildren) and this Merry Christmas wall size note from many of the children...and Chantel's hand print.

Alongside the Nativity scene at the Guatemala Temple

Dinner in our apartment with the Branch Presidencies...farewell to Hernandez' (right) and Falabella's (left). Nelly is like my Latin sister and I wanted to hold that baby more.

The wall hanging is a touch of home...quilted by Chalonn.

There are many different versions of this nativity, decorated according to region and dress. This is my favorite with the red color. I searched long and hard for this particular set.

Foyer of the CCM with Nativity and focus of the Savior...complete with missionaries

Our little apartment trees with decorations (and reminders) from the past

Dinner with all the instructors of the CCM...in our new gym just completed.

The senior missionaries brought a program, tons of cookies and a surprise visit from Santa to the CCM on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve ended with President sharing a spiritual message and then we gave out these filled stockings to each one. The spirit was sweet and fulfilling. Feelings were tender, but most hearts were happy.

Christmas morning service...painting the cafeteria, kitchen, and walls of an orphanage and cleaning up a big pile of garbage. The children were gone, but we got a lot done in 3 1/2 hours. It was a happy, energizing feeling for all.

Orphanage owner, Tio Juan (Uncle John) on left. This is one wall painted and the happy missionaries serving.

End result in the cafeteria. Isn't it brightened and lively for the girls who will return!

Painting the outer walls of the dorms. We had a great Christmas morning. The missionaries were able to call their families in the afternoon, and we enjoyed a special feature DVD with Tabernacle Choir and Sissel in the evening.

Here and There...

Dad & I at Las Colinas enjoying the country paradise with the missionaries. We did a service project of cleaning out the gym which contained the leftover supplies from the recent youth camps. One man had been working on it for a week without much progress. In 30 min 50 missionaries had things organized, rotten fruit and garbage outside for burning, and floor cleaned. It felt good to see such a difference and know it helped.

A favorite spot in Antigua...Santo Domingo Hotel.

Look at those huge beautiful flowers on the ruin walls of Santo Domingo.

We visited the wood Apple Factory again to see the grandfather and grandson working. This is the sum total of the factory, plus a little room where they store the wares.

Visit to Quetzaltenango Mission Dec 08

Just after a Zone Conference on the coast (Retalhuleu) where it was very hot.

Doesn't this make you want to stop and shop at this roadside market. Just like "Country Magazine"!

We are meeting a pre-missionary (who will come to the CCM in January) and her mother. A son is in the CCM now. The mother burst into tears when we asked what message she wanted us to take to her son. It will be a sacrifice to give 2 children to the Lord for a time. BUt she is a convert and brightened up when she spoke of her 'missionaries' 12 years ago.

Wonderful hosts, Presidente y Hna Lorenzana, at the mission home. They are from Honduras...have many talents...2 great teenagers and treated us like wonderful friends.

Visiting the mountaintops of Momostenango where it was cold. What a lovely chapel for these faithful people. Last year when Elder Eyring came to visit, the people all cleaned their shoes and carried them around their necks. When they arrived at the chapel, they washed their feet, put on their clean shoes, and entered 'clean' to hear from a prophet/apostle of God.

Two of our 'daughters' from the CCM. They are great sisters in this area. This was a beautiful forrest area coming down the mountainside.

Early morning 'goodbye' to Quetzaltenango. Beautiful, serene fog covering the tranquil valley

On our way home, we spotted this active volcano spouting several times. See the wind blowing the puffs of smoke down from the spewing opening.

This was a wonderful gift from the Lorenzana's. Leather scripture covers. Pres Lorenzana is an artist and designed the picture of the Book of Mormon connected to the metal plates. We loved our being in their home with their 2 teens...loved the attentiveness of the assistants...loved being with and teaching the missionaries whom we had known in the CCM...loved the beautiful variety of countryside...loved the preparing missionaries...went on divisions with one pair of elders we had known. It was a sweet experience.