Area President Don Clarke and wife Mary Anne and their daughters family visited for Christmas Eve devotional. Little Ellie handed out Snickers bars to each missionary. Isn't she cute!
6:10 a.m. Christmas morning we received carolers at our apartment door. All eager to begin our service project.
We had to walk on the narrow streets to this school yard in the community of Fraijanes, 20 min bus ride from CCM. Elder Curtiss, our Area Humanitarian missionary helped find the project and had a member of his ward help us do it right. We divided the missionaries by districts with assigned areas. It took us 6 hrs, but looked so much better when we were finished. See the before and after pictures below.
Outside wall of the courtyard.
Two buildings for classrooms.
Classrooms...see Elder Curtiss in the center. This elder is rather tall for a latino...Elder Medina from Panama.
See Dad working with the missionaries in the background.
I worked the hardest...holding the rope for the paint line...why do you suppose the line was crooked and had to be re-done??? I kept garbage picked up and for some reason I was exhausted 2 hours before we were done.
The mayor of Fraijanes, his son, and city manager viewing the finished product and thanking the missionaries. Below the 74 missionary servants. Dad & I on the far left.
Above is the home of Paco and his wife and 3 children. They live here behind the school. Last time we were here the black plastic was not there. Maybe it insulates. A group of missionaries represented us all in giving a basket of blanket, towels, and some Christmas bags of goodies and school supplies for the children and scriptures. Neither Paco (front with hat) nor his wife can read or write, so he feels fortunate that his children can go to this school. He is friendly and a hard worker.
For a few hours after the service project, we enjoyed Christmas dinner and a wonderful visit at the Mask's. We so enjoy them.
Christmas evening the Bell Choir came to entertain with a wonderful program.
Several missionary couples came to sing carols and had the missionaries sing by groups by their countries of origin. All seemed happy to be able to participate. These are the Tilley's, our Area Security missionaries.
Each of the missionaries got to have pictures with Santa. The couples brought oodles of cookies and goodies for all to enjoy. It was quite festive!
Sunday the Branch Presidency brought cupcakes for the missionaries. Me, Hna Barrios, Hna Fajardo, and Hna Duran.
3 comments:
It is amazing seeing the pictures to go along with your letter. What a great experience to do service on Christmas Day! I wonder how we could get something like that going here? Wait-a-minute! Did I just say that. I am still recovering from what we DID do.
Such a full life you lead there. I love the Latin people. They are so humble and loving. What a blessing to serve with them.
There is so much color there. We are in the foggy season here and I feel like I'm surrounded by gray. You entry brightens my day.
What a wonderful service the CCM provided for Christmas. You two have affected so many young lives in such a positive and everlasting way. As happy as I am for you to meet your 6 new grandchildren and be reunited with your family, I selfishly am so sad to see you leave Guatemala. I loved you from the minute I met you...lunch at the fondue restaurant! YUM! Please keep in touch!
This is awesome! I can't think of a better gift. The pictures on this blog are amazing too! I can't wait to sit and talk in a few weeks!!!
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