Prayer is Power!

Here is Morgan's letter for this week - transfers are today! She is so excited. She and Amy Funk will stay in the house together, but both with different, new companions --- that is the word as of yesterday anyway - of course, that could change. Transfers will be a blessing for her this time. She will be a trainer and is scared, but excited to do it!
Lisa

Hey babe---it's late Sunday night and I'm writing quickly because I'm afraid you might be on tomorrow because of transfers this week. I hope you are well and all is going great.

No I am here today...I was on yesterday to take my test, but I didn't have the pass code, so I couldn't take it. But I am here today, and tomorrow are transfers. I AM SO EXCITED! to be completely honest..so excited!!

[I told Morgan about an accident one of her cousins had and this is her response to that! I'm not leaving the explanation in for privacy for their family! I may be able to write more about it at a later date! But I love Morgan's positive response, she changed my perspective - so fast with us on Sunday (again for some of us) if you would like to!]

ARE YOU SERIOUS? I am dying right now. Lots of prayers headed her way. I feel so bad, I hope that everything goes quickly. Prayers headed her way. I will be fasting for her this Sunday, if you would like to join me...that's the plan!!

How are things going? Has Amy moved away? You didn't tell us that last week.

She still hasn't moved. I don't know when they will, but still there. Which I am thankful for. She keeps me sane. This week was ROUGH. Not going to lie. 

Any luck with a camera? Tell Amy I said thanks for letting you borrow hers...I love photos.

I still don't have a camera... haven't had time, but this next week, with a new companion I will go!

That's exciting about Christian's baptism. I'm happy for him and for you!

We got your shoes ... both pair. We will try and get a box together soon. If you only get them every six weeks, we missed this opportunity for this week. So will it be six more weeks before you COULD maybe get it. Should I wait til that time is closer. I feel like the rainy season will be over if I wait. I'm not sure what exactly you think I should do...tell me!! AND wow, I hope you will get this package-all of it!! It scares me that you won't.

Send it ASAP! I now have a hole in my shoe...so I need them ASAP. If you send them...I will get it either in a meeting or in transfers, or the ZLs will bring it for me. I will get it. but I do need them!

How is the bug situation? I hope it's not terrible. Terra Shield helping with mosquitoes at all?

Much better. My feet are pretty ugly with scars, but the bug situation is much better.

Well, I can't think of anything more here. Tell us everything. I will keep you posted about your cousin if that's okay!

PLEASE keep me posted!! THANK YOU!

LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Have a great week.

Mom

Tomorrow we have changes and I am so excited. I also get to talk with President tomorrow, because I will be training I will have an interview...and I am excited to be able to talk to him. I have learned a lot... I was able to feel the love President has for us as I was talking to him...It hit me really hard....he loves us so much!!!

There is this kid, Edgar..he is 16. He has been to church 6 times and we though he was an investigator of the elders because he told me he had talked with the elders, but no, he is our investigator. I went to teach him Sunday, we were in divisions, and I went to teach him with a cute member and this other kid. This investigator, Edgar, is PERFECT. He lives alone, his family left him, he doesn't have a way to tell time other than he sun, and he is at church about 1 hour early. He LOVES TH BOOK OF MORMON. He doesn't have any problems with the word of wisdom...aka we are going to be seeing him baptized VERY SOON!. The mission has a goal this month...Every companionship will baptize. What a fun goal. It is something President and Hermana Brough have wanted their whole mission, and as this is their last transfer in the mission, we are going to reach this goal. I KNOW IT! I am excited.

I have grown to love this little family, Family Portillo. Hermana Thomasa and her two sons Jorge and Jarly. She has told me all about her past...she has had a rough past. But to see the way the gospel has changed her life is amazing. They are an incredible family and love helping us in the work. Ashley, Jorge wants your email address. hahahahaha But for real, it is amazing to see how the gospel changes lives, even when the person was at the lowest, low they could be. This poor woman has been abused, and still lives in sad situations, but is amazing.

I found a scripture that I LOVE this week. Jacob 1 verse 8. I have been studying what it means to suffer the Cross of Christ. I would love to hear what you all think of that. You should study this verse and have a family night and figure out what it means for you guys to suffer the Cross of Christ. I LOVE THIS VERSE. Slowly I am learning more about what it means for me to suffer the Cross of Christ and it is something incredible. Something very important.  

I LOVE YOU ALL.Keep my cousin in your prayers. PRAYER IS POWER!! I know she is going to have a hard time, but I know she is going to be ok. I felt very strongly that [a family member] is right there with her, comforting her and helping her along the way. What a special thing.

I love you all. I love this gospel. I have learned that as hard as things can be, we can be happy, because we have this gospel. As it has been a rough week, I have been happy, because I am here, with people I love, doing what I love, sharing what I love!! WHAT A GREAT BLESSING I HAVE!! Keep being happy and sharing your wonderful testimonies!!

LOVE HERMANA OLIPHANT!!

What can I learn from this experience...

Here is Morgan's letter for this week. She sounds good and she is happy. She always seems to be no matter what! I am so glad for that! Thanks for caring about her!

Not a good picture of me...I was talking

el lago...Hermana Serina and her cute family

 Hermana Newman, Tobar and Arguello and i in PÔPS ice cream

Hello - How are you this week. It is Sunday night, so only since Tuesday since we talked, but it feels like it has been a long time. And only a week since we actually talked, (not typed). Weird - some weeks fly by, others seem like for ever. This was a forever week. 

The time in the mission is SO FAST! Every week just flies. I don't understand and I don't like it! hahaha it goes SO FAST!

That pair of shoes Karen bought for me in Idaho is on its way!! So happy for that! 

Its all good, my shoes are still going strong, but as I am going to train this next change, I have a feeling the shoes are going to go fast. I feel a lot of pressure as I will be training, but I am really quite excited to help this cute new missionary learn to love the mission. That is my goal. Help her grow as a missionary and person and learn to LOVE THE MISSION like I do. I hope she can learn to do those 2 things. My companion and I are both going to be training this next transfer. She will be ending the training of a sister in a different area and I will be staying in my area. I am so excited to be able to stay in my area. I LOVE THE MEMBERS and my investigators. I am excited to be able to work even harder now. And as a trainer i have to be practically perfect..hahaha so we will be able to get work done here!

Spencer ordered the other pair on-line. They should be here soon. Not fast - free shipping, just free shipping. So at least we can get you through the last year of your rocky roads in Guatemala. But really, you should trade shoes occasionally and give the poor crocs a break once in a while! =) I know you like them, but apparently they are not dirt road friendly!

Si pues...hahah but for the rain they are perfect!!!

Anyway, I checked and you have bought something for about $40 some thing bucks! I pray it is a camera and I pray that it is working well for you. Please don't get rid of the other one. Just in case it was just tired and needed a time out and maybe it will work later?!?!?! Not likely, but maybe. Did you find a camera? SD card compatible? 

I haven't found a camera yet. I haven't had time to look, my companion just likes to do what she likes to do p day. But i will find one! I took out the money to have it because we went to Antigua the other day, but i didn't even buy anything. haha but that's why the money is off the card. I will find a camera asap. As for now i just use Hermana Funks camera when i need it and use my memory card!!

Track is over. Granite Youth Symphony is over. All we really have left is the play, Les Mis at the high school. Jeremy is in the pit, so we are going opening night to listen. He is very excited. He cannot work this week because it is all the after school practices this week, but things will get better next week. Well, after two weeks it will be over. Memorial day is the 26th and then the play is Wed, - Sat. Then it is done! He is borrowing Grandma and Grandpa's keyboard. He is soo funny. He puts a beat on the piano and plays his trumpet to it. I attached a photo of it for you! 

I WANT TO SEE THIS PLAY!! AHH bad timing. That picture is toooo good!! I AM DYING! I WANNA LISTEN. what a stud. For real!!

Dad came and helped me during class time today in Sunbeams. The lesson was I am Thankful for My Hands. At one point we sang head, shoulder, knees and toes - you know, you use your hands to point at everything - so at the end your dad says "That is not how I learned it." They all (7 little 3 year old girls) whip around and look at him. He says, "I learned ...eyes, ears, nose that blows!" Then he proceeds to pretend to blow his nose, including the sound, and they all just laughed and that was about the end of that. They were all blowing their noses after that and it took a while to get them back on track. It was funny - they thought it was great. One of them said "no, it is nose that honks!" Oh so funny! We have 8 girls and when Holland's friend Jack, comes, we have 9 kids in Sunbeams. NEVER A DULL MOMENT! 

That's funny that dad helped with that lesson because of his cut off finger...i was just remembering when he did his finger prints and i was dying laughing! hahaha sorry dad. LOVE YOU!! 

You know there has been nothing about your new mission president in the Church News. We have seen him only because of the newsletter your mission sent us. Oh well, you will have to fill us in about them when you get to know them. I excited that maybe we can go to your current Pres. and wife's homecoming! That will be very fun to meet them. I hope it all works out!

The new president comes the 26th of June and pres Brough leaves 27th of June. hahaha so crazy!! THIS IS GOING TO BE A CRAZY TIME! hahaha for real. but i have heard only good things about him!!

Well, we love you. Take care! Are you wearing your mosquito repellent ALWAYS! Remember, IT IS YOUR NEW PERFUME! You LOVE PERFUME! Right??!!?? Wash your veggies and fruits! Take care of your insides and your outsides!

Love you so much! I pray for your safety everyday! Please be careful and stay safe!

Mom

So Christian finally got baptized! I will send pictures. (Photo attached.) It was a special day. We had a lot of members. Christian was a referencia from EFY. So the girls who gave the reference live kind of far away and they were able to come to the baptism. My companion and I and these 2 girls sang a primary song for the baptism. It was AWFUL! hahaha -- but he did get baptized! IT was amazing. His parents were there and we are going to start teaching his parents. Christian is an amazing person. I knew from the first time that he came to church, all by himself, that was was chosen. He has been prepared and he is already excited for his mission. He told us he never doubted. He knew all along that is was where he needed to be. He is a great example and I know he is going to be a great leader in the church. We had great support from the members and it was a special day. Even if we started 30 minutes late, it was a great day!!

I honestly don't understand sometimes the way things work. Life is wild. But one thing I do know is that everything happens for a reason and that the timing is always perfect. I was talking with President Brough during an interview and i was asking him some questions. One thing he taught me is that it is in the plan of our Heavenly Father that EVERY one of his children receives the gospel. Its not like he is going to say that this person can't receive the gospel right now, he is always preparing people and me, as a missionary, to be able to find these people. We just have to do all that we can to help these people change their lives. I am still working on fully understanding this, but I do know that God has a plan for every single one of us. And sometimes, the timing, isn't what we want, but it is perfect. The people, the experiences, its all here to help us. We have to always ask ourselves, what can i learn from this experience. I feel like my slogan here on the mission is....Tenemos que esforzarnos cada dia para ser un poquito mejor. Un poquito mas como jesucrist. try a little more every day to be a little better. a little bit more like Christ. That is what I am trying to do. Though at times i fall, tomorrow is another day. I have to learn from the past, and try to be better right now.

Mom when you send the package i have a few requests....pop rocks. They are a huge hit here in Guatemala. Pretzels, and chocolate, or candy. I just love being able to share with the people here. Oh and maybe trail mix. I don't know. I just am thinking out loud...but i have an investigator who wants pretzels for sure and i want pop rocks for sure. and candy...maybe not gum...i cant even chew gum here.

NOW I WILL SEND PICS!! CAUSE I DON'T HAVE LOTS OF TIME. Tell me you're reading the scriptures and doing your FHEs.

LOVE YOU ALLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!
HERMANA OLIPHANT

I as able to have an interview with President Brough yesterday. HOLY COW: That man. He is powerful.

Here is the letter I just got this morning for this week! No photos - her camera isn't working! SO SAD! I hate that, and only 6 months in to her time! We will try and work that out!!

HAHAHAHA these fotos! I'm dying! so funny! But I like them!! Seriously it was SOOO fun to talk to you guys Sunday! I like this whole Skype thing. So fun!! Mom, hope you had a great day. I love you so much and I am so grateful for everything!! LOVE YOUUU!!

Hello,
I sent this at 7:30, but had the "Email # 28" wrong! So I resent it and fixed the photos too! Hope the work better!

I only received one email from you...but its all good, cause i received one. My companion hasn't received an email from her family in 2 weeks!!

Well, here you are on our end. This is what we did the whole time we talked to you. Funny photos Julie took for us.
photo 10---One with Grandma
photos 4 and 5---Two of my favorites
Photo 14---with Dad and I
photo 8---with Spencer
Photo 16---I wanted to send this to her mom, but I don't have her phone number or email anymore. an you remember her blog address? Dad just commented that we didn't know she was there with you. That's so fun.

I only got 6 fotos!  (That was all I sent!)

That Skype thing was awesome. I liked that. I didn't like only 40 minutes though. We got spoiled with Spencer. We never knew about time restraints. I did get an email the day after we talked and it said an hour i think, but we didn't know that ahead of time. Most people got an hour to talk or Skype I think. Morgan Evans called at 7 am. Holy cow, time differences.

In the white handbook it says 30-40 minutes...so thats why! I didn't like how fast it went, but it was still soo fun!!

Has Amy (Hermana Funk) moved yet?

No, still with us! Which is great, because she keeps me sane sometimes! Hahahaha we have fun together!!

I cannot stand that your camera isn't working. I will pray for your camera!! That's weird, I know, but I will. I'm so sad about it. I hope you can find one that will work. MAKE SURE YOU REMOVE YOU SD CARD AND IF YOU BUY A NEW ONE, MAKE SURE IT IS AN SD CARD CAMERA. Have your companion make sure you aren't paying too much cuz your white!!!!

Ya, she will help me out with that, i am sure. but tomorrow for p day i think we are gong to a mall, so i will check it out and see what i can find. I am praying for my camera too. 

Have you been to the temple for the sealing yet? That will be so great! Can't wait to hear about it.

It is supposed to be the 21st of May. Who knows if it will really happen. (Her companions family is supposed to come and be sealed in the Guatemala temple and Morgan gets to go!)

Tell us about your week. I didn't even ask. I didn't feel like we had time. I wanted to you to be able to talk to Alex before he leaves, so I invited them to come over. I was glad. That was fun. I liked it. I hope that was okay with you. He said, when he left, okay, one year and you guys have to be at my house doing the same thing. Fun!!

He is so great. I am so glad he is so excited! It makes me so happy! Yes it was great to talk to all of them!! Give Blake a hard time for me...hahaha

I think the greatest thing was when you got some others to sing Happy Birthday with you to grandpa!! Thanks for doing that. It was perfect. I think he liked that. We had them for dinner later too, but it was fun for you to take time to sing to him.

It was fun. Give him a hug for me!!

Jeremy had his last Granite Youth Symphony concert. It was awesome. I went to the dance concert for Evergreen at 6 and it ended at about 7, when Jeremy's started so I ran to Taylorsville and was very glad I did. He did a great job. He had some solos he "forgot" to tell me about! The last song was from a movie it was better than sitting in a movie theater listening to it. 

Take care. Stay slathered in bug spray. Does the Terra Shield work for mosquitoes or just for bugs in the house, etc? I will forward the shoes as soon as I get them from Karen. Wish I knew someone who was going there who could take them for us.

I have been a bit better with the bugs...i try my hardest to remember bug spray...but with the rain coming, i need to be even better!!

We have had a cold week, even snow this past week in Cedar City. It has been crazy. It has been raining like crazy too. I don't think you have been cold.

No, we have had good weather! The rain will start soon though, and wont stop for 6 months!! hhahah

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Take care of Morgan. Be safe! Can't wait to send those shoes - Thanks, Aunt Karen!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!!! Thanks for talking to me yesterday! I loved it! You are all amazing. I am so grateful and feel so blessed to have a family like you. My companion said, I didn't understand what your family was saying but they are fun, and I can tell you love them!! 

Love, Mom

This week was kind of crazy. I as able to have an interview with President Brough yesterday. HOLY COW: That man. He is powerful. He started out and just thanked me for coming in to the mission diligent. He said that is something that lots of missionaries have to be taught, but that I will be blessed and my family for the eternities for my diligence. He told me he knows I can push my companion to be better and committed me to doing it. He helped me understand a little bit more about faith and hope. He is just a powerful man. I am sad he is ending his mission. He and his wife will leave june 27.....i think. You guys should go to their homecoming. I will let you know when and where. I think kaysville....i think!! 

My companion went to the doctor with Hermana Newman so I was able to do divisions in my area with the companion of the nurse. Hermana Tobar from Guartemala. It was a great day. It was only from the morning until like 2 in the afternoon. And in this time we had more lessons that I have ever had with my companion the whole time i have been with her. It felt SO good!! I felt like i was finally working how i want to work and how i feel like the savior wants me to work.

As for Christian, our investigator, he is doing great. Its kind of hard to get to him to teach. He lives about 15 minutes from us...in bus...so we do divisions to get to him, and its not very efficient. We are going to change the way we do things, because thats not working out too well. But he is great. 

President Brough told my companion that she will be leaving the area this next transfer and that means i get to stay. I am so glad. I feel like there are so many things I have to do here in this area, and I am excited to be able to stay. I LOVE THIS AREA. the members, and my investigators. I feel so grateful!!

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Keep being amazing. Please tell me you are doing your noche de hogares...aka family nights, and reading and praying together! PLEASE TELL ME!!

LOVE YOU!!!
HERMANA OLIPHANT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD! (For the week of May 4, 2014)

Sorry I never got this out last week - I was just a slacker! She is good and doing better all the time. She love Guatemala! (Again, my comments in green, Morgan's in red!)

Hello,
So it was your dad's birthday on Sunday. We went to Ogden for Chloe's baby blessing. That is Chris and Merrie's new baby girl. She is cute. Lots of dark hair. I have pictures for you. We went to Kelly and Steve's after for breakfast---it was at 9 so we had to be up early. The boys went to the priesthood meeting at 730 at our stake center because Alex was sustained to advance to Elder. I took photos of the kids and told them they were for you so of course they had lots of pictures I could take that "Morgan would like this too!" they kept saying! It was so funny! Levi was the one who started and then Kate! Sawyer was super calm-mellow yesterday!

I LOVE THE PICTURES!! THANK YOU! seriously, i look forward to pictures, and i will try and send pictures today!! I felt awful...i remembered dads birthday all week and then when we left the internet i remember that i didn't write him...but HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! HOPE IT WAS A GREAT DAY! love you so much!!

We had mom and dad for dinner--we gave your dad a part for fixing his truck...what else do you give the guy who has everything. I think he is excited. It isn't exciting, but it is something he wouldn't buy for himself. It too much to just buy for fun. He had fixed it with duct tape and silicone. (mans best friend) Now we can fix the truck right! =)

We went to Tanner Park and walked the dog and your dad yesterday. I have a couple photos for you of Tanner Park.

Dustin and Derek came to wish dad a happy birthday. Derek asked how you are doing, where you are, etc. He told us lots about where you are. He said make sure you wear repellent--dengue is the other option for NOT wearing repellent. He was very good at that because the mosquitoes carry disease there. You DON'T WANT THAT! He said wash your fruits and veggies so you don't get stomach problems. Boil your water first, or put some bleach in water and then wash your food to avoid stomach illnesses. I can't remember what else. I need to ask dad. He was looking at your areas. He said Amy is going all the same places he was at.

I know i know, i have been here for a good time now and i know the tricks! I haven't been sick since the kidney stone...knock on wood, but my Heavenly Father is blessing me!

So I don't know what else to do, but talking to a client Saturday, WE DECIDED (hahaha) that I should just set up a Skype account for you. Then tell you about it. As long as it is on the computer you're using, all you have to do it sign in so we can talk Sunday. What do you know about Skyping? How we work it out. Anything different? Let me know. Still 520 pm right?? We've never done this you know. Spencer said Google hangouts or groups or whatever is a better way to go, but you would have to download stuff for that!

Nope, i have an account...well one of these 5 is what i will use, but i will connect with you guys...520 yes. The accounts could be one of the following...
guateamatitlan
palinamatitlan
lago.amatitlan
lindavista0
alamedasama
and we are using Skype because that is what the mission is doing....if there are problems we will call i think...but just know that is the plan! Everything will be great!! (and it wasn't any of those - it was some persons name!)

Grandma is doing GREAT. She is healing so well it is amazing. OH SO GOOD!!!

I finally have a piano again in my ward and i get to play every week!! I LOVE IT!!! Heaven!! haha 

Jeremy has his final Granite Youth Symphony concert Wednesday night also! Of course! I'm sending dad to that because I have gone to all of them and he missed the last one being sick. I will go watch Ashley's dance concert! 

I miss all their fun concerts. I am excited to be able to go when i am back again! That is one thing i love!!

ARE YOU OKAY WITH PHOTOS or do they make you sad! Dad thinks they might make you homesick! but if not, I will send them in a another email. 

I LOVE PHOTOS!!!!!!

Love you so much. I would love some photos of your apartment! I would love to see a little bit of it. I hope you are safe even while you are in a fancy gated place! Take care of Morgan!

LOVE YOUR GUTS!
Mom (and dad is right here too!)

So Wednesday it dumped on us. Rain! IT DUMPED!! and Friday it all began. We were in the house of an investigator and my companion was having trouble breathing. I told her we were going to go get a blessing, but at this point we were late to meet up with the sisters to do divisions so we headed to meet them and for a blessing after....on our way, my companion was really struggling breathing. We sat her down on the side of the road, at this point the other sisters were with us as well, Hermana Funk an her comp, thank goodness, and so we sat my comp down and called the nurse...she didn't answer, so we called Hernana Brough, she didn't answer, Pres Brough didn't answer either....at this point my companion is having a full on asthma attack on the side of the road in the ghetto..there are medics trying to help her but we cant accept help from them...finally we got a hold of hna Brough...hna Funk and i went an bought an inhaler...long story short, after about an hour the APs came and took her to the hospital...we still did divisions...i got to go with Hermana funk while Hna Blandino went with my comp to the hospital...i was dying all day not knowing what was going on....anyways..i did get to spend the day with hna Funk. My companion is slowly getting better and we are finally able to work. she was told she couldn't work for 15 days...we got it down to 2 days.-. Saturday and Sunday we had to stay in the house! I WAS DYING! we did do divisions with some sisters in the ward when they could, but they couldn't very often. I felt horrible not working but i know it is what she needed. I have felt a little bit of the love the Heavenly Father has for us, and you as well, as my parents. I have had to be kind of strict with her...because she doesn't want to do anything that she is supposed to do...i have had to be strict so she can get better...and its only because i love her. I know that is how Heavenly Father feels when he gives us commandments...i haven't slept much the past week because i have had fear she will stop breathing...so i am always checking on her...i have felt a bit like a mom, and i am so exhausted, but so grateful. Everything that happened, was miraculous. I am just grateful.

Other than that, this week was great!! We have amazing members, we have a baptism of a kid, Cristian. He is so PILAS! He has his 3 church attendances, and he is already reading in 2 Nefi 18. He is so golden. He will do anything, and he just is great. We are working hard with the members here....and knowing that we will see miracles. I am so excited for the things that are going to come!!!!

Thanks for the love and the prayers. I will send pictures now!! LOVE YOU!!!!!

Prayer is POWER.

With my girl Amelia! Miss the woman! (from her last area)

Here is Morgan's letter from Tuesday! My questions in green her answer are in red! She has officially been out SIX MONTHS finally! She said,

"I can't believe its been 6 months!! Seriosuly. It's been SO fast!! SO FAST!!" (Not so much for me!)

I told Morgan about this amazing cake I received this from a sweet friend this past Sunday, she said, "Tell Jenny Klekas, that I want that cake in 1 year! hahahaha mmmm sooo good!!!"

How are you! I am DYING about all the mosquito bites you got that you were laughing about? I hope there wasn't any BAD EFFECTS from them. Please BE SOOOOOOOO CAREFUL! WEAR YOUR DOTERRA TERRA SHIELD. If that doesn't work, find a really good repellent and WEAR IT LIKE PERFUME!!!! It is worth it!! Please take care so you won't get sick! (Morgan is covered in bites and just keeps getting more and more!)

Nah, i am fine!! Just itchy, but that's normal! hahahaha but ya, I am getting better at putting on repellent. Its definitely been hard to remember, but I know it is necessary!! hahaha but really, no one here gets bites, but me! haha and the members just laugh and laugh and call me colocha canchita!(Don't know what that means. She may have spelled it wrong because even a translator web site can't get it!)

We have had a slow week. Spencer has finals week this coming week. Not so slow for him at USU. I hope he does well.

Ya, he definitely can do it, he just has to think it. EVERYTHING STARTS IN OUR MINDS!! Everything. That is something I am learning this change. Prayer is POWER. I can testify of that. It has been a great week though. We have this great in investigator named Christian. He came to church 2 Sundays ago with a family and he is so great. He is so excited about everything. He will be getting baptized this week!! I will tell more about the investigators later!

How are your investigators? Do you have any there? How is your companion? Do you still get along great? Do you see Amy? She said in her blog you live in the same house and you may not get to see each other very often!

We have this investigator who used to have a hair salon, she always wants to do our hair and make up....the other day she told me to sit down because she didn't like my hair and so I sat down and she gut my hair....just the ends...just a little trim...but it wasn't just a little ....not a ton, but my hair is shorter...hahaha but healthy now, so all is well! (We meant to trim her hair before she left, but we forgot!!) We have another investigator who is so funny, but she is going to get married soon so she can get baptized, she just is waiting for all the papers that she needs to be married. We have another family who is gong to get married so they can be baptized. We have done divisions multiple times this week...which is nice, I go and WORK! I also get to know the members better this way. It is great!!

We got the newsletter from your mission home. We got to see you new mission president and wife. Don't know where they are from, but they look nice! She plays/teaches piano! That is fun for you - maybe!?!?!?

I finally get to play the piano again. I played in church on Sunday and it was such a great time!! SOOO FUN!!

What is the city you are in like? Tell me more - Amy said Sonora, you said Los Alamedas and Amatitlan. I am super confused. I got a map from your mission office and I am putting stars on where you are, but I don't really know where to put them! HELP! It is fun to be able to "see" where you are a little bit better though!

So our area...We have 3 different parts to our area. Las Alamedas, which is a residential area...The people are all wealthy. We have Proyectos, which is like the ghetto. It is my favorite area. I like the people there. I like all the people, but in Proyectos, the people are so down to earth!

Is your apartment nice? Is your bathroom facilities outside again? Do you use your bug net to sleep under now? How about cooking and laundry? You can tell us lots of good stuff! So feel free! Fill us in and tell us everything!

Our house is 2 stories...and we share with Hermana Funk and her companion, but they are going to move because right now they have to travel like 15 minutes to get to their area...so they are going to move and we are going to have this house all to ourselves. ITS HUGE. Not excited to clean it! hahha but it is fun, we go on the roof every night and star gaze and eat dinner and chat. It is so great! My companion has 5 suitcases of clothes. She started the mission with 7, so 5 is downsizing. But The only part of the house that is hard is if one of us is upstairs the other has to be as well and the kitchen is down stairs and the bathroom and bedroom is upstairs, so its kind of weird, but its great.

Please take care of Morgan and be safe and happy and focus on the work you are there to do! We still pray for you every prayer and hope you are healthy and strong and well taken care of. I have been telling people the only way I will get you home is to come there myself and D-R-A-G you onto the plane! I'm glad you are happy though! That makes a world of difference!

That might be true about dragging me on to the plane. I absolutely am in love with Guatemala and the amazing people!! I have realized so many things while being here. The gospel is for ALL types of people. It doesn't matter my situation, it is my decision if I want to be happy. Humility is not easy, but it is necessary...I am so bad at this part. LOVE is the key to everything...I have just learned so many things, I am still trying every day to put these things in practice and be better. I feel like my slogan of my mission is, Esforzar cada dia para ser un poquito mejor....Try every day to be a little better. I tell that to everyone, and I remind myself that everyday!! 

This week in church a family came. They live in Iowa..or Ohio...I cant remember, their son, Elder Peterson served here in this mission 2 years ago and they came to visit. So i talked with them a lot...all the members were asking me if it was my family...hahahaha only because we were the only gringos in the whole church...but I was talking to the parents both grew up in Utah...and the mom went to Olympus with Dad. She knows dad and Blair and Shelley. Her name was Kathleen Johnson...she is the cutest lady!! It was so fun to meet them and get to talk to them! What a fun experience for them!!

Love you so much!
Mom

Welllll I love you so much!!!!! KEEP BEING AMAZING! Oh, I have a new calling here in the district....Leader of Retention...aka I keep track of all the recent converts and the retention...it is great! I am grateful for the opportunity I have to work in this calling and try to be a little better every day!!

Hermana Oliphant