Friday, September 25, 2015
What a week!
We will have been in Guatemala a week in the morning, but so much has happened so fast that it feels like we have been here for a month. We are getting settled in our new home and trying to learn our way around this incredible city (and that is no small challenge!). I have been running as fast as I can at work with interesting cases in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Belize this week. My head is spinning with the language, trying to express myself and to understand others has been exhausting, but I can see progress already. It has rained most of the week as we are in the peak of the rainy season. We have met so many wonderful people! This is truly the Lord's work, and it is a great blessing to be a part of it.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
First Day on the Job
Post by MaryAnn
This was the first working day of our mission. Bob went to his office and I went to the Dental office. The church has a dental office that is staffed by missionaries and some volunteers. The office cares for the young missionaries and orphans. The missionaries preparing for missions, even as far out as a couple of years, plus missionaries that are presently preparing to serve, the ones at the MTC (CCM here in Guatemala) and the ones serving in the area. There are several orphanages in Guatemala that the office serves.
Today I learned how they do the computer data logs. I was very comfortable with the work. It was a joy to work with the Curtis's, Elder Call and Sis. Wood. Sis. Wood and I did the computer/ paperwork, Elder Curtis and Elder Call are the dentists and Sis. Curtis helps assist the dentists. The Curtis's are in their 70's and the work is very taxing on them but they are here doing it with love. Very impressive.
This evening we attended the senior missionaries FHE. They meet each Monday evening have a lesson, refreshments and visiting. It was inspiring.
Our apartment is very nice. Much larger than I expected. Two bedrooms both with their own bathrooms, one half bath and a small room, maids room, with its own small bath. Hardwood floors throughout and nice furnishings. The kitchen is fully supplied. Again a very nice apartment. A person could get spoiled here.
This was the first working day of our mission. Bob went to his office and I went to the Dental office. The church has a dental office that is staffed by missionaries and some volunteers. The office cares for the young missionaries and orphans. The missionaries preparing for missions, even as far out as a couple of years, plus missionaries that are presently preparing to serve, the ones at the MTC (CCM here in Guatemala) and the ones serving in the area. There are several orphanages in Guatemala that the office serves.
Today I learned how they do the computer data logs. I was very comfortable with the work. It was a joy to work with the Curtis's, Elder Call and Sis. Wood. Sis. Wood and I did the computer/ paperwork, Elder Curtis and Elder Call are the dentists and Sis. Curtis helps assist the dentists. The Curtis's are in their 70's and the work is very taxing on them but they are here doing it with love. Very impressive.
This evening we attended the senior missionaries FHE. They meet each Monday evening have a lesson, refreshments and visiting. It was inspiring.
Our apartment is very nice. Much larger than I expected. Two bedrooms both with their own bathrooms, one half bath and a small room, maids room, with its own small bath. Hardwood floors throughout and nice furnishings. The kitchen is fully supplied. Again a very nice apartment. A person could get spoiled here.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Our First Day in Guatemala
We arrived in Guatemala at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday morning after a long and sleepless night on the red-eye flight. We were met my MarkWood, the Area Legal Counsel who took us and our mountain of luggage to our beautiful apartment in our newly assigned RAV4. We were greeted at our apartment by his wife, Paula, who had prepared a wonderful breakfast for us. The other Senior Missionaries had helped prepare our apartment and stocked it with an initial supply of food. After Hermana Smith took a nap and I read our welcome packet, the Woods took us shopping and showed us around a bit, then they took us out to dinner. We ended the day watching the BYU football game in our apartment with the Woods and another missionary. What a kind and helpful welcome we received!
Guatemala City is beautiful and the weather is so nice! Some things are a little strange. Almost every street is one way, and you can almost never turn left. You can't turn right on a red light, and of course the driving is a little more aggressive than at home. There is never a parking lot without an attendant, nor a store without an armed guard out front, ususally with a shotgun in his hands.
We are at the MTC this morning attending Church meetings there with all the yng missionaries. It has been fun. We are so grateful to be here and to serve the Lord.
Guatemala City is beautiful and the weather is so nice! Some things are a little strange. Almost every street is one way, and you can almost never turn left. You can't turn right on a red light, and of course the driving is a little more aggressive than at home. There is never a parking lot without an attendant, nor a store without an armed guard out front, ususally with a shotgun in his hands.
We are at the MTC this morning attending Church meetings there with all the yng missionaries. It has been fun. We are so grateful to be here and to serve the Lord.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Training at OGC
Today I fininshed my training at the General Counsel's Office. It was a three day firehose experience. I can't begin to describe all that I learned about the business side of the Church about which the typical member (including myself) is totally ignorant. It opened my eyes to the absolutely critical role that the General Counsel's Office (OGC) plays in moving forward the work of God.
"And many shall be converted, insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize yourselves according to the laws of man; [t]hat your enemies may not have power over you; that you may be preserved in all things; that you may be enabled to keep my laws; that every bond may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people." D&C 44:4-5
This is the scriptural charter of OGC. Only by learning how to fully comply with the laws of man in over 180 countries around the globe can the Church avoid giving its enemies power over us that we may be free to keep the laws of God in every land. Even inidividual members who have violated the laws of man have in many instances done irreparable harm to the Church and the work of God. Our job in OGC is to do all we can to ensure that doesn't happen.
"And many shall be converted, insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize yourselves according to the laws of man; [t]hat your enemies may not have power over you; that you may be preserved in all things; that you may be enabled to keep my laws; that every bond may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people." D&C 44:4-5
This is the scriptural charter of OGC. Only by learning how to fully comply with the laws of man in over 180 countries around the globe can the Church avoid giving its enemies power over us that we may be free to keep the laws of God in every land. Even inidividual members who have violated the laws of man have in many instances done irreparable harm to the Church and the work of God. Our job in OGC is to do all we can to ensure that doesn't happen.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Talent
I need to express my gratitude to our daughter Stephanie for designing and setting up this Blog page for us. I could not have done it myself. Thank you 💗
Thoughts About Our First Week
What an incredible experience we had at the Provo Missionary Training Center! The Spirit there is so strong. We made many new friends and we were filled with excitement to be on the Lord's errand. Seeing 2,000 young missionaries there preparing to serve Him all over the world, and rubbing shoulders with 108 senior missionaries also preparing to serve Him all over the world was such a wonderful experience. This is truly a great and marvelous work.
We are now in Salt Lake City awaiting our training at the Office of the General Counsel before we fly to Guatemala on Friday. Today is Saturday, but we arose and dressed in our missionary dress with our missionary badges, and while we were eating breakfast at the hotel, I had several missionary moments there with hotel staff. It is great to be the Lord's representative and be a missionary 24/7.
Of all the great experiences over the past week, the greatest of all for me was the tender mercy of teaching the Gospel with my companion, Hermana Smith. She is such a beautiful and wonderful teacher of truth. You all would be so proud of her if you could watch her teach and bear testimony of Jesus Christ. She will be a great and powerful missionary! I love being her companion.
Elder Smith
Of all the great experiences over the past week, the greatest of all for me was the tender mercy of teaching the Gospel with my companion, Hermana Smith. She is such a beautiful and wonderful teacher of truth. You all would be so proud of her if you could watch her teach and bear testimony of Jesus Christ. She will be a great and powerful missionary! I love being her companion.
Elder Smith
Friday, September 11, 2015
God's Promises are Sure
September 8 at 11:42pm
by: MaryAnn Smith
This evening we attended a devotional and the Keynote speakers were Elder Gerald and Sis. Causse'. Elder Causse' is presently serving as 1st Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric. The following are my thoughts, impressions and testimony.
I am not sure I want to be so bold as to say this, but there is a scripture that says something like, after much sacrifice comes the blessings. I have known this for years and have had many, many experiences that have taught me that principle throughout the years but in this missionary preparation experience/adventure I have doubted it, have not wanted to believe it regarding this experience for some reason, until today. This evening I have come away with a deeper Love for my Savior and His Love and promises to me.
There has been several Tender Mercies/Divine Signatures from the Lord to me over the past few months. Some of which I have tried to dismiss, and others I have recorded and acknowledged. But this evening I don't want to ignore or dismiss them any more.
Elder and Sister Causse' spoke at the evening devotional. Sis. Causse' spoke first and she spoke of how hard it was for her when Elder Causse' was called to serve as a Seventy. They had lived in France all their lives. He was a very successful businessman and they had a very comfortable life in France. His calling required them to leave France and move to Germany. She at the time did not speak German or English. Within a very short time after his accepting the call they moved. She found herself with her children and husband gone a lot. Living in a foreign country and attending an international Ward trying to learn and speak English along with German. English to associate with the ward members and German to get around town.
She spoke of how very, very hard it was. At one point she didn't even want to go to church because she was tired of the struggle. Her story hit my heart. She was telling a version of my story. She rose above it with the Lords love and help.
Tonight I can see myself serving multiple missions and loving every minute of it weather I know the language or not. In fact I am feeling an excitement to do so in my heart.
I can't remember if it was today or yesterday when we were telling people we were homeless and the comment was made; well, you are unencumbered, you can just continue to serve missions. At the time that was said I had a "fluttering" in my heart/chest of anticipation to do just that but tried to dismiss/ignore it.
I came away from the meeting tonight knowing I want and can do the same as Sis. Causse'. I want to serve the Lord. I want the blessings He has promised to give me and my family. I am so, so, so far away from being what I want to be and some days it feels impossible but I don't have to do more than my best. When I fall short of my best on any given day, because I will, I can stay on the bus, (a story from BYU education week) and start again the next day.
It has been a good day!
by: MaryAnn Smith
This evening we attended a devotional and the Keynote speakers were Elder Gerald and Sis. Causse'. Elder Causse' is presently serving as 1st Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric. The following are my thoughts, impressions and testimony.
I am not sure I want to be so bold as to say this, but there is a scripture that says something like, after much sacrifice comes the blessings. I have known this for years and have had many, many experiences that have taught me that principle throughout the years but in this missionary preparation experience/adventure I have doubted it, have not wanted to believe it regarding this experience for some reason, until today. This evening I have come away with a deeper Love for my Savior and His Love and promises to me.
There has been several Tender Mercies/Divine Signatures from the Lord to me over the past few months. Some of which I have tried to dismiss, and others I have recorded and acknowledged. But this evening I don't want to ignore or dismiss them any more.
Elder and Sister Causse' spoke at the evening devotional. Sis. Causse' spoke first and she spoke of how hard it was for her when Elder Causse' was called to serve as a Seventy. They had lived in France all their lives. He was a very successful businessman and they had a very comfortable life in France. His calling required them to leave France and move to Germany. She at the time did not speak German or English. Within a very short time after his accepting the call they moved. She found herself with her children and husband gone a lot. Living in a foreign country and attending an international Ward trying to learn and speak English along with German. English to associate with the ward members and German to get around town.
She spoke of how very, very hard it was. At one point she didn't even want to go to church because she was tired of the struggle. Her story hit my heart. She was telling a version of my story. She rose above it with the Lords love and help.
Tonight I can see myself serving multiple missions and loving every minute of it weather I know the language or not. In fact I am feeling an excitement to do so in my heart.
I can't remember if it was today or yesterday when we were telling people we were homeless and the comment was made; well, you are unencumbered, you can just continue to serve missions. At the time that was said I had a "fluttering" in my heart/chest of anticipation to do just that but tried to dismiss/ignore it.
I came away from the meeting tonight knowing I want and can do the same as Sis. Causse'. I want to serve the Lord. I want the blessings He has promised to give me and my family. I am so, so, so far away from being what I want to be and some days it feels impossible but I don't have to do more than my best. When I fall short of my best on any given day, because I will, I can stay on the bus, (a story from BYU education week) and start again the next day.
It has been a good day!
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