Bye Guate

My dearest family,

Well, to be honest I am mostly in shock that this has all come to an end. I never thought this day would come. I was telling dad yesterday that being on a mission I kind of forgot that I even had a family, I thought that I was going to be an eternal sister missionary and right about now I am wishing that I could be!  Life is so simple here.  Life is so beautiful here.  I wake up, pray, study, pray again, preach the gospel, pray, sleep. I love my little protective Guatemalan bubble.

I'll talk about yesterday really fast. It was so weird. Sometimes I just look at dad and poke him because it feels so unreal. I would look at him during our lessons and be like, "Wait a second, why are you here!?" And then other times I feel like I never left! I missed mi Padre. The best part is watching him experience the culture shock of Guatemala. He is basically starving himself because he is afraid of the food. After about 5 minutes of convincing him -- I did get him to eat two peanut butter sandwiches. Also, I don't think I have ever seen anyone sweat so much. The Pajapita heat will kill ya! I am also noticing that if he is experiencing culture shock this bad, I will definitely be suffering in a couple of days! Please go easy on me!! I am so happy Dad is here with me, I'm going to need someone to yank me on the plane!

Jay's reunion with Hermana Minnick

So, I don't remember the last time I was this sad. Really, I am sad sad sad. I will say that it is way harder to leave the mission than to leave home. These little brown people are my family, I love them so much it hurts!  Many times as I am walking (sweating bullets), taking a freezing cold shower in my flip flops, or looking at the children play marbles in the dirt, I think to myself, "What a beautiful place and what a beautiful people!" Guatemala has my heart. 

I feel so full of love. I feel peace. I know that I gave it all that I had. Blood, sweat, tears, laughs, cries. Well, a little bit of everything! Mostly, I feel a deep gratitude and love for my Savior Jesus Christ. He is the perfect missionary and I hope that one day I can be just like Him. I know that he lives! I am grateful for the sacred privilege I have had to represent Him and to strive to do what He would do in gathering His sheep! 

If there is one thing that really stood out to me on my mission, it has been the importance of: 

1.  Keeping the Commandments 

2.  Sustaining the Prophet 

3.  Families and the Temple

1. The Lord has given us commandments, they are clear are they not? He has said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." He gives us commandments to protect us from harm, evil, and well, the wrath of Satan. We must be obedient to the commandments to receive blessings. God will never break His promises!  And we must also do our part to keep ours.

2. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. He is God's mouthpiece on this earth. He holds all of the sacred priesthood keys necessary to obtain eternal salvation. I know that what He says, God says too. Also, President Eyring, Ucthdorf and the Quorum of the Twelve all are men called of God. I know what they say is true. I sustain them, I love them, and I know that if I follow the prophet I wont go astray. It's all pretty simple right? That's what I love about the gospel.

3. Families. I think if I hadn't come on a mission I would have become a cat lady. But lets face it, I hate cats so maybe, a goldfish lady. Yeah, that's better. Anyway, now I don't want to be a goldfish lady. I have no idea what Guatemala put in its water besides parasites but now all I want to do is get married and have a family. (But give me at least 2 years) To have an eternal family is to have pure happiness and joy. I know because I have one myself. My love for my mom, dad, Weston and Zaney has grown 100 fold. I am so grateful that my parents taught me to be obedient and righteous. I plan to do the same for my future posterity. Some would say that I am such a typical mormon sister missionary but you know what -- THE FAMILY IS WHERE IT'S AT PEOPLE, and also it is CENTRAL to God's plan!! So, maybe we should all act a little bit more like typical mormon sister missionaries and get this show on the road!  

Now, the temple. Being on a mission, attending the temple is a rare treasure. Every time I went I felt like I won the lottery or something way better. All of you Utahns out there, I really don't think you realize how INSANELY blessed you are to have so many temples on your door steps! They are there for some righteous purposes. Go to the house of the Lord!

I am so grateful that I have been able to understand just a little bit more, God's love for his children. He loves us so much, even when we stray. That's why He sent His beloved son Jesus Christ to save us from physical and spiritual death.

I know that the plan is real. One day we will return as resurrected beings to the presence of the Father to be judged of our works. Now is the time to repent, mend, heal, reshape, and clean our lives!  Repent, repent, repent! The Lord is waiting to heal you and me.

I love the Book of Mormon, it is true. It contains the fullness of the gospel. As the bible does, it testifies of the Savior Jesus Christ on every page. If you have not read the Book of Mormon, I invite you to start reading it TODAY!

Mostly, I love missionary work!!  In fact, I think someone might have to take off my plaque for me. I am not capable of doing it! This is a work of miracles. I have seen them everyday. It is not only the work of full time missionaries, but of members, and angels too. I am praying that I can have missionary experiences for the rest of my life. I love being Hermana Minni! 

Thank you family, and friends for the prayers, love and support! It's been a crazy good ride!!!

Here are my favorite scriptures, read them out loud!

DyC 6

 32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you.

 33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

 34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

 35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

 36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

 37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Con amor,

Hermana Minnick

P.S. Mom please bring me a coat to the airport. I'm gonna die....and also, I CAN'T WAIT TO GIVE YOU THE BIGGEST HUG!

Whit teaching!

Virgin Mary Parade

Fireworks

Notes from Tami:  

Most of the captions on the pics come from me.   Jay has a ton more pictures but his Verizon phone doesn't want to send them.  AT&T works great!!  :)    

Quotes from Jay's texts - live from Guatemala:

--It's beautiful and green in Guatemala... I have never seen so many volcanoes.  Active too!  

--Pajapita is having a Fair - Christmas Festivities. The main road is shut down for the rest of the year!

--The people r playing band music and its 6:30 in the freaking morning.  :/  

--It is 100% humidity and 100 degrees.  I am sweating like a pig.  I do not know how these missionaries do it.  

--There are fireworks going off here -- right, left, and sideways.  

--Whitney teaches with power and authority!  When she shares her testimony the people listen!  My grandchildren will be raised by a mother who knows and teaches perfectly the gospel!  This I know!

--Being here is so much fun...well except the heat and the internet cafe!  I love winter!

  

Quotes from Whit (texting on Jay's phone):

--Haha this is unreal!  And this phone is bigger than my face!!  (iPhone 6 Plus)

--Yeah...I can tell I'm going to have culture shock just seeing how dad is reacting to Guatemala.  He is sweating like a pig!!  I love you mom!!!!!!

--Dad stop whining!!!!  (this was stated out loud... not texted...at least 10 times in the last two days)

--My fan is my very best friend!

--Only three more cold showers!!!

Hermana Minnick Teaching!

Beautiful Family!!  Notice the gift bags in the children's hands.  We made 50 of those for Jay to hand out to the kids.  It goes right along with the #sharethegift initiative in Guatemala!!  The gift bag has nativity hand puppets, picture of Christ, glow sticks and some candy!  

Whit and her comp, Hermana Natividad.  Jay and Percy the driver!!!  He is a great guy!!  He gave Jay a book about the history of the church in Guatemala.  Most of it started in REU!

Elder Amundson on far left is the one who filmed the "reunion"!  Worked out perfectly because Jay wasn't waiting around and this Elder knew how to run an iPhone and knew how to RUN!!  Thank you Elder!!

Hotel

There is a FAIR going on in Pajapita right now.  Streets closed.  Crazy bands.
ALL THE TIME!!  SO awesome!

More hotel... can you tell Jay was waiting around!!

Out Jay's hotel window!

Got this text.... "three more cold showers!!!!"

On the way to Waterfalls for P-Day!

P-Day!

This is the best picture I received all day!!
SOOOOO STRANGE to see Jay and Whitney together.  Have to admit, this got me!!  

I did it!!

Internet Cafe!!!  Quote from Jay: "If I were a missionary and had to spend more than two minutes in this stinky, hotter than hades internet cafe... no one would get more than a two sentence letter from me".  --It doesn't look that bad to me!!! 

I love Guatemala!

Muy buenos dias familia!

Como estan? Mom, I hope you know that I am going to attempt to teach you Spanish so that you don't feel so left out. You can teach me German too. Deal?

Well, I feel a lot of emotions right now. I'll try to pick one and write about it. Mom, I am just going to answer one of the questions you sent me.

Why is Guatemala special?  Why does God love "your" Guatemalans???  

Let me see if I can answer this how I want to... 

Guatemala is special to me because here I honestly and truthfully received a confirmation so firm from the Holy Ghost that all of this is TRUE.  In fact, there is a God that lives, He has a body of flesh and bones, we are His children and we were created in His image. His son Jesus Christ lives. He descended below it all. He felt every pain, sickness, and sadness. For me, and you, He bled through every pore.  My sin sick soul can be healed through Him and only Him. 

In Guatemala I learned of the perfect life that the Savior lived. I strive to follow His example. I teach, love and serve like Him. In my first area, on my broken-tile, grime-stained floor, I got on my knees and I learned how to really pray.  I learned how to imagine myself stepping into the presence of my Heavenly Father and talking to Him. I learned how to repent. But, really truly repent. And right now, I want to invite you to repent because there really isn't another option but to do so. REPENT! It hurts so good!

It has been here in the Book of Mormon lands where I have come to LOVE the Book of Mormon. I have read it four times here and well, I hope to read it over and over again for the rest of my life. It contains the FULLNESS of the gospel and it is TRUE.

I love Guatemala because in every place I have taught I have defended the Prophet Joseph. I know that he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that the priesthood keys were restored through Him. I know that Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet today!

Here, I have learned that if I want to be happy, then I HAVE to keep the commandments!!! Seriously, if you want to have a nonstop smile then live the gospel and do it with ZEAL I LOVE MY GUATEMALA because HERE in the pouring rain, and in the striking sun I have come to know more perfectly this perfect plan that God has for all of us. The Church of Jesus Christ is the only true church on the face of the earth. It is His church!

I love Guatemala because it has the best sunsets and the clouds here are so insane. I love the exotic fruit, I love the bright colors, the food (sometimes). I love the rainstorms. I could go on and on but I'll save some to tell you later.

Why does God love my Guatemalans?

They are SO faithful. When they commit to something they give it their all!! They have the faith to move a mountain, I'm not kidding! God loves the Guatemalans because they work hard and they don't complain. I have never heard so many sincere prayers in my life. He loves them because they love Him and they show it! The Guatemalan Saints are so happy, they shine! They prosper! They share the gospel! I love my Guatemalans!

I cant wait to bring all of you here!


LOVE,
Hermana Minnick

Hermana Valeriano, Hermana Outsen, Me!

Happy Turkey Week

Hey family,

So I'll start out by saying that I feel 100% better. Hooray. HaHa!

Next, this week was so packed full of work and I loved every second of it!  However we had a sad moment.  Hermana Jimenez is currently in the mission home with a cast on her foot.  For the past month she has had a ton of pain when she walks.  I guess I worked her too hard...But, she is stubborn like me and refused to do anything about it.  Our area is pure rock and she wasn't really used to walking a ton so she pulled a lot of the ligaments in her foot and she has tendinitis.  In the United States they would usually just give you one of those ugly looking shoe things but since we are in Guatemala they just put a cast on it.  She gets her cast off on Dec 2nd, I hope that she comes back to me!  For right now I am with Hermana Natividad, she is awesome! She brings out my sassy side. I don't know if that's good or bad...

I am so happy. All of our converts are on fire!!  It has been such a blessing to be able to see them progress after baptism.  They are all giving us referrals or references (what is it in English) of all of their friends and family.  We are seeing huge miracles in our area!

Well, I really have no desire to keep writing. I promise I'll tell you guys everything later!!

I LOVE YOU!

Hermana Minnick

p.s.  Read the scriptures. Right now I am in Helaman 8. I have to finish before Dec 12th...pray for me...haha

p.p.s...Can we have Thanksgiving in December too?

PRICELESS!

Be Kind!

Mi area!

It could last me two more weeks?!?!?!

When you flood the Church....Swim

Well, I asked my mom first if she wanted to know how my week really went and be worried, OR just give my testimony... She said, "Give it to me Sister!!!" So obviously because I am writing this I am alive, so don't worry about me. And also I want to remember this week in 30 years. Check it:

All because of a tiny mosquito...Chikungunya.  IT'S THE DEVIL!!! There is an outbreak right now in Pajapita and I became a victim. I was so mad. I had dengue like 3 weeks ago and so I thought I would be done being sick for the rest of my mission. HA! On Wednesday I woke up and couldn't move. It hit me hard. Hermana Leyva helped me brush my teeth and Hermana Natividad did my hair. You know that feeling the day after you kill yourself working out? It feels like that but in your joints, bones, and eyelashes times 1000.. and I wish that I was not exaggerating. You also have a nonstop fever no matter how many pills you take and a rash all over your body. I spent Wednesday to Friday with the family Garcia in Fionas bed. I finally got that beauty sleep I wanted!! Everyone took great care of me. I still have a rash and my bones still hurt, but yesterday I went out to work and it was THE BEST. Dad, are you sure you want to come get me? I really don't want you to get sick. It's miserable.

Next, should I start with the dog bite or how I flooded the chapel?

The flooded chapel.

So, this is the awesome part of my week! The part that makes chikungunya and dog bites and flooded chapels okay. Carlos, Jefferson, Jose, and Esteben got baptised on FRIDAY!! Alright I will start from the beginning. On Friday I was with a member because I still couldn't move, this member lives right behind the capilla so hna jimenez and hna nati left me with the job to fill up the pila (bad idea). The baptism was at 6 so at about 3 the member walked me over to the chapel to fill up the font. During this time there happened to be choir practice so we left the font running and went to practice. (The member practiced and I fell asleep on a comfy chair). Well about an hour and 15 minutes later I woke up (more like had a heart attack and exploded out of my chair) and went sprinting to the font. When I turned the corner I almost biffed it because the water had already made its way down the really long hallway. So much water!!! I had no idea what to do. The water entered into almost every room in the hall way...including the Bishops office (which was locked). If you knew my branch president you would probably have a heart attack just like I did. haha. One of his top priorities is the cleanliness of the chapel. So I whipped out all 7 mops and started cleaning like a mad man. My body hurt so bad but the adrenaline kicked in. Then the members heard the ruckus I was making and showed up to help me out. About 2 hours later (there was A LOT of water) we had everything semi dry.

The baptism was the best part of my week. We have worked with Carlos and his sons for a while now. They have made so much progress, I know that they will be real converts to the Lord! In my mission call it said that greater joy would await me in the mission field, real happiness. It is true! I have never felt so happy living in circumstances so rough. Real happiness cannot be bought nor touched. It is only found living the principles of the gospel, and by keeping the commandments!!

On Saturday I worked for half of the day and then crashed on my bed in the afternoon.

Sunday was a glorious day because I felt a little bit more normal. I was able to work and it was so nice to be able to leave the house. To top my week off with a cherry, on Sunday night a dog bit me. I laughed so hard. It only broke the skin a little bit, but now I have a bruise to match my rash!!

There, that was my real life week as a missionary in Guatemala. The weird thing is that I would do it again in a heartbeat!!

I love you family. I am good! Don't worry about me, I promise I will come home in once piece. (Well maybe 2, but I'll be alive) haha!

Be a light,

Hna Minnick

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYSHA NOELLE WOODS!!!!!!! I mean CARROLL!!!

The comps

When you dont want to eat animal
and you don't have a plastic bag...

Sweeping the dirt

Baptism

Tam Note:  This pic was taken TODAY - P-Day
Water Fight
Whit said..."This pic is proof that I AM OK!"  

Playing with the ninos!

For every broken flip flop there is a solution: masking tape...because there isn't duck tape

Showering in the rain!

Sea una luz!

Hello my dear ones,

Honestly, I am really getting tired of typing on broken keyboards. But, I realize that I haven't been the best writer in the past weeks so I'll suck it up and do the best I can..hahaaaaaaa. I am also pretty loopy because I played basketball in the sun for the last 2 hours. I have become uncoordinated on my mission -- its not even funny.  But, I did make 2 Jimmer shots...halla!

Okay, so this whole trio thing has been such a blessing! Every single day we did divisions with members and got double the work done in our area!! We saw a ton of miracles. Carlos, his two sons, and Jefferson are preparing to be baptised this Friday! I am so excited!!

This past weekend we had Stake Conference! It was awesome! Our stake president, President Garcia was released after SIXTEEN years of faithful service! They live in Pajapita and they are so incredible! They have helped us a ton with our investigators! Elder Ochoa and Elder Morales came and spoke to us.  Their messages were so refreshing and powerful. We had 7 investigators with two families there and everyone loved it!  Elder Morales shared a scripture that I loved..

Dyc 103:9-10 (i like it better in Spanish, but English will do)

 9 For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men;

 10 And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are a salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be  cast out and trodden under foot of men.

We are here on this earth to be a LIGHT! We are here to SAVE SOULS!! 

Don't be a bench warmer! We NEED the saving ordinances to qualify for CELESTIAL glory!! Baptism, confirmation, priesthood, endowment, sealing!!! If you haven't received these ordinances, I invite you to prepare to do so! And if you have, I invite you to turn to your family and help them to prepare! I invite you to dig in deep! Hasten the work of salvation! 

If they say no, love them. Love them and be there for them, and one day they will know, and you will be there waiting to help them!! 

Jesus Christ lives! This is His church, and His work!  We need to work in His vineyard, and we need to do it NOW! 

I love you family!

Hermana Minnick

Tam Note:  No pics from Whit this week.  She has no time.  I could barely get her to answer any questions I had for her today.  All I have to say-- you can definitely tell she only has four weeks left on her mission.  :)  WORK / PREACH  / WORK / PREACH!!  

The pic below is a jar of hershey kisses given to me by Sue Outsen (her daughter is serving in REU too!!)  The number of kisses is the number of days Whit has left.  I am supposed to eat one a day and then she is HOME.  I ate TWO kisses today.  Do you think that will make this go faster??  The poor girl doesn't want to come home, and I am trying to speed things up!!!  Thanks SUE!!!  xoxoxoxoxo

3s a crowd...

Hi guys. How goes it?  Sorry I missed a week, but don't worry I am back up and kickin! Life is good down here in Pajapita!

Well, where to start?

Last week President asked me in our weekly email, "How do you feel knowing that you have begun the last change of your misison?"

I honestly can't believe how fast this time has gone!! I still feel like I have at least 6 months left. I feel like I have been living in the month of July for 17 months! Weston, take advantage of EVERY second!!!!  I am sad to know that this is coming to an end because it has been one of the happiest times of my life!!  If my body would let me go for another year, I would do it in a heartbeat!!  In this last change, I'm giving it my all.  I always give it my all, but I am going to find a way to do even more than I think I can...if that makes sense...?    I couldn't be happier!!

Anyway, this week we had a little surprise. On Friday after a long morning of contacting, Elder Portillo (the new assistant) called me. Well, four hours later I found myself in a trio. Yeehaw.  Its been interesting, fun, stressful, and exciting all in one package.  I am still with my hija (thank heavens because she is the best) and our new companion is Hermana Natividad from Salvador.  She has 10 months in the mission. She is great!  It has been a challenge to learn how to teach in unity, but we'll get there!  I'm on my toes because I don't really know if we will stay like this for the whole change. I'm game for whatever!

Alright, I'll tell you about my investigators...

Carlos. He is the best! He is a single father of 6 children that run wild. In all honesty, I have no idea how he does it!  His wife died 5 years ago. He loved learning about the plan of salvation. He told us that the gospel is filling the hole in is heart more than the alcohol ever has!  It has been a great struggle for him to overcome drinking but he has made major progress!  He LOVES the BOM and he is preparing to be baptised the 14th along with 2 of his children! Pray for Carlos!

Renee (hijo/son). Hijo of a menos activo of 17 years. Reactivating is so hard but so worth it! With Renee  we had to work through his dad first. Renee (father) is one of the priesthood holders we have been fighting to reactivate!  He has been 3 consecutive Sundays!! Wahoooo!! They are reading the Book of Mormon together too! At first Renee (hijo/son), didn't want anything to do with us. One time we came and read Enos 1 with his dad. Renee was in the other room hiding, but listening! The next lesson he sat down with us and asked a ton of questions! I am excited to work with him!

Familia de leon. They are so pilas. We shared with them this week The Family, a Proclamation to the World and they LOVED it!! They are reading the BOM and always have really good questions!!!

I wish I could tell you about all of my investigators but there is just no time!! Pray for all of them please!!

Well, fam. I LOVE YOU! Always remember to read your scriptures and say your prayers. EVERYDAY!!

love,

hna minni

The Living Christ

This letter is going to be short and sweet because I am having computer issues!!

This week was pretty difficult. We had to drop a family and that was pretty painful. However, we found another family of oro! We taught a lot of people who were pretty confused about the purpose of life in general, and we also had a crazy experience with a pastor. A lot of people wanted to contend with us this week, but we didn't let them! In each situation Hermana Jimenez and I could only offer our simple but powerful testimonies.

This week was also a week of miracles and spiritual experiences. I could tell that my hija was feeling a little tired of the missionary routine and she felt a little down. We started memorizing The Living Christ. That made a huge difference! We only have 3 paragraphs down, but I am glad to know that my memorization skills are still in tact! It was amazing to me how much closer I felt to the Lord. I know that He lives and I invite each of you to memorize The Living Christ too!

Yesterday we saw a huge miracle with our investigators. We had 9 investigators (Carlos, Esteben, Jose, Victor, Maria, Edison, Liber, Delmis, and Meradi..please pray for them) with one family at church! The best part was that most of them came by themselves. Usually I feel like I have to tie a rope to their wrist and walk them to church... But yesterday each of them came with a DESIRE and that made all of the difference. I am excited to help them this week to recognize the spirit, invite them to repent and be baptised.

I love this work! I hope that you are all being the best member missionaries that you can be!!! Help out the missionaries!!

Con Amor,
Hermana Minnick

Mis amigos

Mi otra hija la Jimenez

Mi hija la Leyva

Typical Whitney jumping picture!

Ode to companions.

When you're with someone for 24/7, seven days a week for up to 6-12 weeks, you REALLY get to know them. You even get to the point where you can predict exactly what they are going to say. What fattening snack they are going to buy from the tienda...etc.etc. You learn what annoys them and you do it on occasion. You also learn what pleases them and you do that sometimes too. When they are in the bathroom, you hide and when they leave, you jump out and scream like a maniac (make sure you are filming). Every once in a while you should make their bed and give them a bear hug. Always make them tell you their deepest secret. Together, you should at least have 3 inside jokes. A good companionship study is necessary everyday. Pray together. Laugh together. Cry together. Companions. They are so fun.

Sorry about my companion rant. It's just that this week we were only in our area for 3 days because the rest of the days were spent in Guatemala City and Reu. We had some good companionship bonding time. We had to go to Guate for my comps papers so that she could be legal here. Long story short, it took so long that we had to stay over night. I was really excited to take a hot shower because it was freezing. But, when I turned it on, only cold came out. Also it was a community bathroom and we were sharing with two old German men that smoked all night long. I decided to stink for one more day. 

Anyway, back to my companion. She is so cool. I learned a lot about her this week. Like how she is obsessed with cars. She knows all of the names and stuff. I just laughed and told her that one time someone asked me what type of car I had and answered "toyota mazda". It took a couple of google searches to figure out why they had laughed so hard. I also learned that she wants to be the one to propose to her future husband. Not me. haha. 

I was pretty stressed out the entire time though. We left our area and investigators in a very important time. Its like when you make a really good hot mouth watering plate of food and your mom yells at you to go and do something and you come back an hour later to a cold half empty plate because your sneaky brothers stole it. Our investigators went a little cold, but thank goodness for microwaves. If you just followed what I wrote then we can be friends. 

Anyway, have I ever told you that I love being a missionary? Well, I do. With all my heart!!!!!!

Here is a quote that I love.. "You have the Savior of the world on your side. If you seek His help and follow His directions, how can you fail?" -- Bishop Gary E. Stevenson

I know that Christ lives and for the rest of my life, I will defend His gospel!!!

Keep the commandments,

Hna Minnick

Hermana Jimenez - Whit's companion.  She is one of three missionaries from Costa Rica in the REU mission.  She is darling and Whit loves her to death!!!  This pic was stolen from the "Mision Guatemala Retalhuleu" FB page run by President Ruiz!!!!  

I only took one picture this week.  MY BAD!

Happy Octubre.

Meet my hija...Hermana Jimenez. 
Everyone thinks she is a gringa. Everyone asks 
if we are sisters, we say yes!

Guys!!!!!

I hope your GC weekend was relaxing! Mine was the opposite, but as my hija mexicana always says, "lo importante es que estamos vivos." Yeah. GC here was insane!  It is a HUGE opportunity for missionaries to bring investigators to hear the Prophets voice! GC season is the time to turn up your knotches to high power blast mode and invite every living breathing person with eyes to see and ears to hear the prophets and apostles of the Lord!!!!!!   We worked HARD. Even to the point where I thought that if I had to take one more step I would collapse. And I did, but luckily on my bed. We invited every person we saw, and it paid off.  So many people came!  As a zone, we didn't meet our goal, but we got pretty darn close!!! Satan worked really hard this week too, the satellite had a ton of problems. On Saturday we had to find members with TVs to watch the conference with all of our investigators. 

Also, this week it decided not to rain and so the heat in Pajapita was UNBEARABLE!!!! One night I woke up at 2 in the morning sweating buckets, I looked at my Lewis and Clark alarm clock and it said that it was EIGHTY NINE degrees in my room. I went to the pila dumped three buckets of water on my head and then attempted to sleep with my fan blowing hot air on me...haha.  Okay, totally got sidetracked... 

CONFERENCE!  Wasn't it awesome?!  My favorite talk was Elder Bednars!!  It was awesome because ALL of my investigators had their eyes glued to the screen!  I also LOVED hearing the talks in Spanish.  It is so much better than hearing a translator!!  The members here loved that too! I have to re-read and re-watch all of the talks though.. I have a hard time paying attention because I am always so worried about my investigators, watching their body language, and praying that they can understand and feel the spirit! 

FOLLOW THE PROPHET, DON'T GO ASTRAY!

By 4 pm after the Sunday session my companion and I were zombies, but we prayed for strength to go and challenge our investigators with FECHAS!  We are going to see miracles!

We had interviews with President this week. He is awesome!  As usual my interview was short and sweet. 

I know that I am forgetting something important but I can't rememberrrr!!!! 

Today we went to the beach and I fell asleep in a hammock for 30 minutes, it is the most relaxed I have felt in a very long time. I love hammocks, and the beach. 

Uh, as for Weston and his comment about annoying sister missionaries... Yes, you are right, there are some sisters missionaries that complain and whine and cause a lot of problems. I hope you know that I am not one of them. Also, I could make a really long list of dumb things that elders do. But I won't because that would take up my whole hour! Good luck this change, keep working hard!!  BAPTIZE!!! Love you Westifer. 

I love you family!!!!! 

Hermana Minnick

P.S.

HUGE SHOUTOUT to Renee Bontempo....best package of my life....goldfish!!!!!

I killed him with a broom.  He is the smallest one.
Tam: THIS IS SOOOOO GROSS!!  SORRY FOR POSTING!!!

In between one of the sessions of general conference my comp and I stacked a ton of wood while our investigator showered.

Today we went to the beach!