Feliz Dia de Independencia!!!

Only in Guatemala can you run a red light with the mission president's wife in the back seat of the car. Don't picture an intersection in the United States... those don't exist here. In fact I think it is the only light in Retalhuleu and you can hardly even see it. Hermana Ruiz thinks I'm a great driver so it's okay. I honestly don't think the people know what a red, yellow or green light means... Here, all colors mean put your petal to the metal and swerve if there is an obstacle in your way.

Some news:

1. I finally had my interview with President. This time it was longer than 2 minutes. He always talks about how Mom likes all of the videos he posts on facebook and he always asks about "Elder Minnick". I have an awesome mission president!   During the interview he asked how I felt with the year I have had on my mission. I want you to know that I have given my very best effort with my time. I feel confident that the Lord is pleased with my work. In my last five months I want to give even more. President also asked me how I wanted to finish my mission. He asked, "La oficina o el campo?" El Campo came out of my mouth a little bit too fast and President laughed. I have loved my time in the office working as the nurse, however there truly is nothing better than working in the field preaching the gospel to my guatemalan hermanos. There are a lot of missionaries who would love to be in my position so I am not worried about that. In August I will be leaving the office.

2. President asked me to teach Hermana Garcia how to drive. That has been....interesting!   I always have my seat belt tightly secured.

Our investigators:

Paulino: Accepted his date to be baptized for the 26th of July! Pray for Paulino!! 

Maria Jose: Last night we watched The Restoration with her. She has always had doubts about Joseph Smith. After watching the video she was able to understand clearly what happened. The spirit was tangible! We committed her to read the Book of Mormon. I am grateful for the power of The Book of Mormon, it is key to conversion!

Gracie y Vilma: One day we were searching for people to teach and we saw a woman attempting to make a gate out of barbed wire and rusty metal. After a little bit of conversation we started to help her build her sketchy rusty barbed wire gate. I have scratches to prove it. It was actually really fun. The next day we went back and taught them a lesson. They are really positive and I hope that we can help them progress!

The Fourth of July:

It's probably my favorite holiday. To my companions dismay I sang (gut belted) the national anthem about 6 times. It was our P-day, we went mini golfing in this incredible resort called Irta. I felt like I was in America. I truly am so grateful for my country! 

I spent my 4th of July mini golfing... I kicked all of the Elder's butts!
I found my new talent.

I know that this is the true church. Jesus Christ is the head. I know that The Book of Mormon is true and that Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet. God lives, we are his children. I know that if we trust in his plan and repent daily we will be truly happy in this life and in the eternities!

Con Amor,

Hermana Minnick

This is Presidents granddaughter, Leah!  Isn't she beautfiul!

Note from Tami:  Love this video!!  A day in the life of our Guatemalan Missionaries!!  There is a quick glimpse of Hermana Whitney Minnick with her comp Barbara Garcia!