Training in Guatemala

This is where we were trained. This building holds the institute, the employment center, the PEF center and the bishop's storehouse. It is a very nice building.

This is the bishop's storehouse. In the back was a room where people would measure and fill the bags of rice and beans. It looks quite a bit different then what we usually see.

These are the filled orders

We got to go and see the Guatemala Temple. It is hard to take a picture of the whole thing because the spire is so tall. The grounds were also very lovely.

These are the people we got to work with while we were in Guatemala. On the left is Reynoldo Nunez who is the director of PEF in the Central American area, Elder and Sister Arnold and they are from Utah and then Claudia Galvez who has been the head of the service centers.

And They Are Off

We left the MTC Saturday morning the 18th of June at 5:00 am and were driven to the SL airport. We left about 8 and arrived in Dallas/Fort Worth and had about a 4 hour layover. It is such a huge airport. You had to take a tram to go from one terminal to the next. We were headed for Guatemala for more training before heading off for El Salvador.

Here is our last look at the United States coast line. When we got to Guatemala there was a terrible storm so the plane could not land so they flew to El Salvador. There we waited in the plane until the storm over Guatemala stopped and then we flew back to Guatemala. Glad it was only about a 45 minute flight. Here we waited for our bags, got through customs and we were met by two senior elders who took us to a beautiful hotel, the Barcelona, where we stayed while we were in Guatemala.

Here is a view of Guatemala out the window of our room at the Barcelona. They had a complementary buffet breakfast. One of the things I tried was fried platano which is similar to a banana. It is really good. They had all sorts of breads, eggs, fruits, meats. Lots to choose from. A senior couple, Elder and Sister Arnold, picked us up for church and we attended the branch they are assigned to. The people are so friendly and welcomed us very warmly.

This is another view out of our window and these volcanos are called the Tres Hermanas

At the MTC

This is the building where we stayed. We started classes at 8:00 am and had classes all day long. The first week we worked on sharing the Gospel, the second week was learning about Seminaries and Institutes and spending the last couple of days in Salt Lake City learning about the Perpetual Education Fund. we had great teachers and were with a wonderful group of senior missionaries going all over.

This is in front of the famous map. We are with Elder and Sister Nielsen and they were going to Malaysia.

This is our tutor, Sister Flores, that worked with us both when we were in Yuba City and then I had class with her and Dad had another tutor from 6-8 in the evening. By then it had been a really long day but she was very patient and we really appreciated all she did to get us working on the language. After classes Dad and I would walk up to Rock Creek Park and then run down the hill. I just loved that time of day. We kept thinking we would take pictures but usually forgot the camera or we got away to late and it was too dark.

The rules for senior missionaries and young missionaries are a little different. We were free to go do what we wanted to after classes and just had to check in and out. So on Saturday, Nathan and Emily picked us up in the morning and we were planning to go to the temple, but the Timpanogos Temple was closed as was the Jordan River so we ended up at the Oquirrah Hills Temple. It was very beautiful.

We did some shopping to get a few last minute things. And then we got to go to the shower for Nathan and Emily at Don and Jana's. That was just alot of fun.

The happy newly wed couple. It was really fun to see all who were there.

The kids had a great time out in the back. The weather was just perfect. Thanks to all for such a fun time and thanks for all the help while we were in the MTC.

Before We Go Any Further

We had such a wonderful time in April/May. It was so much fun to be with everyone and we so appreciated all the help. This is only a little snapshot of all the things that went on and I didn't even get everything in. Thanks again for all you do to get us where we need to go.

And So It Begins

Monday morning started bright and early for us. We had to be to the airport by 5:00 am so we were up by 2:45 to get ready and finish the last minute packing. We got everything in and under 50 pounds in each suitcase. Peter and Melody were so kind to come and pick us up and take us to the airport. We arrived in SLC at 9:00 and N&E were there to greet us and help us gather our six bags and fit them into their car. We had time to have a quick breakfast and to see N&E's new apartment. Then off to the MTC.

Signing in

Ready to go