Querido Familia y Amigas:
The last weekend before Christmas and snow seems so far away. Dad and I have been out walking again with cameras in hand to capture the tropical flowers of Guatemala. (see the slideshow of "Little Things" for some of them)
The last two days we have gone early to our shifts so that we can have our pictures taken by the nativity outside the temple. There is always someone on the lawn or steps, waiting for a session, waiting for a bride and groom, resting between various ordinances. I have pictures of people asleep on their blankets by the fence, and missionaries resting in the shade on their backpacks. This has been a busy place this week.
The stir was caused by two bus-loads of tiny people from the Petan. They are about 4 or 4 1/2 feet tall and about the most loving people you will ever meet. I wasn't in any sessions with them, but our missionary neighbor said she and her husband worked with them and what a delight it was. They speak only K'Ichi, a Mayan language. Fortunately the temple has personal wearable translators that can accommodate up to 10 different languages at a time. In preparation meeting the first day, the presidency found only three workers/missionaries that can speak the language. I needed to hear English for a session and went into the translation closet to find only one headset left, meaning they were all out in use! The Mayan group stayed for two days that I know about. There was a very special Spirit in the temple during that time.
The last weekend before Christmas and snow seems so far away. Dad and I have been out walking again with cameras in hand to capture the tropical flowers of Guatemala. (see the slideshow of "Little Things" for some of them)
The last two days we have gone early to our shifts so that we can have our pictures taken by the nativity outside the temple. There is always someone on the lawn or steps, waiting for a session, waiting for a bride and groom, resting between various ordinances. I have pictures of people asleep on their blankets by the fence, and missionaries resting in the shade on their backpacks. This has been a busy place this week.
The stir was caused by two bus-loads of tiny people from the Petan. They are about 4 or 4 1/2 feet tall and about the most loving people you will ever meet. I wasn't in any sessions with them, but our missionary neighbor said she and her husband worked with them and what a delight it was. They speak only K'Ichi, a Mayan language. Fortunately the temple has personal wearable translators that can accommodate up to 10 different languages at a time. In preparation meeting the first day, the presidency found only three workers/missionaries that can speak the language. I needed to hear English for a session and went into the translation closet to find only one headset left, meaning they were all out in use! The Mayan group stayed for two days that I know about. There was a very special Spirit in the temple during that time.
One of the gifts that is developing in me by pure association is the ability to express love. Below is a tender video in which a child talks about what we have so much of: the pure love of each other and of Christ. In fact, I have started calling our neighbor Hermano Sonrisa (Elder Smile). I love seeing him at the recommend desk; he always makes my day with his heartwarming welcome. We try to do the same with everyone, and it is such a blessing. I truly feel like I'm living in a bit of heaven.
Another gift, this time from me to the temple, is my beginning to play prelude for preparation meetings. The meeting area has been moved upstairs to a larger room, one with a piano/organ combination instrument. You would never believe how much appreciation I receive for five minutes of Christmas music before the meetings begin. I know there are others here that play, but this seems to be such a new idea to the presidency that I wonder if they just don't think music. In any case, it brings a wonderful spirit and it's one more small way I can bless others.
Here we are a week before Christmas and it still seems a little like a dream. We've had lots of interchange between us as missionaries. The Burks sent a package of candy and fruit. Others have brought cakes and food. Dad and I spent one of the most delightful days we've had, preparing my story from Christmas last year ("The Donkey's Story"). I took the slide pictures and made pages to go with the story. We then took it to a store near here for copying and had an entire assembly line of young women putting it together for us.
Many many thanks to those of you who have sent cards and presents. We miss you all. I was somewhat bravely saying that we could do very well with our poinsettia for decoration. Then Kim and Chad sent the cards below. Just this past week a fat envelope arrived from Kristi. We think we're tough, I suppose, but it's oh so nice to be loved!
My personal Christmas miracle: It's taken awhile to pull out of last week's experience in the hospital. Tuesday I was able to work an hour of my shift. I arrived Wednesday with similar weakness but prayed really hard to be able to have increased strength. I was almost immediately given the stamina that I needed and I worked the entire shift. The same thing happened on Wednesday! Dad said he thought I had merited the help because I had sharpened my desires and focus and was now doing all I could to be there. We have five missionaries/workers leaving and are often very short-handed. The help came both when I needed it for my self-esteem and when the temple needs it for all the work being done before the Christmas break. This experience has so deepened my appreciation and love for all the blessings I have received that I'm sure I am changed forever. All of these experiences, even as "basic" as being here on this planet, living and breathing are because of the Lord Jesus Christ. May we worship deeply and enjoy every moment of this blessed season. Love to all, Hermana Brubaker Missionary Mom |