Honduras
San Pedro Sula East Mission
2013 - 2016

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Welcome to Honduras!

(currently duplicate posting on our personal
blog as well as here on our mission blog,
I'm sure one of these days we'll figure out 
how to separate them!)

I have about a minute to share a few photos
from the last few days!
We were able to meet a few of the missionaries bound for 
San Pedro Sula East mission just as we were leaving the MTC.
Sadly, the MTC staff only were able to get the message to half of our group
to come to the meeting place so we could only meet with half
of the missionaries that we were aware of that have received
calls to serve in our mission.
(cell phone photos . . . guess I'm destined to share them for the 
next three years.  Hopefully they'll be interspersed with some better quality ones
from time to time:)
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A glimpse of Belize as we were flying by . . .

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Our first sights of Honduras!
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We already have a favorite dinner spot - 
On their way out of town we were able to dine 
with President and Hma. Veirs who shared so much with us
to help us prepare for this great assignment.
Thank goodness we took home a doggie bag . . . haven't made it to the grocery 
store since we arrived on Thursday morning!

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The brushing of the teeth is just not the same . . .

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From inside looking out . . .

From inside out . . .
One of the views from our window . . .

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We leave today for meetings to 
greet the missionaries all over the mission. We'll be traveling for the next
five days!

We've haven't even unpacked from our arrival which
maybe is a good thing now that I think about.

So many impressions to share from the 
Mission Presidents Seminar
and also our arrival in Honduras.

But enjoy this little preview :)

Loves!!

Monday, June 24, 2013

The Time has Come . . . The Time is Now . . .

Well . . .

Ready or not  - off we go!

Checked in at the MTC on Saturday morning.  We are feeling pretty amazed, uplifted, inspired -
yes, all of the above.

We wondered how they would manage to teach us everything we would need to know in a 5 day seminar in order to care for 150-250 young 18-25 year old missionaries in a third world country.  But they are packing our days pretty full.  From early morning to late nights . . . we have the opportunity to be trained by the best of the best of the best.

There is so much I could say but would like to share just a few thoughts . . .

We were very privileged on Sunday morning to attend a Sacrament meeting with the First Presidency of the Church and Quorum of the Twelve, plus many other General Authorities and members of the Missionary Department.  It honestly was one of the most thought provoking, heart stirring experiences I've had opportunity to participate in. (for those not of my faith - I'm including a few definitions below).

I have difficulty describing exactly what it was that brought the Spirit so strongly to the meeting . . .  truly it was in fact part that we were in the company of such greatness, but it was even more
than that . . .

I reflect upon the magnificent choir who provided both prelude and musical numbers, upon the 20 something clean cut, handsome, glowing young missionaries who passed the sacrament, the sacredness of the work that is rolling forth, the degree of sacrifice and diligence present in such a compact space . . . who knows what it was, but it was incredible.  Only a few times in my life have I been able to catch a glimpse that extends beyond our mortal world, and this was one of the few times.

I want to say something to the mothers of all missionaries - any of the ones I describe could be yours.

As I looked at the beautiful sisters and the handsome young men of the choir who sang and touched the hearts of each of us . . . They were amazing.  They were beyond perfect.  I think their moms would be so proud if they could see them.

As I looked at the worthy young missionary priesthood holders, blessed to be asked to participate in the sacrament service of the day (can you imagine blessing the sacrament and passing to the members present, of which we were the least of the gathering??)  I think their moms would be so proud if they could see them.

But they could not . . . so just let me say that 173 moms watched and partook, and were so proud.





I can't think of a photo anywhere that would do justice to this post . . . but I'm including the two photos I have of the choir from the devotional, "The Work of Salvation" that was broadcast that evening.  One of the sea of sisters.  One of the Elders.


They will have to suffice.



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[In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the First Presidency is the presiding, or governing authority of the church. It usually consists of the President of the Church and two counselors. The counselors assist the church president and work closely with him in guiding the entire church.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are apostles, with the calling to be prophets, seers, and revelatorsevangelical ambassadors, and special witnesses of Jesus Christ.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a general authority is a member of the highest levels of leadership in the church[1] who has administrative and ecclesiastical authority over the church.


Partaking of the sacrament is an ordinance in the LDS faith. To partake of the sacrament often is to be in obedience to the command of Jesus Christ and to allow members the opportunity to demonstrate their willingness to remember the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.[2]
The sacrament is offered on a weekly basis during sacrament meeting]

Find out more about the 

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Recently "Called to Serve" . . .



We haven't yet left the country but already find ourselves
surrounded by the enthusiasm of the missionary work.  Through the list
of newly called Mission Presidents and various social media sites
we have had these young enthusiastic missionaries recently called to serve in the

Honduras San Pedro Sula East

mission reach out to us!

What a tremendous experience to spend a little bit of time together
before we depart for Honduras.  

We'll see you all on the flip side!

Continue in your inspiring and uplifting preparations . . . thank you for spending
your evening with us!


Sabbath Scripture Study / Hastening the Work of Salvation


  • Just a few thoughts for today if you are feelng the missionary spirit.  Some of my favorite scripture verses . . . 

Isaiah 52:7

  • And more . . .
  • I will both search my sheep and seek them out:Ezek. 34:11;
  • Preach the gospel to every creature:Mark 16:15; ( Morm. 9:22; )
  • The fields are white already to harvest:John 4:35;
  • And how shall they preach, except they be sent:Rom. 10:15;
  • Teach them the word of God with all diligence:Jacob 1:19;
  • The Lord grants unto all nations to teach his word:Alma 29:8;
  • The gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple:D&C 1:23;
  • A marvelous work is about to come forth:D&C 4:1;
  • If you labor all your days and bring one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy:D&C 18:15;
  • Mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts:D&C 29:7;
  • Go forth preaching my gospel, two by two:D&C 42:6;
  • The sound must go forth from this place:D&C 58:64;
  • Open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel:D&C 71:1;
  • Proclaim truth according to the revelations and commandments:D&C 75:4;
  • Every man who has been warned should warn his neighbor:D&C 88:81; ( D&C 38:40–41; )
  • The Lord will provide for the families of those who preach the gospel:D&C 118:3;
  • The servants of God shall go forth:D&C 133:38;
  • Faithful elders, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors:D&C 138:57


Don't miss the special Missionary Devotional this evening being live broadcast at LDS.org


4:00 pm - available in many Stake Centers, and at mormonchannel.org
facebook.com/lds



A new website is about to be revealed . . .

“Hastening the Work of Salvation: A Unified Effort in Conversion, Retention, and Activation”

 . . . providing inspirational guidance for priesthood leaders, ward councils, ward mission leaders, all members, missionaries and youth as they prepare to serve in spreading the gospel and receiving the blessings of the temple.

I'm thinking it may revolutionize the missionary effort everywhere!

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Sharing the Gospel Changes Lives . . .

Just an example of one instance where sharing the gospel made a difference . . .

A young man in Honduras changes his life and the gospel message touches his heart.


Thursday, June 20, 2013

Packing Light! Very Important for Missionaries!

Ok Missionaries . . .

One of the best tips I've encountered yet.

Some tips on
"Packing Light"


Wow!

Packing has been on my mind for many weeks now . . .

And I must say the pile of stuff that has to go into our suitcases keeps getting a little bigger everyday.  So I must say I was astounded to run across this video . . .

Perhaps you all have seen this before . . . but I literally sat there astounded watching how to pack this suitcase . . . I think I better share it with missionaries everywhere :)


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

19 Days and Counting . . .

Once again we find ourselves juggling boxes, changing closets and accumulating piles . . .

Piles to go to Honduras.

Piles to be packed into suitcases.

Piles to go to storage.

Piles to be packed up and stored in closets.



Really we have just 19 days . . . and yes, we are counting each and every one of them


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Just 19 days . . .

Until all this stuff is shipped, the bags will be packed and we will be on our way
to the MTC (Missionary Training Center for those unfamiliar with the LDS language terms)
for a 5 day seminar.

Our other dilemma is suitcases or duffle bags?  This shows our travel differences . . .
Kristin opted for the duffle bags . . . Norm for the suitcases . . .
We'll see which turns out to be the most flexible choice . . .


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About our upcoming Mission President's Seminar at the MTC which begins June 22 -

During our interview President Henry B. Eyring "joked" with us that they will share with us everything we need to know to manage, inspire and watch care for 150-250 missionaries for the next three years.

"Good Luck with that" he smiled as he said those words :)

Although the teachers and trainers just don't get any better than the Quorum of the Twelve, the First Presidency and the Missionary Department.

The days are going faster and faster .  . .

If you would like to join us as a Senior Couple
You'll find all the scoope at -
Come Serve a Senior Mission in Honduras!

The BEST KIND of Missionary Service . . .

The best KIND of missionary is . . .

Immersed in loving and serving the people.

I wanted to share this message from an awesome blogger by the name of

Seth Adam Smith

Trust me, you'll want to know more about him, and his posts will bless and inspire you also!



When you are called
and 
to the work . . .

You want to be the BEST kind of missionary!!


Aaron, Ammon, & the Two Types of Missionary Service

Ammon
Ammon
In The Book of Mormon, we are told of two types of missionaries. The first type of missionary is the surface-level one—a missionary that believes that his/her mission is only to preach to and convert others.  The second type of missionary is the immersed one—a missionary that believes that his/her mission is to love and serve others.
Aaron and Ammon, along with their brothers, went into Lamanite territory to serve their missions among the Lamanites. These particular Lamanites were described as “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering…and robbing and plundering” (Alma 17:14). Aaron, Ammon, and their brothers “separated themselves one from another, and went forth among [the Lamanites]” (Alma 17:17) “that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance; that perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of redemption” (Alma 17:16).
Aaron took the surface-level approach to missionary service. He was only out to preach to and convert others. Because of this, he immediately hit resistance: “And it came to pass as he began to expound these things unto them they were angry with him, and began to mock him;
Lamoni
Lamoni
and they would not hear the words which he spake” (Alma 21:10), and “they contended with many about the word” (Alma 21:11). Eventually, things got so bad that “Aaron and a certain number of his brethren were taken and cast into prison” (Alma 21:13).
Ammon, on the other hand, took the immersed approach to missionary service. His approach was to love those to whom he had been called to serve. In fact, he believed the Lamanites ”to be his brethren” (Alma 17:30), and treated them as such. Captured and bound by the Lamanites, he was taken to the feet of a Lamanite king named Lamoni. When King Lamoni asked why he had come into Lamanite territory, Ammon responded “I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die” (Ama 17:24). He also promptly told the king, ”I will be thy servant” (Alma 17:25). From that time forward, a deep bond of love and friendship began to grow between Ammon and Lamoni. Even Lamoni’s father later noticed “the great love [Ammon] had for his son, Lamoni” (Alma 20:26).
Ammon and Lamoni went on to release Aaron and his brethren from prison. Apparently, while in prison, Aaron had learned the value of service and love over surface-level missionary work, telling Lamoni’s father “we will be thy servants” (Alma 22:3). This missionary work, founded upon service, eventually evolved into one of the greatest conversion stories in The Book of Mormon—perhaps in all scripture.
And all of it was predicated upon learning to love the people.

God’s Work

With the likelihood that there will be almost 100,000 Mormon missionaries by the end of the year, my hope is that each of them could take Elder Weidmann’s words to heart.
Please learn to love the people you serve. Take it from a man who never finished his mission. If you learn to love those whom you are serving, everything else will fall into place.
Now, that doesn’t mean that the work will be easy. But it does mean that your joy in the work will increase. Because learning to love and serve people is God’s work—and it is the only thing that truly changes hearts.
Christ washing the feet of His disciples.
Christ washing the feet of His disciples.
Because Christ loves us, He left the comfort and power of his heavenly throne to labor among a fallen and a broken people. Despite our fractures and frailties, He not only acknowledges that we are family, but movingly calls us His friends (John 15:15). He descended below all things to serve us and lift us up—all because of love.
In like manner, Ammon and his brother Aaron—who could have been kings in their own land—gave up the comforts of their kingdoms to labor among the Lamanites. And despite the fact that the Lamanites were infamously known as ”a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people,” Ammon and Aaron came to view these people as their brethren. The love that Ammon and Aaron had for the Lamanites helped transformed them into a God-like people—a people so filled with love and service that their own deaths converted their murderers.
And now we—a people that are profoundly blessed with an abundance of knowledge, wealth, and opportunity—are asked to give it all up, (for at least two years) and to love and serve those who are, perhaps, less fortunate than we are. We are called to partake in the work and glory of God. And in that process, we are meant to learn how to love His children and to see them as our family.

Recalled to Serve

So, if I were recalled to serve a mission, I would learn to love the people I would serve. This time, I would try not to worry about my own selfish needs, but abouttheir needs. In trying to forget myself, perhaps I would forget about whatever fears and insecurities were holding me back from loving others. If I had done that in the first place, I would never have wanted to come home from my mission—the people would have been too dear to me. Oh, how I wish I could go back and see the faces of those Russian people! Oh, how I wish I had loved them as I love them now. Oh, how I wish I could serve once more…
But here’s the great thing: In Mormonism, there’s a divine clause to the call of missionary service: “if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work” (D&C 4:3).
In other words, if you want to serve God (and serve your fellow man), you are automatically called to serve.
And if you’ve already served but still desire to help others, you’ve just been recalled to serve.
Me with some of my favorite Russian people. I miss you!



We are all called

and 

"recalled"

to serve on a daily basis.

Thanks Seth for the great reminder!!  

How can you serve and further the work in your life today??

Come Serve a Senior Mission in Honduras

Come Serve a Senior Mission in Honduras . . .

Hey!

What can I say?

This is an outright blatant plea for your consideration . .

We're even willing to offer a bribe (or a promise) of sorts  . . .

What is it?





Hopefully I have your attention!

Wanted:  LDS Senior Missionary Couples
to serve as Senior Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Particularly in the San Pedro Sula East Mission!
Are you the adventurous sort, just wondering where the next stage of life is taking you?  Looking for an opportunity where you can really make a difference?  

Boy . . . have we got an opportunity and challenge for you!

We are currently in need of Senior Couple missionaries.  No Spanish necessary to serve in English speaking areas of our mission.  We are really in need of 3-4 Senior Missionary couples!

You are in a position to serve and really make a difference in the lives of the people.

Do you have love you an share?
You are qualified for the work.

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