Personal Time with our Missionaries!

We have a goal, it's a mighty and difficult one to be sure . . . we want to  spend some individual time with all the missionaries!

We try to gather small groups as best we can so we can get to know each missionary better and have some kind of fun interaction with them during their service here in the San Pedro Sula East Mission.  Usually we prepare a personal message with thoughts that will help them in their service or lift and inspire with particular challenges they may have going on at the moment.




If we can we like to get all members of the group involved in some way, to share a testimony, or a spiritual thought, a song or hymn that they like . . . and even helping with the preparations to set things up or clean up.


Sometimes we have the opportunity to have missionaries whose areas are within a reasonable travel distance come to the home to visit.  It's not something we can do on our new missionary arrival days as we are located so far from the airport, and so far from where we do all our orientation and where the missionaries stay the night to prepare for the upcoming transfer meeting the next day.

We love the opportunity for a little one on one interaction with the missionaries and the opportunity to provide them with a home-cooked meal, or something that resembles a home-cooked meal!  It's been one of our most fun mission opportunities so far.




The difficulty lies in that most missionaries are not assigned within visiting distance of the Mission Home in San Pedro Sula.  So we try to incorporate these smaller gatherings whenever mission business takes us outside of San Pedro Sula to other areas of the mission.

AND slowly but surely we're working our way around . . .

Here's just a glimpse of some of the goings on . . .

(Sadly I'm realizing I didn't get photos of all the different groups . . . but we'll try to do better!)

These last two photos are a little impromptu gathering . . . as we all had to spend half a day in the

"Official"

Honduras Immigration office

taking care of Visa busines . . .

At least, if you have to wait a

half day in the VISA immigration 

office  - 

It's so nice that we could wait together!

And it wasn't time wasted for sure . . .

I saw at least three different missionary discussions taking

place during the time we spent there.

Way to go Elders and Sisters!!

Union Square Plan of Salvation

I also wanted to include a link to a pretty awesome missionary opportunity -

New York City missionaries created a unique mural on the
sidewalks of Union Square!

Pretty creative I must admit - loved to see the opportunities in this video!

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Adjusting to Missionary Life

(The photos below are all from training sessions (may not be the same for all missions everywhere! This is a decision we make to do additional training) usually held approximately 4 weeks after a new missionary arrives in the mission field.  After gaining some initial experience with their new companions and an opportunity to become accustomed somewhat to the missionary lifestyle - they all return with their trainers for some additional training  - an opportunity to exchange experiences with those they met in the MTC, a chance to visit with President and Hna. Klein - the Assistants and all the Sister Training Leaders.  It's a time that we all enjoy - as we get to know these newly serving missionaries much better!)

The First 12 Weeks . . .

When a new missionary arrives in the mission field there is a lot to take in . . . especially if one hasn't had much opportunity to travel outside of their hometown, state or country.  For those arriving from North America the change in climate is pretty astounding.  We watch all the missionaries gasp as they take their first deep breath as they exit the airport customs area and feel that first blast of humidity and heat roll over them.  I remember myself, it's such a strange sensation, you almost can't breath.  Even those arriving from different parts of South America and Central America are surprised at the heat.  I'm certain we have one of the hotter and most humid missions in South and Central America.

Immediately they notice they aren't in "Kansas" any more.  If Spanish isn't their native language . . . that language they just spent 6 weeks learning in the MTC is not very helpful those first few days.  They wonder if they will ever be able to communicate or understand anything ever again.





The scenery is beyond description.  From the beautify of the green jungle filled hills, to the blue skies on a clear day, the typical Honduras bright colors everywhere, animals roaming at will through the streets, busy horse drawn carts, people walking, sitting, standing outside their homes.  To most missionaries it doesn't look anything like home.  At first it's intriguing . . .

Each arriving missionary is paired up with a "Senior Companion", someone with experience in the mission.  From that moment on . . . each missionary has the responsibility to stay with their companion, within eyesight and hearing of each other.  It's a responsibility most have never experienced before and takes some getting used to.

Then there is the busy missionary schedule.  They have long very structured days, free of television, video games, cell phones, computers . . . they spend several hours a day in personal and companionship study, preparing lessons to teach as they greet people throughout their day, learning and perfecting their language skills.   Many are not used to waking each day at 6:30 am and continuing until 10:30 pm with a long busy day in between those hours.

Those first 12 weeks are certainly a period of adjustment to a very different lifestyle.  Many missionaries long for home, their comfy beds, the security of home and family to surround them, familiar foods, someone who they can engage in casual conversation without having to attempt frantic translations.




To say that most missionaries experience stressful times during this time would be the understatement of the century.  Some missionaries appear to sail right through it with scarcely a backward glance.  Many missionaries struggle . . .

 . . . especially those first 12 weeks.




The Good News

The good news is . . .

that it get's better  :)

Soon they start to look around and appreciate the new culture.  This most unusual way of life.  Most develop great friendships with their companions.  Many learn life lessons as they develop compassion, communication skills, an appreciation for ones different strengths (and weaknesses!).  It's so interesting to observe these missionaries as they learn amazing life lessons we couldn't begin to teach them in a classroom.  They develop skills that will bless their lives forever.






Empathy for Investigators
(a missionary term for those people expressing an interest in the missionary message and lessons - the missionaries meet with them regularly to help them progress in their studies)

Adjusting to this new way of life gives them great empathy for their investigators who are making their own lifestyle and cultural changes as they embrace the gospel in their lives.  They experience much the same emotions as a newly arrived missionary in a foreign country.  Both excited and nervous and always feeling very inadequate.  But soon they can lead by experience and with the guidance of the spirit help their investigators learn to thrive in a new and different lifestyle.  Becoming familiar with living the law of chastity, testing faith through paying tithing, embracing the word of wisdom, attending regular Sunday meetings each week, dressing modestly, honoring the Sabbath day.








Adjusting to Missionary Life -

During the 2013 Mission Presidents Seminar that we were so privileged to attend, the missionary department began to introduce a new resource to help missionaries adjust to the mission lifestyle.  We are very excited to begin to use this program and teach some helpful skills to all newly arriving missionaries that they will be able to use throughout their lives as they encounter periods of change and new challenges and opportunities for growth.

It starts right after they receive their call in the mail with some pre-missionary training, continues at the MTC or CCM,  we follow up especially during their first 12 weeks in the mission.

I thought it would be helpful to share the following suggestions for all newly called missionaries -

• Look for ways to serve others!  Missionary work is a call to service.  Begin now to look for ways to reach out in love to those around you, a kind word, an act of charity, or friendship.
• Focus on strengthening your relationship with  your Heavenly Father.  Seek the spirit through prayer, study, uplifintg music.  Ponder upon how Heavenly Father will strengthen you to do his work.
• Develop an attitude of Gratitude - Offer a prayer of tratitude each day for those things you have been blessed with and the calling you have received.
• Be kind and patient with yourself - remember everyone gets frustrated or makes mistakes at times.  Remember that thoughts of hopelessness and helplessness are not from the Lord.  Know that the Lord understands and will be with you every step of the way.
• Expect the unexpected - the missionary experience is different for everyone!  Be open and receptive to change!

And we will be there every step of the way as well!

An adjustment period for missionaries is entirely normal.  It is not in any way a sign that they lack faith or a testimony of the gospel.  They are learning the skills that it takes to be successful and that takes time.  Life as a missionary will be different than anyone could ever tell you or try to prepare you beforehand.  

"And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up"

-- Doctrine and Covenants 84:88

"know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee  

experience, and shall be for thy good." 

--Doctrine and Covenants 122:7

These things I believe . . .

These things I know.

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Welcome to our Humble Abode . . .

"The words “sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven,” from the hymn “Praise to the Man,”  always stir my soul. Sacrifice is defined as “the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else more important or worthy.”  Sacrifice comes in many forms and may not always be convenient. Latter-day Saints make a covenant with the Lord to sacrifice. By doing so, we surrender our will to His, dedicating our lives to building up His kingdom and serving His children."

-- Robert K. Dellenbach - of the First Quorum of the Seventy

Well . . .

Just thought I'd take you on a little tour of some of the locations where our missionaries live.  It's quite interesting . . .

We know that not all missions are created equal.  We all seriously laugh out loud every time we get to show "The District" videos for missionary training.  They are excellent and we love them!  But we all just laugh when the missionaries arrive, get into cars to travel to their areas, and then arrive in apartments with kitchens, couches, kitchen tables, chairs.  

Our missionary apartments are SOOOOO not like that!  Their daily travel consists of wearing out their shoes on the rocky dirt roads that line the streets of nearly every place outside (and inside) San Pedro Sula.  Old orange donated school buses that careen from lane to lane, filled to the brim with all things imaginable - are their alternative transportation if they are going from city to city for some reason.  Sometimes smaller mini-vans held together with duct tape and painted in all sorts of rad colors is another alternative.  Nursing mothers on all the buses help keep their little ones under control . . . you name it our missionaries have seen it . 

But back to our humble abodes . . .



They may be humble in circumstance, but are blessed with an abundance of the Spirit, their own unique charm, and frequently a beautiful vista . . .

(Just a note - all photos are randomly inserted, but were all taken at our missionaries homes as we have visited them throughout the mission, they don't necessarily go together as grouped)

Typically . . . most have tile floors, some are cement.  Many are painted in bright colors that are typical of Honduras.  Almost all are empty of furnishings or kitchen items until we put something inside the homes for the missionaries use.  There is no such thing as a built in kitchen for most apartments.  

(This is an example actually of an exceptional kitchen - we would love to be able to find more like this for our missionaries :)

The usual furnishings include one table for study, two folding chairs, two beds, a portable closet to hang up their clothes, a microwave, two fans, a two burner hot plate, a mini (seriously mini) refrigerator, two bowls, two plates, two forks, knives and spoons.  One small frying pan and a few other dishes.  A mop, a broom, two buckets (one to clean with, one to shower with), usually an iron and a few miscellaneous items . . . 

 . . .  and seriously that is about it . . . I can't think of much else.  Flushing the toilet usually means hauling a bucket of water into the bathroom and then pouring water down the toilet after use. 

(we joined an apartment of sister missionaries to break our fast, it was amazing the delicious lunch they prepared to serve us.  Even going to great lengths to borrow a blender so we could make "licuados", an Honduran smoothie!)

Water, Water Everywhere but not a Drop to Drink . . . 

About half have running water, few to none have warm water.  Usually a shower is a trickle of water from an open pipe, if it runs at all.  Apartments have "pilas" sometimes in back of the home, sometimes outside in the yard.  They are essentially large concrete basins meant to do laundry.  Frequently the missionaries use the pila for washing up (it's a stretch to say bathing or a shower), washing their clothes etc.  Some missionaries hire a laundry person to assist with their laundry.

I've heard it likened to "camping in Sunday clothes".  Sounds pretty accurate . . .



This kitchen by the way . . . wins the prize for tidiness! Invite us to dinner any day!!  

So I have to hand it to these hard working elders and sisters who seldom complain.  I love and admire them so much.  I cannot even begin to express how much they accomplish, in an environment very different from where they came from.  

(At least for most . . . we did have one missionary express great thanks for their wonderful home, expressing that it was better than the family enjoyed at home, and a 
real bed to sleep in . . . )

My heart . . .

is indeed humbled.


We know that each missionary everywhere is sacrificing their time, talents and service to share a gospel message and bring people in all countries to a knowledge of the Savior.  Each missionary struggles during their time of service with personal, physical, spiritual and emotional challenges.  It's a sacrifice.

Each one gives up something of value for the sake of something else more 
worthy or important.  

It's a sacrifice, we are a covenant people, and we have made a covenant to do so.

And we here in the San Pedro Sula East Mission
are counting the blessings.

For we are much blessed.

"I think that the very first blessing coming from sacrifice is the joy that we can feel when we pay the price. Perhaps the very thought that the sacrifice itself could be a blessing becomes a blessing. When we have that kind of thought and feel the joy, we might have received a blessing already."

-- Won Yong Ko - of the Second Quorum of the Seventy

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Incoming!

Once again it's been an amazing week of adventure, tumultuous times, new arrivals and many mini-miracles.  Just wanted to share this photo of all our new arrivals!!

We had missionaries arrive from three different MTC's this time around.

The Guatemala CCM -

The Mexico City CCM -

and the Provo MTC.

Which means we spent a great deal of time in the airport and greeted three different flights.


We actually missed greeting our 18 new missionaries arriving from the Guatemala CCM as their flight arrived at 6 am, and our schedule from the CCM said they were arriving at 10 am.  So one of our mini miracles was that a member of the church happened to be in the airport and by contacting her home ward was able to track down a number for one of our Assistants.  Whew!  Thank goodness we have members watching out for our missionaries ALL over the world!!





Once we found out their flight had arrived we dropped everything and rushed to the airport.  Fortunately we had everyone assembled, sister trainer leaders, assistants - and we were just putting the finishing touches on the preparations for the day.

Next to arrive was our elder from the States, coming from Provo!





He also managed to clear customs in record time!  We planned for another elder just recently arrived from the same hometown to greet him with us.  Here are our two Sandy, Utah elders.  We lived in Sandy for many years.  Not far from these elders home and families.  Small world . . . . we are personal friends with one of the elders Stake Presidents.  That's always a nice feeling!





Here we are with the six missionaries that arrived from the Mexico City CCM, as well as our elder from Provo.

This makes 26 new missionaries, 11 new sisters, and 15 new elders.


Tomorrow they will meet their new companions - and off they will go to their areas.

But first they are in for a long day of orientation, training, an opportunity to go contact and greet many of the people of the community here, and much good food!


Welcome to the Honduras, San Pedro Sula East Mission!

We are so glad you are here!

It has been the greatest pleasure to already greet and visit with each one of these fine young missionaries.  They each arrive with great enthusiasm, a desire to share the gospel, and an amazing testimony.  We can see that these missionaries are especially blessed, and especially prepared to serve in the latter-days.  The time is coming quickly.  We don't have as much time for preparations, yet they are being prepared by the Lord for their time of service.  

We have seen young missionaries with not a lot of time in the mission already accomplish great things.  We know that this is our Heavenly Father's work.  We know that when much is expected, many blessings are received.  We know that we are strengthened daily for the work.  We know that whom the Lord calls, he qualifies.  We see his hand every day.  We see him pour his blessings of protection out upon our missionaries every day.  We know this is the Lords work.

And we are grateful.

Grateful to be serving in this time

in this place

with these fine young missionaries.

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Missionaries Like Mail

I recently added a sidebar option with the many ways you can communicate with your missionary serving in the Honduras San Pedro Sula East Mission.

Here is some additional helpful information:

I discovered some of this information on one of our Sister Missionary's blogsites, Hermana Orgill.  Hope she doesn't mind me including her  information in this post!

Addresses for the MTC's who send missionaries to our mission:

Mexico City MTC Address:

(Name of your Missionary)

Honduras San Pedro Sula East Mission

Charretera Tenayuca-Chalmita #828

Colonia Zona Escolar, Gustavo A. Madero

07230 Mexico, Distrito Federal

Mexico

Guatemala MTC Address:

(Name of your Missionary)

Honduras San Pedro Sula East Mission

Guatemala Missionary Training Center

Bulevar Vista Hermosa 23-71

Vista Hermosa I, Zona 15

Guatemala City 01015

GUATEMALA

Use this address for letters or packages while your missionary in serving in the mission field here in Honduras.  It doesn't matter which location or zone, individual apartments do not have addresses.

(Name of Missionary)

Honduras San Pedro Sula East Mission

12 Calle, Avenida Circunvalacion, S.O.

Edif. Yude Canahuati, 3 Nivel, Oficina 4

San Pedro Sula, Cortés 

HONDURAS C.A

An explanation of how the Pouch System works and how to use it - 

Pouch Mail:

Pouch mail is a great way to contact your missionary who has arrived in the mission field. The benefit of Pouch Mail is you can mail letters using U.S First Class stamps. (No international stamps needed. Its cheeper to mail letters this way.) Pouch Mail has specific guidelines.

Guidelines for pouch mail:

1. Only postcards or one-page letters. (One side only for the letters.)

2. No envelopes

3. Don't use notebook paper. (The letter won't be processed if light weight paper like notebook paper is used)

4. Don't send money or photographs using pouch mail.

Letter folding instructions for pouch mail:

1. Lay the blank side of the letter on a flat surface.

2. Bring the bottom of the letter about 1/3 the way up. Fold the letter at this point.

3. Bring the top of letter to the bottom of first fold. Fold the letter at this point.

4. Place two pieces of tape to secure. Make sure the pieces of tape are at least 1 inch away from the side of the letter.

5. Address letter.

Pouch Mail Address for Mexico City MTC:

(Name of your Missionary)

Mexico City MTC

P.O. Box 30150

Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150

Pouch Mail Address for Guatemala MTC:

(Name of your Missionary)

Guatemala MTC

P.O. Box 30150

Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0150

Pouch Mail Address for Honduras:

(Name of your Missionary)

Honduras San Pedro Sula East Mission

PO Box 30150

Salt Lake City, Utah 84130-0150

Dear Elder. Com:

Dear Elder. Com  is a great way to send a letter. And it's free and online to send a pouch letter to anywhere in the world.  They have some other great options . . . check them out at - 

Click here to access dearelder.com.http://www.dearelder.com/index/inc_name/home

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Exciting things going on . . .

It's been a time of great transition in this mission . . .

When we received our call to serve as Mission President and wife back in December 2012, the San Pedro Sula mission had 180ish currently serving missionaries.  By the time we arrived in the mission at the end of June 2013 the numbers had grown to approximately 260 missionaries.

After the division we each began the missions East and West with about 130 missionaries each.

Both missions now have about 155 missionaries serving in each mission.

The ranks are indeed swelling!

By the end of the year we should be close to 230 missionaries in each mission.  A net gain for the area over a years time  . . .

 . . . going from 180 to 460 missionaries.

I think we are going to see some amazing things happen with the missionary work here in the San Pedro Sula area!

It makes for some interesting aspects to consider . . .

The majority of our missionaries are now younger and have less experience, yet the caliber of our missionaries is incredible!  Those arriving with less time in the MTC or CCM are indeed called to serve!  They come with an anxious desire to get started in the work and with much enthusiasm.  They bring an incredible amount of energy that we are starting to see really surge through the mission.

But  . . . on the flip side . . .



Mission Leadership Council

We look at our mission leadership . . . these outstanding Elders and Sisters who lead and train by example . . . they are astounding.  Their experience is invaluable!




And by the end of the year . . . they will mostly be gone.

We are already so sad . . . it's hard to contemplate.

We now have four sister trainer leaders

(Hermanas Lederes Entreneadores we call them)

And our two Assistants

(or Asistentes)

Provide us invaluable counsel on all levels.

We can't imagine what we would do without them.

Fortunately . . . we can see some great leadership potential . . . just
waiting in the wings . . .



Stake Conferences

One of our many assignments is the opportunity to speak about our favorite topic in
Stake Conference . . .

Missionary Work!

It's a wonderful opportunity to share a testimony of the gospel and generate excitement in the members as they increase their efforts to work alongside our missionaries.  We are amazed at the work they are getting done together.  We hear of wonderful miracles taking place from both the missionaries and the members as they combine their efforts.  "Hastening the Work" is happening here in the San Pedro Sula East Mission.

(Futura Misionera . . . Stake Presidency . . . A Young Stake President and family)

One of the ways all the members travel to Stake Conference or other church meetings each week is through the local bus routes.  Here it's called the Ruta and everyone rides it.  Many still struggle to find the minimal fee to pay their way . . . so they can attend their meetings each Sunday.  Some wards are providing a bus so that their members can make the long trip to worship each week.

(the gathering crowd)

(a few excellent missionaries laboring in the Satelite Stake)

I'll leave you with a few fun photos . . .

Every once in a while I catch a glimpse of this matched pair outside my window . . . definitely one of the most beautiful sides to Honduras are the variety of birds and other varied and sundry wildlife.

They do have the MOST unusual cows here . . .

Usually we find ourselves in a different town,

different ward or branch for 

Sunday meetings each week.  

We love to visit and see where each of our missionaries labor

each day.  

One thing we can count on . . .

It's always a blessing in our lives.

It's always an adventure . . .

I have yet to find the appropriate shoes

for all of these occasions.

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