Day Trip To Guatemala City (From Rebekah, May 5)

On Tuesday, the Central American missionaries who arrived the same time we did left for the field. It was so fun to see them off. The Spirit was so strong as they departed for their missions. Missionary work is so inspired and so important. I have had some really good experiences this week. All of them consisting of spiritual enlightenment. I love being a missionary. I feel so privileged to be serving in Quetzaltenango. Yesterday we went to one of the Mayan ruins. (Because all the Latino Missionaries had left, and none of then new ones had arrived yet...they get here today, President Stiemle and his wife took us on a day trip to see Guatemala City.) This ruin was a Temple Tomb for a king right around the time Lehi died. It was really interesting to see. I loved looking at all the ancient pottery. I love their way of life. We also spent a couple hours in the market. Mom! ...and everyone... the food was so COOL. The people all get together and sell the food from their gardens. I loved it! I wanted to try everything! But of course, I didn't buy anything. The clothes are so colorful as well! There was this one stand with lots of different grains. I stood there in heaven and named all the grains for my companion. (I haven't seen a whole grain in six weeks! Both MTCs serve all white everything!) My companion didn't really care, not many 21 year old's hearts fill with joy when they see bags of grains, but a little Guatemalan lady walked by and she shared in my joy! We taught each other the names of the grains, she taught me the Spanish words and I taught her the English. It was a sweet tender mercy. I felt just like you were with me mom, loving to see these fresh foods grown on individual people's lands. I am filled with so much peace all the time. I'm so grateful. Sometimes things happen that I think should cause stress, but the Spirit won’t let me. I just keep knowing that God is taking very good care of me. Isn't it amazing that you can communicate so well with someone who speaks a different language. I often get to be the translator here. A North American will say something in Spanish to the Latinos, and then they'll all say, 'Hermana Finch?' asking me to explain it. I'll use almost the exact same words, but for some reason they seem to understand me. I think it's because most of the communication comes from the heart, instead of the brain. I love being a missionary!