January 8, 2011

Dear Family and Friends, January 8,2011

We are in the midst of summer here in Paraguay. The weather is hot and humid and we have had afternoon thunderstorms almost all week. We also have seen a rise in the health related phone calls we are receiving. When missionaries are out working hard it is so vital that they drink lots of water. It also means if they are not careful of the water they drink we see the results of that in the way they feel. We try to teach and remind but sometimes missionaries just have to experience the ill effects of unfiltered water before they become more careful about what they drink. When they eat in members’ homes they always need to have their filter bottle with them so they can have good water to drink. Many times they drink the juice offered which is made with unfiltered water and there is the problem. Keeping the missionaries healthy is so important so they can enjoy the work more and accomplish what the Lord needs them to here while they are on their missions. Anyway most missionaries figure out how to do the things that will keep them healthy and full of the energy they need to do the work here.

This week we had a Zone leaders council held here at the mission home quincho. We enjoy seeing the zone leaders each month and helping them learn how to better lead their zones. We have some good leaders who are trying hard to help the other missionaries in their zones. Each month there is an accounting made for how their zones are doing and then a sharing of ideas of how to improve. We are still working on implementing the fundamental principles from Preach My Gospel. There really is so much to always be teaching and practicing that we feel like there is never enough time to do all we want to. One of our the new assistants ,Elder J. Roberts from Weston , Idaho was especially impressive. It was his first time to teach during the council as an assistant and he showed a knowledge of the gospel and teaching abilities that were very wonderful! There is great power and strength in the missionary force around the world. The Lord has prepared great young men and women to do his work!

Lidu and I prepared a lunch of barbeque chicken and baked beans and scalloped potatoes. We tried a new recipe I found for sugar cookie bars that everyone loved. There is never one crumb left of anything we serve. Missionaries love to eat!

We also had a few missionaries in the office to take the English test. The latins have some English books given then in the MTC in Argentina and if they complete them they can take an English test that will show their competency and they can receive a certificate from BYU that can help in job placement after the mission. It is a good program if the missionaries take advantage of it!

This month Mark has priesthood leadership meetings every Sunday in all the districts. He goes out with his councilors and they hold the meetings and have interviews while they are out in the areas. Tomorrow he will leave at 4 am and return around 10 or 11pm because the meeting is in Encarnacion which is 5 hours away. It makes for long weeks when he does this every weekend all month. His responsibilities overwhelm me often when I think of the 188 missionaries and all of the district responsibilities that he has. He is really trying to help teach and train the leaders in the district . There is such a need for that here. Oh what he would give to have his Farmington high council and presidency here to help him! I think he is doing a great job but he never feels like he is doing all he wants to be able to do.

Well , it is a new year and the second full year we will spend in Paraguay. We know this missionary work is important here and all over the world. We are happy to be involved in the work of sharing the gospel with the people of the world! We love and miss you all! Mark and Sandy