tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40697902937009343512024-03-05T09:18:25.793-06:00Kevin Lunt's MissionNedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-56430074243396345452011-07-26T09:25:00.008-05:002011-07-27T10:48:43.724-05:00Kevin's Connection in Dallas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1drzHKMK44XBVR46yYAYlrLeGl1idnxzYmGGtsQYuQvdK1lEjLKmwsoI7BQGhTdHi8sBMo-jCvqa-IQZXzZaJIrftBGKGXHUjYITumrEzycAW7KKMdCD_Hh6-hdo7mz2vX_tvOlt0Tgo/s1600/072111_03+4x6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633669609692149714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1drzHKMK44XBVR46yYAYlrLeGl1idnxzYmGGtsQYuQvdK1lEjLKmwsoI7BQGhTdHi8sBMo-jCvqa-IQZXzZaJIrftBGKGXHUjYITumrEzycAW7KKMdCD_Hh6-hdo7mz2vX_tvOlt0Tgo/s320/072111_03+4x6.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">This is Sarah, Kevin's oldest sister. Techincally I'm allowed to post on Kevin's blog, but never have. Here are pictures of his connection at the DFW airport. We were happy to be able to meet him.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGNKWihRSkm_v2ASJgs8oArooiEveZi1LoUZcBo6qgFF_piGAMA7tkOCtiIPwKMWGp3GOtxuN1zNlbjiki8LyHo_Vp65P-vGKcZAHI6R9LJHoAmRKmxjhDzx-pR3WjAivm0rkQaxx4vY/s1600/072111_01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633668619638601650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGNKWihRSkm_v2ASJgs8oArooiEveZi1LoUZcBo6qgFF_piGAMA7tkOCtiIPwKMWGp3GOtxuN1zNlbjiki8LyHo_Vp65P-vGKcZAHI6R9LJHoAmRKmxjhDzx-pR3WjAivm0rkQaxx4vY/s320/072111_01.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3eMRMZkbuqF3xmHaVnIohsfvKB_1iLnyJ4zmTC9Hc9mFkw07JyjjI2W0GWa377SGKZMW3ZxLJvlBA0yLVtBrAR1iPi2m-XZ12KEFlaxk65DMHT0hWdzPZty-XrfeeursRrLJeTet7w4/s1600/072111_02+4x6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633668618817007330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3eMRMZkbuqF3xmHaVnIohsfvKB_1iLnyJ4zmTC9Hc9mFkw07JyjjI2W0GWa377SGKZMW3ZxLJvlBA0yLVtBrAR1iPi2m-XZ12KEFlaxk65DMHT0hWdzPZty-XrfeeursRrLJeTet7w4/s320/072111_02+4x6.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fmntB2BwtgubhNCsblN9GHVzHxqzq_nPaBpNjsVPrN_gt8LE0IZWMKbJ5H9X3fcCnCaNIs6FIHd3upghan_GkMOtlTRmSPqTdRBiewRPZHI6ux-2Ip-HhuW_WzYtBor_izxLeKQLgbQ/s1600/072111_01.jpg"><br /></a>Ganbat Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733729416080204275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-27332548419306341032011-07-24T06:49:00.002-05:002011-07-24T07:11:22.702-05:00As they say, "All good things must come to an end" and so it is with this blog. (I'm taking the liberty of calling it "good.")<br /><br />Kevin arrived at Champaign's Willard Airport a little after 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011. A less active member from Canada, with whom he visited on the airplane, took the following picture of Kevin and his welcome-home committee.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT25ellVaR-QG4Ta2nUSNsqIM8YCtGCux5fNDBMOkLkOiewSEAGSPnHloismBOAjTKVjtSXoXx8E4Vnok79VJA8brLCMtIIAnL1vUN5dknshQ0z_KI3LNWXRNt9nD-36STLCejnMTcvPM/s1600/108_0572.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT25ellVaR-QG4Ta2nUSNsqIM8YCtGCux5fNDBMOkLkOiewSEAGSPnHloismBOAjTKVjtSXoXx8E4Vnok79VJA8brLCMtIIAnL1vUN5dknshQ0z_KI3LNWXRNt9nD-36STLCejnMTcvPM/s320/108_0572.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632886073858439474" border="0" /></a>Seth did most of the work on the sign which included the flags and languages of both countries in which Kevin served.<br /><br />Kevin had a connection in Dallas which allowed Sarah and her family to visit with him about 15 minutes between clearing customs and boarding his next flight. Grace let him hold her without crying which is a little unusual, based on my experience. He was grateful for the cookies and lunch/dinner money they provided to him.<br /><br />I wanted to not have his release be different than those of other returned missionaries and their families so it didn't end up happening until about 6:30 the following evening. That meant he dressed and behaved like a missionary for one more day. During that day he indicated that he really didn't have a desire to dress in "street clothes", get on Facebook, etc. In fact, he wasn't all that anxious to be released.<br /><br />I have enjoyed feeling his spirit, learning more about his experiences, and speaking Spanish with him. He was able to participate in some of Deanna's wedding celebration as we had her open house here last night. Melanie and her family were nice enough to drive up for both occasions.<br /><br />What happens to these young men on their missions is another testimony of the restored Gospel and God's great wisdom. Further, it is a testimony that prophets are on the earth and are inspired to take the gospel to the world while changing missionaries in many positive ways. Most of all, it is a testimony of the Savior, his love and the power of his atonement.<br /><br />Kevin's mission has been a real blessing to me and I am most pleased to call him my son.<br /><br />Seth will be leaving in six years. Until then.....Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-25009221288831429682011-07-18T20:06:00.006-05:002011-07-18T20:41:38.202-05:00Well, Kevin's last emailed pictures of his mission will help us remember why he is there.<br /><br />The first is of a family he contacted a year ago before leaving his current area. They were baptized after he left and he is pleased to report they remain active.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEgX9gmxADRuT3HPgRx37LrCpOdHvVvZMuwoRFOCYRq79fOn6VJhQMUlFboUYxGnwpAzlnAW7fUyUZqDlIljZFwDU7R-Q9CFb4Zr20ttsslOtoIP4d61huJQIGh3IQ5cJrWpJ2Ofd43A/s1600/07-18-11+family+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEgX9gmxADRuT3HPgRx37LrCpOdHvVvZMuwoRFOCYRq79fOn6VJhQMUlFboUYxGnwpAzlnAW7fUyUZqDlIljZFwDU7R-Q9CFb4Zr20ttsslOtoIP4d61huJQIGh3IQ5cJrWpJ2Ofd43A/s320/07-18-11+family+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630864283564555234" border="0" /></a><br />The second is of the family which feeds them lunch each Sunday. Being with and strengthening members is also a significant part of his mission.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJKcasZu7lPr4zRNAEgg6VCnxScuIus4uZqqxtvqGk8Lbxu_LfzuV-k1rrx9dvFR9JTjWGh6oW04Qfmo37Aq_KNQzH4mvUWxGCgF_GdprI1kjhK-pEfh8jYALzCZAO2GN_T3WofgOa5I/s1600/07-18-11+family+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJKcasZu7lPr4zRNAEgg6VCnxScuIus4uZqqxtvqGk8Lbxu_LfzuV-k1rrx9dvFR9JTjWGh6oW04Qfmo37Aq_KNQzH4mvUWxGCgF_GdprI1kjhK-pEfh8jYALzCZAO2GN_T3WofgOa5I/s320/07-18-11+family+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630863777795312562" border="0" /></a><br />Now, I would like to briefly share some things Kevin missed while on his mission.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhvLmpZ2QxyEUZdFenEzpJl3YBPVlz4W3Dm3H4GbZZc4ev00tDNuar7W9uuyBHr0A1SPkGhnO2A880x6bHRug8nrsi0dAnBnOGTz6V5P_tRwlnHFe4Cinz6J99Us7c0-oOuHNfW0Ex44/s1600/family+in+hotel.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhvLmpZ2QxyEUZdFenEzpJl3YBPVlz4W3Dm3H4GbZZc4ev00tDNuar7W9uuyBHr0A1SPkGhnO2A880x6bHRug8nrsi0dAnBnOGTz6V5P_tRwlnHFe4Cinz6J99Us7c0-oOuHNfW0Ex44/s320/family+in+hotel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630868559988058610" border="0" /></a>The first was Laura's wedding in December 2009. Here we have the family in a St. Louis hotel shortly after the ceremony was performed in the temple.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLO_WrUucWNPizhPg9Tq5PhAjgwpXUnN0Y4MvdWzQM0h0Hwq4RxYuKPw2pB79zn6wdPkZSgul0qL_ldTuFTo7QPnaqsbHKeOOM-KI9tJ5YsxragOWBg50KUkXR1bpI51WdtjOY9M5ZTFE/s1600/deanna+wedding+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLO_WrUucWNPizhPg9Tq5PhAjgwpXUnN0Y4MvdWzQM0h0Hwq4RxYuKPw2pB79zn6wdPkZSgul0qL_ldTuFTo7QPnaqsbHKeOOM-KI9tJ5YsxragOWBg50KUkXR1bpI51WdtjOY9M5ZTFE/s320/deanna+wedding+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630866039746104962" border="0" /></a><br />The second was Deanna's wedding in June of 2011. Here we see Deanna and Dale outside the Provo temple shortly after they were married.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZyi1kLwOZF9d52zu1ho8luV0SjQ4zYo1xpZRBne4lq6Cbj6G16cnlqBKmq-w9hgTCuEY8vG3mQlABX-BrpLzTZZMQc29-I_X0uHZaWAkpmq6TNQp-JIOeRLpbosE364eAbrcGNKrJPg/s1600/nieces+nephews+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZyi1kLwOZF9d52zu1ho8luV0SjQ4zYo1xpZRBne4lq6Cbj6G16cnlqBKmq-w9hgTCuEY8vG3mQlABX-BrpLzTZZMQc29-I_X0uHZaWAkpmq6TNQp-JIOeRLpbosE364eAbrcGNKrJPg/s320/nieces+nephews+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630866779058193938" border="0" /></a>This picture actually represents two things he missed. It was taken outside the cabin we rented for our Ned Lunt family reunion shortly after Deanna's wedding. It shows us that Kevin missed a family reunion but it also contains the two nieces and the nephew who were born while he was gone.<br /><br />Here is a kind of long excerpt from Kevin's last letter from his mission.<br /><br />"Ending the mission you have a lot of mixed feelings and I am not really sure how I should feel. I am eternally grateful for the things that I have learned and I don't know what my life would have been like if I hadn't gone on the mission. It was truly helped me to appreciate the gospel and the joy it brings. There are few of us that have the blessing by having the restored gospel in our lives and we should take advantage of it by not only knowing the gospel but living it. As we come to truly be converted we will feel the joy it brings and we will feel the desire to share it. It has been a blessing see how the gospel has changed the lives of the people that God has prepared. "Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-90518909199670802062011-07-11T14:51:00.009-05:002011-07-18T20:49:59.964-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEX40gBIX7ifGzhMnjlzfYBgfOp-eu93tYfwp2mv8K5RqGt_gUVDLga-5Av5-GzQtJSXry11ARZGY7k8E1Tds8EVjjO24JQ_PlikIQzClVM_LTwIKtsyTVUbJnnVLrBauFiYq5JAgLVY/s1600/07-11-11+temple+wide.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 401px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEX40gBIX7ifGzhMnjlzfYBgfOp-eu93tYfwp2mv8K5RqGt_gUVDLga-5Av5-GzQtJSXry11ARZGY7k8E1Tds8EVjjO24JQ_PlikIQzClVM_LTwIKtsyTVUbJnnVLrBauFiYq5JAgLVY/s320/07-11-11+temple+wide.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628185041766142498" border="0" /></a>Kevin's pictures this time focus on the San Salvador, El Salvador temple. Certainly, that is a good topic on which to focus.<br /><br />They had their first interviews with the new mission president and he gave them permission to go to the temple once a week with less-active members and/or investigators. That very afternoon/evening, Kevin took advantage and went to the temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw39PyiQzm6Sb8LUiuTUh4B7BuiNKcI6Jw-vid3CCDHoBTzGrF3SE5vit-KgemHrawqIeOdhkTpfucCOy_n1_sb4wduVRzS1ZxLKPUskLQ7XX4ZuMRofbSkf9GWtCgAME5mwqH_qawdg/s1600/07-11-11+temple+goal.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw39PyiQzm6Sb8LUiuTUh4B7BuiNKcI6Jw-vid3CCDHoBTzGrF3SE5vit-KgemHrawqIeOdhkTpfucCOy_n1_sb4wduVRzS1ZxLKPUskLQ7XX4ZuMRofbSkf9GWtCgAME5mwqH_qawdg/s320/07-11-11+temple+goal.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628186442716582898" border="0" /></a>The above picture is a sticker, I believe, that was handed out at the open house. It translates, "My goal is the temple." A very worthy goal indeed.<br /><br />Our next pictures will progress from afternoon to night.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauZ5jFM3h_p0uBord1dgQqiG6SZ6Odspx_KFT7hmwOZwtvtpF7xCpN67RQD5H7vVxg-Hel7z8hm9sJcNfzz9Wixhse6YrWpqNpBY5eT6w24DeZvCZpUwGmyWIHj6J7GdKzJ9MDLejikI/s1600/07-11-11+temple+4.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauZ5jFM3h_p0uBord1dgQqiG6SZ6Odspx_KFT7hmwOZwtvtpF7xCpN67RQD5H7vVxg-Hel7z8hm9sJcNfzz9Wixhse6YrWpqNpBY5eT6w24DeZvCZpUwGmyWIHj6J7GdKzJ9MDLejikI/s320/07-11-11+temple+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628186007980174226" border="0" /></a>The above picture is, obviously, still in day light and gives you a good sense of some of the landscaping.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjW6S9-sq02ObIYsGywy3t1OLFEYZiKqX_2LcDgTWP6PZU9oxPURtVEdIfScneoWoVnY5YVSHWbOmYwEKmvX6OYQ_dAjwwRvD8mkgGLMRvLEEus7OheyBpioluRiW5P1pGAimw77KZFY/s1600/07-11-11+temple+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjW6S9-sq02ObIYsGywy3t1OLFEYZiKqX_2LcDgTWP6PZU9oxPURtVEdIfScneoWoVnY5YVSHWbOmYwEKmvX6OYQ_dAjwwRvD8mkgGLMRvLEEus7OheyBpioluRiW5P1pGAimw77KZFY/s320/07-11-11+temple+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628185496375577810" border="0" /></a>This is a close up of some of the designs in the temple wall. While I am sure these engravings have some significance, Kevin didn't share that. I will assume he doesn't know. (Update from Kevin: The design is of the national flower of El Salvador. I think it is the flower of izote or something like that. That design is throughout all of the temple and the three flowers interleanked are supposed to represent eternal families.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9YQ99DPmOU6TfbtrHDCHhSDqyITuNtSHBqbwN-t58kQmUsMwZmwvnz56srPZqrJvquTpXCQV-r0FiQux5ipRuOQsO7kREOEQt1mZWQNaekhrs34WzhahDULJp5iCOe2KPQJloim_84U/s1600/07-11-11+temple+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9YQ99DPmOU6TfbtrHDCHhSDqyITuNtSHBqbwN-t58kQmUsMwZmwvnz56srPZqrJvquTpXCQV-r0FiQux5ipRuOQsO7kREOEQt1mZWQNaekhrs34WzhahDULJp5iCOe2KPQJloim_84U/s320/07-11-11+temple+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628185765833321010" border="0" /></a>Here, evening is upon us. The color of the sky and the temple lights provide for a beautiful view.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjW6S9-sq02ObIYsGywy3t1OLFEYZiKqX_2LcDgTWP6PZU9oxPURtVEdIfScneoWoVnY5YVSHWbOmYwEKmvX6OYQ_dAjwwRvD8mkgGLMRvLEEus7OheyBpioluRiW5P1pGAimw77KZFY/s1600/07-11-11+temple+2.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsf6Y6w2yghuVjWo8f2yGUsNe5XYLz5jWJFnbKdm7WHs59iNDFTNn3_VilDxyKQwiZAxQvi6qaSOl5vjWbEy8V9PdPgomc6vyYELQ9mdLYduOkSW3olMgrvuK7h7Iq22OZ_bH7XLbzDU/s1600/07-11-11+temple+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsf6Y6w2yghuVjWo8f2yGUsNe5XYLz5jWJFnbKdm7WHs59iNDFTNn3_VilDxyKQwiZAxQvi6qaSOl5vjWbEy8V9PdPgomc6vyYELQ9mdLYduOkSW3olMgrvuK7h7Iq22OZ_bH7XLbzDU/s320/07-11-11+temple+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628185267686584850" border="0" /></a><br />The night pictures are wonderful from a distance (above) and closer up (below).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYlv_ML2KNkMXJLniuqFg0A8EFdNg5Pm_Ry4I2dXZE_0N7sDgEK1GLIZGgtxyr3W-bbP9WqrNJAIhXK4y7BCxqeI7Ux_kQbyEzob3Wf5Pw4Mjd0sPKTAl9SdNua_FXSiv-4hvlH9wcvY/s1600/07-11-11+temple+5.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYlv_ML2KNkMXJLniuqFg0A8EFdNg5Pm_Ry4I2dXZE_0N7sDgEK1GLIZGgtxyr3W-bbP9WqrNJAIhXK4y7BCxqeI7Ux_kQbyEzob3Wf5Pw4Mjd0sPKTAl9SdNua_FXSiv-4hvlH9wcvY/s320/07-11-11+temple+5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628186216165804642" border="0" /></a>I don't know if I have any readers who are within driving distance of Charleston. If you are, I wanted you to know that Kevin will arrive home late July 21. He will be speaking at our worship service on Sunday, July 24 which begins at 9:30 a.m. The address is 7426 Country Club Road, Mattoon (about a quarter mile south of Wal-Mart). You are all welcome.Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-44289936997314382522011-07-04T15:45:00.005-05:002011-07-04T16:18:54.360-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">Our first three photos of this week relate mostly to the Chamul family.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mmCyuah1nztwKdrI3hazYO-EKWpF-uQcWmyPFrg4cqodGhFlLR7EkWgRc6rhJ36bYJnvGj9GWErpzOteYADqx7wzDfyCsP4d_oOz-Pm76PV_T2aXtVo2TZXkB5nOVbhND4CX1erPufw/s1600/07-04-11+wedding.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mmCyuah1nztwKdrI3hazYO-EKWpF-uQcWmyPFrg4cqodGhFlLR7EkWgRc6rhJ36bYJnvGj9GWErpzOteYADqx7wzDfyCsP4d_oOz-Pm76PV_T2aXtVo2TZXkB5nOVbhND4CX1erPufw/s320/07-04-11+wedding.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625604284775883826" border="0" /></a>The couple needed to get married so that he could get baptized. I'm not sure exactly how much Kevin did to facilitate the wedding and the related celebration but he seems to have played some role.<br /><br />Having been married, Brother Chamul could get baptized. He is pictured here with another couple that was married the previous Sunday and baptized on the same day. Again, Kevin's message seems to indicate he played a role in the planning and carrying off of the wedding. Maybe a career as a wedding planner is in his future. ;-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8MbXodYJeMfkB3NBy7yUWPR7JPgyxpKDQWB6aZTM_U_hRkQ3L1U6NtxgeamcuS2qpJExFyINW7XFIioXasx75cf1YhBAehMwow14BzNRFykMgSfsY-xq3LNFI16Ba66fUa4WNVbZXiQ/s1600/07-04-11+bap.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8MbXodYJeMfkB3NBy7yUWPR7JPgyxpKDQWB6aZTM_U_hRkQ3L1U6NtxgeamcuS2qpJExFyINW7XFIioXasx75cf1YhBAehMwow14BzNRFykMgSfsY-xq3LNFI16Ba66fUa4WNVbZXiQ/s320/07-04-11+bap.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625604044871968194" border="0" /></a>Evidently, the other man is named Paco. He is almost as tall as Kevin and is a former professional wrestler. Kevin had a moment of panic when it came time to lift Paco out of the water but it worked out. Kevin's companion didn't fare so well in baptizing Paco's wife, who is tall and pregnant. I guess it took him three tries.<br /><br />The following picture was taken at a Family Home Evening Kevin and his companion held with the Chamul family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQsEynk_MJQFKAVcyBYtjxYDlzfGqtcTmFG-0i_9zE1d8X9WM4riFvHoNcDoGoGrnSzMs2G3gfPaJ_lQOrit03qBTwZE9ItIka34TegHW68963yK7i_BuyzVCHOlaV_5U4MG6Ma_erLA/s1600/07-04-11+papusa.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQsEynk_MJQFKAVcyBYtjxYDlzfGqtcTmFG-0i_9zE1d8X9WM4riFvHoNcDoGoGrnSzMs2G3gfPaJ_lQOrit03qBTwZE9ItIka34TegHW68963yK7i_BuyzVCHOlaV_5U4MG6Ma_erLA/s320/07-04-11+papusa.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625603778093280514" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a surprise - they made papusas. Kevin will miss those.<br /></div><br />We have known for some time that Kevin would return home before the El Salvador temple would be dedicated.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8nsF59TG-rUmljruoi7dYY5KT9nw0l_49iDoGylGUIsnRatgVmrRNIGmTZSAm2Uy63JaTyrey5CA2zVhUctNT_ttt0UH-Md6cU6EgMki2XwoW8XmA7ZKyjW5td2KirWK-BhjvoZC0U8/s1600/07-04-11+temple.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 382px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8nsF59TG-rUmljruoi7dYY5KT9nw0l_49iDoGylGUIsnRatgVmrRNIGmTZSAm2Uy63JaTyrey5CA2zVhUctNT_ttt0UH-Md6cU6EgMki2XwoW8XmA7ZKyjW5td2KirWK-BhjvoZC0U8/s320/07-04-11+temple.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625603486824675906" border="0" /></a>We are glad that he at least could attend the open house with the ward in which he is serving. Here is a quote from his letter. "There were lots of original paintings and one of my favorites was at the entrance with Jesus Christ with two little girls holding on to his robe, one was Nephite and one was Lamanite." He was grateful to be back in the temple after almost two years of not having that opportunity.<br /><br />I left this picture for last as I wanted all my readers to know that Kevin can do things with machetes other than decorate them and give them to the mission president.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFy1Z7MS9KoLFW_iuzIKXw4pN7e0raSWLRipQNVGH7mt9-QrV139X6tb39n0ekJCVyFXo2-5t-3Tqus7DhvAOjLbjJ4eEgVNN2XLoXlbAe-6LOWMOlUmXK6jx8woUzGdktA5kamrye6U/s1600/07-04-11+service.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFy1Z7MS9KoLFW_iuzIKXw4pN7e0raSWLRipQNVGH7mt9-QrV139X6tb39n0ekJCVyFXo2-5t-3Tqus7DhvAOjLbjJ4eEgVNN2XLoXlbAe-6LOWMOlUmXK6jx8woUzGdktA5kamrye6U/s320/07-04-11+service.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625603163117427138" border="0" /></a>Evidently, they provided service to a member by helping cut their grass.<br /><br />Here is the last section from Kevin's recent letter. "Sunday was my last fast Sunday in the mission and I went to bear my testimony. It is crazy how fast time flies. Afterwards the young men's president asked me to talk with the young men about the mission and get them excited to go. Like they say these really are the best two years. I am grateful that I have this opportunity to be able to help other come unto Christ. I know that God lives and loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is our savior and I am eternally grateful for the atonement. I know that this is Christ's Church and that we are lead by a modern day prophet. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God."Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-26536234290257754662011-07-04T15:23:00.005-05:002011-07-04T16:23:24.399-05:00We have been gone for a week and a half so this is a catch-up post.<br /><br />We will start with the highlight of the previous week - the baptism of Wito (Edwin Orantes). He asked Kevin to baptize him since he is coming home soon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypUt3EVidGn2vRIA-NGVfI_9AtOhK6a5LZB0voO09cNBOfVeRF0qkLM4awbSREG8FHu_E3nD2NNhST-vE3cKbPLecfp8ARztWFfqjCdxIxqUK5biiL3FXGoYtKe_F-6M3hyXlgvR4j0s/s1600/06-27-11+wito+bap.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypUt3EVidGn2vRIA-NGVfI_9AtOhK6a5LZB0voO09cNBOfVeRF0qkLM4awbSREG8FHu_E3nD2NNhST-vE3cKbPLecfp8ARztWFfqjCdxIxqUK5biiL3FXGoYtKe_F-6M3hyXlgvR4j0s/s320/06-27-11+wito+bap.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625596512938705074" border="0" /></a>Here is a quote from Kevin's letter about Wito. "He is truly an elect. Before he even got baptized he went with us to visit a friend of his and he challenged him to baptism and told him to read the pamphlet because he was going to ask him questions about what he read."<br /><br />They had their last zone conference with President and Sister Lopez. After exchanging hugs, they took pictures. Not surprisingly, many tears were shed as they said goodbye.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMr1ffcAnOqotQcatCMNAAYlCS6jWekyphDpH-UjTDss7su4UD_1JYUkmW7mAgbpJBMHI5QzkwjT_h0S3oo39PC1q50f_mIctiaE3BkSK9MQ1qGy7w45ynTAClrEGAkrpNzt63zsXYOU/s1600/06-27-11+pres+lopez.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMr1ffcAnOqotQcatCMNAAYlCS6jWekyphDpH-UjTDss7su4UD_1JYUkmW7mAgbpJBMHI5QzkwjT_h0S3oo39PC1q50f_mIctiaE3BkSK9MQ1qGy7w45ynTAClrEGAkrpNzt63zsXYOU/s320/06-27-11+pres+lopez.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625596289141262738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECwzeg4iop1LSTUXVKTUZVOTni_KIGLO2lUX4YvZXSl4awZ7DQSS7yIBlYWbNRLnn1fkewq7X0z4xBYOjzZ23WSkRxzRGqyTMgX0FwuwtI4qAnP62SsQPS90-nQfN0E8dZumV9-mCpeo/s1600/06-27-11+sis+lopez.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECwzeg4iop1LSTUXVKTUZVOTni_KIGLO2lUX4YvZXSl4awZ7DQSS7yIBlYWbNRLnn1fkewq7X0z4xBYOjzZ23WSkRxzRGqyTMgX0FwuwtI4qAnP62SsQPS90-nQfN0E8dZumV9-mCpeo/s320/06-27-11+sis+lopez.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625596044381343794" border="0" /></a>Kevin and three other missionaries formed a quartet and sang for the conference. He said it went well. Other news from the conference was that President Lopez was given a decorated machete. (Evidently, Kevin and a former missionary were behind buying it, decorating it and getting other missionaries to sign it.) In their mission, they said he was lowering the machete when he chastised someone. I guess it was all done and received in good humor and the president acknowledged Kevin as its source.<br /><br />Finally, we have a picture of Kevin and his companion at the Tazumal ruins. They had a zone activity there over a week ago.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7xA-BnMeJCSBroqOdemNNxMDrG6GN-zPKl88sZ_mKJvy9g9dL4rDp6hMWzfuesaeDDomOTT8k7ZrzEvznxHwZxQZY745VZBNT2rOV_yCZhrXy8W6yck9Ztjt8pH9vrwZBttE85W00kg/s1600/06-27-11+tazumal.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7xA-BnMeJCSBroqOdemNNxMDrG6GN-zPKl88sZ_mKJvy9g9dL4rDp6hMWzfuesaeDDomOTT8k7ZrzEvznxHwZxQZY745VZBNT2rOV_yCZhrXy8W6yck9Ztjt8pH9vrwZBttE85W00kg/s320/06-27-11+tazumal.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625595677040037586" border="0" /></a>He has been there twice so there isn't much new to report.Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-80927750758293506592011-06-21T07:57:00.007-05:002011-06-21T08:19:30.298-05:00I will begin this post by introducing you to Kevin's new companion, Elder Flores.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4ObwjQEfmOtHwP0rUyRQm02FXcLp_P2uidbiGjc5-ij1y5WiSSDFFkuhdIPdut2VvV4mm14AksG5zFTL6XFVMs94kOCsNboIaa4nTnyVMI8_JxYOeyseqpHitbIEmLOFf6PRi95YFT0/s1600/6-20-11+companion.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4ObwjQEfmOtHwP0rUyRQm02FXcLp_P2uidbiGjc5-ij1y5WiSSDFFkuhdIPdut2VvV4mm14AksG5zFTL6XFVMs94kOCsNboIaa4nTnyVMI8_JxYOeyseqpHitbIEmLOFf6PRi95YFT0/s320/6-20-11+companion.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620658004785801378" border="0" /></a>I don't think Kevin has mentioned where Elder Flores is from but it would be safe to bet that he is from Central America. If he was not, he would be the first.<br /><br />So, it turns out that two or three couples need to get married in order to receive baptism. Kevin felt he would like to contribute by providing a wedding cake for the nuptials planned for Saturday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqfwLenBwrG4w_JqbUmCGYRQ7xumjWMoVgETt5x-CcvJ16leMWJLsj2TCYT67mpLVIueqIBbCiW61sEqeP_ccUEanUIZlmASjHIlg8hrrqJrl5QIIcSfDsunVOBKfmDwU_Ezrb1ybYAo/s1600/6-20-11+wedding+cake.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqfwLenBwrG4w_JqbUmCGYRQ7xumjWMoVgETt5x-CcvJ16leMWJLsj2TCYT67mpLVIueqIBbCiW61sEqeP_ccUEanUIZlmASjHIlg8hrrqJrl5QIIcSfDsunVOBKfmDwU_Ezrb1ybYAo/s320/6-20-11+wedding+cake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620657601824832178" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately, one of those to be married could not produce a birth certificate and, therefore, was denied a marriage license. (I understand Kevin tried to help get the birth certificate but the person who needed to certify it was out of the office.)<br /><br />So, now you have the classic dilemma - a cake but no party.<br /><br />Kevin went to El Salvador seeking conversions. It seems he made several friends on Father's Day by converting the wedding cake into a Father's Day cake.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM4bO3kUEFsopvanIMUmOIPWHdQXxPN7hEOdaEQEQH5jLWYRV-KZlRhr-LVhHt3Rrbpk49Tqe9-rn6Ws-H2xXGsso4wVk_AvAkiw53YoVaQTGV1fdQF0xJDg5pNmmxgPnfHE7v01ouOo/s1600/6-20-11+father+cake+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM4bO3kUEFsopvanIMUmOIPWHdQXxPN7hEOdaEQEQH5jLWYRV-KZlRhr-LVhHt3Rrbpk49Tqe9-rn6Ws-H2xXGsso4wVk_AvAkiw53YoVaQTGV1fdQF0xJDg5pNmmxgPnfHE7v01ouOo/s320/6-20-11+father+cake+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620657340126443266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc9Qy5lqxNAmdNtsSfrv0xLi-F5DYcZuyy-925yxTFyxb22Q8EP8F_3udQ3_ykWj2j776-ydx6wvVHcR3Mxaf1H8MwAlwrpkVebCOfweCLvUmsldVadBtCB5ybTdELwHpuDWgLF7J1rQ/s1600/6-20-11+father+cake+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc9Qy5lqxNAmdNtsSfrv0xLi-F5DYcZuyy-925yxTFyxb22Q8EP8F_3udQ3_ykWj2j776-ydx6wvVHcR3Mxaf1H8MwAlwrpkVebCOfweCLvUmsldVadBtCB5ybTdELwHpuDWgLF7J1rQ/s320/6-20-11+father+cake+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620657088208980690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqvXZX3_QOTFpwvlym55DEDYX7_O91opaWf-zB8gRIAbGuh3FdlKGvBvbGfyiJf2j_NcoSEzlyxO7S2YkzlecOroDlTnYYtHt1l2fssCsF1Wjdzp9rccTbf5ZtUSQYIuoHBQ0Cp8eOeo/s1600/6-20-11+father+cake+3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqvXZX3_QOTFpwvlym55DEDYX7_O91opaWf-zB8gRIAbGuh3FdlKGvBvbGfyiJf2j_NcoSEzlyxO7S2YkzlecOroDlTnYYtHt1l2fssCsF1Wjdzp9rccTbf5ZtUSQYIuoHBQ0Cp8eOeo/s320/6-20-11+father+cake+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620656908055525426" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtv1v-vCz4CYqtUU9GZNzF1zdBsdyoS3CsC-ayYoGTFzIL2a2qVklsxywtVDOHNVRd52MGTa19a8vE9ECvlNw3XCem4p5X4mChFm-HYHWhh8pBfBrZILKMrRX2PPX6NFjPqlUvhOdBuY/s1600/6-20-11+father+cake+4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtv1v-vCz4CYqtUU9GZNzF1zdBsdyoS3CsC-ayYoGTFzIL2a2qVklsxywtVDOHNVRd52MGTa19a8vE9ECvlNw3XCem4p5X4mChFm-HYHWhh8pBfBrZILKMrRX2PPX6NFjPqlUvhOdBuY/s320/6-20-11+father+cake+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620656697781219602" border="0" /></a>Did you notice how he bends down in each of the standing photos?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Kevin did report that they have many people to teach - a real blessing.<br /><br />Here is his testimony.<br />"I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is our savior. I know that this is His church and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that true happiness comes from truly living the gospel."</div></div>Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-56593386963824454962011-06-16T13:19:00.003-05:002011-06-16T13:23:47.377-05:00I thought I would make a quick, mid-week post. I am doing it now since I will likely forget later.<br /><br />Here is a picture of Kevin's mission president (starting July 1) and his family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJydQYtpluA3UdlCbtRIpAdHKkyEXdu_IltUVkecYYJfKfMYM6C9Kq54kTm7opK9RP3R6XX2YerWjb2FkaSixObXOqTQX5U9mW-4w8STVXBvzkMW14nfoVjEi7acpQVoRVdkjUrNyxGJE/s1600/6-16-11+Cordon+Family.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJydQYtpluA3UdlCbtRIpAdHKkyEXdu_IltUVkecYYJfKfMYM6C9Kq54kTm7opK9RP3R6XX2YerWjb2FkaSixObXOqTQX5U9mW-4w8STVXBvzkMW14nfoVjEi7acpQVoRVdkjUrNyxGJE/s320/6-16-11+Cordon+Family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618884300242522610" border="0" /></a>President Poloski & Lorena Cordón with children Ana Lorena (now married), Oscar (leaving soon on a mission), Carol (on left) and Sabrina (on right) .<br /><br />The picture and information are courtesy of Sister Sandberg, with whom Kevin took a picture in my previous post.Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-84295867428742829312011-06-13T15:39:00.010-05:002011-06-13T16:18:14.400-05:00This week's post will be dedicated to bidding farewell to Belize and some of the people with whom Kevin worked there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuzmtp2_FW1QC4AhVJCP74N7MfmDggF8LsTShis1bgU2nqW4QkoMo3C-REL1zu3VOghbIvUWdMBGrlsBTijI17mDYpXvppOxTw2UxXMOKbj7VhXTd0pNk1voD5nvo7hVDXGc_4RTwrYM/s1600/06-13-11+tank.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuzmtp2_FW1QC4AhVJCP74N7MfmDggF8LsTShis1bgU2nqW4QkoMo3C-REL1zu3VOghbIvUWdMBGrlsBTijI17mDYpXvppOxTw2UxXMOKbj7VhXTd0pNk1voD5nvo7hVDXGc_4RTwrYM/s320/06-13-11+tank.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617807077658789250" border="0" /></a>This picture is of an old tank in Belmopan. I was about to do some research on Belmopan and the significance of this old machine. However, I thought better of it as I'm sure my many readers would say, "No tanks."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW4aRVH2T4E5JlTMfOMPMRF6nhBo1EAKkfF7HS0a4mCAOJYXP4zBYsFzTjdxA-swP6QtU0UaiE9KGaJ7b3SuPncdfBM8pDBzGaJtYyLAkqFjIN3PJKvAuL_o4CNPInehmWOboaQVWhU8/s1600/06-13-11+wood+family.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW4aRVH2T4E5JlTMfOMPMRF6nhBo1EAKkfF7HS0a4mCAOJYXP4zBYsFzTjdxA-swP6QtU0UaiE9KGaJ7b3SuPncdfBM8pDBzGaJtYyLAkqFjIN3PJKvAuL_o4CNPInehmWOboaQVWhU8/s320/06-13-11+wood+family.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617808948482472546" border="0" /></a>This picture is of the Woods family in Belize City. Evidently, they fed Kevin and his companion most Sunday afternoons. We are grateful for their kindness.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkNxnTK7g3wCnorQajMs_BcElaULfZnie4c_-163ZsX9OgcAr3Ophwfs50eadZYnbTlSJ-pgwWMyMXkXMOc_ZLGPDIHZTDxts5x9T0k2N8-Tc9vG3e9IlN-rIfAD0lFkjxfHkNVoqL-M/s1600/06-13-11+Sandberg.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkNxnTK7g3wCnorQajMs_BcElaULfZnie4c_-163ZsX9OgcAr3Ophwfs50eadZYnbTlSJ-pgwWMyMXkXMOc_ZLGPDIHZTDxts5x9T0k2N8-Tc9vG3e9IlN-rIfAD0lFkjxfHkNVoqL-M/s320/06-13-11+Sandberg.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617808651710169666" border="0" /></a>This is a family reunion picture of sorts. Kevin and Sister Sandberg have the same grandfather, with a different number of "great" before the grandfather (Henry Lunt). She has sent nice reports about Kevin's missionary work and piano playing to other family members some of which were forwarded to us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCOsAk6vVeIBI-6jWjws0PTub36iZWMXUsh-GPXgHDa81-XXBJAr0qioPRve9MigcuSeih92E6vVZjzhcARp-r4kCbFUqyoA_36nlttHEZxA1rMhMAM6LUx9Y6ismdduLJ64R10UNcn0/s1600/06-13-11+Pattees.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCOsAk6vVeIBI-6jWjws0PTub36iZWMXUsh-GPXgHDa81-XXBJAr0qioPRve9MigcuSeih92E6vVZjzhcARp-r4kCbFUqyoA_36nlttHEZxA1rMhMAM6LUx9Y6ismdduLJ64R10UNcn0/s320/06-13-11+Pattees.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617808441828304962" border="0" /></a>These are the Pattees. He is the brave, patient man who taught Kevin how to drive the van with the stick shift.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipqdLTJ1G5427G_mkfU8UvAYjCabeQlCwaaj63WfUkB7zP9GTK7gLIKO4ZYkDzQMvCEjHYf3ab5qxfUx7EdClZj-e7IBuzfBzDFi4ShNF8AbdvpXJK_he2WiCoSsOe0wlW0QBsRzHe6g/s1600/06-13-11+Jamel.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipqdLTJ1G5427G_mkfU8UvAYjCabeQlCwaaj63WfUkB7zP9GTK7gLIKO4ZYkDzQMvCEjHYf3ab5qxfUx7EdClZj-e7IBuzfBzDFi4ShNF8AbdvpXJK_he2WiCoSsOe0wlW0QBsRzHe6g/s320/06-13-11+Jamel.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617808065599550098" border="0" /></a>This is Jamel. He was baptized the Saturday before Kevin left Belize. He lives close to the airport and decided to come say goodbye to Kevin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4eo4a4CdXBsmO-YMeL1XNwnVPIxPTRAYWV3BfrpwHeucvlhcpD7SrRyetDQcuK1mz0aoUEbF8F20nvMTqp4HJjxYBANTS7i6r60mjUsb1TLEa7Dk0Oo0al17YAepNDhM3YmfzQ5F1XA/s1600/06-13-11+transferees.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4eo4a4CdXBsmO-YMeL1XNwnVPIxPTRAYWV3BfrpwHeucvlhcpD7SrRyetDQcuK1mz0aoUEbF8F20nvMTqp4HJjxYBANTS7i6r60mjUsb1TLEa7Dk0Oo0al17YAepNDhM3YmfzQ5F1XA/s320/06-13-11+transferees.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617807819970553154" border="0" /></a>As noted previously, the current president who will finish his mission June 30, didn't want the new president to have to deal with transfers to Belize for a while. Therefore, he transferred the group that will go home with Kevin and the next group back to El Salvador. Here they are.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HnuVp5h-ON5wn9VC86cwcih68h6eZC3quUT-LHs9OpNb3BiJEsS30zsBJR0oFktmA-WtFDZK-0uA3X6k5CkVR-jPKMS3r4oOY8LuzdzUxE_qNwE1l-v39wq-89B5rBS2CCQGkwzNjYs/s1600/06-13-11+belize+city.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HnuVp5h-ON5wn9VC86cwcih68h6eZC3quUT-LHs9OpNb3BiJEsS30zsBJR0oFktmA-WtFDZK-0uA3X6k5CkVR-jPKMS3r4oOY8LuzdzUxE_qNwE1l-v39wq-89B5rBS2CCQGkwzNjYs/s320/06-13-11+belize+city.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617807465969517394" border="0" /></a>Join me in saying goodbye to Belize City and Belize. I have enjoyed getting to know the city, country and people through Kevin's camera and comments. (Wikipedia was helpful, too.)<br /><br />There are certain challenges to being transferred back to an area in which you served a year ago. Here is a comment from Kevin.<br /><br />"I am going to work hard until the end and not be trunky as they say. It has been ruff though because all the members know I was here a year ago and keep saying "you must be ending your mission" and things like that but you got to shake it off, haha.<br /><br />Here is his testimony.<br /><br />"I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God. I know that this is the Lord's work and that these truly are the best two years."Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-29556961634312603262011-06-06T21:01:00.006-05:002011-06-06T21:26:20.812-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">Kevin has learned that the sun is setting on his service in Belize.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdAP6pBptm4d-m9E8EpKQ22iqNfcZesjs5AOWO8QpvuHkk6fe5LbN9eHm4QqNHbqU27c92AOXA5bRGqvXHYdvQrv9EEV4fAIzAhIGKrFgB0Z4CnyNE12iRRtytQjLWdU4fpfZYe6a8lQ/s1600/06-06-11+sunset.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdAP6pBptm4d-m9E8EpKQ22iqNfcZesjs5AOWO8QpvuHkk6fe5LbN9eHm4QqNHbqU27c92AOXA5bRGqvXHYdvQrv9EEV4fAIzAhIGKrFgB0Z4CnyNE12iRRtytQjLWdU4fpfZYe6a8lQ/s320/06-06-11+sunset.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615294232000118818" /></a>He is being transferred back to El Salvador to finish as district leader in La Libertad, Santa Ana. He served there about a year ago. Because he won't be making more trips to San Pedro Island, this may be our last sunset photo. Kevin wrote, "It will be a weird adjustment going back but apparently there is something that the Lord wants me to do."<div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTdL14Nzmz8j5zm4kmZ5_7WDXijiOzFctc1D_PYr-OPh-bu_34fVCt4mhtMmKtiA5e5hZ_a8VFh2bsWzLhNeJQ_o5XPncukJ3WbI8X0YKXMo-sWwEekCLoN4jH6GXa9k-P_GgZhA7MIA/s1600/06-06-11+velasquez.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTdL14Nzmz8j5zm4kmZ5_7WDXijiOzFctc1D_PYr-OPh-bu_34fVCt4mhtMmKtiA5e5hZ_a8VFh2bsWzLhNeJQ_o5XPncukJ3WbI8X0YKXMo-sWwEekCLoN4jH6GXa9k-P_GgZhA7MIA/s320/06-06-11+velasquez.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615293913273162850" /></a>He traveled to San Pedro Island to conduct an interview. While there, he had his picture taken with the Velasquez family, the first members on the island.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z4yQsLiJ_o4aVMMOyN-UPwKf1nJBQtME-n34jCEYBKXIvdAUXkk-RWgYIvVkndCdGOQjyr_tHOhzJFzDJAewPNg8o29XMsqCaKIlf06xi2OCsFeBBvmWexMl8dZdkQh5Vn6xmDdmQG0/s1600/06-06-11+belize+zl.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z4yQsLiJ_o4aVMMOyN-UPwKf1nJBQtME-n34jCEYBKXIvdAUXkk-RWgYIvVkndCdGOQjyr_tHOhzJFzDJAewPNg8o29XMsqCaKIlf06xi2OCsFeBBvmWexMl8dZdkQh5Vn6xmDdmQG0/s320/06-06-11+belize+zl.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615293652260220498" /></a>There are two zones in Belize and, thus, four zone leaders. They can be seen in the above picture. It is interesting that the jacket and slacks worn by Kevin's companion don't match.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiXHFnO0w-mlj_GgZ1vGfGSj-JkB21GJFvQZYOxSQqamyAGh6PvXvDP83b-MWo5AxHcGaIRrhBseB0ZeoBeIpsvD2JsXANH7HE2p6CtQxB9dlNAvnpsfbwM66VSJgIFGD4KVmfOlvbfE/s1600/06-06-11+bap+choc.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiXHFnO0w-mlj_GgZ1vGfGSj-JkB21GJFvQZYOxSQqamyAGh6PvXvDP83b-MWo5AxHcGaIRrhBseB0ZeoBeIpsvD2JsXANH7HE2p6CtQxB9dlNAvnpsfbwM66VSJgIFGD4KVmfOlvbfE/s320/06-06-11+bap+choc.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615293129845484818" /></a>This pictures goes back. You might recognize Elder Choc on your right who has been home for several weeks. Markeem and Frank were baptized that day about six weeks ago. Their mom was recently reactivated. That's what I like - finishing families.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPE4_6Hlularnnbu3mKmVpAiMfXuDC3i7XYMtV_38RPsbVQLXtQSWcRXGxxv7u6unqA3D-RaedX25gKwFUDx4V57w5IAbArRIh_5GjWBL29D_QfONJj0gQkawqgRhRCB-PE-TPRZtNUw/s1600/06-06-11+jamel+bap.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPE4_6Hlularnnbu3mKmVpAiMfXuDC3i7XYMtV_38RPsbVQLXtQSWcRXGxxv7u6unqA3D-RaedX25gKwFUDx4V57w5IAbArRIh_5GjWBL29D_QfONJj0gQkawqgRhRCB-PE-TPRZtNUw/s320/06-06-11+jamel+bap.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615292767813969698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is a picture taken prior to Jamel's baptism this past Saturday. </div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsm2ZjtWeEQ1SlJ0QzwzZ54mYNbhzs-E_tfLGljXlULmgKWMnTlEu8u5sZOofqguO763guETOpFOYoty7hjNxyjwQr-105YGTldWN4yVuk9YhEwiIifr4qg85fYL4Ma0sa06fNjMCvwTg/s1600/06-06-11+jamel.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsm2ZjtWeEQ1SlJ0QzwzZ54mYNbhzs-E_tfLGljXlULmgKWMnTlEu8u5sZOofqguO763guETOpFOYoty7hjNxyjwQr-105YGTldWN4yVuk9YhEwiIifr4qg85fYL4Ma0sa06fNjMCvwTg/s320/06-06-11+jamel.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615292259295425666" /></a>This is a picture taken at church the day after Jamel's baptism. He already dresses like a missionary and really wants to be one. Kevin wrote, "I feel happy that God gave me the opportunity to teach him."</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is Kevin's testimony. "I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is our savior. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ and that true happiness comes from living the gospel with all of our heart."</div>Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-34881596376241262512011-05-31T22:06:00.006-05:002011-05-31T22:47:12.777-05:00Evidently, the mission president and his wife (see the third picture below) wanted to visit the Altun Ha ruins in Belize one last time so they took Kevin's zone (I think).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnClJHV-qYk6insT3Af3Zldry9vDhZWfi9F3cxmVnbzw7BgTlhzXya7rnlUi485luxn5WfdD4bGfbpRT0V8QZ7VVU1jLH3EhGXmVs81XXb-iFvYxX24tqBt9S4XY9Z5woXlmNS25LHWo/s1600/05-31-11+Altun+Ha+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnClJHV-qYk6insT3Af3Zldry9vDhZWfi9F3cxmVnbzw7BgTlhzXya7rnlUi485luxn5WfdD4bGfbpRT0V8QZ7VVU1jLH3EhGXmVs81XXb-iFvYxX24tqBt9S4XY9Z5woXlmNS25LHWo/s320/05-31-11+Altun+Ha+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613084957838403714" border="0" /></a>My favorite, irrefutable source (Wikipedia) says the name means "stone water" in Mayan. That name was assigned in modern times in reference to the nearby village of Rockstone Pond.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5KqnDg-pmM82CVoPLu3jofsDANWv5AJsLNQ4uxXeNy2Mi_GtzaG9ORykcmuLG7X3SMO0nDOZSUNiF62V0kwvz2XKgPRHIord_3fxElmD8dR14bm8njUduNEiZ5Jou91rGlbwCAPpgiU/s1600/05-31-11Altun+Ha+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5KqnDg-pmM82CVoPLu3jofsDANWv5AJsLNQ4uxXeNy2Mi_GtzaG9ORykcmuLG7X3SMO0nDOZSUNiF62V0kwvz2XKgPRHIord_3fxElmD8dR14bm8njUduNEiZ5Jou91rGlbwCAPpgiU/s320/05-31-11Altun+Ha+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613084638622628578" border="0" /></a>Evidently, this ancient Maya city was occupied by 200 B.C. As near as I can tell, this was around the time that the first King Mosiah left the Land of Nephi. Evidently, regular construction was going on until about 900 A.D. when there appeared to be some rebellion against the leaders.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDlNgeaWCeJsvcs9i3hwuCcwciOW4Z-hQE07hMIYFtzetpQGu0oh6iQbDZFBgNyYH7rfS3eBy7I96rA5QFKf1ELkNes8JFebPicY8i-CpEPXlbFEe8EYkrdy0Ki059raI3oYO-u88B-I/s1600/05-31-11+Altun+Ha+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDlNgeaWCeJsvcs9i3hwuCcwciOW4Z-hQE07hMIYFtzetpQGu0oh6iQbDZFBgNyYH7rfS3eBy7I96rA5QFKf1ELkNes8JFebPicY8i-CpEPXlbFEe8EYkrdy0Ki059raI3oYO-u88B-I/s320/05-31-11+Altun+Ha+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613084093653029090" border="0" /></a>Evidently, the site covers five square miles and the central square mile contains the remains of approximately 500 structures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eOoCptn-mrbSHgVXLZvuRnHzjv2pLVaOMXRFZmfG5Up8AlHbWNrR6SQ-GSk2bx-_9srGnE8fDCY536Zu0LwbUcP4K-qwR21sYEdV35EIFfBeSODfdjOly7uwk5MQMp-0M8IzRYmyrFY/s1600/05-31-11+Men+hat.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eOoCptn-mrbSHgVXLZvuRnHzjv2pLVaOMXRFZmfG5Up8AlHbWNrR6SQ-GSk2bx-_9srGnE8fDCY536Zu0LwbUcP4K-qwR21sYEdV35EIFfBeSODfdjOly7uwk5MQMp-0M8IzRYmyrFY/s320/05-31-11+Men+hat.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613083756690969602" border="0" /></a>I'm sure there is a story behind Kevin wearing this Mennonite hat but I don't know what it is. We do know there are some large groups of Mennonites in Belize.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bp-NOOUNoRHt9KUlZYHWMK4FARASh3zVVf2WsgmXDCSBL7-ZR5j-ItEHKilOBrAIc18XCzSDa7Te8NEcj0KRnbE9liX8TGKmzyHdfUpsYN3xTcnrP151N1_YcB38YKp3SFdt6lnChhI/s1600/05-31-11+Men+hat.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL-RJqvWDdEF3VWXYt6HmoX-laORtm9YsWPJUNudq2yfLRjCGLdFE4ydhTdcCwGSE0sBbvQ1eFYAiMWBVpkJHANg-Xb3268CR1B747HxEf60o7zHhlZ2CXPSwiY89CV57S5LcZeZfPLI/s1600/05-31-11+baptism.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL-RJqvWDdEF3VWXYt6HmoX-laORtm9YsWPJUNudq2yfLRjCGLdFE4ydhTdcCwGSE0sBbvQ1eFYAiMWBVpkJHANg-Xb3268CR1B747HxEf60o7zHhlZ2CXPSwiY89CV57S5LcZeZfPLI/s320/05-31-11+baptism.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613082606590066946" border="0" /></a><br />We will finish with a pre-baptism picture for Nephi (15) and Laemani (10). Their uncle, also in the picture, baptized them. Their mother is less active but their grandmother has been bringing them to church. Their names would suggest their mother was reading the Book of Mormon about the time they were born.Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-60693165259338473232011-05-26T21:50:00.008-05:002011-05-26T22:37:21.760-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">We begin this week's post with an "it's a small world after all" item.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJRo7mb3r2-bEZbSu6ZDGe1246Z0lCeb4SOG0ykqbyJaZvfaCkZqHQ3apsH6aSYqAM00q4JYg7-mWGxMiTO_iEbuRm2zLAyjanPodKz6zyb4UsiHn71w1BqcNoauzt2Wjjz0ai4bSRcA/s1600/05-26-11+Brian.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJRo7mb3r2-bEZbSu6ZDGe1246Z0lCeb4SOG0ykqbyJaZvfaCkZqHQ3apsH6aSYqAM00q4JYg7-mWGxMiTO_iEbuRm2zLAyjanPodKz6zyb4UsiHn71w1BqcNoauzt2Wjjz0ai4bSRcA/s320/05-26-11+Brian.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611224147870137602" border="0" /></a>Kevin's friend from BYU, Steve Loveland, served with Kevin's cousin, Brian Lunt, in western Canada. Here is a picture of the two of them. (This will also serve as a test to see if Brian's dad ever looks at my blog.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A branch activity included skits. A branch member and the missionaries put on a boxing skit.<br /><br />Here we have Elder Palmer entering the ring triumphantly.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAr3tuUtaO6ZTOVb1jk-yahd79dO5jRwp2MY4BhhS4fg1GljX1-SbYnNNYijX8cZgY1UUo2v_ogiAiGtpruEdkF8qpcze8cJsb8He43L2ND3EPY55hLG86B1vEs3-D6UcY19rGyFImoo/s1600/05-26-11+boxing+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAr3tuUtaO6ZTOVb1jk-yahd79dO5jRwp2MY4BhhS4fg1GljX1-SbYnNNYijX8cZgY1UUo2v_ogiAiGtpruEdkF8qpcze8cJsb8He43L2ND3EPY55hLG86B1vEs3-D6UcY19rGyFImoo/s320/05-26-11+boxing+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611223876356348226" border="0" /></a>A branch member is his competitor. Kevin is the announcer. His companion is Elder Palmer's trainer and Elder Perez is the referee.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQGgQEDwDM8HEBuOZ2cCMpGJuf664c3a0STPBj813ABRJHL1N9ib33XqxxvLwL4yGkgypJznefMY8NdIIe4oOLy9dXQ8T0aRhsLRYGxain8LfGX3hkSDEds0MGZ6v8HjAQEi_OAJqshY/s1600/05-26-11+boxing+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQGgQEDwDM8HEBuOZ2cCMpGJuf664c3a0STPBj813ABRJHL1N9ib33XqxxvLwL4yGkgypJznefMY8NdIIe4oOLy9dXQ8T0aRhsLRYGxain8LfGX3hkSDEds0MGZ6v8HjAQEi_OAJqshY/s320/05-26-11+boxing+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611223624919894306" border="0" /></a>The branch members appears to have won. My guess is that a shot below the belt took Elder Palmer down. It isn't that the branch member fought dirty. Rather, that is probably as high as he could reach.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhu31bnEus1hsujanT_2GM1X3UES6sg_Dj23mA-3dYMc19JN-_RIsPVAFoMVd3WbphbhNGyxMbj7VdZISMpvBISR4g5d4mW92e0w_tO1BL7iEJmt0aB59D-qO09Dfo2I_81cMs-r3NDY/s1600/05-26-11+boxing+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhu31bnEus1hsujanT_2GM1X3UES6sg_Dj23mA-3dYMc19JN-_RIsPVAFoMVd3WbphbhNGyxMbj7VdZISMpvBISR4g5d4mW92e0w_tO1BL7iEJmt0aB59D-qO09Dfo2I_81cMs-r3NDY/s320/05-26-11+boxing+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611223259645099938" border="0" /></a>Some theorize that the moon will be "turned into blood" prior to the coming of Christ and/or the Rapture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS6t0DaORAYrQopnnZ0FhvB3mj4yj_Ym5lqjdPYCF8mtSWGCTbt5rT0UdA6MgMUBa3pXQpguRu01ZXZ6VYoA92RogzQD0u0NxQ41Qa0ihjwXxCnsgE9Lq6y9HcrT4ZT0vJNeMg2tUl1c/s1600/05-26-11+moon.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS6t0DaORAYrQopnnZ0FhvB3mj4yj_Ym5lqjdPYCF8mtSWGCTbt5rT0UdA6MgMUBa3pXQpguRu01ZXZ6VYoA92RogzQD0u0NxQ41Qa0ihjwXxCnsgE9Lq6y9HcrT4ZT0vJNeMg2tUl1c/s320/05-26-11+moon.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611223064850113762" border="0" /></a>Maybe the really old guy who said the end would come on May 21, 2011 wasn't all that far off.<br /><br />Or it could just be a shot of the moon from San Pedro Island.<br /><br />Here is Kevin's testimony. "I know that God lives and loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is my savior and redeemer and that this is His true church. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God."Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-34258017035739286522011-05-17T21:25:00.003-05:002011-05-17T21:36:14.159-05:00First, a quick update on last week's photos.<br /><br />Kevin was in the mango tree harvesting fruit for an older man whom they were visiting.<br /><br />The bean bag story is that the branch president from Cinderella needed to have 170+ 100 lb. bags of beans placed in his house so the missionaries helped him.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This week, we have only one photo.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT1LycP93rzYb-QRSt_Ugk0NvBc3fSG3no5oO0m-910C57DraegePEpZg15igGMRVj1a7oNc_I6iS8U-2jzuK7d5F3SInrlpPd6DJlF_1vG1NiT1q8mJcJUhJ_7DLelc9jaMkRjyPzVM/s1600/05-17-11+birthday+cake.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 392px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT1LycP93rzYb-QRSt_Ugk0NvBc3fSG3no5oO0m-910C57DraegePEpZg15igGMRVj1a7oNc_I6iS8U-2jzuK7d5F3SInrlpPd6DJlF_1vG1NiT1q8mJcJUhJ_7DLelc9jaMkRjyPzVM/s320/05-17-11+birthday+cake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607877609055772162" border="0" /></a>A few quick observations:<br /><ul><li>Last week was Kevin's 21st birthday so someone baked him a cake. <br /></li><li>The cake is chocolate with a caramel frosting. Kevin didn't like chocolate cake growing up but, on a mission, you learn to eat a lot of things you don't like.</li><li>Kevin is blowing out the candle from a distance to show that his advancing age has not yet affected his lung capacity.<br /></li></ul>Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-37768992800703683412011-05-10T15:32:00.003-05:002011-05-10T16:33:24.926-05:00Kevin forgot his planner when he was writing his weekly email and, as a result, he didn't offer much on the pictures he sent by separate email. That leaves me feeling obligated to fill in the gaps with my amazing wit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here we find Kevin up in a mango tree harvesting the fruit.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF1i2WFNsXJS4Y8DcJxDGR3aW9KxD5oH0oVdHM0bCKOn92TvYBbWH4tZI2TVCQgccP610xuPeg45UEI-p-Ug7ky9WbgHyxEn1m_xz15pK_WIa4FUn3OWnwA5CFtKF2CvAxZqnW11Ygbs/s1600/05-10-11+mango+tree.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF1i2WFNsXJS4Y8DcJxDGR3aW9KxD5oH0oVdHM0bCKOn92TvYBbWH4tZI2TVCQgccP610xuPeg45UEI-p-Ug7ky9WbgHyxEn1m_xz15pK_WIa4FUn3OWnwA5CFtKF2CvAxZqnW11Ygbs/s320/05-10-11+mango+tree.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605189036243021682" border="0" /></a>When we sent him on a mission, we expected different fruits of his labors. <br /><br />Also, we thought he had outgrown the urge to climb trees in his church clothes.<br /><br /><br />He said they provided service by filling 100 pound bags of beans. It seems that, while doing that, they started up a bean-bag tossing game. Can you imagine the size of the clown's mouth needed to fit one of those bean bags?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9-vnvyEqPxhEaNkRVkIQLSBwjdRj92jCVr2DavN3xRWRZ3o-R1oYGST0A16l5fQ2E2xH6ozLasY4YogoNuPRXM5blrdYJfWGQd_CNtl7dS5GOEYq_SmvBMGybj8gBzg2XQZY7yrZqsw/s1600/05-10-11+carry+beans.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9-vnvyEqPxhEaNkRVkIQLSBwjdRj92jCVr2DavN3xRWRZ3o-R1oYGST0A16l5fQ2E2xH6ozLasY4YogoNuPRXM5blrdYJfWGQd_CNtl7dS5GOEYq_SmvBMGybj8gBzg2XQZY7yrZqsw/s320/05-10-11+carry+beans.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605188635255241554" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here we have a flashback picture. <br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAGDR61bKji71fmW2i3Uklu83loq7izxKI-ujSEy_VoRvexzpvPf3J3UtxIKxcRQwqkObBZZGJLWKwuaOTZU1SsEC8I9UgOPW6JsGeSpv5YoYUTT5IxxTrNG-j7eOMeBeDXOYzzGZRos/s1600/05-10-11+sit+on+beans.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAGDR61bKji71fmW2i3Uklu83loq7izxKI-ujSEy_VoRvexzpvPf3J3UtxIKxcRQwqkObBZZGJLWKwuaOTZU1SsEC8I9UgOPW6JsGeSpv5YoYUTT5IxxTrNG-j7eOMeBeDXOYzzGZRos/s320/05-10-11+sit+on+beans.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605188444067107154" border="0" /></a><br />I don't know how long it has been since I saw somebody sitting in a bean bag chair.<br /><br />You may have noticed that Kevin's hair is particularly short. Evidently they used a barber who humors you by letting you tell him what you want while having decided to do it his way.<br /><br />Here is Kevin's testimony.<br /><br />I know that God lives and loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration.Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-3025431984632500012011-05-04T21:46:00.007-05:002011-05-04T22:16:38.251-05:00We will begin this post with the pictures Kevin intended to send last week.<br /><br />Here is his new companion, Elder Molina. He mocks me by suggesting I should be able to read his name tag.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Moe2_44QFVHFtqJ9jubzdWq3m6nwt5PsMoAQjNnJ2zzr_b4vFzEq_LBhtAGvtTkBRkDTQZyt-OPSqWmKoLO_DSyxZ9wFuehIUznn99KaL8O7x5jam0A3R0LllXb2c0P_NR6AcJ9zRRU/s1600/05-04-11+companion.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Moe2_44QFVHFtqJ9jubzdWq3m6nwt5PsMoAQjNnJ2zzr_b4vFzEq_LBhtAGvtTkBRkDTQZyt-OPSqWmKoLO_DSyxZ9wFuehIUznn99KaL8O7x5jam0A3R0LllXb2c0P_NR6AcJ9zRRU/s320/05-04-11+companion.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603059830707667410" border="0" /></a><br />Last week, Kevin went to the island for baptismal interviews and was pleased that the boat was crowded enough that he got to ride upstairs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0xZXrr_rDLfLrZrlYRiv4zuIWDlk_KvKdYjULqayOj8n5jnFhE9w9aguT1LYyDYm29BCWa9B3FJw5FBAfTHfMkIIPQniBWPOm-aEVI_Yqbb-Ae2_N5HGhBJrrqZptw1uMM4_iSokO3k/s1600/05-04-11+boat+ride.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0xZXrr_rDLfLrZrlYRiv4zuIWDlk_KvKdYjULqayOj8n5jnFhE9w9aguT1LYyDYm29BCWa9B3FJw5FBAfTHfMkIIPQniBWPOm-aEVI_Yqbb-Ae2_N5HGhBJrrqZptw1uMM4_iSokO3k/s320/05-04-11+boat+ride.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603059618906502002" border="0" /></a>So, when you live in the Midwest, you like to look at pictures of sailboats in the Caribbean. The only bodies of water we see are reservoirs and "borrow ponds" (where they dig out dirt to make overpasses).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3TgK2SsKF81Xwy80aTQ2w8dYC_eiGn3KoIri3Tmj1ZVGJhWBnz7ZbEHKCjuN1j3c_Ui_r5p7wppqIg9avcGVHJhvWfp2eLlRLCx5nRJJnGedu5x7GaE7GZ81F7Z5ov-gTuhqo3OFnCw/s1600/05-04-11+water.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3TgK2SsKF81Xwy80aTQ2w8dYC_eiGn3KoIri3Tmj1ZVGJhWBnz7ZbEHKCjuN1j3c_Ui_r5p7wppqIg9avcGVHJhvWfp2eLlRLCx5nRJJnGedu5x7GaE7GZ81F7Z5ov-gTuhqo3OFnCw/s320/05-04-11+water.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603059400462716706" border="0" /></a><br />If your dream is to have a boat house and dock on the Caribbean, this one might be in your price range.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2G4L2yu9b7VUrsw8cSy0g5QIvYPDWJlfc2UKGTxdvvTMBT6fs0ZKdUaeL6vZU9B6S5fPcU3aCTD5RiVD_2Y0DPn8xNpbpB-xOfO8c7HJ3qBQCOJOhHdE0gYguvhChJ9av3U8bUu0fxg/s1600/05-04-11+dock.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2G4L2yu9b7VUrsw8cSy0g5QIvYPDWJlfc2UKGTxdvvTMBT6fs0ZKdUaeL6vZU9B6S5fPcU3aCTD5RiVD_2Y0DPn8xNpbpB-xOfO8c7HJ3qBQCOJOhHdE0gYguvhChJ9av3U8bUu0fxg/s320/05-04-11+dock.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603058971707553474" border="0" /></a>Allow me to introduce you to the new van. I'm convinced the leaders buy these vans so as to keep the zone leaders humble and to help them resist the urge to cruise. I don't know how they drive while covering their faces so as to not be recognized with such an ugly van.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WlmrV46HFe0rPXEsIUj3EWNnPWdFiT5qFbBaj2v8vXlehnNykLO6bvN1NzfP0KATFlObZadTfprs2Uw7MMjM6Ea8-8cpBoT5RhCpp3Pni2Hlhm5Desp9QELfpjIcIHo_RhXOhppp_g0/s1600/05-04-11+new+van.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WlmrV46HFe0rPXEsIUj3EWNnPWdFiT5qFbBaj2v8vXlehnNykLO6bvN1NzfP0KATFlObZadTfprs2Uw7MMjM6Ea8-8cpBoT5RhCpp3Pni2Hlhm5Desp9QELfpjIcIHo_RhXOhppp_g0/s320/05-04-11+new+van.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603058801676601666" border="0" /></a>Here is the Reader's Digest version of the story behind the following picture.<br /><ul><li>Kevin sees a young man he taught on the island playing soccer.</li><li>Kevin - "When are you going to get baptized?"</li><li>Oscar - "When are you going home?"</li><li>Kevin - "I may transfer in June so you should get baptized May 28."</li><li>Oscar - "OK."</li><li>Elder Martino (vising Area Seventy) to Oscar in adult session of district conference - "You shouldn't wait to be baptized."</li><li>Oscar (next day) to Kevin - "I want to get baptized today and I want Elder Martino to do it."</li><li>Kevin - "OK." (or something like that)</li><li>Another lady from the island was interviewed and found ready so she was baptized by Elder Martino as well.<br /></li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsX17sfQDjFjgdlEwvhwq5fjAjFuLkHl3HSqbOBkbvp2wFl3wuHl_Ny1VU_LdwSs_P7VRC96DXuL9LBpU6J0gY4mWrW1QmjF-d6j9sl4H6VpST3OW2XIbMMNWYeM2tzCo_FaMfv0UKBo/s1600/05-04-11+baptism.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsX17sfQDjFjgdlEwvhwq5fjAjFuLkHl3HSqbOBkbvp2wFl3wuHl_Ny1VU_LdwSs_P7VRC96DXuL9LBpU6J0gY4mWrW1QmjF-d6j9sl4H6VpST3OW2XIbMMNWYeM2tzCo_FaMfv0UKBo/s320/05-04-11+baptism.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603058479101965794" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Kevin's testimony. "I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is our savior. I know that He loves us and that He guides and directs us through a modern-day prophet. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God."Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-59894926230639597072011-04-27T07:30:00.003-05:002011-04-27T07:41:50.267-05:00Kevin has a new companion, Elder Molina. He is from Honduras but speaks English very well. Kevin is now the senior zone leader which means he will be doing much of the driving. I hope he has the transmission down.<br /><br />Kevin intended to send a picture of his new companion and his trips to San Pedro for baptismal interviews but forgot to attach them to his email.<br /><br />Since I don't have those pictures, I will share a picture Linda sent of her wedding along with part of the email she sent to Kevin.<br /><br />Here she is with her new husband, Ron. He is a member and they were married in the church, since she has been a member less than a year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGofLmL127IIB57hq-l-3UEyZ-A6ZwbWDnuQa3ooLnufXl8Qx7l7a9x8wh0r0WTFMrp0ZSjygpkoqxg4iyN1vBx879Y4eSo_99f0WUeERVFP2kx8kBEVxJjjCC8RC7Oxn3i_9E0DmBiJw/s1600/04-26-11+Linda+wedding.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGofLmL127IIB57hq-l-3UEyZ-A6ZwbWDnuQa3ooLnufXl8Qx7l7a9x8wh0r0WTFMrp0ZSjygpkoqxg4iyN1vBx879Y4eSo_99f0WUeERVFP2kx8kBEVxJjjCC8RC7Oxn3i_9E0DmBiJw/s320/04-26-11+Linda+wedding.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600241249447036978" border="0" /></a>Here is an excerpt from her email.<br /><br />"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">I did a 13.9 mile walk with my sisters of relief society. It was part of our project to testify the hard work we can accomplish in relief society… It was a wonderful day. We walked from our chapel to the temple in Las Vegas. For the walk we wore a name tag with someone’s name on it that has inspired us. I wore your name! You were so inspirational and wonderful as my teacher. The Lord put you there in Belize for me!!! I appreciate you as you have been very instrumental in my choosing of the true church. I cannot thank you enough."<br /><br /><br /></span>Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-12257208760398500402011-04-19T13:52:00.005-05:002011-04-19T14:39:31.393-05:00You never know what experiences you might have on your mission that will cause you to pray with all the energy of heart. Here is an extract from Kevin's recent email.<br /><br />"So it takes about an hour and a half to get to Belize City (on a bus from a missionary exchange) and about 20 to 30 minutes [into the trip] I needed to go number two. So the entire trip I was grabbing the seat in front of me trying to hold it in. I have never prayed so hard in my life."<br /><br />Long story short - his prayer was answered favorably but required them to get off the bus in a little town about 20 minutes shy of their destination.<br /><br />Having edified you with that little bit of news, I will move to a topic that represents answers to prayers offered in less urgent circumstances.<br /><br />Here we have a picture of Kevin and his companion with Celina who was baptized the end of March. I'm not sure if this is the lady with the boyfriend who is a member of the church and who provided some excitement by almost pulling out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yhOvYonDzANTezTYyIMpWCTl1dmk-QiE9xL-b4dGKEVUV2kx2HXPvepH-r4F-4ZLYvS-hQw4f91ZVtJGyRa_3q_9EJ1y9rE4-bK2Hh06hROkd5yvazZ3mD4OeNqrRnRuiWIn9tvin_8/s1600/04-19-11+bap+4.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yhOvYonDzANTezTYyIMpWCTl1dmk-QiE9xL-b4dGKEVUV2kx2HXPvepH-r4F-4ZLYvS-hQw4f91ZVtJGyRa_3q_9EJ1y9rE4-bK2Hh06hROkd5yvazZ3mD4OeNqrRnRuiWIn9tvin_8/s320/04-19-11+bap+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597371875352224946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here we have Keyon. He is 14 and related to a recent convert.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUnS7mwzsSmueFtRhCul1UVGSBML8USeIpWifaFQq6HeiEx79C9JeyAna8bZI9Gqvtyt6-MWJFVZ-gwcruK9LIfToLaI2iXQKFouEcMb2RnZ5UzjTKcwV9DWksLcu5jmH_aRfin2HppU/s1600/04-19-11+bap+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUnS7mwzsSmueFtRhCul1UVGSBML8USeIpWifaFQq6HeiEx79C9JeyAna8bZI9Gqvtyt6-MWJFVZ-gwcruK9LIfToLaI2iXQKFouEcMb2RnZ5UzjTKcwV9DWksLcu5jmH_aRfin2HppU/s320/04-19-11+bap+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597370725865740706" border="0" /></a>This is a group picture of those who were baptized last Saturday. Keyon is included as well as the father and his two children mentioned below. The other people are the relatives of those who were baptized.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDNi8r1LtuqarEwtfWgo8mG7xZu7A_5QOtUQqySggEAazPoR0rfjv2TClbCDdI-iyY1s_CGliE-gl2TQdu7wn8maRSMvW0BRPA_irVgl4sntCdO8lIjZjUmCUi_hVwifeIxUCWJ0NNYE/s1600/04-19-11+bap+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDNi8r1LtuqarEwtfWgo8mG7xZu7A_5QOtUQqySggEAazPoR0rfjv2TClbCDdI-iyY1s_CGliE-gl2TQdu7wn8maRSMvW0BRPA_irVgl4sntCdO8lIjZjUmCUi_hVwifeIxUCWJ0NNYE/s320/04-19-11+bap+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597370524280939666" border="0" /></a>In this picture we have Charles, a recently reactivated member, with his 8-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter whom he baptized. Kevin reports that it took four tries to get the son complete immersed. I'm sure that caused some stress for the father.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQ9Jv4WTw_or5xluexAd5HFIGnLDFCQ8awteZg96B3Zv8Qe0wR0NpFIPRyGFKnVdTKSSTegVI0VKTlEzCEVhRkitf5PVXVcQmD0Hv3B338YFviGhgbAtQCrg9pkx4j_e_NpTqzMFewRs/s1600/04-19-11+bap+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQ9Jv4WTw_or5xluexAd5HFIGnLDFCQ8awteZg96B3Zv8Qe0wR0NpFIPRyGFKnVdTKSSTegVI0VKTlEzCEVhRkitf5PVXVcQmD0Hv3B338YFviGhgbAtQCrg9pkx4j_e_NpTqzMFewRs/s320/04-19-11+bap+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597370284574821714" border="0" /></a>Here is Kevin's testimony.<br /><br />"I know that Christ is our savior and that He atoned for our sins. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the restoration. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a modern-day prophet."Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-10791648386822150162011-04-14T07:05:00.004-05:002011-04-14T07:43:38.638-05:00We will open this week's post with an example of the law of witnesses. You know - the truth will be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNuXEQKOi71ijSCkrwRG4zb-Gf6Nfdj5TMQfcydH2IIyq0d1gPtLUJEsNTyNLWmjOUg6VxekXqUNFKHUHH-qLHEL7DrTUhvnUE5ze5pLjJyNP2-SFFQ4TJb_lxUm8zU9tAJJPwbl7ruM/s1600/04-13-2011+cabinet.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNuXEQKOi71ijSCkrwRG4zb-Gf6Nfdj5TMQfcydH2IIyq0d1gPtLUJEsNTyNLWmjOUg6VxekXqUNFKHUHH-qLHEL7DrTUhvnUE5ze5pLjJyNP2-SFFQ4TJb_lxUm8zU9tAJJPwbl7ruM/s320/04-13-2011+cabinet.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595410623415348978" border="0" /></a>In this case, each of Kevin's legs is a witness that, although he lived on a Caribbean island for many months, he did not spend any beach time (other than baptisms).<br /><br />The above picture was taken as they were providing service to the distribution center by lowering furniture from the second floor to the first.<br /><br />We have another picture of the infamous van because it provided some excitement this week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNUgTs2vK1RJVccSYfk6883Ps4GUOgTHQCTWTfQ-SGGAt-USD8SkeZ_mVXTzduDbut9BCQmLsb1zkRxocPBNdZ8ohys0kLQomagXj5bfWSxIKTFHKCjU25D1JQtZk1hKGA6qOmWbvRec/s1600/04-13-2011+van.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNUgTs2vK1RJVccSYfk6883Ps4GUOgTHQCTWTfQ-SGGAt-USD8SkeZ_mVXTzduDbut9BCQmLsb1zkRxocPBNdZ8ohys0kLQomagXj5bfWSxIKTFHKCjU25D1JQtZk1hKGA6qOmWbvRec/s320/04-13-2011+van.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595410358440179890" border="0" /></a>As previously noted, the mission president expects the Belize zone leaders to be very prepared for his visits so that all goes well. Kevin and his companion parked outside of the airport to wait for the president's plane to arrive so as to avoid paying for parking. When it came time to start the van, it didn't. The thought of the president having to wait for them caused them to freak out a bit. Fortunately, some members responded to calls for help and they made it on time. <br /><br />Here is a picture from the recent zone conference. It appears that Kevin has regained the honor of being the tallest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2M4u2Ssh7jyBEjQ2SbmNDRFoNQEV4LUc-5iTBOOx0l9Mdy0KWwuDz4zbtHxp4GQBjbYOOSxrsPLfjLT8UBgTRqumgVhbcv0SNv4YzYKJigat4pIxj4SeokRiDVhzOOueFhx_MpNad8E4/s1600/04-13-2011+zone.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2M4u2Ssh7jyBEjQ2SbmNDRFoNQEV4LUc-5iTBOOx0l9Mdy0KWwuDz4zbtHxp4GQBjbYOOSxrsPLfjLT8UBgTRqumgVhbcv0SNv4YzYKJigat4pIxj4SeokRiDVhzOOueFhx_MpNad8E4/s320/04-13-2011+zone.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595409985368773202" border="0" /></a><br />I guess they have zone conferences every three months so this was the last before the current mission president ends his mission. Therefore, he and his wife had pictures taken with each of the companionships. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-Y3i0ByOyx9Dt8yVWBJaWjDVqcacUm-AA_NvkkQu-UKee0AjK4zoTM_LAtmFfUJyybdP7xFEOxBbp3t9qRFQY0AiO3O1jfII0oWKr1jEVS3eGwT7OTC-xAWwnObpzC31LKfRY5KL_r0/s1600/04-13-2011+pres+%2526+wife.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-Y3i0ByOyx9Dt8yVWBJaWjDVqcacUm-AA_NvkkQu-UKee0AjK4zoTM_LAtmFfUJyybdP7xFEOxBbp3t9qRFQY0AiO3O1jfII0oWKr1jEVS3eGwT7OTC-xAWwnObpzC31LKfRY5KL_r0/s320/04-13-2011+pres+%2526+wife.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595409649353371794" border="0" /></a>As it turns out, it is Kevin's last zone conference before he ends his mission. Although he has slightly over three months before he finishes, he saw his name on the list of those who were to testify because they would be ending their missions before the next conference. <br /><br />As I read that, I remembered receiving my travel plans to come home at the end of my mission. It took me a while to process and accept the fact that my mission would end. I had to go through something of a mourning process.<br /><br />Here is Kevin's testimony.<br /><br />"I know that God lives and loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is our savior. I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ that is lead by a modern-day prophet. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the restoration. "Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-13616825301939272772011-04-06T14:51:00.004-05:002011-04-06T15:15:46.829-05:00Our first entry this week comes from our "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" department.<br /><br />Because I drive a lot, I will often entertain myself by anticipating and noticing "odometer events." It seems Kevin has a bit of that in him too.<br /><br />On Friday, Elder Pattee was giving Kevin another opportunity to enhance his driving skills. At some point during the drive, the odometer turned over to 100,000 kilometers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the "before" picture.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTpewtkNIELkqa3Bsy8Cpbp7d8fFqWjK_fr4CjEZht05KnwT4UoIg8-mmQVEoYR7WLUBmFAto0XyHUscfQXjjke6oWsMcuC0pq6lZDgtrrQYEPAgGKm-KktGrcBXOzuOj7WpqYm50qXo/s1600/04-06-11+odo+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTpewtkNIELkqa3Bsy8Cpbp7d8fFqWjK_fr4CjEZht05KnwT4UoIg8-mmQVEoYR7WLUBmFAto0XyHUscfQXjjke6oWsMcuC0pq6lZDgtrrQYEPAgGKm-KktGrcBXOzuOj7WpqYm50qXo/s320/04-06-11+odo+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592561526576032834" border="0" /></a>Here is the "after" picture.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kClGKdoBS4aIJ0NB0iaP9whSIlxH_wKnO2H-8Y2mUXoDJov8JS_F6MyDImK9FORsmdjZqIru0udiBZMtzglfOoBWzUodgAWq3NJ5OKw-MeF9uaRg8upwaHorSOxNKsMp7yd-t2vhOgI/s1600/04-06-11+odo+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kClGKdoBS4aIJ0NB0iaP9whSIlxH_wKnO2H-8Y2mUXoDJov8JS_F6MyDImK9FORsmdjZqIru0udiBZMtzglfOoBWzUodgAWq3NJ5OKw-MeF9uaRg8upwaHorSOxNKsMp7yd-t2vhOgI/s320/04-06-11+odo+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592561754191376626" border="0" /></a>I guess this odometer event is particularly noteworthy because it suggests they should be getting a new van soon. Kevin expressed a desire that the new van be nicer than this one.<br /><br />The next entry comes from our "humiliation as a source of humility" department.<br /><br />It seems Kevin and his companion were obligated to purchase new bicycle helmets. As you can tell from Kevin's face in the picture below, he finds his new helmet to be about as exciting as a dinner of Iguana meat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkZKKaxm4Iro_62YLs8QccJ-2uOLAAqajvGZBNVu69v-BlfRPAtRSaPiHFAyd46BNB7rzWInswYJiLZPq7mNpnOc7DLPPrw_FFC2TY8R7GSjv7esRuXvvMsenp53SOmGXUnYMghJqL8U/s1600/04-06-11+helmet+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 446px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkZKKaxm4Iro_62YLs8QccJ-2uOLAAqajvGZBNVu69v-BlfRPAtRSaPiHFAyd46BNB7rzWInswYJiLZPq7mNpnOc7DLPPrw_FFC2TY8R7GSjv7esRuXvvMsenp53SOmGXUnYMghJqL8U/s320/04-06-11+helmet+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592561234125244626" border="0" /></a>He indicated that the new helmets elicited uncomplimentary comments from the locals. Here is a sampling of those comments.<br /><br />"Why didn't they buy you knee pads and elbow pads too?" "I would never wear that in public. It looks ridiculous"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Kevin's favorite was, "You look like a transformer."<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3WBrT01dq87Oozbk_FP521vxpR4FY8w-wzoom02XkzBNKtJ_0caZyBNmPmHC7XfNk-EZZS2daY4C3AvVhHGYOJWvSxSmaiMjXOjSsSCtKolfbsALG0ZBShEIoLAOWsXv6GBMzjSoVR8/s1600/04-06-11+helmet+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3WBrT01dq87Oozbk_FP521vxpR4FY8w-wzoom02XkzBNKtJ_0caZyBNmPmHC7XfNk-EZZS2daY4C3AvVhHGYOJWvSxSmaiMjXOjSsSCtKolfbsALG0ZBShEIoLAOWsXv6GBMzjSoVR8/s320/04-06-11+helmet+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592561002344805666" border="0" /></a>He acknowledges that, "It is true. If you pull down the visor in front and look through the holes you look like the transformer bumblebee." I can't tell but he may actually enjoy looking like a transformer.Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-44830422077715504062011-03-29T16:05:00.002-05:002011-03-29T16:18:41.466-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">Kevin was in a hurry and sent some pictures without explanations.<br /><br />The first is of the van they drive.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFttk3_2Ky77AYKZ6NzU1sJ80xnKB7lW03agze4HPabqhAWXcJV8M6f9e2RudJmX7rMxN1HtwYIcVVcn1Cg6WkbNeYVuFGSP24bcEQx414tWfuTDVFjWotAyQDNOtejVwVhGXb0wL87U/s1600/3-29-11+mission+van.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 418px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFttk3_2Ky77AYKZ6NzU1sJ80xnKB7lW03agze4HPabqhAWXcJV8M6f9e2RudJmX7rMxN1HtwYIcVVcn1Cg6WkbNeYVuFGSP24bcEQx414tWfuTDVFjWotAyQDNOtejVwVhGXb0wL87U/s320/3-29-11+mission+van.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589611403659275874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was able to enlarge the original picture to look at the hub cap and it appears this is a Toyota. Evidently, the church got a deal on these vans because they were ugly enough that nobody else was buying them.<br /><br />Kevin's note with these two pictures was brief. It was, "Sorry no time, Picture of van i drive and house!" I'm assuming this house is where they live.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFK-9M8ct2vLw9t7Pfv4NW0C81MyaHFWNckyZiY3n8G1WmaUhRunfwTnG741ZbTxH6DqPmzYQc9jpXSmJJWmxpQjsKP11gDQHX13JsJvQBdA_-PYyMyj8hTvtDOfuf5YQ0FmbAFXLneM/s1600/3-29-11+pink+home.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 414px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFK-9M8ct2vLw9t7Pfv4NW0C81MyaHFWNckyZiY3n8G1WmaUhRunfwTnG741ZbTxH6DqPmzYQc9jpXSmJJWmxpQjsKP11gDQHX13JsJvQBdA_-PYyMyj8hTvtDOfuf5YQ0FmbAFXLneM/s320/3-29-11+pink+home.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589611185597120290" border="0" /></a><br />I enlarged the picture in an attempt to see if the front door was the one that had been kicked in but couldn't tell. My guess is they kicked in one on the side or in the back so as to not be seen from the street. Good guess - huh?!<br /><br />Kevin said the temperature had reached 103 degrees. It would seem likely that they have high humidity. I don't see an air conditioner on this house or next to it. Maybe it is in the back. ;-) He noted that it was really hot for only being March. Maybe I won't complain about the 40 degree highs we are having.<br /><br />Here is his testimony. " I know that God lives and loves us. I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ and that we are lead by a modern day prophet and I look forward to general conference this weekend."Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-74391863456813840492011-03-26T08:24:00.004-05:002011-03-26T08:46:55.625-05:00Since 1) Kevin wasn't able to send pictures and 2) I hate to disappoint my many readers by letting another week pass without a post, I thought I would do so more research.<br /><br />First, let's consider the ethnic makeup of Belize (according to our good friends at Wikipedia).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PUs5hBwbT72wPuhftScF71SAUVazQIHElNskvMvZ_EKYzvz-qxBlsTJLb3BXH81fYAxRCU7TFL3XEqa8hLsKvzCQVolzwpSaNyjoDefLo1BCthBeWxr5YsJ4Hvw68MtALhvQFSHCSqg/s1600/3-26-11+ethnic+graph.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PUs5hBwbT72wPuhftScF71SAUVazQIHElNskvMvZ_EKYzvz-qxBlsTJLb3BXH81fYAxRCU7TFL3XEqa8hLsKvzCQVolzwpSaNyjoDefLo1BCthBeWxr5YsJ4Hvw68MtALhvQFSHCSqg/s320/3-26-11+ethnic+graph.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588380652450351682" border="0" /></a>Sorry I didn't have time to make the graph more readable.<br /><br />You, like I, might find it interesting that Mennonites are considered an ethnic group.<br /><br />Most Belizeans are of mixed descent.<br /><br />The largest group, Mestizo, is a mix of Mayan and European descent. Here is a picture of a Mestizo truck driver.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PYiQ4gQRQM2_Fwc-TktBBbgXdM-yL7mFk0xorGfkJe0B5VS_37g6GmwKXa1vnr_GFxrj8rBuS2kzPUnBU3NqXe3-0Rp9cuKEvmQBT0qBvFTlLTlzpIryivP-4JvlxgfSgccFutx4GHU/s1600/3-26-11+Mestizo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PYiQ4gQRQM2_Fwc-TktBBbgXdM-yL7mFk0xorGfkJe0B5VS_37g6GmwKXa1vnr_GFxrj8rBuS2kzPUnBU3NqXe3-0Rp9cuKEvmQBT0qBvFTlLTlzpIryivP-4JvlxgfSgccFutx4GHU/s320/3-26-11+Mestizo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588379284184339730" border="0" /></a><br />The next largest group, Kriol, is made up of descendants of English or Scottish lumber workers and their African slaves. Here we have a picture of a Kriol young man.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcV4xaepIgI_CBWOIRXEd0CwTwEiWvfFyWgHwFK7VUqeyKQUrQF-JQvEtzi2RrdSNd-SQ_7lIF9aaTXTUzqZzLk4MvDjDtq2uVi2dpgKN_vUTf0NZgHaqlKLsZy-RRTi3EdvEPrgk8AM/s1600/3-26-11+Kriol.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcV4xaepIgI_CBWOIRXEd0CwTwEiWvfFyWgHwFK7VUqeyKQUrQF-JQvEtzi2RrdSNd-SQ_7lIF9aaTXTUzqZzLk4MvDjDtq2uVi2dpgKN_vUTf0NZgHaqlKLsZy-RRTi3EdvEPrgk8AM/s320/3-26-11+Kriol.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588379160843267810" border="0" /></a>The next largest group of mixed race ancestry, are the Garufinas. Their ancestors were Africans and American Indians (Mayan, I would guess). Here is a picture of a Garufina girl.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN02h92jtEYeKbqQotBh5yGvKRrKw5n8L3qaELozSXuAI-a94McM_6eU6royqc7P6m3e58QygzkAUgsOoGwuekYUYSu2JxgdUr6vgvq7fD5_skjMndz6ncXxOo52MpWPjhfWI71Wd8j4/s1600/3-26-11+Garifuna.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN02h92jtEYeKbqQotBh5yGvKRrKw5n8L3qaELozSXuAI-a94McM_6eU6royqc7P6m3e58QygzkAUgsOoGwuekYUYSu2JxgdUr6vgvq7fD5_skjMndz6ncXxOo52MpWPjhfWI71Wd8j4/s320/3-26-11+Garifuna.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588379071036863538" border="0" /></a><br />Now we will consider the languages of Belize. I have no pictures to go with this - just fun facts.<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">English is the only official language of Belize due to being a former British colony. It is the main language used in government and education.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">37% of Belizeans consider their primary language to be Kriol, an English-based Creole of words and syntax from various African languages and other languages (Miskito, Caliche). It is also a second or third language for another 40% of the multilingual country. </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">To speak Kriol is synonymous with being Belizean. Kriol shares similarities with many Caribbean English Creoles as far as phonology and pronunciations are concerned. </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Many of its words and structures are both lexically and phonologically similar to English, its superstrate language. Because it is English-based, all Kriol speakers can understand English. </li></ul> In a post several weeks ago, I made a naive comment about how all of the companionships in Belize contained one companion native to Central America and one from North America. I suggested it was inspired by, among other things, a commitment to diversity. While that may play a part, the following chart shows why it is needed.<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} table.MsoTableGrid {mso-style-name:"Table Grid"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">English & Spanish Language Proficiency</p> <table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium none;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="width: 59.4pt; border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="79"> <p class="MsoNormal">Language</p> </td> <td style="width: 66pt; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="88"> <p class="MsoNormal">Speaks Very Well</p> </td> <td style="width: 48pt; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="64"> <p class="MsoNormal">Speaks Some</p> </td> <td style="width: 42pt; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="56"> <p class="MsoNormal">Total</p> </td> </tr> <tr style=""> <td style="width: 59.4pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="79"> <p class="MsoNormal">English</p> </td> <td style="width: 66pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="88"> <p class="MsoNormal">54%</p> </td> <td style="width: 48pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="64"> <p class="MsoNormal">26%</p> </td> <td style="width: 42pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="56"> <p class="MsoNormal">80%</p> </td> </tr> <tr style=""> <td style="width: 59.4pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="79"> <p class="MsoNormal">Spanish</p> </td> <td style="width: 66pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="88"> <p class="MsoNormal">52%</p> </td> <td style="width: 48pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="64"> <p class="MsoNormal">11%</p> </td> <td style="width: 42pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="56"> <p class="MsoNormal">63%</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <br />If my research hasn't been edifying enough for you, I will conclude with an excerpt from Kevin's last email.<br /><br />"I forgot to mention that I had been asking the assistants to find out how my convert Jose Virigilio from Suncuan is doing and they told me that he is the ward mission leader and is doing or has sent his mission papers. It is truly one of the greatest joys to hear that one of your converts is progressing and growing in the gospel. Like it says in 1Tess. 2:19-20. 'For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.' I know that Christ lives and that He loves us. I know that He is our Savior. I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration."Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-80890202542794193112011-03-09T17:27:00.003-06:002011-03-09T17:50:20.334-06:00As you look at this picture, you might assume Kevin has developed a taste for exotic pets. I'm sure an iguana in his apartment at school would bring some notoriety and interesting conversations.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0gjgYEuRgmnpw1G3p3ekDA-igU6RuhRa0gumBDDuoWnR7BEdhCQv9hybmW30uklP3jUscSea9A66mmVfryS1rIROHBfyOq3XCues0up0lA3glQdADLNxUkrpaJ23tuqXDWeUk7SgADI/s1600/03-09-11+iguana.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 396px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582228163984800930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0gjgYEuRgmnpw1G3p3ekDA-igU6RuhRa0gumBDDuoWnR7BEdhCQv9hybmW30uklP3jUscSea9A66mmVfryS1rIROHBfyOq3XCues0up0lA3glQdADLNxUkrpaJ23tuqXDWeUk7SgADI/s320/03-09-11+iguana.JPG" /></a> As it turns out, however, this lizard will not satisfy someone's taste for exotic pets but, rather, their taste for meat. That thought just saved me some money as I have lost my appetite and will wait to get home after 9:30 to eat.</p><p>So, as zone leader, Kevin needs to learn to drive the van that has a stick shift. One of the senior missionaries came by a couple of times to give Kevin some lessons.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxo_bY4tOrLvrNcTvdDLM4VMv3UblvbemLRWQL99HlPYxcc-IFlv9U-lVypWn8obhzotJJv0T54WgIjRyJuIib6e09ieKaHGJScEnOiooQ6w_2TkmQsSPVrqydBEoA8SM7uYlp8ZmDrk/s1600/03-09-11+stick+shift.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582227900286279298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxo_bY4tOrLvrNcTvdDLM4VMv3UblvbemLRWQL99HlPYxcc-IFlv9U-lVypWn8obhzotJJv0T54WgIjRyJuIib6e09ieKaHGJScEnOiooQ6w_2TkmQsSPVrqydBEoA8SM7uYlp8ZmDrk/s320/03-09-11+stick+shift.JPG" /></a> He reported not being able to go 50 feet without killing the van twice on his first outing. There were some other car-dying incidents, including some in heavy traffic, before the first driving lesson was over. The brother acknowledged to Kevin's companion that he had him worried. The second training session went better and Kevin acknowledged the power of prayer. I suspect that most of the praying was done by the trainer. I hope the color is back in his knuckles.<br /><br />Here is Kevin's testimony.<br /><br />"I know that God lives and loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is the son of God and is our Savior. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration. I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ and that it is lead by a modern-day prophet."Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-88690059306358527422011-03-01T21:02:00.005-06:002011-03-01T21:29:35.840-06:00We will start with the best news of the week. Berris and his nephew, Estephan, were baptized on Sunday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCXCHMvcZXvDA3XWrwzrOR5F4hIHpnZWHs1HRze39o4-Lc_IYgF3WDYU1LVl_KVNDpLjvNUQhn1E8j-XEvbB14SN0jggS99zTGpDBHWfxY6v_z2UGPgrg9BVTnsfxw340VSTggVrn5Bs/s1600/03-01-11+baptism.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCXCHMvcZXvDA3XWrwzrOR5F4hIHpnZWHs1HRze39o4-Lc_IYgF3WDYU1LVl_KVNDpLjvNUQhn1E8j-XEvbB14SN0jggS99zTGpDBHWfxY6v_z2UGPgrg9BVTnsfxw340VSTggVrn5Bs/s320/03-01-11+baptism.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579313148943481922" border="0" /></a>This baptism snuck up on me so I don't know anything about these two brethren. Kevin mentioned being pleased because all of the priesthood leaders attended the baptismal service.<br /><br />Now we will move to the worst news of the week. After the two-zone conference, Kevin and his companion were on the way to their apartment when they realized they didn't have the key.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyYuwUoSa5JWR1vDXc-0NHf0mvfqNHf64_pFRICql5YjnWgMDLFivVjgJbOAjosMQb6n5ZhsiDgwfsm8fH7_dccnsRWNMN1wlF3bz0-hMtB3xqOMrOuI3Rs0NxLSbxP7cBn6no_QTAkA/s1600/03-01-11+broken+door.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyYuwUoSa5JWR1vDXc-0NHf0mvfqNHf64_pFRICql5YjnWgMDLFivVjgJbOAjosMQb6n5ZhsiDgwfsm8fH7_dccnsRWNMN1wlF3bz0-hMtB3xqOMrOuI3Rs0NxLSbxP7cBn6no_QTAkA/s320/03-01-11+broken+door.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579312913259099810" border="0" /></a>When they arrived, they learned that they didn't need the key because someone had kicked the door in. Kevin's companion must have had better stuff than Kevin because he lost an Ipod, Ipod speakers, and boots while Kevin lost nothing. I guess some mission money was taken as well.<br /><br />Elder Farabella, an Area Seventy, did a mission tour. The following picture was taken after the meeting with the two zones in Belize.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbg1Qn-0o9OfBS0_woglCgfOUL6ZDFSBpdT7fHAeTlU0hxCwpIk3GUv_-HHkJ5bNOFVadvD5iW6T8ALoVu7pYdxBl6-FAikPGwZ2yZbleHCrGKGzAQtgo9LFiUm3DiF_rLaWmyE1596c/s1600/03-01-11+zone+mtg.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbg1Qn-0o9OfBS0_woglCgfOUL6ZDFSBpdT7fHAeTlU0hxCwpIk3GUv_-HHkJ5bNOFVadvD5iW6T8ALoVu7pYdxBl6-FAikPGwZ2yZbleHCrGKGzAQtgo9LFiUm3DiF_rLaWmyE1596c/s320/03-01-11+zone+mtg.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579316430319774162" border="0" /></a>Kevin mentioned enjoying Elder Farabella's instruction on seeing mission rules as a blessing since they allow missionaries opportunities to grow in the righteous use of their agency. He also spoke about good habits that should continue after one's mission.<br /><br />The good news from the conference is that they had the key to the basement of the distribution center so they slept on foam pads instead of the floor.<br /><br />BTW - the toe surgery reported earlier was not successful so Kevin resorted to using a real doctor.Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-55986601497482433942011-02-22T17:00:00.002-06:002011-02-22T17:12:40.607-06:00Kevin didn't have any pictures to send this week so I thought I would do a little research on his recently named new mission president. Thanks to Facebook, here is a picture of him with his wife.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRhzo_apmNzrILSkH4aqW8GDRB4STP0MfEDBSv4G0SaG81IWFbq170MuGb2vC_7eQhBBU58f1Dm_jo0LCu6z6tVra2hNDfEY3gecqQWm-M5VZWUJJzninHmejEJvNEAIbUNub9bOrHi0/s1600/02-22-11+new+miss+pres.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRhzo_apmNzrILSkH4aqW8GDRB4STP0MfEDBSv4G0SaG81IWFbq170MuGb2vC_7eQhBBU58f1Dm_jo0LCu6z6tVra2hNDfEY3gecqQWm-M5VZWUJJzninHmejEJvNEAIbUNub9bOrHi0/s320/02-22-11+new+miss+pres.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576652755536956322" border="0" /></a>Here is some information from when he was called as an Area Seventy almost six years ago. I updated his age.<span class="boldtext"><br /><br />I. Poloski Cordon,</span> 43, Guatemala City, Guatemala; temple recorder, Guatemala City Guatemala Temple; former president of the Villa Nueva Guatemala Stake; former bishop's counselor and high councilor. Wife: Lorena; four children. <br /><br />I think he begins his service in El Salvador July 1 which will be shortly before Kevin comes home.<br /><br />Interesting note: When he was announced as the new mission president, they used a different name for the mission. I guess it will be known as the El Salvador Santa Ana/Belize Mission.<br /><br />The current mission president flew to Belize for conferences and interviews. I guess there is another zone in Belize and they came to be interviewed as well. That, and some missing keys, led to another opportunity, as told in Kevin's words.<br /><br />"That night the missionaries from the other zone spent the night so usually we stay in the down stairs of the distribution center where they have a ton of foam pads. But we had some bad luck with keys because the brother that had the keys took them to another part of the country and we all had to sleep on the floor in the upstairs. It was rather unpleasant especially since I have no fat on my body and my bones where just grinding into the tile floor."<br /><br />Here's his testimony.<br /><br />I know that Christ lives and that He is our savior. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God. I know that this is Christ's Church and that it is led by a modern day prophet.Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069790293700934351.post-78750272052880093762011-02-15T15:33:00.005-06:002011-02-15T16:04:07.575-06:00<div>For the first time, I need to begin a post with a warning. If you find images of infected toes troubling, you may want to skip this post. I thought I might not include these pictures but realized that these kinds of problems and how they are dealt with by missionaries are very much a part of missionary life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the before picture which shows Kevin's big toe with an ingrown toenail. This is after he had spent several hours <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tracting</span> with it hurting.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjKN6gQQDPS8HDsS_tsn0IwVFImLtYF_DOD_iHQs9XcufJY_aExHEzi-dicEuYuOsMLx9b65b6YKM5BXSvWdApz01xHxwfhVwrc5e4VGaacrv46AXW1OgSkjc0jwYQMsBaH8CGsHs58Q/s1600/2-15-11+toe1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjKN6gQQDPS8HDsS_tsn0IwVFImLtYF_DOD_iHQs9XcufJY_aExHEzi-dicEuYuOsMLx9b65b6YKM5BXSvWdApz01xHxwfhVwrc5e4VGaacrv46AXW1OgSkjc0jwYQMsBaH8CGsHs58Q/s320/2-15-11+toe1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574032878544952626" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Here is the after picture (i.e. after another missionary performed surgery with nail clippers).</div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ky8tFO8b63KJ1ROZv8qmUW88rbh3u34fJquYqfOAICTnRFCzXB3lf0URfqtBpS2OUK-687Nx3JgtPAZJJ7RCRQ79d0OlKU9hyeSEhWzhV2K-o7ZAIW5CTZTgD8jJZqcIIsBCSquHCk8/s1600/2-15-11+toe2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ky8tFO8b63KJ1ROZv8qmUW88rbh3u34fJquYqfOAICTnRFCzXB3lf0URfqtBpS2OUK-687Nx3JgtPAZJJ7RCRQ79d0OlKU9hyeSEhWzhV2K-o7ZAIW5CTZTgD8jJZqcIIsBCSquHCk8/s320/2-15-11+toe2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574033055159778674" border="0" /></a></div><div>Kevin reports that, although the after picture doesn't look great, his toe felt much better.<br /><br /></div><div>Here we find Kevin in a dreadlocks cap that was given to his companion by a member who used to sport dreadlocks. Kevin put socks into the cap to make it appear more real.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgNDpQGB8HMLPo6jHE5pMPkKHfg1-4pHqaSZ76aDpRb3doMLcmev06UuAJp6tw6imBM-bIYtLggyWHcx3DjMNZPmCtYMmOfU2yTiE2EeZ0nDEED0ioyZ2h2AaZt4-YoP1BOl5bxwlxUw/s1600/2-15-11+dreadlock+cap.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgNDpQGB8HMLPo6jHE5pMPkKHfg1-4pHqaSZ76aDpRb3doMLcmev06UuAJp6tw6imBM-bIYtLggyWHcx3DjMNZPmCtYMmOfU2yTiE2EeZ0nDEED0ioyZ2h2AaZt4-YoP1BOl5bxwlxUw/s320/2-15-11+dreadlock+cap.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574033251769409346" border="0" /></a>I guess the member kept some of the dreadlocks after they were cut off and showed them to Kevin and his companion. Kevin said looking at them was unsettling to his stomach.<div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Kevin is about three-quarters through his mission but had a new experience this week. I will use his words with some minor editing.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; font-family: arial;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">In the morning we taught one of our investigators who is from Taiwan. He is a young guy who is 25 years old and doesn't have a strong Christian background. We taught him about faith and prayer and it was a really interesting lesson because everyone else I have taught already believes in Jesus Christ and everything but to teach someone who doesn't is a great learning experience and helps you better appreciate the basic principles of the gospel. When we taught him he had never prayed before and as we read stories and scriptures from the Book of Mormon it helped me have a better appreciation for the gospel and how I have been blessed to grow up with this knowledge."<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Nedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11147859729484951776noreply@blogger.com1