Roosevelt Hospital Newborn Kits Delivery 

The senior sisters for many years have spearheaded the Newborn Baby Kits. Everyone we know tries to bring them when coming for a visit from the United States. Stacie, Susannah, and Saunie are coming down in September and are planning on bringing a lot of them. I cannot wait to post the pictures of their visit! There are hundreds of babies born EVERY week at the Roosevelt Hospital not to mention all the other hospitals in the country. Many of these mothers do not have ONE thing for their babies. They are so grateful and rather shy when accepting their kits. We, however, are blessed to be able to bring them. 

Here are a few pictures from our last visit, July 22, 2015.

4th of July Celebration, Guatemalan Style!

La Colinas

(church recreational property used for EFY, Missionary Reunion, Camps, etc.)

Sister Done had us playing baseball...her style. A large empty water bottle (the kind we use for culinary water) was attached to a long handle making our "bat". I am not an athlete, but I held my own and even made it home a few times.
"Slugger" Spence made several great plays and brought in some good runs. 

We certainly missed home and family but made up for it with our new home and senior family. 

Saving the best for last...

Lake Atitlan...thought to be the Waters of Mormon

After breakfast, we hired a boat driver and headed over to the town of Santo Domingo across the lake. First on the list was a brief Tuc Tuc ride around the town...the hand washing area, a cemetery, and a visit with a Guatemalan woman who gave us a demonstration of how to wear the local costumes. It was fascinating and fun to "dress up". Last, but certainly not least, we stopped at Cesar´s wood carving shop to order a few pieces. 

Caesar is an amazing craftsman and artist. We ordered them that day and 3 weeks later they were completed and delivered to us in Guatemala City!

Panahachel

Third stop...Panahachel for shopping, museum, and hotel for the night. The hotel back swimming pool area opened up to the lake. Inside the hotel are two small museums about the lake and its people. There once was a town in the middle of what is now the lake. Due to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes the town was covered with water. In the museums there are artifacts from the city in the lake. 

A view from the back of the hotel onto the lake.

Our hotel, Posada de Don Rodrigo

An evening stroll of shopping and music. Perfect!

Hotel Atitlan

Second stop on our trip was a lunch at Hotel Atitlan and a tour of their amazing gardens. Hotel Atitlan is located just outside of Panachel where we were to spend the night. 

After lunch, we drove into Panachel and checked into our hotel which was located right on the lake. A walk and a little shopping...yes, I do like to shop! There are always treasures to be found and I found mine...Chickens...the wooden kind. Spence laughs at me, but I like them and here they are!

IXIMCHÉ Ruins

The June 26 and 27 we were able to take a little trip with some senior missionary friends (Trapnells...mision nurse, Dalys...Guatemala South Mission, and Breretons,..the other executive secretary) to Atitlan, Guatemala which is 120 kilometers and about two and a half hours northwest of Guatemala City. What a wonderful two days we had as we "scouted out" what we are planning to do with our children when they come down to visit. We had a fantastic time!

FIRST, we stopped off at the Iximche (Shim-Shay) Mayan ruins on our way to the lake. What a treasure! We had a wonderful guide who spoke English and gave us great background information. The city's name actually means "corn" and "tree" and was located in a thick forest. For centuries, the city was hidden in the forest. The region was called "Quauhtemallan" which means tree and was later called Guatemala. There were six plazas and they all lined up side by side in a continuous line. The ruins of pyramids, government houses, ball courts, and 3 palaces are all that remain of this once important city. All other inhavitants lived outside the city in the forest area. At its height, there were about 40,000 people and they controlled about 2,000 square kilometers. The city was established in the early 1400´s and was invaded by the Spainards in 1524 and burned by them in 1528. The area was totally abandoned by 1540.

TIO JUAN Dental Clinic

We have a rather unique situation in the Central America Area. We have a dental clinic that is manned by as many as 4 and as few as 1 dentist. There are only a few of these clinics supported by the church around the world. I have been able to volunteer there one day a week for the last few months due to fewer missionary applications in the summer. I am not trained, but I know how to use the computer, put together "goodie" bags for young patients, and do a little filing. I do not answer phones...a blessing for whoever would be on the other line! The clinic works in conjunction with a charitable organization that supports orphanges and schools in the city and also Catholic services. We see children all school ages, prospective and currently serving missionaries, missionaries in the Guatemala MTC, and senior and temple missionaries. Unfortunately, we are soon losing Dr. Milne as they have completed their mission which leaves only Dr. Curtis. If anyone knows any dentist who want to serve, please contact us so we can pass the word to Salt Lake. It does not initially go through the missionary department. 

ANTIGUA, again...you will see more than one post from this beautiful and historical city. Our friends, the Fillmores, had just arrived and wanted to go to Antigua. (There are a few previous posts from Antigua.) 

              Elder Mark and Hermana LeAnn Fillmore

First, let me introduce these fantastic people. They are from Burley, Idaho where we lived many years ago for only a few years. Burley left its mark on our hearts with many memories of loved friends. So, when we received an email from one of my very dearest friends in all the world, Lanny Arnell, telling us about a wonderful couple called to Guatemala, we were anixous to mee them. Anyone from Burley are friends of ours, and Fillmores are definitely friends! Although we have been gone from Burley several years, we know many of the same people so it is almost like a reunion when talking with them. They are assigned to the Guatemala City Central mission where Sister Fillmore´s cousin, Hermana Markham, serves with her husband who is the mission president.


I am always fascinated with these wonderful and unique people who call themselves "Guatemalans". Their features are so distinct. I feel they have a story to tell. And, if I could only speak more Spanish, maybe they could tell me. Of course, if I ever has an opportunity to hold a baby, I do it!