What I have seen and heard since April 2013

While serving as a temple missionary in Guatemala starting in April of 2013, I have seen and heard:

* Beautiful people of Guatemala, both temple workers and patrons and people from other places including the United States who have come to the temple.
* Some come by air, some come by car, some come by motor cycle, and some come in the Ugly Red Buses.  They come from far and near.
* They come from Patzicia, Puerto Barrios, Rio Dulce, Belize, Santa Lucia, Escuintia, Chimalenango, Antigua, Peten, Flores, Coban, Lanquin, Izabal, Zacapa, Jalapa, Cuilapa, Polochic and Sumpango.
* Some have many transfers, bumpy roads, much traffic, 12 hour drives or more.
* Some have difficulties with their passports on their way.
* Some get shot at on their way.
* Some come without shoes.
* Some come in their traditional clothes.
* Some come with arthritic hands and they fold socks and stuff the socks into shoes.
* Some come with aching backs, legs or arms.
* Some are so short they don't see over the recommend desk or the counter.
* They come with ears that don't hear well, eyes that don't see well and mouths that only speak Quekchi or some other Mayan language. Others only speak English.
* They come not able to read or write.
* They come with their quetzals and their temple recommend in their blouse so they won't be robbed.
* Some come with heavy hearts, some come with lonely hearts, some come with sad hearts and others come with happy hearts.
* They come with their minds heavy with burdens.
* They come wanting to be understood.
* They come with many issues on their plates.
* They come with illnesses. Some are on dialyses. Some come with no legs or legs that don't work well.  Or they come with hands and arms that don't work well.
* They come with the desire to do things exactly right in the temple; with a child like attitude.
* They are kind and patient.
* They leave their beautiful children waiting outside with others watching them, while they do the work inside the temple.
* Each one is so lovable and beautiful.
They come because there is One who has suffered All these things and more. He suffered because He loves ALL people. He died that ALL might live with our Heavenly Father and Him again.

Oh Guatemala! Beautiful Guatemala! 

We will NEVER forget you. We will NEVER forget your beautiful people whom we love dearly.