Our Mission to Belize: Howler Monkeys, Parrots, and Stone Speak!

We visited the Yaxhá archaeological site about an hour's drive into Guatemala. A former Maya ceremonial center and city during the AD 250-600 period, it's impressive monuments and temples are shrouded under a canopy of trees, and continue to be excavated from the earth and bush to reveal its mysterious past.

Ascending these massive structures with the aide of modern stairs was still difficult, yet the panoramic view of adjacent lake and landscape made the climb worth it.

A Guatemalan family, in their colorful dress, also was visiting Yaxhá. Their ancestors likely are the ancient builders and inhabitants of this city.

Howler monkeys live in the forest, both in Yaxhá and across the river from Succotz. Listen to the howler monkey welcome us to this ancient city of Yaxhá.

You can also see the video by clicking here.

We're grateful to Elder and Sister Flake for taking us to Yaxhá. Forty massive stone stalae have been discovered here, depicting history and bearing ancient writings. Can you see the face of the warrior in the middle of the stone?

Reading the Book of Mormon, one readily visualizes the cities and way of life of this ancient people of Central America. Compare with Omni 1:20: "In the days of Mosiah, there was a large stone brought unto him with engravings on it; and he did interpret the engravings by the gift and power of God."

It was time for zone conference again this week. We're now 30 strong in Belize, young along with senior missionaries.

Sister VandeMerwe, our new registered nurse, with the aid of her husband, Elder VandeMerwe, administered flu shots at zone conference to keep us well this season,

Missionaries practiced using the scriptures more in their teaching. Truly, "preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just...it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than...anything else." (Alma 31:5)

It was my turn to prepare the luncheon: American tacos, one of the missionaries' favorites!

Elder and Sister Flake transported the Cayo missionaries to and from zone conference in a van. They're an enthusiastic group, and love to serve the Lord and the people of their areas.

We will be blessed with another senior couple in two weeks. They'll be living in Dangriga. The Flakes and us, aided by Elders Flowers and Grey, moved more furniture to their apartment, boasting a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea.

Our first guests for dinner in our Succotz house-- the Valdez family. We met Lily Valdez in her yard yesterday on our early morning walk up and over the hill behind our house. Their oldest daughter Daisy (far left) is in her final preparation to be a school teacher.