On June 1st we left our home in Belize City to head for the airport at 8:30 AM...
...and arrived to our home in Utah at 12 midnight that night! What a wonderful reunion it was with three of our daughters along with two of my brothers and their wives.
On Friday we drove to Idaho to see the rest of our family who lives there.
When we left for our mission two years ago, we had 3 grandchildren. We now have 6, with 2 on the way.
Seeing Elder Magnusson's 93 year old mother again was particularly emotional. She wears her "You Better Belize It" apron with pride! She was very interested in seeing some of our photos on our tablet.
Our last week was also President Adams's last zone conference in Belize. Watching him and Sister Adams depart their plane is a literal fulfillment of the Lord's directive to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them...teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.." (Matthew 28:19-20)
We will greatly miss the companionship of the young missionaries who so selflessly serve the people of Belize.
At this final zone meeting, Elder Magnusson and I were called on to share our final testimony with the missionaries of the truthfulness of the Lord's work we're engaged in.
It was pleasant, yet at the same time difficult, to bid farewell to dear friends and families who we respect so highly and have learned so much from.
We were surprised to be invited to gather with members of the Belize City Branch, under the direction of President Harold Smith (below), on the eve of our departure. They expressed their thanks to us and sang a hymn. Yet, we are the ones indebted to them for this experience of a lifetime to learn from some of God's chosen people.
Farewell, dear friends in Belize. God be with you till we meet again.
This weekend we packed up and moved from Succotz back to Belize City where we started two years ago. We'll be spending the last week of our mission in Belize City as we make final preparations and assist with the multi-zone conference.
Before we left Succotz, we were able to teach the first lessons of the temple preparation seminar to the wonderful Morales family of Benque Viejo.
We had our last district council meeting with the Belmopan district. The missionaries in Dangriga joined us via Google hangout.
(left to right) Elder Glines, Elder Ramos, Elder Suarez, Elder Silva, Elder Bryant, and Elder Tippets
We've enjoyed visiting with many of our Belizean brothers and sisters in the Cayo district whom we have grown to love and admire for their faith and perseverance. These are just a few of the pictures we were able to snap as we said our last goodbyes. In Bullet Tree Falls, Francisca Landero holds her grandson while her daughter Adia Tackitt looks on.
(Left photo) Edwin Sanchez, branch president of Bullet Tree Falls branch. (Right photo) With Sandra Manville, left, Relief Society president in San Ignacio with her sister Catherine.
We've been following with interest President Russell M. Nelson's Pacific Ministry tour throughout the Pacific islands this past week. This video describes his wonderful experience with the people of Fiji.
President Nelson's final stop on his tour was to Papeete, Tahiti, where Elder Magnusson's father served as a young missionary 73 years ago.
The Church's Newsroom reported of the young Tahitian performers having fun at the anniversary celebration of the Church’s first missionaries arriving in the Tahitian islands 175 years go.
Following the cultural celebration, President Nelson addressed 10,000 Tahitian Latter-day Saints in a devotional at the Pater Stadium in Papeete, Tahiti. The devotional was also broadcast to congregations across Tahiti.
This video describes President Nelson's experience in Tahiti.
Enjoy this video summary of the President Nelson's 9 day tour to the Pacific islands.
Recently, we were in nearby Bullet Tree Falls and stopped in to meet local painter Jorge Landero in his studio. Seeing Jorge's work we decided to ask him if he could capture an image of Belize that we have onto canvas. Elder Magnusson described to him his thoughts as Jorge sketched on paper. We're very pleased with Jorge's colorful and creative interpretation, and look forward to displaying it in our home.
We can see these colorful mangos and flowers as we leave our upstairs apartment and look out into our neighbor's yard. After seeing these flowers and tree, you can understand why Jorge used such vivid colors in his painting.
This week was mission leaders' council. We joined with our zone leaders and sister training leaders in Belize as we all video-conferenced most of the day with those in El Salvador where President Adams conducted. (From left to right) Elders Christopulos, Ramos, Fife, and Glines; Sisters Donakey and Thompson, Paul Woods, and our friend from Caye Caulker Frank Ross.
We gathered for this unique group photo of the mission leaders' council--we in Belize on the video screen behind those gathered in El Salvador.
We have enjoyed following President Nelson's Pacific Ministry Tour that started this past week. His first visit on Friday was to Kona, Hawaii; Saturday night he spoke to members and government officials in Samoa.
We listened with interest to his message to the people in Samoa. In part he said, “Please protect your children. Help them to know the Lord, and love Him, and keep His commandments and be free from the shackles of addiction and bondage.” We know that this same message applies to all of us in Belize, or wherever we live. Let's follow the Lord's prophet.
Stone carving is a way for local Succotz artisans like Barry Camal to preserve their Mayan heritage on slate found in nearby quarries. Here he prepares his latest, beautiful carvings for sale to tourists that visit our village.
Walking with Eliodoro Martinez to the Succotz chapel for his final temple preparation class. Stacey Cadle of Santa Elena Branch also completed her classes this week. In the temple preparation seminar, members of the Church learn more about the covenants they will make and the sacred ordinances available to all of God's children in the temple.
On Sunday, we visited the Dangriga Branch on the southern coast with leaders from the Cayo District. Bernard Nelson (left) was sustained as the new elders quorum president by district president Amin Salazar.
In the right photo are Dangriga branch president Anthony Deras, district young women's leader Shaneel Burgess, district Relief Society president Cirrila Landero, and President Salazar. It's been inspiring to watch Dangriga Branch grow in size and activity.
As I visit the different Primaries, I notice that all the children LOVE to color and they take it very seriously. After studying John 10:1-18 and reading about the parable of the Good Shepherd, they learned that Jesus is like a shepherd to us and He knows and loves us.
John 10:14: I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep...
Every six weeks bring changes for the missionaries; some are transferred to other places of labor, while others remain in their area but receive a new companion. We drove these changing missionaries to Belize City and to the airport. These sister missionaries bid an emotional farewell to each other.
The Succotz Branch held an activity outdoors, showing a video portraying the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The children then roasted marshmallows while a snack was prepared and served from the meetinghouse kitchen by branch members and missionaries.
I was raised in the San Francisco Bay area where the Oakland Temple is located. I have fond memories as an 8-year old touring the temple when it was first built. We were also married there 41 years ago.
I have followed with interest the events surrounding the rededication of the temple taking place next month following an extensive renovation. Before the dedication or rededication of any of our temples, the public is invited to an open house. I enjoyed this 3-minute video of the description of different Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders' experiences of touring the temple.
If you can't travel to Oakland to tour the temple yourself, you can do it virtually by watching this video produced by the Church's Newsroom.
Enjoy this year's Mother's Day message from our Church.
Almost everyday in Succotz we pass by Cathy Fast Food, so we thought we'd try it for lunch.
It's across the street from an elementary school and there were several children inside getting snacks. I enjoyed sharing my "If You Chance to Meet a Frown" handout with them. Elder Magnusson liked chatting with the proprietor, Rogelio, who knows all about local history and culture.
There's a small airfield and terminal located in a picturesque valley between the village of Succotz and town of San Ignacio. Tropic Air's fast delivery service came in handy when we needed to get a small package to Belize City, saving us a 2-hour drive east.
Farewell Elder Grey! Abner Grey Jr. was set apart as a full-time missionary in the senior missionary house in Belize City, on his way to the airport. His parents, Abner and Alicia, are stalwart members in the Corozal Branch, located at our northern border with Mexico. Elder Grey is called to serve in the Trinidad Port of Spain Mission, an island off the coast of South America.
Elder Grey is a great example to his two younger brothers. His grandmother and aunt also came to see him off.
After our weekly district council meeting, we were able to celebrate Elder Hicken's 20th birthday.
Walking away from the chapel after district meeting. Even though it's humid, it's still a beautiful setting in Succotz.
This past Sunday we attended the Belmopan Branch. We sat in on the branch council meeting as the council discussed the needs of their members. It's wonderful to watch inspiration in action among the leaders.
On Sunday, after the children read the parable of the Good Samaritan, they enjoyed coloring a picture strip of the story.
Just when we think we've experienced all that Belize has to offer, our friend Amin Salazar shared a couple of caimito fruit with us (aka star apple). The texture inside of the fruit is almost jelly-like; it was sweet and refreshing!
I took this photo next to bananas so you can get an idea of the size of the star apple fruit.
I saw this majestic tree on the edge of the airport property and felt compelled to take a picture of it.
Seeing this strong, mature tree reminded me of this video below. We need to be strong as we face our spiritual whirlwinds.
Here is the transcript of the video narrated by Elder Neil L. Andersen:
In nature, trees that grow up in a windy environment become stronger. As winds whip around a young sapling, forces inside the tree do two things. First, they stimulate the roots to grow faster and spread farther. Second, the forces in the tree start creating cell structures that actually make the trunk and branches thicker and more flexible to the pressure of the wind. These stronger roots and branches protect the tree from winds that are sure to return.
My young friends, the world will not glide calmly toward the Second Coming of the Savior. The scriptures declare that "all things shall be in commotion." More concerning than the prophesied earthquakes and wars are the spiritual whirlwinds that can uproot you from your spiritual foundations and land your spirit in places you never imagined possible, sometimes without your hardly noticing that you have been moved.
The worst whirlwinds are the temptations of the adversary. Sin always has been and always will be a part of this world. But it has never been so accessible, insatiable, and acceptable.
There is, of course, a powerful force that will subdue the winds of sin. It is called repentance.
How do you prepare for your whirlwinds? "Remember ... it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, ... his shafts in the whirlwind, ... when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power ... to drag you down ... because of the rock upon which ye are built." This is your safety in the whirlwind.
This screen shot of my weather app was taken on Thursday of this week. All I can say is, "please pass the water!"
The Santa Elena Branch Relief Society held a successful Women's Retreat this week...
...and no, we were not photoshopped into this picture! We're standing outside of our conference room at the Maya Mountain Lodge in Santa Elena.
I was asked to teach a class on ministering, Elder Magnusson on self-reliance, and together we taught a class on successful marriage. Other classes taught by the RS presidency and branch presidency included domestic violence, self-confidence, home safety, and women's health. We also enjoyed the delicious luncheon and getting-to-know-you games.
The organizers were Relief Society president Kay Pérez (right) and secretary Stacey Cadle (left)...and yes, that watermelon tasted as good as it looks.
Margaret Robinson has been a Catholic missionary living in other countries of Central America and now in Belize for many years. We met Margaret on one of our morning walks. What a wonderful humanitarian and follower of Christ!
This lovely young girl came up to me while I was playing prelude in San Ignacio Branch last Sunday. She reverently stood by my side and watched me play until it was time for church to start.
We enjoyed attending the baptism of the son of Noel and Janet Chi Saturday afternoon. He has grown and matured so much since we moved to Succotz just 6 months ago.
One of the Bible stories we studied in the "Come Follow Me" manual this week is found in Luke 10:25-37. The parable is of the Good Samaritan. I'm inspired by the message and the portrayal of the parable in this video.
From the manual: It is helpful to remember that the parable of the good Samaritan was Jesus’s way of answering a question: “Who is my neighbor?” As you read this parable, keep that question in mind. What answers do you find? By Jesus’s day, the animosity between the Jews and Samaritans had lasted for centuries. The Samaritans were descendants of Jews living in Samaria who had intermarried with Gentiles. The Jews felt that the Samaritans had become corrupted by their association with Gentiles and had apostatized. Jews would travel miles out of their way to avoid passing through Samaria. (See also Luke 9:52–54; 17:11–18; John 4:9; 8:48.) Why do you think the Savior chose a Samaritan, someone who was hated by the Jews, as an example of compassion and loving one’s neighbor? What does this parable inspire you to do to show more mercy to others?
I enjoyed seeing the perspective of this parable from a child's eyes. In this video, the children were asked to tell the story of the Good Samaritan in their own words.
The Good Samaritan by Dan Burr
Our daughter, Lisa, sent us this picture of the eggs she dyed for Easter. Our friend taught us how to do this method over 25 years ago. You make them using eggs, onion skins, leaves or flowers, an old nylon stocking, and string. You can learn how to do it by clicking onto my recipe blog here.
As you can see, each egg is beautiful and unique...just as we all are, as children of our Heavenly Father.
It's Holy Week, when all Christianity joins together to commemorate the greatest event in history, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His Atonement for the sins of all mankind. In nearby Benque Viejo, the townspeople decorate the streets and lanes with exquisite artwork of colored sawdust and sand, an expression of faith and devotion to the Savior of the world.
We enjoyed walking through the streets of Benque and seeing the colorful sawdust artwork.
You can watch how they make the beautiful designs by using stencils.
The nighttime Good Friday processional in Succotz passed by our house--a somber and moving scene presented by the local Catholic Church.
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square honor the Resurrected Lord in their majestic 3 min music video He Is Risen.
Local church leaders visited Camp Oakley in Burrell Boom, 30 min north of Belize City, as the probable site for this year's youth camp. It includes cabanas, a mess hall, a small lake, and restrooms/showers. We remember the excitement of last year's camp experience--too bad we'll miss this one!
We love gathering with all the missionaries who are serving in the country of Belize every 6 weeks for zone conference. We learned this time how to better teach the principle of repentance.
It was the final zone conference for Elder and Sister Jensen of Cardston, Alberta. Sister Jensen's lunch of Hawaiian Haystacks was enjoyed by all the missionaries.
The young missionaries practiced teaching Jesus Christ's message of repentance and redemption.
One Voice Choir, a 36-voice, high school-age choir from Richfield, Utah, came for a week to renovate a school library in Cayo and to perform free Easter concerts. Here they perform in the Succotz chapel. Afterwards, they meet Sister Thompson and Sister Donakey and were excited to ask them all about their experiences as missionaries in Belize.
In Corozal, (from right to left) Branch President Francisco Peña, District President Hilberto Casanova, Sergio Escalante, Abner Grey Jr., Lindbergh Foster, Paul Woods, 1st counselor in the district presidency.
Sergio, Abner, and Lindbergh were just ordained elders.
On Monday in Corozal, we couldn't pass up going to the market and getting fresh produce.
The scriptures teach us that all things testify of Jesus Christ. Certainly nature in springtime, with the rebirth of these flowers we found in Corozal, is an example of Christ living again. And we will, too.
