Instruction-Ancient and Modern

We had a senior mission couples' training this past week.  We were reminded that we need to take time to "sharpen the saw".  So we did just that and traveled as a group to explore the remote ruins at Caracol, close to the Guatemala border.  

Discovered in 1938, Caracol was home to an extensive Mayan community, founded in AD 330, with numerous tall temples, stone structures, and monuments with ancient writing and illustrations.

Caracol is the largest placement of Mayan ruins in Belize, with many of the structures barely visible under the soil. The ancients abandoned Caracol around AD 900.

The ancient inhabitants of the Americas were expert in carving their political history on stone, and in engraving their religious history and teachings on metal plates.

The stones we found at Caracol; the translation of the metal plates we find in The Book of Mormon.

Inside the Río Frío Cave, on the road to Caracol. Elder and Sister Adams were dwarfed by this massive geological wonder. 

Outside the cave, the Río Frío reminded us of our favorite family camping spot in Yosemite.

Not only did we enjoy the waterfalls, the sand fleas enjoyed us, as well!

Life can have it's ups and downs, especially on the two and a half hour road to Caracol. This video is just 10 seconds long, but you will get an idea of how our travels went on our way to and from Caracol. Pass the Dramamin, please!

This rainbow at the end of our drive was a beautiful reminder of our wonderful day.  

In our training as couples we were reminded that Jesus ministered one-by-one, and that we should do the same. All have individual needs, and need an individual approach. In the song below, authored by Elder David A. Bednar, the admonition is to follow the Savior, and reach out "one-by-one".  Click on the "See More" link below (in blue) to read Elder Bendnar's experience with writing the lyrics to the song, "One By One".   Click on the arrow in the middle of the picture to hear the song.   

In preparation for zone conference, the Corozal sisters came into town and spent the night with us. We always enjoy their visit when they come.  They remind me of our own sweet daughters.  

Their cute hairdos intrigued me.  They said it was easy to do - they just tucked their locks into their headband.

On Thursday we gathered once again as a zone.  The Belize zone consists of all missionaries serving in the country-- 16 elders and sisters, and four senior couples. President and Sister Adams are front row, to the left.

It was a great day of training and learning from each other.

Half way through the meeting, the Sisters sang a beautiful hymn, "Lord, I Would Follow Thee". 

Could it be a complete zone conference without missionaries' favorite foods for breakfast and lunch?-- sugar cereal and pizza!  The cereal of choice -- Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  The pizza of choice -- all meat.

Elder Jorge Luis Góngora, of Corozal, Belize, returned home this week from the Chile Osorno Mission. His father was very proud and happy at the reunion.