Corozal, Conference, and Camp

Corozal is the most northern town in Belize, along the Mexico border and the coast. We were there for a day and night to conduct mission business, and stayed in a cabaña at the Tilt-Ta-Dock Resort. It was a breezy day.

All the missionaries in the country enjoy meeting together every six weeks for Zone Conference.  Right now we have 19 missionaries and three senior couples serving in Belize.  President and Sister Adams (front row, red tie) came from mission headquarters in El Salvador to interview the missionaries and to train us.

The two zone leaders, Elder Magnusson, and Elder Flake, and President and Sister Adams taught us, and later districts met in groups to practice their teaching.   President and Sister Adams were presented with a card signed by all their missionaries recognizing their two years of service.

I was in charge of the meals for zone conference this time. Everyone was excited over the tacos for lunch.  They were especially happy that there was enough so they could go back for seconds...and thirds!

Sisters Arteaga and Kruyer in our district are dedicated, strong teachers of the gospel.  They also enjoy a home cooked meal every once in a while, complete with watermelon, my favorite!  

As we travel to the different branches each Sunday, it's wonderful to see the youth leaders signing up their peers for youth camp that will be held in August.

The picture on the left popped up on my Facebook wall stating that it was a memory from June 30, 2016.  The caption read:  "It's someone's last day of work.  #retirementherewecome".  Today I say, "What a difference two years makes."  

Prophets spoke for God anciently. Teaching the people of Belize that God has a prophet on Earth today is one of our principal reasons for being on our mission.

You can also see the video by clicking here

You have heard of prophets in the Bible, and you may have heard of modern-day prophets too. Who are they? What is their purpose? 

God told Noah to build an ark before the flood came. He did, and the family of Noah was saved. God gave Moses 10 commandments to teach to the people. Those who follow the commandments were blessed. Noah, Moses, and other prophets found in the Bible were called by God to speak for Him. When they did, it was as if God was speaking.

Mormons believe God still speaks to us, His children, through prophets. Just like prophets found in the Bible and The Book of Mormon, additional scripture, today’s prophet is a witness of Jesus Christ. He testifies of the Savior’s divinity and teaches His gospel. He receives direction from God and often offers warnings in order to prepare us for what is to come.

So who are these modern prophets?  Watch the video to learn more.....

Friends and Watermelon!

The Santoya's invited us to the new house Moses is building in Carmelita, a village outside of Orange Walk. Moses is a returned missionary who served in England. He and Clara are establishing a celestial home.

Harold and Elena Smith are pioneers of the church in leadership in Belize, and have lived a most amazing life in fishing, entrepreneurship, and industry, both in Belize and the U.S.

We were honored to be invited to the retirement celebration of Rodrick Cardinez, principal of renowned Edward P. Yorke High School in Belize City. Rodrick is retiring after 37 years in education, just as Elder Magnusson did two years ago.

Publics supermarket has been our preferred spot for grocery shopping. We met store manager Rajesh Verma (lower left) several months ago while searching for our favorite cookies. While we never found our cookies (and probably really don't need them), we did find a new friend in Rajesh.  With 11 years as manager, he puts his customers and staff (lower right) first. Publics is known for its variety of fresh produce--we get at least two watermelons and two pineapples a week!

Speaking of watermelon, we noticed a city crew working our street, clearing the sides of debris and weeds.  Returning home several hours later, their work was done, and the streets were well groomed.  My Publics watermelon was in the fridge, so I offered the crew some cold, sliced watermelon and thanked them for their hard work to beautify our neighborhood. They were very appreciative.

This song reminds us of Jesus’ many miracles during His life on earth as well as His miracles in each of our lives today through His Atonement.  This is a message that I am glad to share with my brothers and sisters here in Belize.  

You can also see the video by clicking here

“The Miracle”

by Shawna Belt Edwards

Jesus walked upon the water
He stilled the storm and calmed the angry sea,
With His hands He healed the leper,
He made the lame to walk the blind to see.
He fed a thousand people with a loaf or two of bread.
And when the ruler’s daughter died,
He raised her form the dead.

Jesus is a God of miracles,
Nothing is at all impossible to Him,
But I know this:
Of all his miracles, the most incredible must be the miracle that rescues me!

Jesus bled and died to save me,
A price that I could never pay alone,
When he rose again he gave me,
The greatest gift the world has ever known!

Yes I can be forgiven every time I repent
And someday He will lift me up to lift with him again.

Jesus is a God of miracles.
Nothing is at all impossible to Him, but I know this;
Of all his miracles the most incredible must be the miracle that rescues me!

The miracle that rescues you and me!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!  Although both of our fathers have completed their earthly missions, they will continue being our fathers through eternity, which gives Elder Magnusson and I great peace. 

 I am thankful that Elder Magnusson is the father of our children AND my eternal companion.  

Enjoy this father's day video produced by our church. We are grateful for the reminder that we have a loving Heavenly Father who cares for each one of us.

You can also see the video by clicking here

We were in Spanish Lookout this week checking out the location for our church's youth camps to be held in August. The Mennonites established and maintain a lovely community park and huge pavilion where the youth will set up their tents (out of the rain!)

We are familiar with Golden Corral restaurant in Utah. Didn't know we'd see one right here in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District as we drove home from checking out the camp.  It's even a buffet like the one in Utah.

Early this week, our mission president conducted training for the missionary leaders originating from El Salvador and transmitted to us in Belize City. This technology truly is an invention to further the Lord's work in these latter days.

I came across this map on the church's lds.org youth website. It reminds us that Christ's message, missionaries, and ministry is the same worldwide.  In the Church's 2017 Statistical Report, it was reported that there are 421 mission worldwide. We are honored to be serving in the El Salvador/San Salvador West/Belize Mission in the Central American and the Caribbean region.  

I found on this Wikipedia website the following list of how many missions there are in each region of the world:

   31  in Africa
   22 in Aisa
   35 in Brazil
   7 in Canada
   26 in Central America and the Caribbean
   43 in Europe and Russia
   34 in Mexico
   18 in Oceania
   22 in the Philippines
   59 in South America
   125 in the United States

Wikipedia also mentioned:  On February 1, 2018, the LDS Church announced boundary changes that will close 19 missions and open up 5 new missions, effective July 1, 2018. This will make 407 missions of the church.

A highlight of our week was when Elder and Sister Flake and their daughter's family joined us for lunch after they flew in from the States on Friday. We were so happy to meet their family and we know their grandchildren will have a memorable time with their grandparents this week.

Our loving Father in Heaven has beautified His earth--and especially His Belize--in ways we've never seen before! 

Planes, Pioneers, and Foundations

Today we needed to arrive in San Pedro at an earlier time than the water taxi could get us there.  There were only four seats in this small plane. It's just a 20 minute flight compared to our usual hour and a half boat ride. 

(Left) Leaving Belize City on this clear Sunday morning, ... (right) arriving in San Pedro. 

The San Pedro Branch Presidency. Front left to right: Albert Lammey, 1st counselor, President Henry Williams, 2nd counselor Pablo Valerio, clerk Frank Ross

It's always fun to visit Primary. The missionaries talked about baptism and joined in the coloring activity.

Elders Lukow and Richardson (left) serve faithfully in Orange Walk. Newly called zone leader Elder Reyes (right) joins Elder Eves in strengthening the work in Belize City.

Missionaries arrived in Belize in 1980. Soon thereafter, Olegario and Irene Leiva were baptized. They found the land for the chapel in Orange Walk, and assisted in its construction. Several of their children and grandchildren have served full-time missions. These Belizean church pioneers continue to find joy in doing temple work.

Wallace Belgrave, a retired builder in Belize City, is another pioneer of the church. He is shoring up his house built in the 1930's with a cement block foundation. In like manner, the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the solid foundation for peaceable living and true happiness in our lives.

Another Week in the Mission

Special visitors from Guatemala came this week to conduct training with Belize church leaders. Elder and Sister McLemore also joined the Belize City missionaries for their weekly district meeting.

As happens each Wednesday, we counseled together in district meeting,  joined by the sisters via Skype from Corozal.  The missionaries' maturity in leadership, and understanding of teaching principles always impress us.  

Later, the McLemores, Brother Dávila also from Guatemala, and Frank and Natalie Ross from San Pedro island joined us for lunch.

The young men and young women youth leaders who are planning their respective camps this year gathered and practiced some of the activities they will lead at camp. 

I talked to two of the young men who attended the meeting.  As I asked their names, they told me George and Ivan.  I immediately thought of the wonderful men in Elder Magnusson's life: his father - George Magnusson and his grandfather - Ivan Magnusson.  I asked each of the boys how they got their names.  George (upper right) said he was named after his grandfather who died on the day he was born.  

Ivan (bottom left) said he was named after a family friend.  Elder Magnusson is pictured with this grandparents,  Ivan and Cula. (bottom right)

Speaking of names, we know that as we are baptized (like the young boy who was baptized this week below), we take upon ourselves the name of Christ.

 "I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives."  Mosiah 5:8  

On Friday night we enjoyed watching the "Be One" Celebration.  My favorite part of the evening was watching the Bonner Family sing a Medley of Primary songs.  

You can also see the video by clicking here 

Perhaps what we enjoy the most is meeting new friends. Ismael from Corozal, has been a member of the church for many years and loves to sail.

Leaving Ismael's house, we thought of how Jesus said He would separate the sheep from the goats.  We steered clear of the goat!  See Matthew 25:31-33 

Missionaries prepare a floor; Prophets prepare the earth.

Elder Magnusson and I are now expert Marley layers.  What is Marley flooring, you ask? Let me tell you.  It's a flexible, vinyl floor that is laid down ontop of an existing concrete or a wood floor.   Marley is a common flooring seen in many Belize homes. 

As we visit with people, one of the messages we enjoy sharing is how the restored gospel of Jesus Christ can bring peace to our lives.  We know there is a prophet on the earth today to guide us through these turbulent times we are living in.  

Jeffery R. Holland, a member of the Twelve Apostles, talked about the blessings of having a prophet on the earth today.  Here is a short clip from one of his General Conference talks on the subject.  

You can see the above video by clicking here or the whole talk by clicking here 

There is again a living prophet on the earth speaking in the name of the Lord. And how we need such guidance! Our times are turbulent and difficult. We see wars internationally and distress domestically.  Neighbors all around us face personal heartaches and family sorrows. Legions know fear and troubles of a hundred kinds...Come, listen to a prophet's voice and hear the word of God....

I testify of this reaching, rescuing, merciful Jesus, that this is His redeeming Church based on His redeeming love, and that, as those in the Book of Mormon declared, “there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord to speak it. … Yea, there came prophets in the land again.”

So, what does the living prophet of God say today? Tune in for yourself next Sunday, June 3, at 6:00 p.m. on lds.org as President Russell M. Nelson and his wife Wendy speak live to the youth of the world. 

As we visit,  I especially love interacting with the children we come in contact with.  This young boy was excited to show me his missing tooth.  I was happy to hear him tell me that the tooth fairy does, indeed,  come to Belize.  

After hearing a lot of ruckus outside of our bedroom window, we saw that our windowsill was to be the nesting place for the beautiful yellow-breasted kiskadees bird.  When I went on this website to learn more about the kiskadees bird, I found out that these birds...are very active, social birds that are comfortable around humans. One of their favorite places to nest is at the downspouts of rain gutters. How about nesting on windowsills right above our bed?  Sorry Kiskadees bird, we don't want to be that social.  I was sad as we removed the beginnings of her new nest.  

I couldn't resist taking this picture of our kitchen countertop.  We do enjoy the flavorful fruits that are abundant in Belize.

I'll let this image speak for itself... 

Pictured at the bottom of this beautiful Belizean sky, is the marque to the Belize Healthcare Partners building.  On occasion, missionaries need medical attention, which was the case this past week for a couple of our missionaries.  We are grateful to have this resource available when we need it.  

Called to Serve

On Saturday, the elders quorum and missionaries  gathered at a member couple's house to build a septic tank. These have to be above-ground structures due to the high water table in Belize City. Elder Magnusson's grandfather was a plasterer, so he's seen these tools used, and fortunately he had some good tutors during the project. 

Last Sunday, on Mother's Day, we had the missionaries who are serving in Belize City over for dinner.  After dinner they used our computers to talk to their moms and families.  Mother's Day and Christmas are occasions when the young missionaries are able to talk to their families in person.  Every Monday they write and receive emails from family and friends.  

Notice the missionaries' big smiles.

Has it been 6 weeks already?  Yes!  Once again we had our country-wide zone conference.  These are all the wonderful missionaries who are serving in the country of Belize.  

When President Adams is in town for zone conference, he interviews each missionary.  Our house was a staging area for a few missionaries as they came into  town from Orange Walk and San Pedro for their interviews and conference.  They enjoyed a home cooked meal and I enjoyed fixing it for them.  Because of the distance the sisters have to travel from Corozal, they stay with us the night before zone conference.  

The missionaries start zone conference off right after their two-hour bus ride  from Cayo with breakfast from Sister Flake. The three senior sister missionaries get a surprise Mother's Day gift bag from Sister Adams!

The elders finish off the conference singing a rousing rendition of the missionary anthem "Called to Serve".

Today I was called to serve during Primary in Orange Walk Branch.  I love being with the primary children. We reviewed the song,  "If the Savior Stood Beside Me".

Our friend served us today, treating us to coconut water and coconut meat from his tree.

As we teach those we come in contact with, we enjoy teaching the simple truths that are taught in this video:

You can also see the video by clicking here

Thank you Breaking Belize News for the weather update.  Please pass the water.