by study and learning

Studying Q'eqchi' is sometimes very difficult.  Being a language teacher I should know how to make information stick in my brain...be able to attach it to something.  Some does, but then the rest seems to fall right back out again.  I'm hoping that repetition gets the basics grounded in, the pronunciation though is a different process!  Not really having someone yet to listen to on a regular basis and having to learn to make completely different sounds, when I'm not always sure that I am doing them right, makes this a large challenge for me. One person explained that if I take a spoon and depress my tongue with it, then try to make the letter sound I would get closer to the guttural Q' for example. I guess once I get it down, I will then be able to use the spoon for things like eating! The grammar book I have gives rules, examples, and a very few sets of dialogues, but it is not written like the textbooks I have always used, that means I am having to learn how to work within different parameters.  A lot of the verbs are just one syllable, and so are other words, in fact sometimes just one letter, so I think I shall have to become a very careful listener.  It makes a big difference just using a k or a q in a word. Exciting challenges.  Anyone want to speak Q'eqchi' with me???

friends and family

Everything is finally packed and what we are not taking or "loaning out" to good friends and family is now firmly packed in storage.  Brethren and sisters arrived on our doorstep this morning with their trucks, trailers and willing hands.  It made for a quick and joyful job finishing up the house.  That is one of the amazing things about the family we have in the church, they are always there for us, loving, supporting and cheering us on in our new adventures.  So, where are we headed?  First to Colorado, then to Utah and the amazing opportunity of going to General Conference with Amber, Tillie and Alea.  Next on to Idaho to see Marion, Alea and Natalie, more specifically to be with Natalie when little Isaac enters our world.  Elliesha will be arriving in Utah to spend a week with us then the last of October before we enter the MTC.  Now that things are in storage I can start to let a little of the excitement seep into my thoughts.  November 14 we enter the MTC for one week before we fly out to Guatemala, but from there all we know is that we will be somewhere in Guatemala doing something, and learning a lot!

Gratitude

As I think over my life I am filled with a sense of extreme gratitude for all that I have been given.  I started to write that, as I think over the last weeks, or months- but the reality is that throughout my life I have been blessed.  The list becomes extremely long as I begin to enumerate my blessings, and I know there are things I will leave out when I try.  My family used to have fun because one of my favorite phrases is always, "well at least," but I have found that in every situation there is still much for which to be grateful.  I hope our mission can be a reflection of that gratitude.
We were explaining to someone about going on our mission, and they said, "Oh, kind of like a two year vacation", I think they nailed it exactly - and I am so excited!   Not sure exactly where we will be living - besides somewhere in Guatemala, or in what kind of circumstances, or what we will be doing, but knowing that we will be able to be in service of the Lord makes this adventure marvelous!   I read this quote this morning and I hope we can live up to it, "The depth and the willingness with which we serve is a direct reflection of our gratitude."  (Elder Gordon T Watts, Oct 1998, General Conf.)
So, here is the beginning of my gratitude list, please feel free to add on at any time!
The Gospel of Jesus Christ                          Scriptures
The Savior's atonement                               Prophet, Leaders
Home                                                        Food
Family                                                        Wonderful Friends
Fantastic Ward                                          Inspiring children, inspiring people
Temples                                                     Good health
Nature, the nice cool weather!                   Sunrises and sunsets
Good Books                                             Lovely music, especially the birds outside the house!
Getting to learn a new language                 Sleep!
babies                                                      grandchildren
Going on a mission!                                  A new day!
Tanna