With the Lord's Help, Elder and Sister Spradlin

Stories and pictures from our mission serving in Northern Guatemala. Polochic Valley to Peten in what is now the Coban Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Saturday, January 25, 2014

New Blog

For those of you who have followed our blog I have started a new chapter with a new Blog.
http://choicesanchange.blogspot.com/

Hopefully one that will be fun and uplifting for all who wish to follow our adventures here in "the real world"
Susan

Posted by Susan Spradlin at 9:43 AM No comments:

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our girls

we finished together

Surprise Birthday Party!

We love you Elder Spradlin

Brighter Future

A main reason why we serve

smiles with our friends

life is good

Learning the Songs

our Princessa

Food and Fun

Missionary dinner after Conference

Plates all filled ' even his!

General Coference Sunday lunch.

the Polochic Road

playing with the rain clouds

before the baptism

the real beauty of Senahu

wedding in Senahu

waiting for the start.

Baptisms at Seacoc

came down the mountain for the baptism

Hanging out with the choir at Seacoc

ready to take off!

Hanging out with the choir at Seacoc

ready to take off!

Mission Call to Argentina!

joy of service

Headed back up the Mountain

Finished the Choir in Sacsuha

The Senahu Choir

Sixty Strong

visions on the way

impossible to capture it all

Amongst the clouds of Senahu

the sun will break through soon

caught on camera

part of the morning serenade

Some things look impossible

walking easily on the rocks and cobbles

a Great Branch President

These two entered their missions today, partly due to the love and support of their amazing Branch President.

waiting means a puzzle!

the fun of learning something new

irresistable

this one just smiled, and smiled, except for when we were taking the picutre!

Baptisms!

How to celebrate Independence!

Elder's new girlfriends

not too worried ( :

doing up the spices and herbs for Chicken

cutting up

Introducing Erica to our Future Missionaries

Sofia and Ray both getting ready to serve missions

Close to home

call it la Provi, or las Delicias, not sure which!

Quiriqua with Erica

Walking through ancient civilization

Senahu Zone Conference

Great Missionaries!

With President and Sister Curtiss

Zone Conference

thatched roofs, bamboo walls

with a vision of eternity

moved to the shade

This is the way to get to teach!

Amazing Elders

Beloved greatly by all of the children

Head Shoulders, Knees and Toes

jolom

Searanx Group Meeting

Growing togther, the front row filled up later!

Walking in

Members walking in to be on time for church

River Crossing to Searanx

Only way in to Searanx

Bridge to Searanx

Not the best of roads

La Tinta Friends

Where we will get to kill a chicken

Watermelon

sharing watermelon and the Gospel with our friends

Birthday Celebrations

The joy of having a roomful of missionaries

Birthday Caldo

And EVERYONE ate together

TOM shoes

Surprised when one of the Branch Presidents showed us the boxes of TOM shoes he had been sent to give out in one of the small communities

Big brothers are the Best

hanging on tight

Pila, water storage in the middle

washing up the dishes

making tortillas

a must with all meals, like our Caldo!

Blessed by friends

Big enough for three?

ripened outside our window

very little! but hopefully very sweet

Raising Money

Teaching how to do flowers for the hair to sell. Raising money for the choir to do a concert tour through the Polochic

Change Week

We are going to miss this tall Elder as our neighbor, although we still get to see him since he is now a new Zone Leader in the valley

family

grandma surrounded!

Hanging out

So much joy in play

Seranch, baptisms done in Sajonte, District Chulac

Beginning Baptisms for a community

Watching History Happen

The stands were filling outside, the Baptismal room inside was full, everyone watching this historic event

when you really want to see

So where did you watch the Baptism from?

covenants

The future of Chulac

New Members

Two Family leaders after the Baptism

Surrounded in the stands

waiting patiently for the baptism

Portable Font

borrowed from Canlun for the baptisms outside

Waiting their turn

Baptisms performed inside and outside the church

Dressing in White

One of the children preparing for Baptism

Waiting for the Baptism

The fruits of the labor

Preparing the Caldo for a few hundred

Dedicated Sisters hard at work

playmates

Sajonte girls

beauty in the eyes

precious and unforgettable

playing around

the joys of laughter

Relationships

mom avidly reading his Mission Call with him over his shoulder

Opening his Mission Call!

His Mom was so thrilled when she found it was to southern Guatemala, and he wasn't leaving the country

Our sister Missionaries

They are both so tiny, it is hard to think of them as adults!

outside the car

sister stopped to chat with us, only in Q'eqchi

capturing smiles

the faces we love

entertaining baby

or baby entertaining?

wedding commitments

they will live with the groom's family

Making flowers

We decorated for a wedding, using paper I brought from Alea's wedding gifts!

Passing through the Streets

the children follow and play as we go

carrying wood for cooking

this is a normal daily chore, but overwhelming seeing the size of the children and the burdens they carry

Birthday Party

With those silly candles that just wouldn't go out!

watching from the windows

In the Colonia

More Senior MIssionaries Needed

Hugs the best part of the Job Description

Everyone Well

Ready to Play

side streets/trails of Teleman

making deliveries

women carrying loads

on the road to Canlun

bicycle passing us

crossing through the Sugar cane fields by Teleman

Happy Birthday Elder

using some of those candles that keep on burning...

prettier than a picture

a place more beautiful than I think the camera can capture

Chijolom little ones

big sis with not so happy little brother

Waterlines

In the trees behind me you see the waterlines

Sunday afternoon in Seritquiche

The place to take a walk!

kitchen

one room set up for everything

smallest of the apartments

Chijolom Elders keeping it neat in one room

Road?

One of the reasons we did not take the car, but went in the transport

mudslides from rain

It still left part of the road

Starting the Day

Ready for a rough ride

With Members and Missionaries at Chijolom

in and above the clouds

weaver in Senahu

there ae very few here that do the traditional back weaving.

Poisonous, so they say

Sure don't want him to bite to find out!

visiting venemous snake

now in front of house, instead of inside

Heading back to Senahu, up and down and around and over

the little white line in the distance is part of where we are headed

Heading Out with 2 more white shirts and a picture of the Saviour

His best friend is next to him, he leaves for his mission the end of the month

Deepest blue

coming in or out of Yalijux???

Hanging on in the back

Member of District Leadership

and this we will call a road

this was one of the better parts

truck ride with the district

our RAV 4 would not have made it,

Yalijux road on a Sunday morning

this is looking out, down is still a long ways

ancianas

some of our warmest greetings

dancing darlin

this one kept on moving to the music

Invited for a birthday!

work in the kitchen

visiting homes

always a smile on this sister's face!

visiting homes

always a smile on this sister's face!

4th of July and Apple pie!

Taught our neighbor how to make, and it was amazing

sharing our umbrella

favorite things.....Play@!

Home tended with love and focus

These two have their priorities right on!

Member in Seamay built oven behind his home

He's going o bake bread, and Maybe oatmeal cookies

Super Duper New Polochic Toilet Paper Holder

On display before entering it's sanctuary in the bathroom.

delivering balls up the mountain

these two have made it almost through their first year of school now!

Prehistoric monster?

surprised by a Large grasshopper

Over the Colonia

a sideview of Senahu

The Puzzle Gurus

only 300 pieces - It went fast with these 3 working!

Puzzles

Everyone wants to help!

Admiring new baby brother

La Tinta joy

Admiring new baby brother

La Tinta joy

Finishing up Missionary Files

Learning the technology

neighborhood children

beautiful people

Playing with my Neighbors!

Such amazing new friends

Incaparina Clinic

weighing in children

Usually we see the baby on the back

Such strong neck muscles!

The Polochic Road

Coming back from Coban

Senahu Zone Conference

2 Sisters in the Polochic Now!

walk to the cemetary

saying goodbye

father saying goodbye

resting place for now

Precious One

She went home on Sunday

Future

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints changes lives and families.

clowning around

The joys of life

Future Missionary and Elder's Quorum President.

Sister's ties and shirts from the States bringing lots of smiles!

Ties and Shirts for Seamay

The problem is the sizes. The men here are much smaller - except for their necks!

Happy Birthday to You!

A month late, but the package came!

Chulac wreathed in Smiles

Working with amazing people!

Members leaving Chulac District conference

At least 3 trucks lined up to transport members back home.

Guatemala cooking

playing with the girls

kids and grandkids from Idaho

Kortney leaves for her mission this week!

hanging out in the condo

the joy of being together

Grandkids

with a british accent!

bright and beautiful

new addition to our family

wedding day

Dad, always a girl's hero

hat brigade

chillin with my girls

in the jaws of the shark

aquarium and grandkids

baptism

making covenants

good looking men

someone is tiptoeing

tasting life

running in the park

eternal family

growing together

bundle of joy

happy pair!

The Arkansas Gang

Nothing beats cousins

on the run

grandchildren at play

somebody else's baby

Little Rock Zoo

new grandson

getting to know our new ones!

Hanging out!

containing the energy!

penguin crossing

with 2 of my favorites!

sad fish

my grandson says its because he's only got stripes

Auntie and niece

Day at the Aquarium

Dad's hands waiting

Helping her grow

Dad and Sons

Posing so we can email it to our Missionary

This young man turned 4 today!

His big sister left for her mission last month

Stellas, intricate engravings

being slowly eroded by time

Stellas, intricate engravings

being slowly eroded by time

trail through time

We stand often in amazement

Ginormous trees

any guesses on it's age?

El Ceibal

walking the ancient pathways

Elders of Sayaxche

Hot! But one said he had been there when it was 48 Celsius

Sayaxche ferry crossing

Elders waiting on the other side

The way to wait for missionaries!

Juicy, big mangos. Glad we had wet wipes

mango venders

price: one for 3 quetz, 3 for 10. Not sure if he understood the math, We bought one

La Libertad, Peten

different way to get around town

Ties and Smiles

Putting on ties before entering for the Dedication

Coral Pek Dedication

waiting to enter the new chapel

Sister Watts Helping with the ties

Love our sweet members

Brother with his new tie

Elder borrowed his hat while fixing him a tie!

switching for a grown up tie

Future Missionary from Coral Pek

Coral Pek Dedication

Tie tying lessons

Yelling Howler Monkeys

in concert from different trees surrounding us

Howler Monkeys

In the Trees of El Ceibal

Quick Pic on Polochic road, before the transports catch up!

curiousity in the trees

Interesting sights on the Polochic

Maybe nests????

Lunch with some of our Favorite People!

I would have smiled, but had a full mouth!

waiting for shoes

playing footsies

shoe shine boys

3 quetz each, and clean shoes!

shoe shine boys

3 quetz each, and clean shoes!

El Estor

working with our Elders

before and after surgery, ready to be done!

this man was ready to go home before his legs were ready to carry him.

Waiting for surgery

patiently, for hours

Doctors surrounded by need

not much downtime

early morning choir

5 o´clock is warm up

The front door to our new house

Make sure you have a key if you get all of the doors closed and you are outside!

view from our Front Door

corn in front with pineapples and bananas on one side of house, lemon and orange trees on the other

Moving day!

they have now widened the path - after we finished!

Moving Day with our Valient Elders

up and up

Sacsuha Children after Church

Super sweet girls!

Destination, Chijolom

Chapel with Elder's apartment in it.

The road to Chijolom

Inspiring things a camera can't capture

Walking/Hiking in lWith our Chijolom Elders

Amazing, Valient Servants

Do NOT advise theRoad between Chijolom and Yalijux.

we had to keep getting out to check and see if we could pass

On the way to a housing inspection in Chijolom

The most remote church probably

The Cotton Candy Man, made it clear to Senahu!

in our street, the day after we saw him in the valley!

Elder Spradlin, "This doesn't look good"

So I close my eyes!

Grateful for 4 wheel drive

This is the good road to Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo road

the easy part

Miracle in action

life is such a delicate thing

Oh MY

Not a happy camper

reading the numbers

hopefully they start climbing!

How to weigh a baby!

3 months, 6 1/2 lbs.

Santo Domingo

Relief Society President, standing on a step

Beating Corn

different method for taking it off the cob!

Tying up the corn to shell it

how it is done in Santo Domingo

Elder Spradlin Husking corn

Helping in Santo Domingo

Daunting 100 piece puzzles

Elder Spradlin teaching patterns

Fun with our Girls

Checking school work and doing puzzles

Helping Dad

or maybe just hanging out

asleep in the market stall

nap in the heat

Future Missionary from Canlun

Finishing up her dental so we can submit her file!

If I ever lose focus

then I just need to go play

using puzzles with the little ones

teaching skills and having fun!

So what makes me happy?

the little ones

cute little pet

good thing it wasn't hungry

learned skills

Meaning I have much to learn!

over 2 cups of coconut juice in this one!

Fresh coconut!

harvesting coconuts

takes 6 years for this type

A never ending task

working the corn

building a chicken house

lashing the sides

Teleman homes

What a way to do an Eagle Scout Project!

yellow was in bloom in the valley last week

dotting the hillsides and roads

Welcome to our World

Sitting in the yard, notice the grass - our Landlord cuts it with his machete!

Path to our home

I grab the tree at night instead of using the rocks, it is more stable!

From the Kitchen Window

Just call the world green

to the right

from our kitchen door

to the left

from the kitchen door

changing colors over the rooftops

The brilliance of color

mornings in front of our house

If only they would eat the ant hill!!!

Elders in the Kitchen

Everyone helped make the lunch!

Neighbor family stopping by.

The three year old had a birthday!

A sister at Buena Vista

Getting ready to take a group picture

In the middle of the forest

he restoreth my soul

In the cloud forest

breathing deep

filling my soul

absorbing

Ram Tzuul

this is dry season

surrounded by flowers

the waters rush by

water spraying in our face

misted by the waterfall

The gift of the day

nature in all of its delight

walk to waterfalls

escape from reality

forever carrying wood

heavy loads

Bringing in the Broccoli

next it goes on by truck

Chilasco

brocolli harvest

two month old baby girl

she is talking to me in her way

the beauty of Santo domingo

blossoms along the way

Santo Domingo Sisters

Sunshine and smiles

Members from Santo Domingo

View from front of the church

Sisters making wedding caldo at church

Wedding scheduled - 9am, Actual service 3 hours later

Rosie's new glasses

She saw and grabbed for my nametag!

Coral Pec children

chaabilat

piggy in the pic

Coral Pec views

Coral Pec fun!

smiling babies

NOT a happy girl

and it was so funny!

hiding behind mom's corte

But we finally got a smile!

Family Next to the chapel

three little girls with a baby on the way

home in Coral Pec

Pec = Rock

Sister Watts and I out to explore

sunshine and beauty

Coral Pec Steeple

In the top of the mountains

Peeking out at the world

children on our street

Giving smiles

joined by brother

friends on the street

peaking out the door

in the park center, surrounded by market

a moments rest

flowers

headed to market

Members Selling Candles

a necessity in many homes

A good market day

Beautiful faces

finished shopping

waiting in the shade

maybe labeled fast food

they sell tamales, rice milk and or corn drink

shoe shine

nice again for Sunday!

coming in for market

waiting for transports

starting young

happy to roll around, quite a novel thing for a baby here

barely passing room

Lots of mangos and tomatos this week!

vendors line the streets

tarps for sun or rain

Paca Clothing

this clothing comes in from the states, from DI and Goodwill. People buy it in bulk in the capitol, then sell it out here for from 1-10 q a piece.

One of our sisters

She sells bread and cookies

So how do you buy your chicken?

Definitely be fresh

buyin bananas

then we were given a bunch later in the day!

Corte and Weepils

all shipped in

eggs and rice

all ages sell in the market

jalepenos and beans

heating life in style!

Such Decisions!

you want the freshest

Cilantro

13 cents, 1 quet a bunch

Cilantro for sell

wrapped in a leaf and ready to go

Elder Spradlin took this for me

flowers for sale

Great man

He always greets us, and tries to teach us Kekchi!

Some of our favorite sisters to greet

family open air stall

Learning the business

Beef in the Market

Butcher shop

waiting our turn

Choosing Meat

Fresh beef

Shopping the marketng

notice jeans on some, corte on most

baby on back

Sisters in the market

loaded on the head, on the back

at every age, they learn to carry

Part of our world

Life is Good

What our computer can do!

Getting ready to start!

Missionary Night

All Set up with a roomful of youth

Perfect

Moon a rising

Taking home the roof

coming down the road, he gets right of way!

Taking home wood for cooking

Our brethren and sisters struggle under huge loads

These two work great together

Cookie mix sent from home!

Two of our Elders

Having fun in the kitchen!

What a fun start!

over the mountains...

Back road to Senahu

They have Electricity!

Families along the way

in the middle of what you feel is nowhere

How wide did you say the road is?

What a main road!

coming down our way!

I guess we go backwards now?

Always best seen with a friend

Remote Reforested area,

Worth the journey

Those hidden moments

May our shoes be so well used by the end of our Mission

One of the missionary's shoes who is about to head home, worn out in the work of the Lord.

stolen minutes at the piano

District Conference - Peten

Waiting at the roadblock

Teleman

coming back down

middle of paradise

precious

oh so serious

checking out the world

streets of Corral Pec

happy kids

family, what it is all about

Behind the scenes

kitchen in Corral Pec

Caldo in Corral Pec

Our wonderful leaders of Chulac

Little ones

Corral Pec

in the valley of the mountains

On the way to Caldo

Streets of Corral Pec

Elder Spradlin and new friends

chillin

Head Shoulders, Knees and Toes

My awesome helper!

Primary at Corral Pec

Little room full of smiles

Glad we weren't the drivers

Road to Corral Pec

Corral Pec

means ROCK

very rough roads.

climbing up - or going down

On the way to Corral Pec

more than a camera will ever capture

Valient Dedicated Elder

Ready to serve!~

Elder Spradlin, fixing a toe

ouch!

carrying wood out of the mountain

he runs, we walk slowly

New supply of bananas

Ripening in our home

Senahu Hike

into the mountains

Canlun Family

Community Watching Soccer,Las Delicias

walking by the hillsides full of people to watch the home team

The stadium filled for the game

along with the surrounding hillsides

Walking pass the Sunday Soccer

Nothing left in the bowl - sorry!

Almost ready to serve!

All the children were watching the camera from the back while it went off with the timer. That was the real picture!

Stir-fry for 20?

It is a very big skillet

cooking over the open fire

have to deal a little with smoke!

traditions through the generations

women's work

working the masa

no meal complete without tortillas

Kitchen, heart of the home

everyone doing their part

Missionary work

At it's best!

together again

Home from the hospital

Seeing and Reaching!

The miracle of vision

Helping Mom in the Tienda

Fresh Turkey

Senahu Saturday Market

Playing Peek a Boo

smiles of children

Watching the world

Out the front window.

Family in the Colonia

It is cold for our older people

We love these people!

Colonia, Senahu

Sasoch Smiles

Sweet families!

Delivering Blankets

The nights now are cold

Carrying wood

streets of Senahu

Cold River, Hot Waterfall

Amazing

Perfect place to stand

Under the hot waterfall

Cool tree with crazy vine

trail to the waterfall

Taking a little time off

Hot Springs Waterfall

Dedication, Love, Faith

Great men

Dedicated Branch President and family

With the young man they are helping send on a mission

missionary farewell - Seamay

Headed to Mexico

Lemons!

Bigger than grapefruit

Seamay Sister

baby bundled

Playing in Chulac

Such fun with a camera

Tanchi area

more than the camera can capture

Road to Tanchi

Horrid roads, beautiful scenery

Downtown Tanch-i I think

Out on Housing Inspections

Not our typical breakfast!

Fresh mango/Carrot/lemon smoothie, fried plantains, guacomole, eggs homemade biscuits, and meat!

Beautiful Day

We love our work

Main Street, Tamahu

You can go up, or you can go down!

Beautiful Tamahu

in the middle of town

Tamahu

The main road through the Polochic

Our sister

Not sure if she had hike down that mountain today or not.

Children in Seritquiche

playing around

Sisters in Seritquiche

in the midst of the mountains

Worth It

A few of the reasons we climbed back up the trail today

The steps I slid on

hillside I did NOT fall down

Life is Good

New Year, Caldo, and Harmonica in hand

Now, what to play

the child in all of us

The answer is YES

When a 98 year old sister wants a harmonica also!

She already has her doll, so excitement is high

New Year's Eve surprises!

Passing out Christmas in La Tinta

Smiles of the Children

Christmas Late

My brother's family sent Christmas to share!

New Dress, a perfect fit!

They came today to show us, and each left with a cinnamon roll!

Singing Christmas Songs

He who wears the hat, Sings!

Enjoying the Chocolate cake

The smiles and joy of children!

How to eat chocolate cake

first the frosting...

Great Patriarchs

Both with great stories to tell!

Christmas Chili

Always better shared!

Christmas morning Cinnamon Rolls

Happy House, full of Elders

Christmas Eve Visits

The real treasure is family

Joy of Friends

Mother and Daughter

Family Visits

Showing the Christmas Video

President and Sister Watts came to visit!

Sister Watts holding Rosie

Chicken making itself right to home in our Dining Room!

Surprise guest

Faith, Love Prayer, Joy

A place to sit, Words to strengthen

The Benches we fixed up

bench by day, bed for two little ones by night

Joy in miracles

The excitement of little things, that are really very very big

She started watching the water bottle

Vision, such a blessing

Rosie Home!

and looking at us!

4 Handsome men!

Love knows no language barriers

Tuc Tuc Brigade!

Tuc tuc through San Benito!

Love through Listening

We listened, talked, sang and loved

Caring for the Elderly

Missionaries at Senior home in Peten

Zone Christmas Activity

Peten

Playday!

Checking out Waterfalls!

trails behind the waterfallsw

close to dolores, Peten, Guatemala

Waterfalls at Dolores

Also named Calzitas de Mopon

Newly Married

what a way to celebrate 12/12/12

Turkey, ready for the broth

Many hands sharing the work!

Some worked all night

Preparations for a feast

Caldrons of Broth, Kakik

Transforming a kitchen

baskets of tamales,

bowls from all over the community to hold the Kakik!

Wedding Feast

Kakik and Tamales for all!

Incorporating American Traditions

Wedding Cake

Wedding Parade Down the Streets of Senahu

From the Chapel to the home

Special Sister

Precious gift

now, what do I do with this knife???

Boys for lunch!

Biscuits and Gravy

cleaning his plate!

Christmas Nativity

Joy to the World

Sugar Cane Fields

flowing white in the sun

Christmas Penguins we made

to go with cookies and gifts!

Sunset over the mountains

headed home

one of the smaller groups of children

Picture Break!

Hymns of Christmas

Lifted High!

Great Elders

Joyful in Service

Red Light, Green Light

now - turn!

Lain Hermana Spradlin, ut laat?

greeting our shy little ones

Our house! with our amazing leaders.

Thanks so much for coming to dinner

Dinner at our house

We had President Amado and Pres. and Sister Watts

Teaching Leaders

Working on Future Missionary files

Statue at the Cathedral in Guatemala City

Amazing workmanship

Cocoa beans, before they are dried, have like a fruit around them that some people like to suck on.

Cardamom is grown here, but not sold for use, nor in the market

Cocoa and Cardamom

Two of the most grown products, besides corn

Thanksgiving in Senahu

visiting members up the trails in the Colonia

Spaghetti and PUmpkin pie

Thankful Thanksgiving

making Thanksgiving Pies

crema pura was NOT whip cream!

two of our girls

having fun

Boys next door!

Tamale making

lots of banana leaves!

Making Tamales

Boy did our eyes burn from the smoke

llovizna, musmushab, mist

how many kids can fit under an umbrella?

New friends

They sure like our umbrellas!

perserverance

it just isn't going up!

traditional kite flying

doesn't work in the rain!

rainy days

clouds of Senahu

waiting for sun

kite flying doesn't work in the rain

Nov 2nd

cemetary visits in the rain

Some of the family

they have 10 children, so definately not all there!

Preparing our Missionary

Suitcase in hand, now for the Visa!

Double Caldo Day

All Saints Day

working at the clinic

a little tired by day three!

my new friend

waiting in the lines

vision checks

about 300 people

CHOICE medical clinic

young and old

Natalie sang with the choir

weepil, corte and dad

Chapel dedication

Mission President's wife

She is very very loved

dedicated Elders

working in the tops of the mountains

its the people

the important things

Neighbor girl

Yalijux Chapel

Dedication!

Smiles

Now if they will just brush their teethe!

Sitting for a minute!

Taking a break!

Dental Clinic

Amazing Dental Missionaries

Senahu Mission Call

To Lima Peru!

La Tinta and Mission Call

Argentina!

Nilza's mission call

Sharing joy

Life is beautiful

Looking out!

Rio Dulce

Storming the Castle

Called to Mexico

Joys of life!

Mission Calls!

The reason we are here

Wife, at the temple of the wife!

Smile!

Tikal

Going up?

swinging through the trees

monkey family

The height issue solved!

Steps of Tikal

steps....

temple altars

Temples of Tikal

above the world

Friendly Tarantulas

It wasn't happy when Natalie almost stepped on it!

heading for the top

Steps of Tikal

along the way

little waterfalls

Yalijux Trail

Want to climb it!

Travel to Yalijux

Beauty along the way

Yalaijux views

amongst the clouds

President and Elder

Yalijux trip

Mother, daughter

Dinner at our house!

Seamay Friends

Family and Friendship

Pretty as a flower

In the garden

Smiles and sunshine

The best part of here

Seamay Family

Love the little ones

Yalijux

above the clouds

Super Heroes

Natalie brought them matching PJs for Elder Spradlin's Birthday

Sajunte

Sunday visits with Natalie

Pure sweetness

Dirt floors are cool!

Buena Vista

With the Branch President

Seamay 1, Branch President Home

hiding in the doorways

barrel cooking in homes

beautiful children

Torch of Liberty

Teaching what is important

Proudly we Sing

National Anthem

Friends

Everyone is at the Flagpole

Senahu Festivities

All along the sidelines

Carry the Torch

Teaching the Children

Torch of Liberty

May it always burn bright

Early morning walk

Discovering a trail!!!

Friendly Critters

Huge grasshopper!

Amazing Stateside Moms!

And we got to help!

Feeling very loved

Happy Elder!

Celebrating Birthday 21

Cookies!!!

Chili Supper

Senahu District Elders

Afternoon Story time

Reading to the Neighbor children

My new Corte and Wipil

Finally found at the market!

Playing Dressup

Super Cool

Didn't Drive

A lot of Teachers, and families use motorcycles for their main transport if they have any

Wipil and Corte

We both dressed up in her clothes for the pic

Playing Dressup

Corte and Weepils

Welcoming smiles

Our friends at Seamay

Dashing in on the scene

Church Hillside at San Francisco

smiles and childrens

Family at San Francisco

Very Shy family, using a zoom

inside the bundle

sound asleep

Momma with her baby

San Francisco

Church at Semarac

Elder Spradlin and Senahu District Pres.

Ties to Seritquiche

Perfect Fits! Ready for Church

Thumbs up

Life is good

Saturday Night Watermelon!

Nice and cold!

Baptism in Seamay

We got a Book of Mormon of her own to her on Sunday

Friends for Dinner!

Good food, good friends

Hidden Treasures

Surreal beauty

Hidden Canyons

monkeys in the trees (but you can't see them in a pic)

In line for the crossing

way too much fun!

Peten Zone Leaders

Our Great Guides!

Crossing to Sayaxche

Notice the Chicken!

Look whose here!

We ran into some Elders out working when we were in the Cornfields!

Its just ducky

or a little quacked up!

little bit's naptime

just snoozin

The cornfields of Sajunte

Pres., future missionary and Dad

side detours

next time I'll bring my boots to cross

Ties to Chulac

The president was delighted

Getting his boy outfitted

President and future missionary

perfect fit

Tennis shoes for Pday!

Outfitting a missionary

headed to Honduras!

Delivering ties

Seamay

in the middle

Wonder how old this tree is!

Giant Ceiba Tree

Stretch...

Early morning walks

Elder Spradlin says there is a ufo in this

Beauty

life is good

Flowers in our hair

Early morning Senahu

Dressing UP

don't strangle me!!

Peek A Boo

UP the hill

Elders asked for cake

Made Elder Spradlin very happy!

Thanks to our stateside friends

Ties, shirt and slacks, awesome!

Good Looking boys

New Ties and shirts!

Ties for Yalijux

The choir left warm clothes and ties to go up the mountain

little brother fell asleep

Angels singing

Our friends

family from Seamay

music to our ears

listening in

singing next to the trail

By the Lake

Peace

Sunday Morning

El Estor

Stolen moments

And we listened

family time

Yalijux Concert

sweet smiles

Boards a breakin!

made it!

Roads that cave in

look at the rock on his back!!!

Kekchi Choir

Impromptu in Yalijux

Little ones

everyone loves the photographer

missionaries

present and future

La Alcadessa

Mayor and her daughter with the choir

Choir in Seamay

Learning how to direct

Listening to the Choir

intensity

Future Missionaries

doing paperwork

Inspiration

Future Dentist

No Dentist for ME

See, no teethe!~

Smile

The whole family!

What a Smile

the real payment

Dental Clinic

Performing miracles

Oh ye mountains High

Yalijux, valley amidst the mountains

Elder Spradlin

Taking a break in San Francisco

waiting for the concert

We are so grateful you were here

Sacsuha, filling the chapel

266 in attendance!

raising voices

I want to sing too!

Absorbed in the music

kekchi choir concert

San Francisco

Playing in the water

church building at San Francisco

The primary room is the metal lean to

Families

its all about being a part of family

Baptism at Sacsuha

great way to spend a Saturday

Road to Yalijux

amazing beauty

Truck Rides

waiting for a smile

Church at Yalijux

Bright sun, 10 minutes before the rain

Yalijux

Surrounded by the mountains

Delivering a roof in Yalijux

Pres. makes the most of every trip

on the way to Yalijux

loading up a couple of tin roofs

Canlun River Rising

We decided NOT to cross today!

Tanchi Views - from the Elder's apartment

Before the rain hit

Front of Tanchi

Cornfields in the Mountains

Tanchi Inspection

Amazing, houses don't just clean themselves.

not full yet!

next time we will take the car

looks like a headache to me!

women venders

Bus to Tanchi

Time to fill it up and...wait

Road to Sepamac

the other side of the road

Sepamac Views

Glad we were driving this time!

Lovely Family

Families are forever

Baptism in Seamay

unites one happy family

I wonder whose buried here???

I wonder when...

room for at least 4 more

above ground burials

Tuc Tuc Ride

escaping to the cemetary!

Future Missionaries

All with a smile!

Happy Birthday President

Best Carrot Cake ever!

Senahu District choir

Over 100 strong!

Cutting the Bananas

Bananas

Traveling Arkansas

This website is not owned or affiliated with the Mormon Church and the views expressed are entirely the opinions of the author. For official Mormon Church websites, please visit LDS.org or Mormon.org.

swinging bridges

Elder Spradlin as a swinger

Some of the kids

el Polochic

About us

Susan Spradlin: Between my husband and myself we have 15 children, so even though we are now "empty nesters" It has been a very large nest! We just began serving as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Historic Nauvoo Illinois. We served one previous mission two years ago in Guatemala. I have taught Spanish in High School and at Northeastern State University! Excited by life, my daughter describes me saying I speak in exclamation marks, and that probably is an apt description. Life is exciting and I am overjoyed at the opportunities and experiences I am having!

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Christ the Shephard

Champay

to the tops of the mountains

Champay

our ticklish boys...

little peoples

quiriqua

making tortillas

tteaching michelle to be a good wife...

quiriqua

QuiriQua

mayan ruins

playing house

but now with a concrete floor, not dirt or mud

Castle tops

minus pirates???

Dedication Celebration

The new bedroom

no more dirt floor!

They finished their home!

Two rooms, and the kitchen will come in the future

Its hot, Im ready to jump in!ª!!

Castle tops in Rio Dulce

Pirates beware!

Sitting in Paradise

we learned how to set the timer

Part of this mountain came tumbling down during rainy season

glad we werent there!

San Francisco

Elder Spradlin felt 6 feet tall!

Birthday cake

and a race track made of cardboard.

Birthday Party

Our little one turned 7

La Tinta Visits

Crossing rivers and climbing rocks

Didnt go swimming...

but the little ones there sure were!

no jumping allowed

I almost got seasick before we got across!

back by swinging bridge

suspended and swinging!

the river is down

Have to go back in July, when this and the next river swel and combine!

canoe crossing

good thing the water is down

beautiful reinactments

Playing marimbas

except the rain hit right before they got to perform!

Mayan reinactments

right before the rain hit!

here is my ducky!

waiting for the cookies

Cookin in the kitchen

Making Chocolate no bake cookies

and pudding!

Here Goosey goosey

mountain entertainment

Goose chases

If you irritate the goose enough, he will chase you

Roadside beauty

Each day a new surprise

picking flowers on the mountainside

and I didnt fall off!

Hermano Antonio and Elder Spradlin

Baptizing our boys

La Tinta Hospital

Walls damaged halfway up, lighting and electricity not all functioning, and rows of people waiting

following the creek to the cave

entrance to the cave

Here in Senahu!

caldo

and tamales for 35

making tortillas

way over 100 degrees in hereª!

little waterfall

below the big guy!

just the middle of the waterfall

try this times 3!

WAterfall

it kept going up

sisters making tortillas

planting feast for 35

Shucking Corn

Harder than it looks

Road to Canlun

NO, we didnt try climbing this tree!

Finger sized bananas

a wonderful gift from members

couldnt get her to smile

but finally!

waiting for the feast

Kitchen full of the feast cauldrons

Wedding procession

wedding couples

CArrying water

building houses

Sure glad there was a fence!

Even the cows watched

Go Elders Go!

District Pres.

children dancing

singing

Guatemalan Dances

These hold up the corners for the new house

Cement poles

Taking a short break

at her feet you see her method for carrying dirt with me!

This is where we carried the dirt from

just chop the hill down and carry it around

Down from San Francisco

New friends

Saturday Baptisms

This is the board

before it flew!

takin down the roof

watch out for the ducks!

I dont think they realized why the commotion!

a view of the kitchen

minus the front wall now

the kitchen stays...

for now

first the walls come down

yummy cookies

cut the wires

then pull out the wood, extremely light wood

yes, all the walls go

before shot

Our amazing Mission President and his wife

Zone conference

Beauty everywhere

We are so grateful!ª!!

Tasted like Poke Salad Soup

reminded us of Mom

the old way of cooking

she also has a newer wood stove

So much fun together.

but no smiles for the camera!ª

smile...

or not

making cookies in the rain storm

talking with our sisters

love all the flowers outside

precious little ones

Elder worked

little bits with their caldo

We love our Branch Presidents!!!

He is one very wet man!

All the swimmers with their Caldo

stars and hearts

choose your beads well!ª

lots of kids

lots of smiles

Senahu II

Necklace making at the swim party

yes, it is a fake study pic

but I really do study!!!

My 1 Quet bouquet (7 cents)

the things that bring us joy

Easter Sunday in the Polochik

Easter Sunday in El Estor

our landlords daughter

fulll moon in back

shall we call it street art

I think it had seen better days

So this is where my school bus ended up!

yummy, at least for a few minutes

This one was mainly done with different fruits, and some flowers

Friday afternoon

one made with fruits and vegetables

all around the park center

everyone hard at work

All the schools

fine died wood shavings, fine

oh so carefully

Street carpet art

Thursday Night

We have pretty necklaces

He doesnt have one, because he is a boy!

after lunch while children are in the water

Precious!

choose your colors

Not sure if thhis is fun yet!

Young and old loved the beads

anyone over 80

of course you can make one!

making necklaces

not for eating - usually

swinging bridge

machete, clearing the ground

yes, I got a little wet

playing at the river

caldo in process

Getting ready for the feast

Sisters hard at work

making Caldo over the open fire

Daddy taking turns with the baby

playing in the river

just sittin around

on the way down

Everybody smile!

yup, we are the two tall gringos

He had to ride on the inside...

Branch OUting to the River

All aboard!

What a view from the School

We made more necklaces!

Heiffer Projects

School down the mountain

yes, Elder Spradlin´s favorite color!

Feeding the Hungry

Conference Sunday

our elders

Conference Sunday

roadside to Tucurru

Great smiles

awesome workª!

hand mixing the cement - the whole length

men hard at work with cement

fixing the streets

preparing for holy week

from altar to altar alon the street

Beautiful Statues, normally in the church

Going down Main Street

Pass from Catholic Church at bottom to top of town

Women Carry Mary behind him

in front of our house

Friday night processionals for Lent

Men carry Christ float

Baptisms

The highlight of Saturdays

With Children and Sister Watts

Seritquiche getting a new chapel!

Hey Moms!

I even fed them ( :

Good looking elders

and no one fell in!

waterfall on Pday

holding up the roof...

peek a boo next to the waterfall

seritquiche

they are working on the roads though.

headed up towards Chijolom

will it fit

our elders helped us figure it out!

this is where we decided to turn around!

going up the mountain

from the bottom up....

huge tree, from the bottom

Going to Canlun

Surprise little waterfall

being passed in the river

somebody must have been in a very big hurry!

and had to cross two small rivers

on the very first outing

We got a car!

hair beautiful hair

Playing after school

Everyone wants a new necklace!

Making necklaces

this is the way we ride the van...

ride the van...

Beautiful day

Overwhelming views, didnt realize I was slumping!

down to the end, around the bend

and there they were!

beautiful sunny day

only a couple hours hiking to get to our destinations...

baby chicks

what entertainment really is!

Sepamac family

got to wear Weeple for the photo!

picture I made for birthday present

clothe, super glue, cardboard, plastic wrap and scissors

classroom

dirt floor, no lights,

children in Los lemones

such amazing kids

Mayan ruins

with very proud Mayan descendants

cooking in the dark

thank goodness for a flash!

translating and assisting

OUr Elder went way beyond the extra mile

true beauty

this is the reason

International day of women parade

patiently waiting for mommy

baby on my back

babysitting - Guatemalan style

cars and dolls

making smiles

toys for the children

learning from the best

We are soo thankful for the dentists

rooms full of patients to see the dentists

higher and higher

love the colors of all the wildflowers

resting amidst the cornfields

headed to work the bean fields

hugs and kisses

the best things in life!

wonderful members

trail above our home

on the way to visit members

off in the not so far distance..

Senahu from the top down

trails covered

Beautiful morning in Paradise

What a smile!

Chulak dedication

Army of Helaman

we are thankful

for computers!

Pday!

and email!

Our mighty power in Senahu!

Everyone loves us our Pres!

The amazing cooks of Chulac

Some are taller

some friends are shorter than us

Very happy day!

Sister Spradlin with wives of Mission Pres.

Elder Spradlin w Mission Presidency

Family outside new church

beautiful baby

learning young

The big Toyota Dealer in town!

carrying wood

okay, so yes you do get right of way

chulak main street

walking in a cloud

nope, not there yet...

yes, it is straight down behind him!

a little steep

on the way to Coral Pek

Baptism in Chulak

Baptism in Panzos

waiting for the baptism

it was a long day...

Seamay English Class

piano students in Seamay

grade school classroom

teaching the teachers

Teaching English at school

lawn cut by machete

Having fun!

not quite ripe yet

Banana Tree

lunch at home

the local bakery, Senahu'

Hey you guys!!!

precious and sweet

cleaning the stove

already swept the dirt floor!"

Lets make dolls and singª!

The winner gets the doll!

Chulac

making rag dolls

This is how we ride the truck

clouds parting

Polocik valley

tuc tuc hitches ride

tied on behind our transport!

Off the side of ride to Senahu

Here We go!

Transport off the mountain

Chijolom

going to the tops of the mountains!

children of Seamay

they get so shy - but love pictures

Seamay School Dedication

Thanking contributors

chijolom

up the mountain from Senahu

teaching the young men

outside class!

hiking through the cardamon field

up, and up, don´t slip"!

View from Chijolom Chapel

25 minute hike, after 2 hour drive

just a few more inches

one lane roads and trucks!

yes we did make it around

Roaming in front of our house with the pigs

here horsey horsey

New Years Eve Baptism

Only 89 years young!

at halfway almost!

this one felt a lot easier in the daytime!

main roads

starting up!

Tortilleria

They were so patient with me!

Making tortillas

Not as easy as expected!

Wood for cooking

Great Elders!

Time to play!

Filling the Fount!

teamwork!

Even Elders went to carry water!!

Hard work for a baptism

Members at work

Lovely children

Baptismal Miracle

in front of our home

Senahu Christmas Day

Senahu

climbing high

parasitic cactus

avocado tree in Antigua

lunch watching the volcanos

Antigua Guatemala

amazing musicians

rest in rio dulce

close to the ocean

rio dulce

church in Q'eqchi'

my new friends!

transportation leaving church

qeqchi family and mandarins

witnesses at a wedding!

hills and mtns of Senahu

measuring the grains

Senahu Market

road in front of our house

Our casita

view from front of our home to be

Road to Senahu

Thanksgiving with Sr. Missionaries

Guatemala City

MTC

MTC, here we go!

couch time

Elliesha and kids

Elliesha and Kids

Beautiful World

Beautiful Day

Natalie and Amber

Mesa Falls, ID

Idaho w Justin and Natalie

Bridal Veil

Bridal Veil Falls

Ensign POint

Hiking Colorado

Jerry DAsher kids

Isabel

Colorado and grandkids!

Little Rock and grandkids

The Whole Gang

Springfield Sunday

Josh and little ones

Harold and the Boys