November 12, 2012 Nahuala - after the Earthquake

With Elder Perez

The President of Guatemala came to Nahuala in his private helicopter

Playing soccer on Pday

Dearest Family and Friends,

We are safe down here. We are very lucky to have not been damaged by the earthquakes that have happened in the past week. But, it was the most insane experience of my life! I couldn't believe what was happening! I have heard that many have died, but that area is not even in my mission, so I don't know much about that. It really makes for a good mission experience! We were just walking down a road and I could have sworn that I heard the earth growling as we watched a hill in front of us start moving. At first, I thought I was crazy! I really could not believe it! Then, I looked down at the ground and saw it moving too! We just stopped right in our tracks. It was very insane. There was an adobe wall that I could see. It was just flopping like a piece of paper. I really could not believe what was happening.

Okay, sounds like things are just as crazy up there! ON Tuesday, I got a package from the family and it made me so happy! I found some nice warm leggings, Stephens Mint Truffle Hot Cocoa mix, and (drum roll) 2 Utah State Aggies Shirts! I really loved it and it made me so happy to receive this little boost!

We are working hard down here. We go to sleep dead tired everyday. Things are starting to get a lot colder, maybe like 30s in the morning? There is no such thing as heating here, so we just pile on the sweaters and blankets when we sleep. However, during the day, it gets as hot as blazes. It is really hot. We are seriously putting 100% of every moment, of all energy into finding the people that need the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I really love it. We are still teaching Salvador, however, they just don't want to get baptized until he has a year of not drinking under his belt. I really love their family. They come to church every Sunday, and are basically a part of the ward. They are really awesome. They just need the baptism, but it will come with time, no worries ;) It is really awesome to see the changes in the ways that the Lord puts people in our paths. Now we are really trying hard to do everything in the right way and it pays off. He has really put people in our paths, I love Him.

It is really a lesson to be learned. He always blesses us when we do things in His way. I am also learning that nobody likes to be corrected, including me, so we can improve things with being positive. I really am loving this mission experience and it is flying by! I know that Jesus Christ is our brother and that He and our Heavenly Father are always willing to help us as long as we obey the commandments of them. I love this work and hope that I can inspire you to get involved and introduce people to the only true church and gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that it blesses our lives, why wouldn't we want this for others that we love? I love this gospel and love you all for all the help and support that you give me! Thank you for all of your support and love! Love you family and friends!

Love,

Elder Seth Hilton