August 29

Hello my loved ones

So this week has been interesting. The biggest thing that has happened is that I found out that I will be training a North American starting Wednesday. It will be intense. They have changed the training program since I entered the field. There is a lot more studying and only 12 weeks to do it all. I will let you know how it goes. Hahaha. Another thing that is going on is that my companion started to pack up for home on Saturday. It has felt weird. I wonder how I will be when it's my turn. For one part I am a bit nervous to go home and another part I am excited to see what life holds.

This week we worked a lot with the members and I have learned to appreciate them and understand them better. One of the ladies in my area is SUPER short. (See the pic). Haha. Way cute. I love the people of Guatemala. I am learning the importance and impact the leaders of the wards have with the members. I hope that we can all have the trust we need to follow our leaders. They are not perfect but they are called of God.

This week the news from home is happy... but also sad. I wish to share with you all my knowledge of Christ. He loves us. He wants us to have joy. How is it that we find and feel this joy?? Through our trials. Sometimes we don't understand why people have to leave our lives. Or why we have to suffer for the choice of others. But I can tell you without a doubt that the Lord knows our abilities. He knos how much sorrow or bitterness we can handle. If we can turn and run to Him, I promise you that in the Lord's time all bitterness can become sweetness. All sorrow can become joy!!!!! He is there for you and me. He LOVES you!!! He knows you!! And He is waiting with His arms wide open to soothe the pain. He might not take it away because He knows that we must learn and grow through our trials. I love you all and I wish with all my heart that you take your sorrow-ladened hearts to Christ so that He can lift you above it all!!!

I love you!!!!!!!!!!

Hna Pelaez, Melody

PS I ate caldo de pata this week... It is stomach soup... GROSS!!! Oh and an investigator told me that I like 15 yrs old... Hahaha. I must never age.... Weird.

PPS My companion made me crepes!!! Delicious!!