New families and more parties

Our major work here in Panama is strengthening the members.  We work with the local leaders, serving and helping where we can.  We also visit the members who are active and those who are less active.  We have seen the Lord work in the lives of many people.

We love the people here.  It is very humbling to be accepted into a home and share very personal struggles with someone.  The people have been loving, accepting and receptive to the message that the Lord is sending them.  It truly is an incredible experience to be instruments in the hands of the Lord.  Our message is simple.  Heavenly Father loves you.  He wants what is best for you.  He wants to bless you.  Turn to Him.  He is there.  He will be with you.

Our goal before coming was to strengthen testimonies.  We knew this would best  be done through encouraging and studying the scriptures.  When someone immerses themselves in the scriptures they truly can come to know the Lord.  They truly come to know and experience the atonement of Jesus Christ.  One of my favorite scriptures is in the Doctrine and Covenants that states, "...and I, Jesus Christ, your lord and your God, have spoken it.  These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; ...Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words."

I love that last part, We can testify we have heard the voice of the Lord, when we read the scriptures.

We've had lots of parties activities since my last post:
Noche de Grupo (Group Night)
The Lesson was to write something you wanted someone to do on a paper and indicate who should do it, ie. act like a model, do push ups, sing a song, etc.  When it came time to do it: the person who wrote it had to do it instead.  The lesson: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Fiesta de dia de la Madre (party for Mother's Day)  The men did a great job honoring their wives and mothers.

Christmas Party-- this was so special.  Sister Katy Salinas planned the program.  It was traditional dance, dress and even the nativity.  Everyone dressed in traditional clothes.  The primary acted out the nativity.  They used the costumes they had, so there were butterflies and sheep.

 I had polleras made for me and Megan.

 Hermana Liceth did a fantastic job as MC.

 Dulce y Alejandra sang.

 The youth danced and then pulled the kids and Mark and I up to dance with them.

 The Young Women always sing.  They are like angels.

 Katy and Thomas Salinas.  So very talented musically.  They planned everything so it would be so special.

 Juan y Ekatarina danced the Rooster and the Chicken....  we followed.

The best part was the nativity acted out by the Primary.  They were fantastic.  The costumes were incredible.  I loved it.