Meeting Oaxaca-A Land of Contrasts

Our arrival at the airport 8-22-2015. After spending a few comical hours in the Mexico City airport we finally arrived in Oaxaca only a few hours late, but happy to be here.

Monday morning we headed out with President and Hermana Madsen to meet the missionaries on the Costa (Coast) and the Istmo (Isthmus). We experienced some amazing scenery crossing the Sierra Madre Mountains as well as a Oaxacan favorite, the Tope (Speed Bump). These are placed strategically at every little settlement and roadside stand as well as often in the shade of a tree. There are warning signs, however as you can see often the warning sign is right beside the Tope which doesn't help when you are traveling at 110 KPH and see it with about 50 feet to go. Seatbelts are HIGHLY recommended if you don't want to catch air, inside the car ; )

There were lots of different types of plants and animals along the drive.

We visited with Elders and Sisters in Puerto Escondido, Pochulta, Santa Maria Huatulco, Huatualco, Salina Cruz, Tehuantepec, Juchitan, Union Hidalgo, Ixtepec, Santo Domingo and Matias Romero. The people, missionaries and food are all amazing. We didn't however understand how hot it was going to be on the coast. The first day in Puerto Escondido it was 100.4 degrees and about 80% humidity. It either got cooler or we started to adapt as the week went on.

Just a few seconds after this picture the fellow driving this horse drawn cart pulled out his cell phone and was texting someone and this house was within a couple of miles of the largest wind farm I have ever seen.

This truly is a land of great contrasts, from the mountain trees to the desert cactus to the modern conveniences beside old world charm. We are so excited to serve the people and missionaries here!!!

 

We Have Arrived

Breakfast with our chauffeurs

Another tearful goodbye at the airport

Then a joyful arrival in Oaxaca

Now on to Oaxaca

Medical missionary training group we were privileged to be a part of this week. This group will cover Korea, Panama, Hong Kong, Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Brasil, Nashville Tennessee, Nauvoo Illinois, Logan Utah,  and Rancho Cucamonga California.

Training complete we are now off to serve the people of Oaxaca and to fulfill our Missionary Purpose  "To Invite Others to Come Unto Christ"

The MTC

Our week in the MTC was AMAZING !!! It was one of the most, if not the most spiritual experiences we have ever had. To recap...........

Day one, as you saw in the last post started out very emotional. We then went straight into motion, how inspired are the leaders who have designed the MTC experience in this way, and began our

 

 training right away. The spirit was very strong and as one of the Elders said in our final meeting "I want to feel the way I feel now, every day in the future", we understand it is up to us and our actions whether we have the spirit daily or not.

Day two till today, training, training and more training which led to spiritual experience after spiritual experience. We truly felt the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior for not only us but all of God's children.

We want to thank all of you for your Love and support and we feel your prayers in our behalf.

Below are a couple of pictures of our District and our two main instructors, Sister Hicks,, who served in Cambodia and Sister Ricks, who served in Chile. Both whom we love and will never forget. Thanks again for pushing us outside of our comfort zone and helping us to grow.

The Adventure Begins

Day one entering the MTC was a very emotional day. Leaving family for 18 months is no easy task. However the love we felt the moment we walked into the MTC helped to ease the pain. We know why we are ere, now we need to learn how to serve and love the people of Oaxaca. We know the Lord will help us in the endeavor and will strengthen and sustain us throughout.