Explosions, Lava, and Earthquakes! Oh my!

Bit dramatic for a title isn't it?

Well my dear people as you may or may not have heard the volcano Fuego exploded on Sunday. And lava is still spewing forth. Our bishop showed us videos and it's freaking insane. It's really awesome. Literally. But insane. Sunday afternoon I thought we were going to have a rainstorm. The sky was almost black and there was hardly any light. But instead of rain we had ash. Not a ton. Just a light dusting. I was told it was worse in other areas. And on Monday there was apparently an earthquake. I didn't feel anything. So lucky me. Although I weirdly kind of want to experience one. Esta bien raro mi vida. Never did I think I'd be living in a country where volcanos and earthquakes would actually be a problem. But at the same time I dig it. It's an adventure. And in case you were wondering I'm completely safe! Don't you worry!

Anyway that was an adventure of the week. I had a lot of fun interactions with people in the street this week. Here are a few excerpts:

"Nunca en mi vida vi un norte americana tan bonita. OH MY G__!"

"Do you speak English?""Si" "Oh, okay."

"I have a question. Are you married or are you single?"

"Usted es de Canada?" 

My favorite thing to do when I have encounters is just pretend that I don't know English. They're always so dissapointed when I don't respond in English and it makes me laugh. If it's a normal person of course I'll respond in English becuase the people want to practice. But keep in mind most of my interactions are with drunk people. 

Oh and another funny thing that happened this week that's a little embarrassing but whatever. I tripped and scraped my knee. I was being a kid jumping up some steps in my rain boots and didn't jump quite high enough. And yeah I fell. It was great. And like it was weirdly bloody and everyone we visited was freaking out. But like a lady saw me fall and didn't say anything like, "Are you ok?"or anything like that. No. She said, "Ella es bien alta."It's like thanks lady. Thanks for the concern.

Anyway in other news this week I ate a very american-esque burger, hung with my esisteres del mision (the whole brother/sister concept is very confusing in english or something), my comp's in love with a mannequin, we got pisto! a.k.a food and rent. yay. :|, some patojos made us breakfast, I killed a giant slug, I enjoyed the beauty of the clouds, took a selfie with a pony, and celebrated my comps b-day with a pinata and all the works! Fun stuff right? Oh and I cut a childs hair. No pics. It was a disaster. But they loved it. So hey. As long as they're happy. Right?

Anyway my people. This week I would like to focus on the importance of family history work. Our recent convert is going to the temple for the first time this next Wednesday and we've been teaching her all about it. And I just happened to be reading about it in Jospeh Smith History where it says, "And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."Yo se. Bien Cincho esta escritura. But at the same time I think it emphasizes the importance of family history work. How if we want to be with our families for all eternity, we have to work for it. And you know if we don't want the world to be wasted. Sometimes it might be hard but really more than anything it's fun and interesting to see where you come from. I'm related to the first king of england. Why am I not a princess? I don't know. But nonetheless it's interesting and it's important that we do our family history work so we can all be together again. And idk if you know me or not but the family is one of the most important things to me. And I feel like it should be for everyone. Because no one knows you or loves you better than they.

Anyway my people. Mi gente. I love you! Remember if you have any questions about anything, church, my life, Guatemala, just email me! I'm here. Till next time! 

Hermana Marley Mae Judd  

1 Year Left!

​I completed 6 months yesterday! Woo! 1/3 of the way done! Isn't that crazy?! I honestly can't believe it. Time has gone by so freaking fast. But I dig it. I've done a lot in my first 6 months. I'm still in my first area and I will be until I hit 7 1/2 months. Crazy stuff. But I've enjoyed every moment of it. I like to think so anyway. 

Anyway this week was freaking busy. I feel like it's been like a month. We made Baleadas as a zone (type of comida tipica de Honduras), I had divisions and we the gringas ate gringas, it rained, and the streets turned into rivers, we hung out with Katy & her novio and taught her younger siblings. We had a multi-zona and I took pics with crazy elders, one of my favorite sisters, and the pres and his fam., His parents, his older sister, and her husband came to visit. His parents are SSSSSSOOOOOOOOOO old! But it was really cool that they could share their testimonies with us and tell me how where they're from there's a lot of Judd's. I'm like that's nice and super random. But the coolest thing out of the week was the baptism we had! 

My dad always gives me cincho about how I just say we baptized someone but never talk about who they are as people. So here I go. Jorge age 10 and Cristy age 12. We first met their mom contacting back in February or something when I didn't know any Spanish and I was with my first comp Hna Campos. The lessons we had with her were cool but she never really progressed much. She would maybe read a pamhlet and talk about it. But idk I never felt really impressed by our visits with her. We've been visiting her relatively consistantly since then and one day she talked about her kids. How they always were fighting, being rebellious, etc. So we asked if we could take them to church the next Sunday. She said yes! And from there we began to take them to church every sunday. Cristy, Jorge, and their younger sister Valentina who's five. And from there we began to teach the lessons and they just had an amazing desire to learn. And here we are now with both of them as members of the church. Continuing to learn everyday. 

This baptism was by far my favorite. Did I say that about the last one? Maybe. But the thing is that I loved these kids more. That sounds bad. But you know why I loved these kids more? Because they loved me back. I love Alex and probably always will but I felt like he didn't care for me much and hardly listened to anything I had to say. Now Jorge and Cristy. They were interested. They had normal conversations with me outside of lessons. They wanted to sit next to me in church. And it's just lovely. When someone loves you, you love that person more. I think you get it. If not I'm sorry and you can just think I'm a horrible person. They have such a strong desire to be a better family. They know that they can be a family for all eternity and they're now being examples for their mother and their step dad who will hopefully join them so they can be sealed together. That's what I learned from these two youngins. That sometimes we take for granted that we can be together forever. That we have that blessing. But that it's such an amazing blessing we should share it with others. So they can have the same joy. It was also a really happy experience because it was my friend Jordy's first baptism and it was so cool to see how happy he was and how happy the kids were. And really there was just a crap load of happiness in that baptism. I dug it.

You know what I find interesting? Is the desire the young people have to be near God. It's stronger than any youth I've ever seen in the states. And my question is why? Why is that? And honestly I think it's because it's the examples of their parents. Sure you've got narcos, and gangs, and all kinds of horrible people. But you've also got the most faith filled, God centered people I've ever met. And I think it's because of their parents that these patojos have such a strong desire to be near to God. It's incredible. 

Well my people. That was my life this week. I love you! Till next time!

Hermana Judd 

Sonpopos

Large Ants. Gigantic Ants. Nasty Nightmare Rendering Ants. And you know what the people do with them here? They fry them, put some lemon and salt on 'em, and eat them. I'm literally so grossed out. All day Saturday the patojos were out looking for these ants of the devil. Some have wings. Their pinchers are freaking huge. Really they just gross me out. I didn't take any pictures because I was in a sketch part of the area and I didn't want to get robbed. But if you really want to I'm sure you can go ahead and google it. It's interesting because apparently they only come out in the month of May and the youngins of Guatemala take great interest in them. I don't know why. But it was interesting to see the ninos of Guate with bottles, buckets, and bowls just filled with these nasty ants. But yeah that's something interesting and slightly funny for you. 

Anyway this week has been good. Really vague I know. No but this week was fun. I made paper flowers with the mujeres jovenes, ate salt and vinegar chips (thanks mom!), went to the temple with some youngins, made chuchitos (small version of tamales) with my mejor amiga, and had a fun week of having wet feet in los tempestos de Guate!  

Anyway now for something a little more spiritual. I'm sorry if you feel my letters are a little monotouness. (I think I spelt that right. I can't speak English anymore.) I've never been the  best at transitions and it's easier to just have a format for writing. But hey I told you about Sonpopos so be happy!  

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But yeah back on topic. It's cool to see how the Holy Ghost works with people. You people already know about Alex. Obvi. Well this week we went to visit him with two members who just happen to be english teachers. Alex wasn't home but his step-dad was. Romulo has an extreme desire to learn english and already knows a lot. Anyway he asked us if we could teach him a lesson in english. So we taught him about faith. And that was one of the coolest lessons that I've ever had. It was more like a lesson in spanglish but it was a really cool spiritual experience. But then Alex's mom, Vicky, came home and we talked about Alex's baptism. And how they both felt. And they apparently felt that they should both be baptized. So we talked about baptism and the opportunity they have as a family to be together forever. It was beautiful. You could just see the peace and joy overcome both of their faces. Sometimes I really just love being a missionary. I'm sorry if I'm not the most descriptive but this was one of those experiences where I don't know how to write it down. But hopefully you people understand. That it was a miracle to me to see that a boy of 12 and his desire to follow the example of the savior is now helping his family to also have that same desire. It's incredible.

Anyway that's what I've got for you people. I love you all! I think you're great! Till next time!

Hna Judd/Marley    

Confessing Love

Yesterday we talked to a drunk man who confessed his love to my comp. So that was fun and her response was freaking hilarious. "Can I say something?" Her, "Si." "I'm in love with you." "No, you're in love with the gospel." I just about died. It was so freaking hilarious.

Anyway this week has been quite adventurous. I made cheesecake and we had a birthday party for an elder in the zone, I helped make pupusas (a lady in our ward is from el salvador), were ready for rain, ​
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​we went to the temple with the youth and took 5 youngins to have a lesson with the Temple Sisters (some people don't know how to take pics so I'm sorry), my comp made me pancakes, said goodbye to some elders who left out zone çause of zchanges (I could not take pictures that day. I promise I'm not that fat. It's the angle.), and went out with my pal Itaty who's leaving for her mission in a month to Costa Rica. And yeah fin.

 

Oh and I talked to my fam on Sunday! That was freaking amazing. I didn't cry as much as I thought I would. But it made me really happy to talk to all of them and feel like I was a little at home again. It's weird what little things change in 6 months. Like my Nor-baby has hair and 2 teeth and can walk and run. Like what even!? And my Pigtata has 2 new teeth as well. And Townsend's going on a mission and I won't see him for 2 years and almost 10 months. That's sad.

Anyway this week in spirituality I was studying the parable of the talents in La Biblia and I had some cool thoughts about it. Ready? So I know in the parable it's talents are money. But ever since I was a youngin I liked to think they were actually talents. Things that we excel at, hobbies, etc. But it's interesting how we're all given talents according to each of our personal abilities. And yes we each have our natural talents but we also need to work hard so we can improve and excel in those talents. Voy a hacer un ejemplo de mi hermano y yo. Did you understand that? One of my siblings is naturally skilled with music and I've always thought it a bit unfair. But I, not being so naturally skilled at music have worked and practiced a ton. And now I have a talent because I've worked for it. He has the natural ability but because he hasn't worked at it I have a little more talent. Or not talent but knowledge. Or whatever. You get it. But this principle applies to everything. We need to work hard if we want to gain glory in heaven. We need to multiply our talents, our love, our faith, our testimony, our charity, everything. In summary strive to do your best and be rewarded. Physically, mentally, spiritually, etc. I have no idea if that made any sense and you got something out of it. My english communication skills are beginning to suck.

But on the flip side I didn't feel as crappy about my spanish this week. I had a man at the Granizada stand say my Spanish is really good for a gringa, a youth said my spanish is probably 85/100 (that's a straight up lie but hey), and a member who I met on my first day in the field says how it's amazing how much I've progressed in just 4 1//2 months. It makes me happy that I'm improving a little. 

Anyway people that's all I've really got for you. Love ya! Till next time!

Hermana Judd

God Loving Me a.k.a. Tender Mercies

This week was a little hard for me. Well Spanish wise. Dude some days I felt like not a single person could understand me. But on these days I had little tender mercies given to me that just showed how much God loves me. For instance one of these days we had just gotten out of a lesson that I totally messed up with my lovely Spanish skills. I was feeling a little depressed about it but then as we were walking we came across practically all the young men of the ward and my friend Katy. They were just hanging at her pinata shop. So we stopped and talked to them. And every single one of those youth could understand me perfectly. I had really good conversations with those youngins and it made me feel a ton better about my spanish. That it's not crap. And that I'm actually doing really well. 

Anyway that was just one way of God loving me. Also this past week I found out that I only get 40 minutes to talk to my fam instead of an hour. I know I'm entitled. But this put me in a depressed mood. Cause I'm sure as you all know I really love my fam. 20 minutes is 20 freaking minutes. Anyway I was sad about that for like a day but then I went to mutual and one of the youth is friends with my dear mother on facebook. And she showed me the video of Townsend opening his mission call. 

And it's just tiny things like that, where yes I'll be sad but very soon after something will happen that will lift my mood. And I love it. I love those little tender mercies of the lord. 

Anyway my challenge for you people outside this world of missionary work, is to see those tender mercies in your lives. To notice those little blessings that show that God loves us and knows us and does things for us everyday that make us happy. 

And yeah. You guys get two spiritual notisms today. Just because I feel like it. I was reading a great book during personal study called Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage. Anyway it mentioned a parable in Matthew 22:1-14 but it ended with the famous saying, "For many are called, but few are chosen."And I don't know, but I feel like I've been seeing this scripture a lot lately. So in consequence I've been thinking about what it means. I always thought that "chosen"meant that someone else chooses us. In this case being God. But on further contemplation I realized in this instance, it's us who choose. We choose if we are the "chosen". And how do we become the "chosen"? I think that we choose to be "chosen"by seeking out those good things. Those blessings, those glories, and those truths that the gospel brings. By earnestly seeking these things our lives begin to change and in this change we become the "chosen". And how do we earnestly seek those good things? By reading the scriptures, praying, going to church, serving others, all those good ol'basic primary answers. Anyway there's an excerpt from my personal studies. Hope you liked it. 

Anyway this week I made rice crispy treats for p-day, we celebrated the b-day of Alex x2, taught Ronald McDonald the gospel, hung with investigators y  recent converts, and hung with my favorite family de Aguilar and drank Mango juice with them. We also made cheesecake but that's for next weeks story. 

Funny wise not much happened. I did teach a couple youth how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb and Chopsticks on the piano. But yeah that was pretty much it. 

Anyway my people I feel like this letter was a little more serious. But my goal with these letters is to be me. Not some missionary where everything is fine and dandy 24/7. Cause it's not. But like everyone else in the world there's ups and downs in my daily life. But overall I'm enjoying myself and that's what's important. So hope you enjoyed this weekly report from Marley News. Till next time!

Hermana Marley Judd   

Being Food Blind

​I've come to notice over the past couple weeks that I'm becoming food blind. And how do I know this you may ask_ Because there have been several moments now where I'm like, (Wow. These beans are delicious.) This is legit black refried beans with onions. And that's it. And if that doesn't tell you something I don{t know what does. Or another example...we'll get Little Ceasars Pizza for lunch on P'Day and it feels like the best pizza I've ever tasted. I feel ashamed of myself. But hey at least I have something to look forward to when I get back. Mum I would like roast beef. Por fa.

But speaking of the food of Guatemala I had a crap load of Granizadas this week. It{s pretty much a glorified snow cone. But it{s better because it's technically like $0.60 and it has fresh coco y pina on it. And yeah it{s delish. There{s a pic included. Don't worry.

Oh and mangos are to die for. They{re so freaking delicious and you can get 5 for 10 quetz. 8 quetz is a dollar. You can do the math. And then compare it to the price of American mangos. Bananas are also the best. And pineapples. These are the best fruits of Guatemala. They're cheap and I feel like I{m being healthy. Because the rest of the day I just eat 1 quet cookies and drink bags of water. My life is weird. 

 

Anyway now that I've told you about food, because I'm sure that's what you really wanted to hear about, let us talk about something a little bit more spiritual in topic. This week we talked to a drunk man. It was a little sad. He just told us how much he wanted to change and how he wanted to be someone. But in just one moment I saw him for what he really was. A child of God. And it was so sad to see that he didn{t know he already was someone. That he had the power to change. It all just depended on him. I bore my testimony about it and I think me and my comp gave him hope to accomplish his goal. I love the hope and love the gospel brings. That through the knowledge that we have a father in heaven that loves us and gave us a his son as sacrifice we have a way to change for the better. I love it. Just that knowledge alone makes me happy. I{m grateful for the opportunity to share that knowledge with others. Because it really does change lives. And it{s amazing to see that changing affect up close. 

Anyway besides teaching and being a good little missionary I did a lot of fun things this week. I helped a lady make a cake for her daughters b'day, had lunch with a councilor of the stake pres., ate granizadas (aforementioned), went bowling and looked around a mall on P'Day, had entrevistas a.k.a took pics with the elders, completed 5 months, hung out with some pinatas, cleaned a church building, and yeah fun stuff like that.

As for funny things not much happened. Shocking I know. I had a lot of people correct my spanish this week. But that's not so much funny as it is depressing. I'll be fluent someday. I know it. But I'm actually quite impressed with how fast I've been able to learn it. It's incredible. Hallelujah for the gift of tongues! 

Anyway my people thank you for everything as always. I hope you enjoy these little weekly updates about my life here in a foreign country. If you have any questions feel free to ask! Anyway thats all for now!

Hna Judd a.k.a Marley

p.s. I miss my name.