Week 5 | Guatemala CCM

Hola Everyone! & family in Dallas! That's so fun to be out there. I
remember when I got to go out there! Hi Aunt Meg, Uncle Brandon, Tate
and Coy! Thinking about you guys! I had quite the week, lots of stuff
to talk about! Yes, there was an earthquake here. It was pretty intense,
it lasted about 25 seconds! it felt like the ground was moving six
inches right, left, right,left, ha! It really wasn't too bad here in the
city but it did damage on the coast. I think there were like 40
casualties. We have been praying for the people here. All is
good here, was pretty crazy though! I was able to bear my testimony in
sacrament meeting this sunday, my heart was just pounding. My
Spanish continues to improve! On Monday I challenged myself to never
speak a word of English!! Honestly I didn't think I could do it but
somehow I managed to get through the day with no english. I really grew
and learned alot! Also on monday we got taken out to the city to go
contacting for a few hours. What an awesome experience! The busses are crazy here.
We were packed into a bus with tons of people. It's fun to talk to
all the locals! Some of them are tough to understand but it was great!
Wow! I could not believe how poor these people are... yet they are such
happy and humble people! I seriously love the Guatemalan people. Very
hard workers too! I saw some interesting things on the streets. There
are dogs that just walk around everywhere here. Wow, what a change from
the States. I'm so excited to get out in the feild and get to know
these people! Awesome experience, we got 6 refferals and talked to a
ton of people!!! I continue to work as hard as I can and set the
foundation for how I want my mission to be. I continue to work with my
companion alot. I'm just trying to do my best everyday. That is one thing
I have definitely learned so far is to have patience! I can't believe
I have been here three weeks already... the Latinos leave on Monday
which is sad... I really love these guys! We will get a new group
to come in so that will be fun! my Latino roommates are so funny! We
are just always laughing so hard haha! It's crazy how tired you get on
your mission, the past few nights this week I have just died on my bed!
But I always feel ready to go in the morning! Thank you Harless family, I
got both of your letters this week. I love you guys so much! I can't
tell you how nice it is to hear from you all! Mom I got your dear
elders, thank you! Those are so nice! Spiritually I have had a great
week! We are all changing and growing all the time. We are responsible
for who we are and who we will become. As we strive to come closer to
Jesus Christ he can mold and make us into something so great! Every
challenge, trial, conflict, sadness, and unfairness in life happens
for one purpose, to give us opportunities to respond by applying the
teachings of the Savior Jesus Christ! I know that our Savior Jesus
Christ lives and he loves and knows each one of us perfectly!  We have
so many reasons to rejoice! Now let us go and serve others and live
each day as Christ would. I know immense peace and happiness will
fill your life! I love this work so much! I dont want to have any
regrets here in Guatemala! I am trying so hard to put my whole
heart into what I'm doing and I know the Lord will mold and shape me in
the process! AHHH, we have so many reasons to rejoice! Find someone who
needs help and do something simple for them! I love you all! Mom, Dad,
Riley, Zach and everyone else who reads! You are awesome... I think of
you often. 

LOVE, 

Elder Hughes 

Sorry, I wish I could email more, we literally get exactly 30 minutes to write... 

Buenas Dias from Guatemala!