Snow in Guatemala

We have the advantage and privilege to have some of my mom's cousins that live in Guatemala City. Jordan hasn't met them. They are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We pray that maybe they live within the mission boundaries and he will be able to visit with them and share his message with them. We will have to wait and see.

In the meantime, she (Jordan's grandma) keeps in touch with them through weekly emails. We learned just this week that Guatemala had snow fall for the first time that anyone can remember. It's not normal there and the homes don't have heaters. The people don't have warm coats and we worry about all the missionaries who may not have much more than their suit coat to keep them warm. Her cousins sent a few photos of a hiking trip that their friends took to the top of a volcano called Tajumulco. It's located in the mountains of San Marcos in the north part of Guatemala near Peten (so I'm told). This is part of Jordan's mission, though I'm not sure the actual area in the photos is a place where the missionaries would be. I though it was so interesting to see the tropical plants covered in snow. It looks like these hikers were a little prepared for the weather, but I know that many of the people there have very meager shelter. Just one more thing to add to my list of worries as a missionary mom, but also just one more thing to trust in the Lord.

The House of the Lord

How blessed and grateful we feel to have a handsome young man who has prepared himself to enter The House of The Lord and to dedicate his life for the next two years to preach His gospel. It seems like yesterday that Brendan and I got married and I went through the temple for the first time. How is it possible that our son is old enough to go for himself?

Jordan picked the JORDAN River Temple in West JORDAN for a big reason. In addition, when he was born at Alta View hospital in Sandy, I remember looking out my hospital window and having a perfect view of this beautiful temple. So fitting that he would choose to go through this temple for his first time.

It was a day that we will never forget. It was so neat to hear everyone call him Elder Smith as we were guided through. It was such a sight to behold to see my oldest son dressed all in white surrounded by so many of our family members. Being the oldest cousin, Jordan's aunts and uncles have been more like his cousins and have all been so instrumental in his growing up. Their examples, love, and support as well as that of his grandparents have all played such a key part in his life.

After the temple Jordan decided that he wanted to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Everyone had to get home to babysitters so it was just his Grandma and Grandpa Sanches that were able to join us for dinner, but we had a great time.

Jordan found a special name written on the restaurant brick wall....

Spanish Attempt

Jordan's grandma Angie included a Christmas card she wrote entirely in spanish with his set of new scriptures and a spanish hymnbook. I've heard to record lots of video before your missionary leaves because it's his voice that you'll miss the most. I took this one of Jordan reading his card. His crazy antics never cease.

His grandma and I marvel at how well he can pronounce all the words without much of an accent, but his comprehension is not quite there yet. She has been talking to him a little bit here and there and if she does it really slow, he seems to be able to understand most of it, but of course answers in english. For now he seems to think that if he says an english word really slow and with a spanish accent, it's "spanish enough" to be understood. Cuckoo!! It will be fun to see his spanish skills improve over the next two years, but his crazy ways will never change. I don't know where he comes up with his faces and his silly ways, but his goofiness around the house is what I think I'll miss the most. Here is the video in true "Jordan" fashion. . .