So, these are the final days of my mission. Today we had the mission Christmas party which was amazing because we got to go to Xetulul again, the Central American version of Disney land, to have the activities which was amazing!!!
It was really cool, there was one sister that was from a native tribe and she brought out her tribal clothing and did some really cool native American dancing that was just amazing, then there were a few others that were singing the HUH, if they went on American Idol they would easily win, lol...don't know if that is still going or not, lol.
And then we finished it off with the Tongans doing the traditional haka, that is always amazing to see. Most of all it was really cool because I had the chance to see all of my buddies that I've come really close to before I head off...Everyone was like, "The mission just isn't going to be the same when you're gone", lol, it's so weird to think that one day I'm going to have to leave the country, the people, and the culture that I've come to call home...
The other night we were hitching a ride on the back of one of the coca cola trucks, heading back to Peru from Champerico, and it finally started to get to me a little bit that one day, I won't be doing this anymore....I honestly could not have asked for a better night. I have never seen so many stars, literally there must have been millions...and it got me thinking, I love Guatemala. Diseased dogs, breast feeding women, the crazy drunk always asking for a quetz...I'm really going to miss this place.
It kills me to think that for the past two years the only thoughts that have been running through my mind are how I can become more like the Savior, what would Christ do in this situation, learning a new language and only being able to speak that language...entering into the homes of these loving people and into their lives...I seriously CAN'T believe that in 2 short weeks all of that is going to be taken from me...I can't say that I'm coming home, one..because I know nothing about this new place and TWO, because this is my home..These people are my family.
I have never in my ENTIRE life had a connection to a group of people like I have with the people of Guatemala...These people would literally give you the shirt off of their backs, if they knew that it would help you...This culture is so open and honest....there is no sugar coating, there's no need for lies, there's only love and truth. These are the children of Lehi. I've seen it. I can't even begin to tell you of the countless times that I have contacted someone and they have shared with me their dreams, when in reality they aren't dreams but visions.
These people have a faith in Christ that is undeniable, they love Christ, they live for Christ, they want nothing more than to do what Christ asks of them.
I cannot tell how I truly feel through this letter, it's impossible..Because what I feel for these people, for this country, for the traditions that I've come to accept, go much further than just words. I can't begin to tell you how conflicting my thoughts and feelings are right now...I can't wait to return and to see everyone of you and to start the next chapter of my life, but I honestly feel like a HUGE part of my life is getting ripped out of me.
I wish that I could always serve these people. To always be welcomed into their homes as a servant of the Lord. To always be constantly bothered at 11:30 in the night to go and give a blessing. But little by little I know that those two weeks are closing in and one day I'm going to have to leave my family. Further more I love my mission President. If the love of our Father in Heaven is anywhere close to that that I have seen and felt from President Maravilla, then we truly are a loved children. And I know the love He has for us is much greater. I don't want to ever forget these people. Many missionaries say that they have had the best missions, but I truly can claim that sentence...these are the children of which the resurrected Christ himself came to teach and now he has given me that great opportunity.
I love these people, and I don't want to leave them....they have refined me into the man I am today, and have helped correct my path to become the man I will be.
If there is anything more that I can say about my mission it is that I know this is the church of Jesus Christ, the only one the He directs. He loves us enough that He has given us a living prophet to guide us. That through repentance all men can return to the Father. Above all I know that we are His children and as such are entitled to the eternities, if we so choose to receive them.
I love these people. I love Jesus Christ. And I hope that I can always be a useful instrument in His hands, in the mission or as a normal disciple of Him.
I love you all and will talk to you Sunday,
Elder Marquis
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