This is me

This is me

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Feliz Navidad!

Christmas in Panama.  This is Elder Meine's SECOND and LAST Christmas in the country away from home.  For us the best gift is getting to skype him on Christmas Eve.  6 months to go!!


THIS BOY NEEDS A HAIRCUT!  IS ELVIS IN PANAMA?!?!?!  ¡¡Cortate el pelo!!







ZONE CONFERENCE CHRISTMAS PARTY.  ALL OF THE MISSIONARIES GOT A MISSION SHIRT THAT HAS THE PANAMA FLAG ON THEIR RIGHT SLEEVE AND THEIR HOME COUNTRY ON THE LEFT SLEEVE.  THEY FINISHED IT UP WITH A FUN GIFT EXCHANGE!










CHRISTMAS DINNER IN LA CABIMA






ONE OF THE MEMBERS GOT A CERDO FOR CHRISTMAS.  IT JUST RUNS AROUND THEIR HOUSE!! BRINGS BACK SOME 4-H MEMORIES FOR ELDER MEINE!!




THE BODIN FAMILY IS FINALLY COMPLETE!!  DEMESIO'S WIFE FINALLY DECIDED TO GET BAPTIZED ALONG WITH THEIR 8 YEAR OLD SON.  THE GOSPEL IS ALL ABOUT FAMILY!!





CHRISTMAS WAS THEN COMPLETE WITH A GREAT SKYPE SESSION WITH THE FAMILY!!








Monday, December 21, 2015

Temple Sealings. This is what it is ALL about!!

This week Elder Meine and Duarte were able to go to the temple to witness 4 temple sealings.  To witness a family becoming united for eternity is the greatest blessing of all as a missionary.  Giving up two years of your life is not a sacrifice when it gives others the opportunity to have eternity together!














Elder Meine learned that his camera takes black and white photos!  That made for some fun shots this week.



They also were able to play some rugged baseball in Kuna Nega.  These kids are tough ballers!!










Monday, December 14, 2015

Organizing the Zone....Idaho Potatoes... ALMOST

For exchanges this week an Elder Surprised Elder Meine with a taste of home,,,, well almost!



He has been working long hard hours as zone leader and finally seems to have the zone all organized and running smoothly (evidenced by his wall art complete with Christmas lights!)




His companion pumping iron.  When they were companions back in February in Vista Allegre, it was Elder Duarte who killed  a Possum with his bare hands.



This is a tender story.... They play dominoes every week with this old guy.  They are trying to build a relationship with him and gain his trust.  His wife is a member and feeds them lunch every Thursday.  Elder Meine finally beat him so now it looks like he will be baptized this year!!


Friday, December 11, 2015

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

December has come again in Panama.  Christmas time in a foreign country is never quite the same.  Elder Meine still has the love of Christ in his heart and is still serving strong.



Leadership training meetings.  



We can only imagine what Elder Meine is saying

Traditional Birthday Cake in the face!  Not even the Hermana's are immune!!


This picture is just too good for a caption


It was Mother's day in Panama and they had a mother's day activity.  Feliz Dias de las Madres!!



From Elder Meine's letter:

"As we focus on Christmas let us remember why we celebrate it.  As a zone we are focusing on what the world and individual and family would be without a Savior.  We are so blessed to have one."










Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Back Together Again

Elder Meine was so excited to report this week that he has been partnered up with one of his favorite companions from back in February, ELDER DUARTE!!  Those two are ready to tear it up in Los Andes! Like always he sent some great pictures home.  Enjoy!


Panama's own Master Chef!!

Could not believe it when I saw Tomatoes on his plate!  He hates tomatoes!  When I asked he replied, "If you put onions on them they are really good.  Also I have been given so many here that they don't bug me much anymore."


Beautiful Panama Children
 

Big noche de hogar (Family Home Evening) out in Kuna Nega with the Rodriguez family.


                          Elder Meine and Elder Duarte....TOGETHER AGAIN!!

Monday, November 9, 2015

My prayers MIGHTY

Elder Meine has continued to grow spiritually each day in the mission field.  His prayers have become so lengthy and powerful that well, a picture explains it best



"My companion fell asleep during my evening prayer!"

Moving homes and retiring old shoes

Elder Meine is still serving as the zone leader.  However, because of his duties and responsibilities, he and his companion moved to a new place that was closer to the stake center. Their new area is called Los Andes.  When Elder Meine packed for the move he tried to get all the essentials into his suitcase.



I don't think the chair made it to the new place.  The new area is now walking distance to everything they need; stake center for meetings, internet cafes, shopping, food, etc. He included some of the views from his home.












Elder Meine had this to say about the new area.....
"I'm liking this new area a lot more!  We've already taught a lot of lessons and found several people to teach.  The Hermanas gave us a brief tour of the area (before they were transferred out) and we are continuing to teach some of the investigators that they had, some of which have committed to future baptismal dates with either us or the hermanas.  The mission leader here is the coolest too and we are going to be working way hard with him!!"


Elder Meine took his favorite high school running shoes to Panama for his P-Day activities.  It looks like after 15 months they are finally done.





Some miscellaneous pictures....

Car ride after Monday night dinner




Dairy Queen




 Familia Samaniego