Las Lomas Branch

We have been assigned to the Las Lomas Branch that is located about 1/2 hr from our apartment in a poor area. There are approximately 100 members but only 25-30 come each week. There are two Melchizedek priesthood in the Branch. One is President Perez, no counselors in the Branch, and the other Erik Reyes, Elders Quorum President. These two men are amazing. Erik teaches the Sunday School lesson plus combined Priesthood/Relief Society lesson too. I haven't seen a RS President since we've been here.

Tonight, the Branch held a ' Going Away Party for Elder & Sister Parent and Welcome to Elder & Sister Johnson'. The party started at 7:00 p.m. By 7:45 p.m. the party began, Guatemalan's have their own time. It was a delightful evening. Elder & Sister Johnson had been a little under the weather the last 2 or 3 days so we were just a little nervous about what they would serve. Our meal was Kentucky Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, a roll and the most unusual punch. The punch - they boil the hibiscus flower - add sugar and that's the drink. It was actually pretty good. Can't think of the name but I'll publish that later.

Many of the Branch members gave tribute to the Parent's for the love they have given the Branch for the past 18 months. This picture is Erik Reyes and Elder Walker (from South Jordan). The Parent's help Erik and his wife prepare to be sealed. They were sealed in October. Elder Parent has helped this Branch tremendously.

President & Sister Perez and family. Sister Perez is also the Primary President with no counselors. Their son, Jose, helps with the music every Sunday. No ones plays the piano so he is in charge of playing the CD when we sing.

This mother and her daughter's have just recently started to attend church once again. She is commissioned by the missionaries to cook them a couple of meals a day. For breakfast they get eggs and beans - dinner consists of chicken, rice and beans. The mission president wants them to be productive and not spending time preparing meals so all missionaries commission someone to prepare meals for them.

Young Men's President, his wife and family. He has the cutest personality.

Jennifer Reyes is passing out our meal for the evening. The couple sitting next to Elder Johnson are Elder & Sister Parent. The serving tray is the rack out of the oven.

Reyes family - mother, father, sister (Monica, return missionary and does speak English) Erik, his wife and daughter, Jennifer and her baby.

Elder & Sister Parent & Erik Reyes family...

Branch members - As they paid tribute to the Parent's you could feel the influence this couple had on the Branch. The Branch members expressed their gratefulness for the missionary program and how much the gospel has meant in their lives. They also expressed their love to us and welcomed us to the Las Lomas Branch. Sister Johnson will take over leading the singing and Elder Johnson will do splits with the Elder's. Our challenge is communication... We hug a lot and they always give a kiss on your cheek. Our eyes are opened each Sunday as we attend this humble Branch to the importance of missionary work. Their love of the gospel radiates when they greet you, when they bear their testimonies, respond in class discussions and their commitment to attend each Sunday.