Semana Santa (Holy Week)

This last week was, of course, Semana Santa (holy week). One of the craziest weeks of the year in this country. It makes missionary work a little tricky as everyone goes on vacation, goes to the beach, hangs out with family, and generally think that listening to the gospel doesn't exactly fit into their plans for the week. But we found ways to keep busy.

Traditions of Semana Santa:
(I'm going to avoid the obvious alcohol consumption, but know that it's the highest week for accidents)

Going to the beach.
Braids. Because when you go to the beach, your hair is taken care of. And it lasts for a long time. And they can do some crazy designs and patterns and braids. It's super cool and super intense.
HABICHUELAS CON DULCE. Yes, sweet beans. Literally. We went to go help Vianni one morning with her personal progress (have I talked about her before? she's 12 and we're helping her with personal progress. And she's making lots of progress. Personally.) but she was way too swamped in the kitchen, so we decided to do some service and help. We ended up helping make ALL THESE HABICHUELAS CON DULCE. So many.

They are blended kidney beans strained, cooked with sweet potato, coconut milk, normal milk, evaporated milk, lots and lots of sugar, raisins, cloves and cinnamon, and on top, those leche cookies that I sent home. I don't know if you noticed, but they have crosses on them. This is eaten on Good Friday, or the Friday of the Saviors death. You can also make a corn version. We have so much sitting in our fridge because everyone shares it. And yes, I like it now. I ate three bowls yesterday.

Non semana santa traditions would be coloring eggs, but Hna Erickson and I couldn't let Easter pass without coloring a couple. With crayons. And then we turned the hard boiled eggs into egg empanadas, yum!

Hm, no, still no water, but light yes. It has been so nice! It's so hard to come home at night to a dark house.

Rosa's still good. But, she washed clothes instead of coming to church. Aw man. But she's still doing great.

I was thinking the other day after reading the Liahona how grateful I am that the power of one perfect, pure life outweighed all the millions, billions and trillions of bad lives and badness. There is a very real power in righteousness, that even though there may be more bad, Jesus Christ showed that good can still conquer it.

Love you all, and thanks for still sending letters, because I still have plenty of time here. ;) Nobody slack off now.

No but for real, I'm so grateful for this gospel and the chance to be here. Lots of love,
Hermana Sarah