A Temple for Nicaragua

A lot of people screamed and shouted with joy as President Nelson announced the construction of the Managua, Nicaragua temple. At the same time, most people (including President Nelson) began to cry. Instead of hustling out of the building as they had done at the conclusion of every other session, we all stayed behind reverently meditating the incredible news. The people here have been awaiting the announcement ever since the temple land was purchased 25 years ago, and axiously awaiting ever since President Nelson himself promised the temple during a visit in 2012. Currently the members have the decision of paying a lot of money for a Costa Rican visa, or risking the gang violence of Honduras or El Salvador. Either way the trip is difficult enough to prohibit even the most faithful members from attending more than once or twice a year.

The other big news is I was transfered yesterday. It was a little hard saying goodbye to everyone in La Concha. I really loved that area and those people. I received the news at 4:00 in the afternoon, spent up until the night saying my goodbyes, then packed my things before the bus picked me up at 4:00 AM Tuesday morning. I got to my new area to find that my companion and I would be re-opening. That is to say, we don't know anyone and we will be getting lost frequently for a while. I am back in the city of Managua, and let's just say the warm, humid welcome I recieved is nearly unbearable. My area is called Batahola, it's actually super close to where I began my mission in La Trinidad, but I will not be able to go back and visit as it is in a different zone. On top of all that, I recieved responsability over 20 missionaries as zone leader. It was a lot to take in on very little sleep.

My new companion is named Elder Gomez. He's from the Dominican Republic and has a super Carribean accent. It's kinda like if the dudes off of the movie Cool Runnings spoke Spanish. He's tall and black and good at basketball, so we'll get along in that way. He's been zone leader in this zone for 4 months now, but they decided to switch up the area of the zone leaders, but at least he kinda knows his way around the zone. I'm a little stressed right now, but I know that God will help us learn the area, find success, and effectively lead the zone. All I gotta do is put my trust in him, and find ways to stay hydrated and not overheat. The Lord's work is moving onward and ever accelerating. I love and sustain the Prophet and am thrilled to see the world steadily draw closer to the day when the gospel shall sound forth in every country and in every ear, in all the world.

Love,
Elder Stephen Watts