Trip to Cojutepequ​e

     We took a trip to Cojutepeque following the Panoramic Route on February 11th.. Several people advised President Lopez not to take us on this route because it is not safe, lots of robbers. They have built very nice wooden platforms for tourists to look over the valleys but these are where the robbers hide, under the platforms. He wouldn't let us stop at any of these lookouts but would stop in the middle of the road and President Petersen and Elder Wall would jump out and take a picture. We were in the back of the van and couldn't get out quick so we have been waiting for the others to share their photos so we can send this letter.

      It is a windy road up the mountains. We rode right along the ridge of the mountain and on one side you could look down into Lake Illopongo and on the other side deep valleys and ravines. It was beautiful, even in the dry season. I think we have been here long enough not to notice the garbage along the roads anymore. We just enjoy the flowers and trees. Along the way we saw one of the locals driving his cart, pulled by two brahma bulls. We had to stop and President Petersen talked to him.

He had the ropes tied to one ear of each bull so he could pull on the rope and the bull would turn. We passed lots of people cutting and hauling wood for their cooking.

When people from these small towns come to the temple, you can smell the smoke from their camp fires that they cook on. We had lunch and then visited Saint Fatima Park. It is a Catholic park in honor of the virgin Fatima. It was a very beautiful, peaceful park just outside of Cojutepeque. 

We were surprised at how large Cojutepeque is. They only have one set of elders in the town and only one branch. However this branch is amazing. We drove to their new chapel, only 8 months old, and got a tour of the building by the branch president.

It is a two story building, the chapel is upstairs. This branch has 150 members and 130 are in attendance each Sunday. It has an elevator if you can't do stairs. Sister Petersen rode up in the elevator, only to have the doors not open on the second floor. Luckily Elder Wall was with her and he forced the doors open about the time she was ready to scream!! Needles to say, she walked down the stairs after touring the upstairs. The whole building was tile flooring and the classrooms would hold 10 people at the most. It was so cute. The soccer and basketball court are outside. It is on a gated street for protection.

     President Lopez was our driver and tour guide. It was fun to see this section of El Salvador through his eyes. He used to visit Saint Fatima Park with his girlfriends, just to walk along the paths and enjoy the peace and quiet. We came home on the main highway, circling Lake Illopongo. When we travel and see just how far and difficult it is to get to the temple, we have a deeper appreciation for the members who sacrifice to come. We rode in a nice, air conditioned van. They come in school buses that are older then we are. One of our temple workers is from here and rides 3 different buses for 4 hours to arrive at the temple, works for 4 hours, then rides the 4 hours back home. We have learned a lot about dedication from the members here.

     I've spent a lot of time trying to learn "Popcorn Popping" in Spanish this week so I could sing it in the nursery today. Of course the words aren't the same so I had to learn new actions as well. It actually went pretty good. Elder Thompson has spent the week getting ready to give a talk tonight at 5:00 at a meeting of the temple worthy members of our stake. He only has to speak for 10 minutes so that will be the hard part. He always has more material than he has time for.

     We hope you have each had a great week. We send our love and prayers to you. Thank you for your prayers in our behalf. We are well and enjoy serving our Heavenly Father here in El Salvador. May God bless you this week with health, and peace and happiness. Love Lon and Nancy, Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma