Week 36, Primero de Julio - Quarantine for Guatemala

Elder Walbom and his companion, healthy and smiling from their apartment!

We weren't able to hear from Elder Walbom this week, but we did receive this email from his Mission President on March 17, 2020:

Dear parents and families,

Once more we send you an update of our situation here in the Guatemala City Mission. Last night in a broadcast to the nation President Giammattei, President of Guatemala mandated a 15-day quarantine. Of course, our highest priority is the safety and good health of your sons and daughters. Beginning today our mission has begun following this quarantine. Our missionaries have finished their purchases of supplies from the lists they received last week. This afternoon they all are home in their apartments with what they need to sustain them until the quarantine is lifted at midnight on March 31st.

This is an interesting time for our mission. With our limited technology resources, we will continue the work as best we can. The missionaries are excited by the challenge. Every companionship has received additional instructions concerning a revised daily schedule during the quarantine. This will include contacting by telephone those they are teaching, personal study time, companionship study/teaching practice and stepping outside for fresh air and exercise while following the guidelines for safe health. A major portion of our day will be given to the mission goal of reading the Book of Mormon together during this quarantine time. We are excited for the preparation this will give us for April General Conference!

Because of the quarantine our missionaries cannot be in public places—including chapels or internet cafes. This means the communication with families will be hindered for the next 2 P-days. If there are emergencies within your family, please contact us and we will help your son or daughter contact you. We will continue to send updates to you as the quarantine progresses.

Our efforts are fully focused on the care and safety of our missionaries. We see great diligence and joy in their work as they refocus their efforts during this uncertain time. We see the Lord’s hand guiding and helping our mission and testify He continues to direct this work.

Con amor,

President and Hermana Shumway

Guatemala, Guatemala City Mission

Some local church members checked up on Elder Walbom and his companion yesterday, sent us these pictures and told us he was doing fine.  We sure love the wonderful and supportive members who look out for our missionaries! Our prayers are with all the missionaries serving throughout the world right now.