Coco


 As a relative newbie here I experienced my first Day of the Dead. I naturally expected it to be something like the movie Coco and imagined we'd all sing to some señorita by the end of the day. We went as a district to a cemetery to contact people, share messages about the Plan that God has for beyond just this life, and napkin-wrapped sandwiches with a cup of water for passersby.

 When I originally heard of our contacting plan the night before, it seemed rather uncomfortable to talk to people that were grieving. But when we walked through the entrance of the walled cemetery, it felt much different than cemeteries in the States. I looked around a bit and within a few seconds, I felt a strong spirit of the dedication these people had to their ancestors and passed loved ones. Some would sit next to the stone cross of a tomb listening to some song. I could easily imagine, again, a Coco-like spirit of someone sitting next to them enjoying their company. A lot of people would also take buckets full of water and would clean the outside tombstones and place lots of flowers around them. A lot of families sat around with a tarp for shade and would sit and talk around a loved one’s tomb.

 

After a minute or two in the cemetery, we talked to a grandmother who was sitting alone. She was visiting her son and her father who had both passed away. We talked with her and she shared with us how they both were in life. We also sang “Nearer God to Thee” for her and that brought a warm spirit that matched her smile. We mentioned the Plan of Salvation with her and left her with a prayer and a pamphlet. It felt very natural and uplifting.

 

Apart from our experiences in the cemetery, we have one person that is progressing rapidly. He came to talk to us with his girlfriend that’s a member and told us that he wants to be baptized. After about a week or so of teaching him, he told us he'd like to meet more during the week. It’s been very nice for me because his answers are always unique and genuine.

 

We hope to keep finding those that we can that want to learn more about God's love.

 

The third amigo,

Elder d'Evegnee

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