First pictures from our Elder!

Our Cody was in the MTC for two months and did not send home any pictures until he left there 2 weeks ago. The big difference is that he is a digital photographer now, and he sent home his memory card for me to develop the pictures and make a disc. One bad thing about that is I have no discription really of who is who and what the relationship is to him. I can guess..... I did figure out who his companion was in the MTC, they got along really great, Elder Fleischel from Utah. Cody was called to be the District Leader for the second month of his stay there, so he also was pretty busy with his duties and learned a great deal from that experience. His Branch President and wife are pictured here. I know Cody really respected him and learned alot from meeting with him regarding his calling. Cody had gym time at the same time as Elder De La Cerda from our stake here in Corona. They sure look happy to be there don't they!!
Cody really enjoyed his weekly trips to the Provo Temple. He was able to do the work of the Lord in His Holy House, and loved those experiences.He was able to call us from the airport the night he left to Honduras. He is showing us here on the famous world map in the MTC where Honduras is. It was good to hear his voice, and even better to hear the things he wanted to talk to us about. His love and concern for his family, checking on his younger brother and his progress in preparing for a mission. Our study of Preach my Gospel. His excitement to get to the work of the Lord.

Then an excerpt from his first email...

Hello from honduras! I'm finally here, safe and sound so no worries mom. Thanks for the birthday wishes, its wierd that im 20 years old! So anyways im in a zone called Guaymuras, and the area I'm in is called Valencia. My new companion is Elder Cúa, he's from El Salvador, and doesn't speak a lick of english haha. But thats ok I'm learning spanish faster that way. It was great being able to talk to you all on Monday.

I just want to let you all know how grateful I am for the atonement in my life. 1 reason is because Jesus Christ and the atonement is central to the plan of salvation, which many people need here with passed away members of the family. and 2nd is for the chance to be clean again and repent of our sins. Of course everyone needs to because were not perfect. In my area, we have two families with alchoholic dads, another with an abusive father, one inactive sister who just recently had an abortion, etc.It's sad to see this all happening. I've been praying for them everyday. But on the bright side we have a couple investigators who seem like they're progressing! Everything is so new to me, I'm still adjusting to small tiny houses and talking cold bucket showers every morning. and also sleeping with bug nets too. It's definetely out of my comfort zone, but its not about me at all. I'm so grateful for this calling and opportunity, I know it will bless others. The other day I got really homesick, it was bad. Every now and then I'll think about home but then I'll pray for help to stay focused on the work. I love you all and keep you in my prayers!

Con Amor,

Elder Cody Holmes

So as you can see he has his challenges, but also understands why he is there. Just keep him in your prayers and know that we are proud that our son is out there doing what the Lord has asked of him as a missionary in His Kingdom.