Calica, Mexico

Thursday, Feb. 12-- Next morning we got up early for breakfast and watched as we pulled into port. Yeah, that's all that was at port, a building. Really, to do anything, you need a taxi to go anywhere, and don't worry, this country thrives on tourist, so they are there waiting. We found online an LDS tour company called Helaman Tours, that took us to the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza. Our guides were Carlos, Helaman's son-in-law, and Dan Lehi (all his brothers have B of M names). I recommend this company to anyone! It was a 2+ hour drive to Chichen Itza, so on the way we stopped at a fruit stand and got some mango and drinks. Trent tried the mango with chili powder on it (very mild) just as the Mexicans like it. He liked it. And we stopped at a cute, red, restaurant for the bathroom. I guess us American's have small bladders. But the restaurant was very authentic and I had to get pictures of it.



We arrived at Chichen Itza and really felt the "heritage" of the place. Although the Lamanites were perverted (in the time that gospel left the earth once Moroni died), and it showed in many of their carvings, it was still amazing to think about the people that lived then. Sure I've read and studied the Book of Mormon, but to be there and walk where they walked and try to understand why they thought the way they though just opened my mind to so much more. It's very sad how far from the truth the Mayans strayed from the gospel, but also brought to reality today's own perversions of what's truth. To see two different kinds of civilizations, but one in the same (600ish AD and present day). It's sobering to me how blessed we are to have the truth to guide us and help us, and also to know it will not leave the earth again. I'm thankful for the temples and knowledge I have and that my family is raised in the ways of the Lord. I also thank our parents for being righteous and teaching us, humbling and guiding us, but most of all loving us just as our Father in Heave loves us. Thank you.