Hey family and amigos!
So, I'm currently sitting in the President's house, after my end-of-mission interview (which is basically like, well you're ending, but you're not), and I have to say that this "limbo" stage kind of freezes all feelings, and makes you realize the spectrum of emotions that one can feel all at the same time...and makes you answer the question of "How are you?" to "I don't know." Horribly sad to say goodbye to a ward, sector, companion and other exceptional people, wonderfully excited to begin a new adventure, incredibly humbled by my new assignment, and tired enough to fall asleep while eating.
Update:"la despedida" shows how good a companion can be at lying to keep things a secret, how good a ward is at throwing a VERY good surprise party, and how great Chileans are at expressing their sincere love. Bishop danced the Cueca with his wife, Pancha put together a photo video of my mission, and pure Chilean food was served.
"la tormenta" - and the rains came a'tumblin' down. We had an excellent stake talent show planned for Saturday where each ward had assigned 2-3 acts and then we were to have a tour of the chapel (where each organization was to be represented in a different room). All Saturday morning we spent setting up for it...but by lunch time we had all sorts of members calling us to tell us that on the news they had announced that no one should leave from their houses because of the severity of the storm outside. After a glance out the window it was pretty clear that any one sane of mind would NOT be coming to the activity. Roofs were being torn up, a lot of trees were being tossed about, broken and obstructing the road, and many in our sector had their electricity be cut. (see the photo for why). Sadly it was postponed. God really is in charge.
"el bautismo de la maravilla, Coni" - On Mother's day I talked to you a little bit about this miracle. A 17 yr. old girl who heard about the church from one of her friends in school. He started to invite her to mutual in his ward in feb. or so. A little over a month ago he brought her to the mutual of our ward - the ward that she corresponds to. There, we were introduced to her. Because her parents had heard "things" about the church, they were not about to let their daughter go to the church, let alone have missionaries come to their house. She kept coming to mutual. She started to pray and read the Book of Mormon. She got permission to come to a family home evening in another house. One Saturday night we promised her that a miracle would happen and that we would see her in church the next day. She came! Her parents gave her permission! God works in the hearts of the people. She recieved a confirmation of the truthfulness of the gospel of Christ and experienced a change within herself. A little nervous of what her parents might say if she asked them if she could become a member of the "mormon church" she decided to fast, write a letter, and present the reasons why she would like to be baptized. (her backup plan, if she was turned down, to fast again the following day and ask again). She did it! Her parents gave her permission! God works in the hearts of the people, according to our righteous desires and actions of faith that we perform! AND ... her dad surprised her (and the rest of us) and came to the service!
As for my schedule for the next month, Hna. Young and I will be traveling to almost every sector where there are Hermanas Misioneras, spending 2-5 days there, going out with the Sr. Companions and Jr. Companions, helping them learn how to teach, do missionary work, and embrace it all with happiness! (Mom, I got your package, and it will be PERFECT!) As we sat down with the assistants today (one, I thought a lot about you, Mitch) I got the impression that sister missionaries are kind of a mystery to the Elder leaders, and they would like us to help them "figure out how to help them" - us being girls ourselves and all :) We're pretty pumped.
Well, I hope all is well! Keep on keepin on! I love you all SO VERY MUCH!
xoxo, Hermana Child
No comments:
Post a Comment