I don't know how I could have forgotten to wish you all a happy Memorial Day last week. Please forgive me, I hope everyone was able to have a great big plate of eggs and hot chocolate and enjoy learning about the genealogy tree:)!
This past week I spent in Lirquen, a sector I had never worked in before, but reminded me a lot about Consti- my first sector. Right by the beach, with a lot of hills, colorful houses, and a good homey feel about the people. I spent a few days working with Hna. Bowns and a few with Hna. Kemp...both of which had been my companions in the past. It was really fun to see how much as missionaries they have grown, how much they are capable of and how much good they are able to do in the lives of others as they have developed their skills. However, I felt like I learned a lot more from them, than they learned from me.
On Saturday I sped off to Hualqui, to be with Hna. Keil. We've spent the last two days working in an area that brings back so many incredible memories of blood, sweat and tears. So many houses and people and streets and lessons that have formed me and molded me and made me realize that there is never ever going to be a time in my life where I will not need the help and saving grace of my Savior, Jesus Christ. There are people that have gotten stronger and there are people that haven't. There are people that have chosen to see the light and love of their Heavenly Father, and have understood what it means to be obedient. There are people who make me want to scream with excitement and joy because of the righteous decisions they have made. And there are people that make me want to cry myself to sleep simply because they say it's too hard, because they only see the commandments as roadblocks, and because they lose the hope that their Savior really can wipe away whatever hurt or problem they might have. And I think one really incredible part and one really ripping-apart part of the whole experience is that i see myself in both types of these people. And I see the influence that I have had and am having on both of these types of people. And I am so grateful that Christ doesn't ask for perfection. He doesn't even send us on a mission, or send us to fulfill a command. He calls us. And in order to call or invite, one has to already be there. He wants us to follow him step by step. He calls us longingly and lovingly and mercifully to accept His hugs and mercy, support and strength, so when we see nothing but our imperfections in front of our face or in our future for a really long time, and when we can't think of anything else but to collapse, he's there to prop us up and see things in a different light.
At different times in my mission I've had to apply the Atonement in very different ways. Not having a specific sector, with specific investigators (lately I've been treating the missionaries as my "investigators") has made it interesting. I love being able to see the strengths of each Hermana and learn from their own experiences and way to work. "HAY DE TODO" - there's a little bit of everything! I've met one that came on a mission to push her boyfriend on a mission, she currently hates eating beans and is learning that she doesn't necessarily have to change everything about her OR go home. One that is patient and cheerful with all of the changes that she's had on her mission, and has the faith that all of her inactive siblings will once again return to living the gospel. One that hit rock bottom and felt really rejected when she had a companion that called her leader saying that she couldn't stand another minute of being with her. One that just said goodbye to her trainer who as a VERY hardworker, that maybe pushed too hard, but left her inspired to pray and develop a relationship with her Heavenly Father like he trainer did.
God calls everyone to the work. He uses all of our talents. He uses all of our experiences. We just have to accept the call.
So, even the cucumber and the biking craziests, er..i mean. cyclists. And the incredible RS presidenta, and the basement repairer/moto gooroo, and the party thrower and the AP and the GreeNIE, and the superhero who puts it all together...God wants you to take a few more steps toward Him. So do it. Do it. and then tell me how you were able to do it. Because then you'll be able to do it again and again.
Thank you SO MUCH for your support, I really pray for you all, and I hope you're all developing attributes of patience and love, because when i touch American soil, you might just have to apply them. :) you're all incredible.
I love you!
Hermanita Child
p.s. My vote for jed and moto? you're gonna need the money for 1. a new crib (just to please everyone that keeps crackin those "are you guys pregnant yet?" jokes 2. a psychologist for your sister for her RM status, not to mention a dating coach (jed so cannot cut it).
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