You never know!

1.  You never know the impact you have on the people around you!

 

Honestly, it sneaks up and catches me by surprise.  Every time!  We went walking along the bay in the opposite direction from our usual one night (in our casual clothes, without name tags or any other marker) and ended up on the other side of the bay, a much longer walk than we had planned.  That side is full of restaurants and stores aimed at the tourists debarking from cruise ships.  There is a merry-go-round, inflatable bouncy space, fine dining and clothing stores.  There were amazing sail boats anchored there as well as some military ships.  As we were coming back, one of the restaurant workers invited us to try his restaurant saying that they would serve missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We didn't know him until he mentioned that he used to work in Fuengirola and recognized us from our visits there.  He couldn't have seen us more than 3-4 times. 

You will have to figure the odds. This is just one tiny example.   You just never know.

 

2.  You never really know all the work going on behind the scenes.

 

There is an extensive network of people helping to care for our missionaries that I never knew about before.   Our Area medical advisor and his wife came to visit our mission and  gave a presentation to the mission leadership council.  He also had a packet he wanted to give as a gift to the hospitals as thanks for their care of our missionaries.  We took them to visit hospitals in Fuen and Malaga.  Then we drove them around to see a few of the tourist attractions.  We had a lovely visit.  We took them to try tapas.

 

His 'retirement' consists of working 8 hours a day with calls coming 24-7 from mission presidents who need advice.  We were glad to help them have a little Costa del Sol vacation.

We enjoyed getting to know them.  It makes me remember the doctors and nurses that helped train us in Salt Lake City and Provo.  They too were 'retired' but worked just as hard as volunteers as they did when they were paid.  Some are working to help solve specific problems and have found some amazing solutions that could have made them big $.  Remember these people are just the ones I have met.  There are just as many dealing with who knows what else. 

3.  You never know who will touch your heart with a gift of friendship.

Sister Nielson and I have shared such fun times and I admire her so much. Think of the courage it takes to go on a mission, alone.  I don't think I could do it now.  I am thankful for her open heart and willingness to join in our adventures. We would never have met but for this mission.



The beautiful Mediterranean, there are sail boats in the distance.

4.  You  never know how many missionaries lives you touch, even  though  unaware of doing anything with or for them.  I truly feel humbled by their great love, and feel a profound responsibility to merit their love and admiration.  I expect we will have our hands full visiting many of them.

5. You  never know the gospel truths you will learn, right along with investigators and members, as you serve and exert yourself to be open to them. 

I do know that God lives!  That he loves each of us!  That our lives have meaning and purpose if we are willing to listen to His inspired leaders here on earth.
We love you all.