When we were in the MTC, we were advised to record the miracles we experienced during our mission. I haven't been doing that as I ought so I will include some this week. Of course, for there to be miracles, there have to be trials. You know, I don't know that I ever put those two thoughts together before, but I think it is true. Hmmmm, I will have to ponder that. Anyway, for the trials... Last weekend we had 3 missionaries in the hospital or at the doctor. The first little miracle is that they are all feeling better now. I didn't get them all to the 'right' hospitals, but the fact that their problems seem to be resolving is what is really important. One Elder has labrynthitis which can be completely debilitating. I was truly worried that he would have to go home. He is still struggling to be able to move freely, but he is getting better, so that is a miracle.
We had another elder that lost his younger brother to cancer last week. The miracle there is that we had the capacity with our Internet for him to record a skype message that was used as part of the funeral. This young Elder was able to share the plan of salvation with a couple hundred of his brother's fellow high school students, most nonmembers. Not the sort of missionary experience you anticipate, or really want, but what a wonder to be able to turn that terrible sorrow into an opportunity to help others and share these wonderful, lifesaving truths with so many people, and at a time when they may be more open to learning them. Another part of the miracle is that Rod was able to share with him that he had lost his step dad while he was on his mission and then later lost his brother and therefore knew some of the feelings and struggles that our Elder is facing. He warned him that sorrow and 'being comforted' take lots of energy and that he would need to sleep more. Our Elder would have just soldiered on and had a much harder time otherwise, I think. We are blessed that is isn't hard for us to take a day off to just help an Elder, and since President was out of town, we were able to be an extra hand for him and hopefully ease his burden.
Rod has organized a softball game with another zone as thanks for being our 'holding' area and keeping our new missionaries busy during our 'first wave' transfer. Well the friendly 'trash talking' about who will win has turned out to be a welcome distraction for our bereaved Elder. Not to mention that all the missionaries (including Rod) are excited to get together for some fun.
Another miracle, one elder who had an ear infection, and then damaged that ear 'cleaning it out', and consequently lost hearing in that ear for about a month, finally got to a specialist, who was able to 'suck out' the infection and his hearing returned! Since he is a musician, that was a special blessing.
Okay, one more. I have felt very 'deficient' and ineffective after several of the problems we had the last few days, and was feeling quite down. We fasted last Sunday for another Elder whose mother has cancer, and at the end of that fast, I asked Rod for a blessing. During that blessing I felt much reassured, and had the thought that I needed to be getting more sleep. My tendency is to stay up late, mentally processing stuff. It was however, truly inspiration because I have felt so much better as I obeyed that impression. I don't know why it is always the simple things I miss and have to be prompted to do. They do make such a difference.
Other events of the week, we had zone training on Friday. President Deere gave us the most amazing handout on rebirth. I will have to include some of it the next time we have a slow week... okay, sooner than that. We went to a baptism yesterday, an 18 year old man whose mom and sister are members. He has been investigating for almost 2 years... but he finally took the plunge. (yes that was on purpose) We had a less active sister come to church today, Yea! Oh, and Saturday, we went to the feria (flea market, but it is huge) and I found another nativity set. It is supposed to be brass and it has 32 pieces, some of which don't match really but I just love it. There are a turkey and a dog in it and the kings actually ride the camels.
Today we had munch and mingle, and everyone liked my food, the banana pudding was a particular hit, though that may be because there was only 1 other dessert. I also gave the RS lesson on President Monson's talk on obedience. That means I need to get to bed or I risk being a hypocrite! Take care!
We had another elder that lost his younger brother to cancer last week. The miracle there is that we had the capacity with our Internet for him to record a skype message that was used as part of the funeral. This young Elder was able to share the plan of salvation with a couple hundred of his brother's fellow high school students, most nonmembers. Not the sort of missionary experience you anticipate, or really want, but what a wonder to be able to turn that terrible sorrow into an opportunity to help others and share these wonderful, lifesaving truths with so many people, and at a time when they may be more open to learning them. Another part of the miracle is that Rod was able to share with him that he had lost his step dad while he was on his mission and then later lost his brother and therefore knew some of the feelings and struggles that our Elder is facing. He warned him that sorrow and 'being comforted' take lots of energy and that he would need to sleep more. Our Elder would have just soldiered on and had a much harder time otherwise, I think. We are blessed that is isn't hard for us to take a day off to just help an Elder, and since President was out of town, we were able to be an extra hand for him and hopefully ease his burden.
Rod has organized a softball game with another zone as thanks for being our 'holding' area and keeping our new missionaries busy during our 'first wave' transfer. Well the friendly 'trash talking' about who will win has turned out to be a welcome distraction for our bereaved Elder. Not to mention that all the missionaries (including Rod) are excited to get together for some fun.
Another miracle, one elder who had an ear infection, and then damaged that ear 'cleaning it out', and consequently lost hearing in that ear for about a month, finally got to a specialist, who was able to 'suck out' the infection and his hearing returned! Since he is a musician, that was a special blessing.
Okay, one more. I have felt very 'deficient' and ineffective after several of the problems we had the last few days, and was feeling quite down. We fasted last Sunday for another Elder whose mother has cancer, and at the end of that fast, I asked Rod for a blessing. During that blessing I felt much reassured, and had the thought that I needed to be getting more sleep. My tendency is to stay up late, mentally processing stuff. It was however, truly inspiration because I have felt so much better as I obeyed that impression. I don't know why it is always the simple things I miss and have to be prompted to do. They do make such a difference.
Other events of the week, we had zone training on Friday. President Deere gave us the most amazing handout on rebirth. I will have to include some of it the next time we have a slow week... okay, sooner than that. We went to a baptism yesterday, an 18 year old man whose mom and sister are members. He has been investigating for almost 2 years... but he finally took the plunge. (yes that was on purpose) We had a less active sister come to church today, Yea! Oh, and Saturday, we went to the feria (flea market, but it is huge) and I found another nativity set. It is supposed to be brass and it has 32 pieces, some of which don't match really but I just love it. There are a turkey and a dog in it and the kings actually ride the camels.
Today we had munch and mingle, and everyone liked my food, the banana pudding was a particular hit, though that may be because there was only 1 other dessert. I also gave the RS lesson on President Monson's talk on obedience. That means I need to get to bed or I risk being a hypocrite! Take care!
3 comments:
I am so glad for your miracles. Sometimes it is great to just sit back and see the power of God. I've been encouraged to send a thank you note out, and wanted to include both you and Pa.
Thank you both for serving as living examples of obedience and faith. Serving a mission is hard work, and I truly feel grateful that you are able to be that example for my little ones.
Thank you, Momma, for your blog and your stories. I'm grateful to hear and see what goes on in your hemisphere. Your work is loved and appreciated. Thank you as well, for the support and encouragement you offer my wife. I know she appreciates it.
Thank you, Pa, for being my father. Your legacy of faith is the founding stone of my life. I recently watched a movie that highlighted some of the struggles of a father, including working too hard, and pushing kids too hard because you want better things for them. I sure love you, and all that you've taught me.
Know that you are missed and loved and prayed for here in Northern Mexico.
Why, Todd's comments are beautiful. And I loves hearing the miracles and the lives of these Elders. We will add them to our prayers.
It looks like all the women in our family have goals of better and more sleep. :). Things never change, do they.
Momma, that was beautifully put. I'll make sure to pray for the Elders. And the SLP in me cringed at the Elder with the ear infection that 'cleared it out' on his own. Never do that!!!
Love you so much! And reading your blog inspires me to write in mine more so I'll try for you :)
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