A little over a year ago, I was on a long train ride with
Spence from Florence to Milan, Italy. I recall that it was late and most of the
passengers were sleeping. Spencer and I were discussing the adventures and
challenges that awaited us in the mission field. I remember asking him if he
was nervous. Of course his answer was no. I, however, was scared to death. The
initial romantic notion of a mission had been replaced by fear of the unknown
and the reality of the commitment was daunting. I questioned if I really
actually could handle a mission.
One year later, I am happy to report that I am still alive.
This Thursday I will complete one year in the Dominican Republic! It was been a
year filled with sweat, prayers Spanish flashcards, laughing, struggling,
exchanges, cooking beans and rice, and holes in my shoes from the miles and
miles of walking. It’s been a year of growth and clarity. My eyes have been
opened to how truly blessed I am.
I also can’t believe it has been a year since I have hugged
my parents, or laughed with my siblings, or hung out with my friends. I miss
you all so much but I am so thankful for the letters and prayers and
encouragement. I am so grateful to be here and I don’t regret choosing to serve
- not one bit.
And the report of the week: it was a good week but it dragged
a little.
We have one investigator that has now gone to church six or
seven times. He is an artist and he thinks profoundly about spiritual questions
and always has deep, deep questions. I really enjoy visiting him. The lessons
are more like conversations rather than us just talking at him.
We also have one teenager than has gone with us to church two
weeks in a row. The ward doesn’t have many young men and they are so excited and
everyone has befriended him and invited him to their houses. The ward is so wonderful
and they help us out continuously. The teenage boy is really excited and said that
he wants us to teach his friends as well. All of his friends happen to live
outside our boundaries and so the other hermanas are going to teach them. The
boy went out with them to introduce them to all his little friends; the
hermanas said he took the guilt trip approach with his friends; "You dont
want to talk about God?? You need to make time for God in your life." Haha
he is great. Hopefully he can continue to progress and join the church and then
one day be blessed with a mission call.
Our other friend isn't progressing. He didn't come to church
yesterday. Sometimes I don’t know where the line is between respecting
someone's agency and trying to push and encourage them. It’s been kind of
difficult to see him progress so much and then start falling.
Congrats mom on your new work schedule! Cate looked so
gorgeous for her dance. You all are celebrities getting on the news! As always,
thank for the updates. Have a wonderful week.
Hermana Meg
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