It has been an interesting experience serving here. There are times when I
have felt less like a missionary because we are often scrounging around for
something to do. And times when I have felt more like a missionary than I ever
have. In both my past areas there had been missionaries there forever so most of
the people where familiar with who you are. But since missionaries are a new
thing here there are many who do not understand our purpose, and can not
understand why we would ever choose to serve a mission. So it has been a good
reminder to be proud of who I am and the gospel that I represent. And to show
people that as we are talking to them. We get asked many questions. We have met
a lot of people that thought we were paid to do this, or were forced to do it,
or if we did it our schooling would be paid for. Many people can not fathom the
idea that we are on an island but never go swimming. My companion got asked out
on a date the other day by a man who she had met with her companion while
contacting before I got here. He called the other day and wanted to take her out
on a date. We explained that we were missionaries and could meet to talk about
the gospel but, no Sister Vaai could not go out to dinner with him. He never
called us back to set up a time to meet:) It was pretty funny.
I love the group here. I have never experienced anything quite like and
don't know if I ever will again. There is such a spirit here. I am certain that
I want to stay in contact with all of them for the rest of my life. We were able
to talk to Lacy this Thursday. We
had texted her the day before and she texted us Thursday night. We knew that she was not at home because she
is not able to have her phone on at the shelter for safety reasons. She said
that things were rough and she asked if we could call her. We called her and she
was at the emergency room with Angie her oldest daughter. She has Autism and has
had severe physical outbreaks since they have moved off island. Many times a day
Lacy will have to hold her down so she doesn't hurt herself. It got worse so
Lacy took her to the hospital. They were there all night and into the next day
but she was able to get in home therapy for Angie. Lacy had researched where the
church is in her area since we are not allowed to know where she lives. So she
is planning to go to church. So proud of her for doing it all on her own. Shows
that she really wants this. Turns out that her branch just got sister
missionaries last week. Which is a miracle in itself considering Lacy's
situation. I really feel that those sister missionaries were sent there just for
her. I have found out a little more about her past this week. It broke my heart.
She has been asked to go through more in this life than I could fathom. Which
has left her pretty scared and not feeling worthy for baptism. But the man who
is doing her interview, President Haight, did the interviews for Anne Marie,
Marilene, Raquel, and Chryss in Billerica. And all of them had things in there
past and when they walked out of their interview you could see that a weight had
been lifted off of their shoulders and they knew that the past was the past. The
Lord had forgiven them and is aware of them and they are worthy for baptism. I
can't wait for Lacy to have her interview. So that she can feel that peace that
she has never had. To know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for her. She is so
humble. I really want to be just like her.
Patrick and Kathleen are doing well. We are still trying to get in their
home to read scriptures with them. And we are trying to be very creative to
figure out how to get them married. Kathleen's daughter Grace came to FHE this
week so I finally got to meet her:) She is so cute. I can't wait till she gets
back from her summer camp in a few weeks so that we can start doing YW with her
again. Celeste came to FHE on Wednesday and stayed for a long time! She also came to
church on Sunday. She is still
just curious and not sure she wants to take the lessons but we are going to
start teaching her husband English this week which is exciting! It has been a
slow week with the rest of our investigators and potentials because everyone is
so busy. But we are hoping to have more success this week.
I feel like our mission has kind of had a shift for the better since Elder
Holland came. Things seem to picking up. President has done a lot of training on
things that are really hard. Like seeking daily inspiration through prayer. I
have come to realize that receiving eternal life through our Savior Jesus Christ
requires prayer and seeking. We can't get to live back with God if we don't seek
out his will through prayer. And it is hard. I have really struggled with it.
But there is a reason why we have to work for it and why it doesn't come easy.
Because we are trying to seek out God in a world that is so far from him. And
its a foreign concept. We have to believe that he'll answer. We have to be
humble to pour out our souls to him and ask for his guidance. Our hearts have to
be ready to act on what ever the Lord tells us to do. Which can sometimes be a
scary thought. President told us that him trying to seek daily inspiration
through his prayers started on his mission, and he has never stopped. And I can
tell that the man he is today and
the way his life has been guided is because of that. He always says that the
gospel is work. We can not be stagnant we have to work for it. I am really
trying hard to be attentive when I pray. To make sure that I am praying to God
and trying to have a conversation rather that just stating my prayer to be done.
I know that all of our actions are effected by prayer. I still can't say a
prayer until about an hour after I wake up because I know that I will fall
asleep:) But I am trying.
I have realized on my mission, how much I have to work on. And it makes me
excited. I know that if we are looking for them the Lord will always give us
spiritual experiences to help us progress. You don't have to go on a mission for
that to happen. But I know that for me, my mission has been my saving grace. It
kind of woke me up to show me what life is all about. And for that I am
grateful. I know that this is the Lord's gospel on the earth. I know that he
lives and we are powerless with out him. I sure love my family and I hope that
you are all doing well. Have a wonderful week.
Love Sister Abbey Lou Rushton
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