I just got back from Arequipa, and am finally able to email. And I only have a few minutes.
Its been quite a week, I actually havnt been in my area. I went to Arequipa to get some things taken care of last Monday, and then... we ended up being there all week. More details next week, I've gotta go. I am so sorry, I will try and get on tomorrow! I love you all so much!
5/28/14
Here I am again, just like I promised! I am so sorry about the quality of my emails lately, but I think I am coming upon the busiest (and possible best) part of my mission. There is so much to do, and so much that we can do to help, and that desire to be as useful and productive as possible gets stronger and stronger everyday.
I am so happy. I cant explain it, and don't know if I should even attempt to do so, but all I know is what I feel right now. My life is filled with purpose and direction, and I get to interact with people that I love every single day. I know my purpose as a missionary, and I have come to know the true purpose that I, Hermana Leavitt, have in this specific area. I know that I am so blessed to be here, to be able to feel this love for the people, and to feel their love in return. For example, Francisca, our recent convert, just bought us jello about 30 seconds ago. The other day we were going to be late to an appointment, and a man gave us a ride on his tractor. Our Pensionista has agreed to use filtered, bottled water when she cooks, so maybe I don't get sick. I know that these aren't huge events or anything, but they have filled my life with such happiness, I cant help but be grateful. Ive heard it said once that every person can contribute to the overall happiness of the world by small, simple daily acts of kindness done for others, and I really have come to believe that's true. I know that its contributed to my personal happiness. That's something that Ive been working on my entire mission, trying to feel that perfect love for everyone in my life, and last week I memorized a scripture that helps me every single say. Moroni 7:48.
Let me tell you a little bit about Norma and Aldo. They live in this place called Pedregal Chico, and are a little family struggling to get by. Shes a single mom, 29 years old, with 2 kids- Aldo and Angeles. Her boyfriend really isn't the best person in the whole wide world... and the pain that he has caused her is something he will have to account for someday. To watch her come to understand the Gospel has been an incredible journey. She was an investigators of some elders that left awhile ago, and had been coming to church by herself for awhile now, and one Sunday when she was there, I gave a talk on what we need to do to go to the temple, and how important the ordinances are, and she came up afterwards and asked me what she had to do to get there with her family, and one thing lead to another, and then, last Saturday, they were baptized!! She is so amazing, and so accepting, and he is just a regular kid that likes to play and mess around, but he is getting the priesthood this week and will be passing the sacrament the week after. We went last night to give them some presents, and I have some good pictures of them with their baptismal certificates I will try and send another day. I love them so much, and our lesson with them last night, as we explained, that if they want to do vicarious work in the temple this year, that they could go with the branch in September. Her eyes filled up with tears, and said that she was so happy she didn't know how to explain it. She had a cousin take her own life about 18 years ago, and has always wondered, what her life would be like if she had this Gospel, and that she wants to do the work for her cousin, so she doesn't have to wait anymore. I love this family so much, and Angeles ( 5 years old) is so cute, and one of my best friends. I have my small army of children in the branch that are some of my best friends. I think they can tell that I wish that I was still a kid, and that's why we get along so well.
Speaking of which, I am sending a picture of me with Luciana. She is the daughter of a recently activated member, and I played with her the other day while her mom received some training on her new calling, and we had a blast. I don't think the kids here get too much attention, and it feels good to be able to be the person to show them that they are loved and important.
Well, that's about all the time that I have. Sorry that it wasn't too much of a news update and more of a feelings letter, but that's what I felt impressed to send. I don't know where the time goes every week, but I promise to be better and write you all next week, like I should. I love you all so much, and want you to know how happy and content I am. This is the best decision I could have ever made! My mission has helped me become more of who I am really supposed to be. I love it. :)
Love,
Hermana Leavitt
No comments:
Post a Comment