Another week gone, but where they all goin??? I cannot believe my companion leaves in one week...I cannot believe I get a new companion in a week...I cannot believe it has already been five weeks. I cannot believe it's already coming to a close. Sometimes change is sad, but that doesn't mean it's not still good.I am in Rego right now because my companion is going to the temple. Elder Menge goes home at the end of this transfer too (so sad!) so he was here. We were all talking and he looked at me and goes, "you're an old sister." I said, "what?" He pointed to my tag and said it's not as white as, well, anyone else I was standing next to. I don't feel old but I guess maybe in comparison I am a little old for a sister. We have a mass exodus in July and then everyone is gone. Ha. It's gonna be crazy when they all leave. The mission will be so young! It'll be good though. Remember? We like change :)
I had the opportunity to learn a lot this week. We were talking yesterday before interviews (my companion and I) about those moments - I think everyone has them - when you just grow up. Kind of because of something you've just experienced or learned you can literally feel the change and you feel the grown up-ness. I had many of those moments this week. We were driving and talking and I thought of just how unfair life is. I have never become so brutally aware of that fact until my mission. I have served many people --other missionaries, members, investigators, less actives and the like-- who have shown me by their experiences that life just isn't fair. I have hurt for so many of them and only wished it could be, but I began to reflect on all those I had met and how much every experience we have is for our good. I thought about how necessary to our salvation and growth every "growing pain" is. "But it is still so unfair," was my overwhelming thought. I know they are necessary, but really??? This all happened in a moment and right then I felt this almost hug, just comfort and warmth and understanding, as if the Spirit was telling me, "I know. I know it isn't fair. I know, but remember it'll all be okay." I have had my testimony strengthened in so many ways over the last thirteen and a half months but in one thing I am most grateful, and that is hope. The testimony I have of hope. I don't know how; I don't know when exactly; I don't know what will be done; but I know it will all be okay. All the injustices will be taken care of, all the mercy will be extended, and all will be okay.
That experience was had on the way to a lesson. I could not have been more thankful for it or for the perfect timing of such a tender mercy as we went to teach this lady whose son passed away after a horrific battle with cancer. Having the understanding we did, we were able to share the Lord's message of peace with her. It is really amazing how God works in such perfect, perfect ways. He truly knows and loves His children. He will send us as His servants to do His will; are we prepared to go and do? Some of the experiences we have are not only meant to strengthen us, but others as well. Are we pondering on the things we have heard and learned continually that we may be called upon to run His errand in any moment? I would invite all to reflect on what we are doing to always remain on the Lord's errand. In His service lies true joy. :)
And oh my goodness, the TEMPLE. Ah. I cannot even express the love I have for the temple. Are we taking advantage of the opportunity we have to attend the temple?? I can tell you, only going to the temple once every six months is NOT enough. I hope we are making the work of our Father more of a priority in our lives and seeking to serve Him in every capacity possible --which includes temple service. There are people waiting who need us to help them. If you don't have concern for the eternal welfare of those who came before then pray for charity! Pray for charity anyway! Goodness gracious, everyone needs to always pray for charity! Go read some Paul and Moroni then tell me you don't want to go serve in the temple, haha ;) (but really I am totally serious) I. Love. The. Temple. Go. Often. That is all I have to say.
This Sunday was our missionary fireside. We had the most darling experience with one of our recent converts. Haha. (Probably the most memorable moment of my mission.) He doesn't actually speak Spanish but his wife does. He kinda is trying to learn and they will be sealed the end of this month! :) So just before it was to start we received a text from his wife asking if the fireside was outside or inside the chapel. I was a little confused but replied "inside". They arrive, and he is wearing basketball shorts, a hoodie, a baseball cap, and a pair of sunglasses. He says through his professional hockey player toothless grin "I had a very different understanding of what this was."
It has been a pretty awesome transfer. (We went on a hike as a mini district activity last week, that was a ton of fun!) It's been a good run. We had interviews yesterday with President. We love seeing them and it's always a good moment to reflect, see where we're at, then improve. Also...food: ate some soup last night with one of our returning families. We love them too much :) (a tender mercy cause there was shrimp in it --I've had some not-the-best experiences with shrimp thus far on my mission-- and I remember eating it and not tasting the shrimp! #tendermercies)
Well fam, I think this about wraps this one up. I've got a few other things going that'll get sent along in later emails, but I think we're good here to start :) I love you and hope it is a fabulous week! Don't forget to remember why it's special and what Sunday really should mean. I love my Savior and know He lives. That is the ultimate source of my hope. I know as we strive to focus more on Him in every moment, any time we don't know what we should do or how we should act, if we think of Him the Spirit will bring to our memory His perfect example and if we seek to follow it we will find ourselves evermore becoming as He is. I love you! :)
Mucho amor,
Hermana Karra Gourley
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