10-28-13 My Dearest Hermana V had to leave me. It was all so
sudden-I´ve really enjoyed working with a gringa. It was absolutely refreshing.
We´d stay up way too late just laying there talking. I usually did most of the
talking. V would compassionately listen until she fell asleep. We´d sing
English music. We´d talk in English on our way to lessons. We´d constantly
laugh. I´m truly grateful for the mission and the opportunity I have to learn
form unexpected friendships. She taught me how to testify with the heart. When
she spoke, she spoke in a way that invited the spirit. She taught me how to be
a little bit calmer during those awkward moments. She´s great and I´ll really
miss that girl.
Remember a little while ago in Nicoya when I said that my time
with Hermana Flores from Guatemala was like a blink of an
eye? Apparently God thought so too because we´re back together. What the what?!
This mission is “cra cra” as mom would say. I definitely was not expecting
that. The nice thing is, there´s not an awkward getting to know you stage. I know
that God has a reason for putting us together again. Apparently we´re not done
learning-though technically we never are. I feel like she´s just the spark this
place needs. I remember working so hard reactivating menos activos in Nicoya.
It will be fun to see what miracles the Lord allows us to be part of. Changes
are at 11 pm the night before. Bus to some spot. Pick her up and go.
haha. I do love her. It’s a blessing. I miss English though.
10-31-13 Happy Halloween! Today was unusually hot. So sunny. With Hermana
Flores once again by my side, it felt like being back in
Guanacaste-almost.
Which by the way, I´ve been meditating for a long time about why
President (The Lord) sent me there first. A lot of people joke around and say
you did something wrong thus the punishment. But I was so new so things didn’t
add up. I think I was sent there to be humbled. To let go of all the excess
that was holding me back so that Heavenly Father could build me the way I needed
to be. I had to struggle with the heat, the language, and the companion from el
infierno...to just let it all go. I´m still learning and growing in each area.
I think one of the great things about the mission is how custom fit the
experiences are for our personal growth.
Today we headed over to la familia C's house (members) so
my comp can get to know them. We crossed a krickity bridge and hiked up a paved
little mountain to get there. (I´m glad I found it! I´m still a little lost
here.) When we finally arrived, she had to hand us rags to wipe our sweat off
for the rest of the visit. I saw a glimpse of her beautiful view from her back
window-pure mountain. Absolutely gorgeous. When she told us there was a
waterfall down the way, I just couldn’t resist. This was probably my favorite
part of the day. Hna C told us where the “trail” was and apparently it
was even lined with llantas, tires. But it was so steep and dirty and green we
pretty much just put one foot in front of the other and hoped for the best. I even
at one point had to crab walk. I felt like we were watching animal planet
because guess what we saw? An armadillo! For the first time in my life! Then we
saw a cat trying to kill him. We continued on until we saw a snake. Then we
both squealed like little girls and ran back up the mountain so fast! Maybe
we´ll go back with boots and pants.
We then visited S and her family. Little L. (2 yr old son)
oh man. That annoying little child is actually growing on me. By that I mean I don’t
want to strangle him when I´m with him. Now I just laugh and enjoy the ride.
haha. Anyways that´s how I spent Halloween this year; lost, sweaty, and
screaming with armadillo killing-cats, deadly trails of the unknown containing
snakes and a horrific baby crying! We did buy some candy to celebrate. We’ve
already been invited to a Thanksgiving dinner. Can hardly wait!
Sunday 11-3-13 Church today. It was nice to see so many people get up to share
what they believe. I felt the spirit testify to me that this truly is the
Lord´s church.
Elder O and his family came to church today. (He was
released on Tuesday) His first time as an RM. It was great to see an old
friend. Seeing his family reminded me that one day I´ll see mine again. And it
will be grand.
My companion came from serving 7 months in a ward of money-the
richest part of Costa Rica. This means they feed you delicious food, the
members take care of you, you don’t sit on the floor and you don’t have to walk
as much. Her adjustment here has been hard on her. I found her in the bathroom
just crying on the floor. (Man, have I really been in those shoes.) I crawled
in, from under the door mind you, and tried to comfort her.
Today I did a little study on patience. Paul teaches us that we
should rejoice in trials because that´s how we learn patience. She´s strong and
I know she´ll make it through.
Also today I found another thing Ticos celebrate, other than
futbol. Horses. But let me back up a bit:
The Visiting Teacher of F, less active, (sounds like there’s a lot
of less actives going on around the world!) wanted to throw her a baby shower.
So we finally got to her house way far away. Eventually it was time to head
back. My companion and I only brought our cellphone-not even one colon. We didn’t
realize we´d have to walk home. Enter horses:
Apparently there´s a celebration for the 102nd anniversary for San Carolos. It was literally
a horse parade. (Elder V compared it to a gringo car show....so picture
that although with horses. seriously.) Horse poop, cigars, and drunken people
EVERYWHERE shoot I think even the horses were tipsy. I felt like we were in
Babylon and all I wanted was to get to the Promised Land.
Eventually we made it to S´s house where she fed us. We ate
way too much. (I’m grateful for the food!)
I walk a lot. I mean, A LOT! If walking to the elementary school
is one mile, using that as a measurement, I’d say...is 50 miles a day just too
crazy??!! Because I believe it. 50 may be a stretch. I´ll pay more
attention. You´d think I´d be skinnier!
Saying goodbye to Elder O~
Love you all!! Hermana Walmart... More on this in her "TESTIMONY" page!
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