21 Abril 2014

Hello Family!
I'm happy to announce that I have returned to the island. Three days
in Panama was enough for me. It was a very stressful 3 days because we
had lots of meetings, and we also had to run around getting everything
for my new companion before heading out to the island. That meant that
I had to know my way around the whole process and know how to navigate
Panama City by myself. With a prayer in my heart and many tender
mercies from the Lord we were able to get everything done and still
attend two temple sessions. We headed out early on Friday morning. Due
to lots of tourism and a broken down car we arrived to the island
about 6 1/2 hours later (it usually shouldn't take more than 3) All's
well that ends well :)
I now have a new companion! Her name is Hermana Hastings and is from
Provo. That's right, my first companion from Utah! She has wanted to
work on San Blas since the beginning of her mission and is really
excited to be here. We're already really enjoying our time together.
Prior to changes I was praying for a companion who would love the
people as much as I do and be willing to work. Thankfully, she fits
the criteria :) She only has two changes left in her mission. That
probably means that we'll be staying together for two changes and that
I'll be training a new sister out here for another change before
heading out to another area. That'll mean about 6 months on San Blas!
I've mentioned to President Carmack that I will stay out here for as
long as he's willing to permit it, so I'm hoping that's what happens.
On Saturday and Sunday we had a fun visit from a member family from
Sandy Utah that was visiting Panama. They heard about the chapel in
Carti and wanted to visit. It required some jumping through hoops, but
I was able to arrange a car ride and a place to stay for them so that
they were able to participate in a branch activity on Saturday night
and attend church on Sunday morning. They were visiting with their two
children who were 9 and 12 who absolutely loved playing with the
island children. They've traveled all over the world, but the father
of the family said that he had never seen anything like Carti Tupile.
He kept saying that he wasn't sure how anybody could prepare to serve
here because it's unlike anything else. He mentioned that the only
thing he could think of that was a close second would be the Pacific
Islands......50 years ago. I consider myself very lucky to be here and
for the experience that the Lord has granted me. Oh, and they said
that they'll try to get in touch with you guys when they get back :)
I am so grateful for each and every one of you. I love you all very
much and hope that you have a marvelous week!
Go Foward With Faith,
Hermana Falslev :)