Today as a zone we went to a place called Gualaca. After about 45 minutes in a little bus that drove off into the middle of nowhere we arrived to a beautiful landscape that included a large river. Shortly after arriving I became curious about what was further up the river. I started exploring and my short exploration quickly turned into a zone hike. We ended up at a beautiful area where we could all sit on the large rocks.
Though I must admit that I was at first a little uncertain that I should have had changes when they told me I was leaving San Blas, I can now say that I know that I need to be in David Chiriquí. I feel like I have a purpose here, and I already love the people. The ward is wonderful and everyone has been so sweet and kind to me here. The David Zone is incredible as well, we are all extremely united and we love being together. To put it simply, I feel very good here and I´m happy.
My dear companion, Hermana Rosales, unfortunately has been diagnosed with a strong case of dengue. She has been sentenced to 15 days of complete rest in the house . . . meaning that I too have been sentenced to 15 days of rest in the house. I would be lying if I didn´t say that it´s been a challenge for the both of us. We both have strong desires to testify of what we know to be true, and it´s difficult for a missionary to spend so much time closed in. However we have both remained positive throughout the experience and look for what we can learn from the experience. We´ve been able to arrange divisions occasionally with some ward members, one who stays with my companion and one who works with me in the area. Even though we are a little limited, the Lord continues to bless us. The other day I found an 18 year old named Daphne who came to church yesterday and is extremely positive. Also, yesterday I was able to visit some investigators with a young woman from the ward and we put a few baptismal dates. I know that as we continue to do all within our capabilities and remain positive, the Lord will continue to bless us with miracles and opportunities to testify. The work of the Lord will not be frustrated.
In other news, I was able to cheer up Hermana Rosales last night as she ended up on the floor from laughing so hard when I was scared by a giant cockroach. Long story short . . . the beast ran across my hand, all dignity was lost, and I probably woke up a few neighbors. Also, there are very large grasshoppers here in Chiriquí, some about the size of my hand. Each one is full of different colors. They other day we were waiting for the bus to pass when I saw a big one with bright orange, yellow, green, and pink. I innocently wanted nothing more than a picture. I got really close to take the picture when the grasshopper decided to fly away . . . towards me! I screamed and ran, and once again, Hermana Rosales was dying of laughter. What more can I say, I suppose I should be used to these experiences by now.
Also, I was recently told that my first area, Santa Librada, is soon going to become an elders´area because it has been labeled as too dangerous for the hermanas. I was a little saddened by the news, but at least there will still be missionaries in the area.
One of my favorite scriptures has always been Alma 5:19:
19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
I love the idea of having the image of God engraven upon our countenances. What a beautiful thought, that God is such an integral part of our lives that is it recognizable in our countenance. I think of someone´s coutenances as being their collective being, their appearance, their thoughts, their everything. That means that they reflect God in simply being them. As Children of God we have the divine ability to reflect the divinity and love of our Heavenly Father. We can do this as we live righteously, share our testimony, and simply smile.
Well, I´ll try to send pictures when I´m given the chance. I hope that you all have a marvelous week, one full of tender mercies and mighty miracles. I love you all so much!
Go Forward With Faith,
Hermana Falslev :)
No comments:
Post a Comment