Dear Family,
Thank you for writing. We love hearing about what you are doing. It really brings added cheer to our day. Thanks to the grandkids for writing also. I know it is not easy, but we love it. Thanks to the moms who scribe for those who don't want to write!
I hope you can feel how much we love our mission. It was a struggle for the first few days to figure out what we could or should do with our time. Because we didn't receive any specific direction from the mission president or the Lord, we tried everything we could think of. Now, we are both completely exhausted and are trying to find a way to manage our schedule better. We will get it figured out. We would rather be too busy than not busy enough. Larry just finished with a nasty 2 -week sinus infection and he lovingly passed it on to me. How is that for sharing everything!
Larry had a wonderful experience last week. In fact, it was one of the choice spiritual experiences of his life. He was asked to speak at a baptism for a new convert and had prepared a talk. (He is asked to speak at least once a week.
Luckily women don't get asked as often as men. ) He had come up with a visual image or story that related to Africa and it seemed
very engaging. Just as he began to speak, he heard very distinctly the word: COVENANTS! He knew that he was supposed to speak on covenants instead of what he planned. So he headed in another direction and the Lord continued to bless him in the talk. When I type this, it doesn't seem as powerful as hearing him explain the feeling that overcame him. He just basked in the feeling as he related it to me. He said that he has not experienced anything like this except once on his mission where he had an impression but not a direct word from the Lord.
I felt like this was the Lord giving Larry a huge "hug" and "well done" gesture. Larry has loved our mission, but it has been very, very difficult for him. That is surprising because Larry is always more relaxed, calm, and content than I am. But things here have been very challenging for him. He trains the priesthood leaders thoroughly ....and they don't do it. He speaks very kindly to members and teaches them the gospel but they don't understand. The district/stake leaders don't run the program according to the handbook---even the district president who has been a very active member for his entire life (63 years). They ask for help, he trains them, but they don't do it. He helps them again but things don't change much or at all. Because Larry does not like to nag, he stops after 2 times of instruction. Also, Larry follows the priesthood chain of command and the way he should make changes but it hasn't worked. Next comes the driving. It is NOT driving on the left side that drives him crazy...it is people passing us on BOTH sides at once on a 2 lane road or people tailgating us so close that if there was a hiccup for either car, there would be a collision. Plus, drivers running red lights is a given; rarely does anyone stop at a stop sign, and people just drive crazy. Usually, Larry can hold his own with crazy drivers but he can't here and it is very stressful. He is worried about our safety. He does all the driving so he has to take the entire brunt of this. We are in the car so much every day 7 days a week. Well, you get the picture. So I was grateful for the big tender mercy/ inspiration from the Lord to Larry.
On the other hand, I am impatient, right? Not a good quality. But for some unknown reason, the people and the pace here do not bother me. The lack of follow through, the lack of commitment, the lack of church policy and procedure do NOT bother me. Go figure that out. I guess that is how the Lord is blessing me. In fact, it is such a
HUGE blessing. He has turned my weakness into a strength for this time period (or at least the past 5 months....but I'm sure it won't last forever.) I teach and teach and teach and teach and teach some more. I remind and remind..... dozens and dozens of times. I don't quit. My stubbornness has paid off. (Clark quality????) I don't take offense when they don't learn or cooperate. But I don't give up. I think people are beginning to realize that, and some are even moving a little quicker. But I have not had any revelatory experience even close to Larry's. My challenge: understanding the language (English) and being able to communicate....I still struggle so much.
Another quality that I have prayed for and my prayers have been answered. I feel great love for everyone. The different culture, cleanliness, lack of safety doesn't bother me. A huge tender mercy...from the Lord.
I share these thoughts for 3 reasons. I especially want my grandchildren to understand these things:
1. A mission is hard but can still be very rewarding and enjoyable.
2. Everyone struggles on their mission in one way or another.
3. The Lord will help you overcome your challenges on your mission one way or another....but maybe not the way you wanted to be helped. But I know that THE LORD IS AWARE OF HIS MISSIONARIES...ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG ONES.
4. Every elder in our zone has had serious discouragement/trials. Those that learn to be obedient, to not look back "towards home and/or their country, to not "fight" against the crazy traditions, and love the people can still be happy. Others, can still serve good missions but they don't feel as much joy.
I love you so much!!!! Thanks for being the best family. All of you are my biggest tender mercy from the Lord. I am grateful for each of you.
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