My english is knarly. I apologize in advance.
Rainy Season had started. THANK GOODNESS.
Picture: There is a member here in Pilar who has 16 grandchildren that
ALL live with her in a much too small area. (This story is
complicated, but involves irresponsible parents who left their kids
with their mother.)
Last Tuesday we had a companionship exchange. This week, I had the
lovely opportunity to host Sister Tupouniua (my trainer) in my area,
here in Pilar. It was so so great to see her again and to work with
her again, at least for one day. We talked about interpersonal skills
with our companions. I learned a lot from her.
Our apartment in Pilar is probably the most ridiculous place I've ever
lived in. The neighborhood that we live in shuts off the water from 12
pm- 5 pm and from 9:30 pm - 5am. This has made simple things like
washing dishes, showering, cleaning, etc. into more complicated tasks
every day. We store water in large buckets to wash our dishes and to
clean. We've been looking for a new apartment in our area but haven't
had any luck until last week.
On Thursday, we had 8 appointments that didn't follow-through. (They
were busy, or weren't home, etc.) This is a record for me on my
mission. I felt incredibly discouraged and after the second
appointment, I started to get teary eyed as we walked down the street.
We didn't have anywhere else to go, so we went to a member's home
nearby. It was our first time to visit her. As we were walking out, we
asked her if she knew of any available apartments nearby. She knew of
a place nearby.
We looked at the apartment and it is beautiful. It also has water 24
hours a day! !!!WOW!!! !!!MOM!!! We will be moving shortly.
We had an interesting experience last Wednesday. We met someone of
another faith who in our lesson told us in English, "You are in the
wrong faith...The truth hurts," and other various things. I wasn't
offended by anything that he was saying until he told us that we were
'blind followers.' As he said it, and an exquisite feeling of
exasperation came over me. My calm demeanor didn't change, but my
heart started to pound. It was a little unexpected that his rejection
of our message turned into a personal judgement of my character. Of
course, in those few minutes it would be impossible to describe all of
my questions that I've had, my experiences, my prayers, and my tears
that have brought me to this point in my faith. After the situation, I
was left with many things to think about.
I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve a mission. There are
things that I've learned and understood that would've have been
impossible in any other situation. I've learned how to give more fully
of myself to my God. I've learned how to love people that are hard to
love. I am forever forever grateful for the hard things that I've
experienced. There is an exquisite joy that comes from overcoming
personal weaknesses and fears.
Mahal ko kayo,
-Sister Vreckster, Brickster, Vicky (pronunciations of my last name)
Isaiah 55:10-12 (CLAPPING)
Mark 9:14-29