I have felt so much love from the members and my companions. Last
Monday night I returned to be with my companions. On Tuesday I was
exhausted still so I stayed with some members while my companions
worked. I did the same on Wednesday. On Thursday we did service at the
Shiloh food pantry. I wasn't much help other than emotional support...
But on Saturday I was able to open the door for the people who come to
get food! Even though It's hard, I am so grateful to be here. I don't
have to look hard for opportunities to just "get over myself" and
focus on helping others. On Sunday I translated for sacrament meeting.
It was fun because I discovered that my Spanish was improved a lot! We
had a free lemonade stand on Saturday and yesterday. My arm has made
some great contacts: "what happened to your arm?" "You know those
Mormon missionaries on the bikes?" " yea.." " I was one of those... I
fell off the bike" it makes for a good laugh and has made for some
great conversations about big questions like "why do bad things happen
to good people?" And the importance and loving and serving others (my
complete dependence on my companions). And humility. This week I kind
of discovered that I can't do a lot of things I used to doing on my
own. I'm figuring things out though. But it's been very humbling and
has provided a lot of growing experiences. I really don't like asking
for help, or being dependent in any way, so it's been a big change.
Especially because I came here to serve others and now I have to be
served. I am just so grateful to work now because it's when we work in
the service of others that we forget about ourselves and grow closer
to the savior.
Luke 17:33
This week I realized how much my arm actually hurts. I feel really grateful because we were on top of the pain medication. The last time I took prescription was Saturday after the surgery. Now I think all the pain meds have left my body, yea. It hurts. Sleeping is awful. But ibuprofen helps.
More than anything has just been realizing the difference in the quality of life I'm living now. I can't do many things that I could do before. In relief society we sang " love one another" acapella and I just started crying because that was my favorite hymn to play.
But I'm figuring things out. I was put in a sling on Friday so now I can shower. This weekend I was finally able to wash my own hair ( left handed). I'm figuring things out. I'm just grateful I still have an arm and that this won't be forever.
And I'm grateful to be here where it's not hard to look for service opportunities. Well just not focus on myself in general. Because if I were home I'm pretty sure I'd just be watching that movie about the girl who's arm got bit off by a shark on re-run feeling sorry for myself.
admonition to love, said: “I believe the Savior is telling us that
unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose
to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually
shrivel up and … lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in
service to others grow and flourish--and in effect save their lives.”-
He asks us to be His Hands, April 1016
I know that Heavenly Father has a plan. The plan of happiness. He
loves us and truly wants us to be happy. I am so grateful for our
Savior Jesus Christ, and to know that because of him, everything will
work out.
I hope you all have a great week!
I love and miss you!
Hermana Wallis
