Bear One Another's Burdens That They May Be Made Light

Hola Familia,

I am eternally grateful for the mission and all that God teaches me during my time here.

This week, God allowed me to truly understand the meaning of my baptismal covenant.

Bear one another's burdens that they may be made light.

We are currently working with a very special investigator... J.  J is about to turn 90 years old.  This week she told us that she wanted to go to church on Sunday.  The only problem is that she has failing health and lives at the top of a mountain.  We promised her as representatives of Jesus Christ that she would be able to attend. 

Sunday morning we coordinated so that the first councilor of the branch would be able to drive her, but unfortunately there was no way to get his car to her door.  She would have to walk down the hill and at the base he would be able to drive her to the chapel.  We prayed together before leaving the house and Hermana S and I carefully helped her climb down the hill to the car. 

Church was a beautiful experience.  She stayed the whole time and was simply radiating.  When the service ended, two returned missionaries gave her a priesthood blessing and we got her in the car to take her home. 

The only problem was that after an eventful day, she was completely exhausted.  When we got to the base of the mountain she had no energy to walk and could barely stand.  Fearing that she was going to fall, I took the tiny woman in my arms and carried her up the mountain. 

When we were about halfway there, she took my face in her hands and with tears in her eyes told me.

"Thank you,  thank you.... Thank you.  This is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me."

It was one of the most powerful moments in my whole mission.  Honestly, it was hard for me to hold back tears.  I literally had the opportunity to carry this sickly, crippled, elderly, beautiful child of God so that she would be able to worship in the Lords house.  I truly had the chance to bear her burdens so they would be made light. 

I am grateful for the atonement of my Savior Jesus Christ.  Thanks to Him, this work is possible.  I am grateful to take upon me His name.  To always remember Him. Being here serving the Lamanites has brought me closer to my Redeemer than I ever thought possible.  I love the Lord.  I love this work.  I love the Gospel.  I love Guatemala and I love that I have this sacred opportunity to serve and grow. 

We also got to go to the temple this week as a zone (which is why I am writing so late).  It was incredible and so refreshing to be able to  take a step back and remember what it is all about.

The S family is progressing right along.  Get ready folks, because I WILL be there when they get sealed in a year.

I love my job. 

I just am going to end this one with gratitude...Gratitude for my parents, my siblings, my friends and my incredible church leaders who helped me prepare to serve and become who my Heavenly Father wants me to be.  But more than anything, gratitude for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Thanks to Him, eternal life is possible.  Thanks to Him, death has no sting.  Thanks to Him family relations can be blessed in this life and throughout the eternity.

I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us.  I testify that His son, Jesus Christ atoned for our sins and thanks to him we can return to the presence of God.

I love this work.  I know that this is the only true restored church upon the earth.  I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  I know that he really did see God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.  I know the church is true.  I know Thomas S Monson is also a prophet of God.  I am grateful to be a part of this great work.

Until next week!

Hermana Wise