Not much has changed around
here, hahah. So I don't have too much to say about that. But I do want to share
an experience or two and something I've learned!! First of all, we've
been trying to speak in only Spanish for 10 out of the 12 hours in our day, and
it has not been easy. You can't communicate, you can't really express
yourself, and sometimes people don't understand you. Sometimes it’s hard
being with someone constantly. Sometimes you don't see eye to eye, and
you need to be stripped of all pride so that the spirit can be with you!
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my comp. But sometimes it wears on you
being like 5 feet away from someone every minute of every day! And I'm
sure it's not always easy for her to constantly be with me either! And
just to make it clear, she hasn't done anything wrong. It's just kinda hard
merging two completely different lives! Sometimes lessons don't go as
planned. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do. Sometimes you
can feel a little trapped, or get caught in a freezing cold downpour and
realize that you will be walking in that, except with strong winds and even
colder temperatures all day almost every day for a year and a half.
Sometimes you remember how much you miss your family, and all you want to do is
give your parents and siblings a hug. But then, you remember why you're
here. You remember why you put your job, school, social life, and
everything else on hold. It's because you know with every part of who you
are that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored on the earth and that
living the teachings of Christ has brought you more joy, peace, happiness, and
blessings than anything that you could have ever hoped for! And you know
your life would be completely different without it!! So you wanted to
share that with people who don't have that happiness! You wanted to help
people that sit in darkness so to speak. People who don't even know
something is missing from their lives! You came on a mission because you
loved the Savior and you want to help people come unto Him so their lives can
be changed! And then you realize that you really love being here because
there is absolutely nothing better to do in the world than this!!
Also something that happened this week that I wanted to share with you! We were in a computer lab using a program to study Spanish. I don't love this thing at all, haha. In fact, it can put me in a bad mood easily if I'm not careful! But I was looking out the window, and President Bennett walked by! Then a few minutes later, he started coming back from the other way. I don't know why, but I thought in my head, “If he stops by the TALL (Technology Assisted Language Learning) lab right now, I will know God is aware of me and loves me.” As soon as I thought that, I immediately thought, “That is so dumb. I know better than to look for a sign. And I know God loves me and is aware of me already.” But the exact moment I thought that, President Bennett kinda paused, immediately changed direction and started walking toward our TALL Lab! I was stunned at this point. Then, sure enough, the door opens and there is President Bennett. He asked how we were doing, closed the door, and then went back the direction he was originally heading. Haha. So, I KNOW God is aware of you because He is aware of me! He sent Pres. Bennett to give me a little reminder when it wasn't even that important! So no matter what you may think or believe, I can promise you that God is aware of you individually and loves you! And if we are worthy and trying to do what is right, we can be an instrument in showing God’s love to other people! And at the same time, God can show His love to us through other people as well!! I love you all!! Please keep trying to be more like the Savior everyday! It’s the only way to have real and lasting joy in your life!! I love you!!!
Also something that happened this week that I wanted to share with you! We were in a computer lab using a program to study Spanish. I don't love this thing at all, haha. In fact, it can put me in a bad mood easily if I'm not careful! But I was looking out the window, and President Bennett walked by! Then a few minutes later, he started coming back from the other way. I don't know why, but I thought in my head, “If he stops by the TALL (Technology Assisted Language Learning) lab right now, I will know God is aware of me and loves me.” As soon as I thought that, I immediately thought, “That is so dumb. I know better than to look for a sign. And I know God loves me and is aware of me already.” But the exact moment I thought that, President Bennett kinda paused, immediately changed direction and started walking toward our TALL Lab! I was stunned at this point. Then, sure enough, the door opens and there is President Bennett. He asked how we were doing, closed the door, and then went back the direction he was originally heading. Haha. So, I KNOW God is aware of you because He is aware of me! He sent Pres. Bennett to give me a little reminder when it wasn't even that important! So no matter what you may think or believe, I can promise you that God is aware of you individually and loves you! And if we are worthy and trying to do what is right, we can be an instrument in showing God’s love to other people! And at the same time, God can show His love to us through other people as well!! I love you all!! Please keep trying to be more like the Savior everyday! It’s the only way to have real and lasting joy in your life!! I love you!!!
--Hermana West
