Another week has passed like a whirlwind. Zone meeting in Odenton on Tuesday until 1:30 and when we got home about 2:00, I was tired and took a two hour nap. I didn't feel like going anywhere after that so Elder Lewis went for a long walk instead. Many visits on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday alone, we visited eight families, but that is above the norm. Friday evening we attended a Boy Scout fundraising spaghetti dinner in the Glen Burnie Ward. They had a dessert auction afterward, and the carrot cake I bought at the store for $6.00 sold for $25.00. It was for a good cause and the boys will be able to go to summer camp again this year.
Saturday afternoon we found out that one of the sisters in the branch was in the hospital with pneumonia so we went to visit her. Two of the young elders went with us and it was for sure one of the sweet spiritual experiences of our week. When we arrived at the hospital room, the patient's less active daughter and grandson were also there. We had met them several times before, so we chatted with them for a little while. Sister Barley then asked for a blessing and it was decided that Elder White and Elder Latu would do it. I cannot tell you how spiritual and emotional the feeling was in the room as these two young elders, no more than nineteen years old, laid their hands on Sister Barley's head and gave her a blessing. I know the Spirit was present.
Sunday as usual was very busy. Meetings at 7:30 and 8:30 before the three hour block of meetings. I taught both Sunday School and Relief Society and really enjoyed both. The assigned topic for the sacrament meeting was faith. There were three really good talks, but first I have to tell you a little bit about Elder Latu's remarks. He talked about how cold he was his first winter here, coming from Tonga where it is warm and humid all the time. He did not have sufficient warm clothing and was really suffering. He got on his knees and prayed to God to help him. The next day was Sunday, and as he sat in sacrament meeting, listening to the Primary children sing "Heavenly Father, are you really there?", he knew that his prayer had been heard. Then a lady from another ward, who is from Samoa, came over to sit by him. She asked him if he was from Tonga and he said yes. She replied, you must be really cold here in Maryland. He told her he was. She then told Elder Latu that she had felt impressed to come to this ward today and that she should help him by buying him some warm clothes. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. Elder Latu is a very special young man. He is so humble and sincere and we are blessed to associate with him and all the other missionaries, young and old.
Wow, this whole missionary experience is really not a sacrifice; It is a blessing and a privilege, and we are slowly coming to realize just how fortunate we are to be here.
Keep the faith everyone!
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