A week to celebrate!
As I look at this past week, I can’t believe that only 7 days have passed because we have learned so much! There were sweet times of celebration.
Last Saturday we went to the temple with some of our missionaries that went home this week. The Arequipa temple is new and is absolutely beautiful as it sits high over the city with the three large volcanoes as a frame. It is made with the same white stone that was used on the city’s historical landmarks from the nearby mountain quarries. As we entered the interior it was spectacular with its stained glass windows and murals depicting natural scenes from the area and its people. It was quite busy because a large group had come in on early morning buses from the Coast region of Camana where we had visited less than two weeks prior. This area is made up of districts and branches because it is quite remote and the people there have little opportunities for education and advancement. It was my first time experiencing what it is like to be a minority in the temple because the other patrons were mostly indigenous Peruvians, small in stature, and all spoke Spanish!
The temple workers were unhurried as they served and I felt serene which is a big contrast to the outside busy and self-promoting world. It was wonderful to see the gospel of Jesus Christ work miracles in such a different place and culture that I am used to and the Spirit bore witness to me that God loves his children and wants all of them to come unto Him. There is room in His kingdom for all, for all are alike unto Christ. It was a beautiful experience and it felt like I was coming home after a long absence. I know that it will feel that way when we finally enter into God’s presence again in the next life.
A couple of days later, we had the same missionaries over to the mission home for a despedida or farewell celebration that includes dinner, a goodbye video, and a time to bear testimonies and share stories. It was great to watch the slides and videos of these missionaries and to see how much they have grown up. Afterwards we all had a zoom call with the Marshes, the former mission leaders for Arequipa who were vacationing in Southern Utah with family. It was fun to see the missionaries light up when the Marshes came on the screen and they just talked and reminisced. Then each of the missionaries bore their testimony to all of us in Spanish. Just as they were starting, our doorbell rang. Since I don’t understand Spanish, it made sense for me to figure out who was at the door, so I let them continue with the zoom call.
We have a huge compound that encloses a large yard, a carport and the house and whenever someone comes to the front gate, they need to ring an electronic bell and we look at a screen with cameras in various angles throughout the yard to identify the guests. It was the Assistants so I ran to go let them in. They quickly gave me the forgotten airline tickets that were left at the office but were essential for the departing missionaries! (remember how last week I told you how invaluable these two are?) As I returned to the room the sister missionary was just finishing her testimony and I could feel the spirit dramatically, even though I couldn’t understand a word of what she was saying. It felt like I entered a holy place and the spirit bore witness to me that the Lord was so very proud of each of these missionaries and He accepted their service and loved each of them very much. He knew them and loved them for their sacrifice even though they weren’t always perfect. I felt compelled to share this witness with them and they were all emotional and the spirit was even more strong. I told them to remember the moment always so that in those times in their lives when things get hard, they can know in their hearts that their Savior loves them unconditionally. It was very meaningful. I’m just beginning to understand how much the Lord really loves his missionaries.
This reminded me of a quote by Elder Dale G. Renland from the Quorum of the 12 from our last General Conference where he said, “God’s love is perfect, our ability to sense his love - is not.” That is why it is so important to remember the moments in your life that you feel God’s love for you so you can draw upon it when you need it. It is not unlike the love I draw upon when I think about my departed loved ones.
Less than an hour after we said our goodbyes to our three seasoned missionaries, we welcomed the arrival of 9 new missionaries on Tuesday! They always come exhausted from their travels but enthusiastic and hopeful about starting! It is amazing how quickly we love them!
Less than an hour after we said our goodbyes to our three seasoned missionaries, we welcomed the arrival of 9 new missionaries on Tuesday! They always come exhausted from their travels but enthusiastic and hopeful about starting! It is amazing how quickly we love them!
Later in the week, we were invited to a Stake President’s home to meet him and his family. They surprised us with a nice dinner as their children practiced their English skills with me.
Lastly, here are some pictures from our Friday night walk from our home. This really is a beautiful place with so many contrasts!
