One year down. Wow. I´ve officially been out of the states a year. I´ve been away from Wendys Lemonade, Peanut butter, real deodorant, air conditioning, and cold milk for a year! But you know what I´ve gained in this past year? Kebab! (Joke!) I´ve gained a bigger family, a love and confidence in myself, the ability to speak spanish, and a greater love and testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
I´ve reflected alot on my year in Spain this past week, and wonder "have I done any good?" I start to rationalize all the wrongs I did, blurring out all the good. I start to question my motives and find myself doubting whether I´ve followed the spirit. Satan´s been playing mind games with me, but you know what the Prince of Peace always wins. While in this turmoil of questions and doubts over the little I felt I had did. I talked to an old less active (now active) member in my first area. I felt such a love for him sweep over me! I remember how hard my comp and I worked to help him in anyway we could. Now, with all our work, prayers, love, and with the miraculous power of the Lord, this man is active in the church. I thought to myself "The Savior himself couldn´t convert the Pharisses. Why do you think you alone will change the world?" But I did help find a lost sheep, and I have rejoiced over the prodigal son returning! How could I then call my last year in Spain a failure? I cant.
I may not have had a Parly P. Pratt statistical rate of baptisms, but I have seen miracles of my own. I have been a part of the converstion process in a few peoples lives. I have been trusted with the responsibility to help the downtrodden. I couldn´t be more grateful.
I´ve decided that the mission is when we really magnify our baptismal covenant. It teaches us in Mosiah 18 "to mourn with those that mourn, comfot those in need of comfort..." That´s my job 24/7. You can´t be a good missionary, or discipule of Christ if you dont feel what they feel, or at least attempt to! Why else would the Savior take upon himself the sins of the world, the afflictions, temptations, pains, everything! Physically. He could have just watched a movie that explained it, had the Holy Ghost teach Him. But He knew, that the best way to succor His sheep, was to walk along in their path. Walk infront of them to know what would be the best route, to say with all sincerity "i know how you feel! I´m here to help you, use me!"
I´ve been really greatful to this last year. I´ve had hard times, I wont lie. The refiners fire is real. But it´s been a year of good tidings. How can you be upset when your preaching the happiest news given to the world?
For example, a beautiful miracle I was able to witness. Was yesterday at church Richard, our investigador from Nigeria asked me if we could talk for a moment. I said of course! He asked me if it would be ok if he paid tithing, even though he wasn´t a member! What faith. What an example! I tried not to cry as he really wanted to participate in the gospel of Jesus Christ in anyway he could. We talked to the bishop and we were happy to inform Richard that although he wasn´t obligated under covenant to do so, he could pay if he felt he needed to. He said "I want to follow the ways of the Lord." What a simple and powerful testimony! I wish I had more faith like him.
On a lighter note. Today as a PDay activity, we went to an AMUSEMENT Park! We went to the Warner Brothers amusement park with like 20 other missionaries! It was SO MUCH FUN! Although we didn´t get to spend as much time as I would like as a normal human being, it still was alot of fun and gave me so much more reasons to come back to Madrid and party it up in the amusement park as a normal human being. See in the mission, you need to work hard and play hard!
What a blessing this adventure has been to me. I am even more grateful I stil get to be a part of this crazy roller coaster ride for a while longer. But just like anyother roller coster ride, we wait years to get on it, and quickly it´s over and done with. But oh is the short ride worth it!
I´m grateful for your love and support, I miss you all! I¨ll see you sooner then you know.
Con Amor,
Hermana Shurtz
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