Well the past few days have been interesting and very difficult for me. Early Friday morning I woke up feeling like I had the stomach flu, but later on felt completely fine. Then on Saturday night, my whole body was so achy, so we went home early and by the time I was ready for bed felt like I had the worst fever! The hospital was closed so I tried to sleep, but had the most miserable night. Sunday I felt even worse, but somehow managed to drag myself to sacrament meeting so I could ask my Branch President for a blessing. It was such a special experience. I am so grateful for the power of the priesthood, and know it can work miracles.
After sacrament meeting my companion brought me to the hospital and the doctor gave me a lot of medication. He took my temperature and said I had a fever and infection in my stomach so I needed to go home and sleep...so I did...all day, night, and part of the next day. I have never felt so sick! This sickness is spreading like the plague around the CCM! There are 4 girls in my casa sick right now. I was sad I missed Sunday because it's so spiritually uplifting, but I'm feeling much better today, and had such a beautiful experience this morning.
Today was our district's turn to go outside the wall. IT was fun riding on the bus to the temple and seeing the real world. I feel like I've been so sheltered inside the walls of the CCM. THe Visitor Center is beautiful, and so peaceful! WE began in the room with the the statue of Christ and listened to the Sister missionaries, and the audio of Christ's voice. I lvoe when he says, Ï give unto you another commandment to love me, and to love thy neighbor as thyself. WE show our Savior how much we love him and are grateful for his sacrifice when we follow his example by loving everyone. AS I looked out the window at the people walking on the street, I couldn't help but think about what their story is, and how significant each one of them is to God. My purpose is A invitar a las personas a venir a Cristo (to invite people to come to Christ) I am looking forward to fulfilling my purpose. I want every person to feel the same joy the gospel brings to me.
The sisters then brought us on a small tour of the visitor center. It is amazing! One room is designed to look like the time Christ lived and reminded me of an LDS Disneyland! haha There were beautiful pictures of Christ performing miracles and serving others.
Another room was for children and would probably be the ideal playroom for any kid. There were ipads for the kids to color book of Mormon photos or play little games. There was a giant tree with a secret play house that looked like something straight from the Nephite/Lamanite times...
One of my favorite parts was a room where we watched a movie about families. The sisters told us to think about our own families and the families we will be teaching on our missions. It demonstrated Gods entire plan of happiness. I got so emotional because my family means everything to me and I am so grateful that God loves me enough to provide a perfect plan that allows us to be together for time and all eternity. The sisters explained the teaching the lesson about eternal families is their favorite part. I can definitely see why.
I want you all to know how grateful I am for your love and support. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and many people who love and care for me. I can hardly believe that I'm on week 5! Next monday we will be taking our pictures as a district for our farewell slideshow. I am definitely not fluent in the language and do not know everything it takes to be a missionary, but I have been trained well and I know these last two weeks will be valuable. I have faith that as I continue to study, and remain close to the lord, and fulfill my purpose and responsibility as a missionary, I will soon learn what I need to and continually learn ways to better teach the people.
I hope you all have a wonderful week! you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Parkin