Mission Blog |
A dangerously acute account of 18 months in Nicaraguan Territory.
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*quick shout out to the epic rendition of this song, only done on the infamous movie “Rocketman” Oh sweet world, shall I tell thee of my adventures?
I can officially say that I live up to my name of “valiente”. Would you like to know why? We got home and Hermana Aplicano discovered a gigantic tarantula in the bathroom. We were kind of freaked out, my three companions more than I was. We called for help, but it was too late at night for the Quintanilla boys to come. So, I was given the responsibility of disposing of it. With my sturdy broom, I mounted the step between the shower and the sink. With many deep breaths and summoning all my strength, I spear-hurtled the broom at my unfortunate friend in the corner. The first blow; although quite forceful, did little but cripple the beast. Upon seeing it emerge limping, but crawling frantically for safety, my companions abandoned me to a life or death fight between my foe and I. Regaining my temporarily- forgotten confidence, I attacked with renewed vigor, injuring the enemy a little more with every stroke of my broom until at last, it curled up, the only signs of its once thriving-life were the occasional and intervaling twitches of its legs. Quite sure of its death, I was left alone with the corpse, looking for the most convenient way to dispose of the dead but still poisonous creature. Looking in the back of the house, I discovered a shovel, which I used to bring the body to the dirt in front of the house. Quickly digging the grave, I saw my companions watching through the front window, still with fear in their eyes. Putting the animal in its shallow resting place, I returned to the house and quickly forgot about the whole matter. It taught me a lot about fears. I was thinking a little bit later, what would have happened if all of us had been afraid of the spider? Well, let’s rephrase that question because I was also afraid of the spider: what would’ve happened if none of us had faced our fear of the spider? It would probably still be in our bathroom and the four of us would be suffering to relieve our natural needs. But, one of us was brave enough to face the fear, and thus all benefitted. As the scripture says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear”. Why need we fear anything if we love our neighbor and our God, who loves us more than we can possible imagine? Looking at it that way, fear should not exist; fear of heights, small spaces, and tarantulas should be done away with! J This past Saturday was the long- expected Tarde Blanca (for all you non-Spanish speakers that would be “White Afternoon”). It was an event that we had planned in coordination with the Stake President for over a month. The idea was this: All the wards in the stake assemble in Chinandega to view the baptisms of all the missionaries in one day. There were lots of details to be sorted out (lots of white clothes, invitations, transportation, a complicated Skype system to view the Baptisms from the sacrament chapel). But in the end, it was one of the most beautiful days ever, to see so many people in white, ready and willing to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and receive a remission of their sins. Juan and Esmeralda (mentioned in last week’s installment) were married and entered the waters of baptism together. I know you weren’t there, but you should know that they definitely deserve a romantic sigh! Just one year from now, and they’ll be headed off to the temple! I know it’s hard to imagine this beautiful day, but just think: peace, happiness, white, clean, crying, perfect. It was a blessed taste of the potential we have to live with Heaven on Earth. --Hermana Beatty
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November 2015
CategoriesAuthorhola! I'm Naomi and I love reading, my amazing family, and the color green. |