19 February 2014

A Missionary's Guide to Valentine's Day 2-17-14

Somebody go and look up the song "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran. It just barely popped into my head and I am SAD that I can't listen to it. 

however

This week we celebrated Valentine's Day with a BAPTISM! My dear friend "A.A." is now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is one of the strongest Saints here in Perú. I am awed by his faith and his commitment to righteousness. When I get a better computer I will send pictures! He isn't smiling because he's a big stinker but he really is so so SO great.

On Friday (Valentines Day) we made it to all of our appointments and I looked up at the sky as we walked one street past Atahualpa and felt a lot of love. At one point I tried in earnest to be trunky and depressed that I didn't have a man to hug, but that failed pretty fast. I am in love with the mission and no one can tell me I'm too young or unwise in the world! 

I know the truth!

Anyway. 

I enjoyed thoroughly the small and simple things this week.

The breeze that travels all the way from the ocean to sweep into our window around 2:00 every night to relieve the humidity. 

The perfect stillness that comes at 6:30 every morning as I say my prayers.

The stunning acoustic guitar music that our landlord's grandson plays between 7:30 and 11 every day as we study.

The encounters we have with happy little kids playing around the church when we leave the house in the afternoon. 

The joy which washes over me when someone is put in our path who needed to hear our message, sitting on a bench in that corner of the park at 4:00 on a lazy Tuesday.

The immaculately colorful sunset that comes earlier each evening to remind me that fall is on its way and Heavenly Father still loves His children.

The full moon that illuminates our pathway even on cloudier nights as we make it to that one last appointment.

The silly and serious talks I have with my companion, planning and getting ready at 9:30, as I get to know her and become more inspired by her life with each passing day.

The immense peace as I say my nighttime prayers at 10:15 that always comes, as promised, with obedience to the commandments and mission rules and counsel given by the Holy Ghost. 

And, at 10:30 as I fall asleep, that last little note of a lingering voice which tells me tomorrow is a bright new day full of opportunities to enjoy my life and thank my Father in Heaven for giving me such beautiful things.

If you're feeling lonely, go outside and look at the world and say thank you to the One who loves you enough to give you everything you need to be exquisitely happy. I promise that you will feel His love, and it will overcome you if you let it.

Thank you for laughing with me and letting me romanticize the atmosphere.

I love you!

Hermana Hewitt

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