Yes, today is the halfway mark for being on my mission! It seems impossible that I've been here for nine months. When I look back on my arrival I can only think of how nervous I was, and what an adjustment it was to enter the unknown. Being without my family and familiar friends was a little scary. The blessing I held on to was knowing the security of the gospel, and that I'd soon feel safe in my ward family. Membership in the church becomes who we are, and our way of life. It's not only a religious organization, but also friends, family, and a way of living and being. I've come to realize that no matter where I am in this world there are those who love and care for me. There are so many opportunities to serve and lift others, and we also receive those blessings in return. It's the perfect plan for life because it's God's plan. Being baptized into the church bonds us together as Heavenly Father's children. That bond helps us become less self-centered, and more aware of the needs of His children.
In a talk by Kathleen Lubeck Peterson she wrote: "Members of a ward are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to serve. There's sort of an "all for one and one for all" feeling. People know that the ward members are there for them. Countless good deeds seem to sprout spontaneously to bless member's lives. Service within wards and branches blossom not only during catastrophic disasters but also in response to the problems of everyday living. It is seen in organized service projects and in individual acts of kindness. Helping others becomes a natural response for church members because of the covenants we make. As we take the name of Jesus Christ upon ourselves and become his disciples, we learn to love others and to seek to bless their lives as he did." (end quote)
When I look back on all the years and opportunities I've had to serve, I realize it's all been a training ground to help me find joy in helping others. It affected not only my church life, but also interaction with my family, my awareness of the needs in other people, and my desire to be a disciple of God. Sometimes people shy away from becoming actively involved in the church because they are afraid of the commitment. Yet, that personal sacrifice is exactly what the Savior had in mind. That sacrifice leads us back to Him because we are less self focused, and more anxious to do good.
I'm so greatly blessed by being here! I've grown to love these people in Plano, not only in the ward, but in the community. The ward members have loved and pulled me into their fold. They are serving me and reaching out to help Sis. Hulse & I have a positive missionary experience. I love the gospel and wish it's blessings for my family, and all of God's children. What a difference the world would be if everyone had the opportunity to grow with the Savior's teachings!
Every Friday morning we go to Minnie's to help. It is a community food bank. Erica, in the yellow, started it in memory of her mother who passed away a few years ago. Their motto is: "If you can't feed a hundred, you can feed just one." It is actually a fairly good sized facility, but they are moving to a bigger building at the end of this month. There are quite a few community volunteers and we enjoy interacting with them. They are funded by lots of businesses in Plano and other contributors.
Pictured are: Elder's Thompson & Davis, Erica, Sis. Hulse & Me, and Elder's Taylor & Forbush
Diana York is a convert to the church of about 12 years. She was in an car accident before she joined and was left with a wooden leg. She has a pretty hard life, is divorced and living with her youngest daughter. She had to give up her car recently because she couldn't afford to keep it. We took her to lunch last week. She told us a little more about her life and how difficult it is to be dependent on others for care. Her daughter and husband are not members, and he doesn't treat her very well. She's such a sweet person. I'm so glad we're here to give her some comfort and love.
We spend an hour playing Trivia every Thursday morning at this Assisted Living Center. It is so much fun to be with these cute people! We don't play to win, but just to get conversation going. I can't believe how smart they all are! Bill is the oldest at 97....and also the smartest. Sometimes he just says, "You guys know the answer" and then lets them try. They all certainly know more than we do! Pictured is: Gertrude, Bill, Bobby, Me, Alois, Cecile, and Julia.
