Life as we have known it changed today. After four years, we have been released from our assignment in the La Rosa Spanish-speaking branch. It was unequivocally the most difficult four years of my life. As the only non-Spanish-speaking member of the branch I felt lonely and isolated most of the time. I missed having friends. I missed having the opportunity to give talks, bear testimony, say prayers, even visit teach. At the same time, it has kept us very busy, sometimes making trips back and forth to Wasco several times a week. Frustration and discouragement has alternated regularly with hope and inspiration as we have watched people change their lives for the better through living the gospel. Our talents have grown and we have been tremendously blessed. Today was a day of very mixed emotions. I surprised myself at how sad I felt. I will miss the branch members. I will miss worrying about them and trying to figure out how to help them. There were a lot of tears shed at church today. Before I close this chapter, I would like to share a few random thoughts:
1. There are enormous cultural differences between people that go way beyond language. We do others a disservice when we judge them according to our own standards and expectations. Only the Lord's yardstick matters.
2. When we willingly accept opportunities to serve, the Lord will make up our deficits.
3. People need to hear the gospel taught in their own language.
4. The programs of the church are meant to serve families and individuals, not the other way around.
5. Most restaurants that claim to serve "authentic Mexican food" are lying.
Our home ward, Stockdale Ward, has been divided twice since we have been gone. I am afraid it will be like moving into a brand new ward. As someone who fears change, this is going to be hard for me. Next week is stake conference, and the following week we will make our big debut at Stockdale. I hope I haven't forgotten how to act in the real world.
I know you will enjoy getting to know the people in your new ward. I bet Bill is a little sad to be leaving his little flock. Hope all is well. I am now searching for a Buster Brown shoe horn for him.
ReplyDeleteLaura
Be sure to let me know if you find it--he hates to own more than one of anything!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to the world of blogging!
I am so anxious to hear what the next chapter of your gospel lives brings. Please let us know as soon as you hear.
ReplyDeleteI know La Rosa will miss you guys. Maybe you could integrate some of the traditions from the Spanish branch into Stockdale Ward so you feel more at home. I think there are far too few ladies wearing skin-tight sequined tops and platform high heels in that ward. I think you could really start a trend. Maybe suggest posole or weinie tacos for their next ward activity.
ReplyDeleteYou and my Mom have a lot in common. When my Dad was branch pres. of the Spanish Branch in Bakersfield, my Mom shared some of the same feelings as you. Now, they are in the Stockdale ward too! They were in Rosedale. Good luck with this new chapter in your life:)!
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