Sunday, February 15, 2015

    Although they are few and far between at this point in our mission, another milestone was reached today and it is one I did not expect would really happen.  We actually spoke in Sacrament Meeting.  Glade has always been good at giving talks and did a great job, as usual.  He spent a great deal of time getting the Spanish just right and learning it well.   He looked and sounded quite “professional.” 

In my heart I hoped the bishopric would not actually ask me to speak, but they did and indicated I could just speak in English if preferred!  So it wasn’t possible to be “let off the hook.”  I wrote out my love and appreciation for the people of the ward, gratitude to Heavenly Father for all my blessings, and a short testimony and practiced it in Spanish over and over and over again.  Taking notes to the pulpit was not even an option even though my memory isn’t all that good; so concentrating without getting distracted was critical!  But Heavenly Father blessed me and I remembered everything and didn’t mix up the words.  After all that stress, I have to admit that it really was a sweet experience.  After the meeting, the Bishop—who speaks only a little English—came to me during my postlude music and said He had witnessed the gift of tongues in hearing my talk.  There were comments that my Spanish was very good and it made me happy until people starting talking up a storm to me after church like all of a sudden I could understand everything they said.  It made me laugh to myself even though there were some awkward moments.  Sorry to go on and on about this, but it was a big deal for me and I was nearly terrified.  It has to go on the list for one of the hardest things I have had to do.  Relief has washed over me all afternoon!  

Doing hard things is an important part of life and even at our age, the challenges are lined up as we continue that climb up the mountain.  All of us can do hard things, including the children; and we shouldn’t shy away from them or try to go around them.  Meet the difficulties head-on, pray for help, and then let the growth begin.

Only three Sundays left and we can’t help but look forward to going home.  Each remaining day will be precious, however, and I know the tears will flow when we drive away for the last time. 

Good Night.  Love and hugs to you all.