Bonjour a tous,
We had so hoped that the next time we posted on our blog we would have our laptop back, but, alas, we are still looking at a bare spot on our desk, with no word on when it will be fixed. It has been gone for over a month, and hasn't worked well for over two, so we are feeling a bit disconnected, much like when we first arrived here, with limited communication abilities. Trying to sort it all out, staying positive, and realizing that only a few years ago, couples served missions with no Skype, no emails, no IPhoto, just the slow-boat and a stamped emvelope, is humbling Sorting it all out, something that has been on our minds for several reasons lately.
I know many of you are wondering about the sister missionary we sent to South Africa. She was treated there for ten days with no positive results, so had to return home where her treatment is still ongoing and will probably require a year before she can resume her mission. She has dreamed of being a missionary since she was fourteen years old, was told in a blessing that she would serve a mission, arrived on La Reuniion with her MTC district full of enthusiasm and high expectations, and now is again home...sorting it all out, trying to understand God's plan for her, what all of this means, and how it applies to her future. Your prayers in her behalf would be appreciated.
Another sister missionary, here barely three months, loved her companion, enjoyed her area, was just learning to navigate the crazy traffic, and was really beginning to blossom here. You're right; transfer time. New area, totally different dynamics, a new companion who speaks very LITTLE English, in an area that speaks very LITTLE French; they all speak Creole, which she speaks only "un petit peu" (a tiny bit). Watching to see her "sort it out" and find out why she is there and what special blessings she will both give and receive there as she strives to conquer her fears and to serve with love and confidence that "tout sera bien" (all will be well) is a faith promoting process. Brent and I have observed the sorting out process so many, many times, both with each other and with the missionaries. We are so grateful that we are not "on our own" here; it wouldn't be possible...not even for a day!
Last Sunday I watched Brent's internal struggle as he sat in church and tried to decide how to handle a challenging and delicate situation. I could see his burden, and couldn't help him, but his answer slowly came and he moved forward, doing what he knew had to be done, relying on the spirit to help him. When he acted, his spirit was again calm; he didn't know how it would all play out, but he knew that he did what he was supposed to do and that brought peace. I had a similar experience the week before in a different branch. I was sitting in the investigator class. There was an empty seat between me and a young man, in his twenties, who is a member but always attends the investigator class. I don't know him well, but know that he has special-needs challenges. He seemed agitated and was talking to himself before the class began. After the prayer, I could see his eyes darting about and I felt nervous for him. I had the feeling that I should reach across the empty chair and put my hand on his back. That was a little startling to me; what if he didn't like that? What if he reacted negatively? Would the people behind us think I was crazy? But the feeling persisted, so I reached over and put my hand on his back, patting him gently. He sat rigid at first, but gradually began to relax. I just kept my hand on his back until the closing song - we always sing an opening and closing song in every class, they are SINGERS here. I am still amazed that I had the courage to act, but I think I was more afraid NOT to. As with Brent, it was what needed to be done and acting brought peace.
Lowlight of the Week: (This actually happened a while ago.) I was finishing up the final preparations for a Departure Dinner. The only thing remaining was to fill a water bottle for the table. I got a bottle out of the cupboard ( a great bottle with a skinny neck) and filled it with water. I almost dropped it as I saw - to my horror - a LARGE cockroach floating in the bottle's neck. Hmmmmmm. This could be a great moment. I kept the bottle in the kitchen and when everyone was seated, placed it on the table, trying not to look at the ugly little legs dangling from the stiff body. (He may have been in that bottle for a long time!) I saw the elder's eyes bulge; would they say anything? OF COURSE! It was classic, and we have pictures!!!!!
Highlight of the Week: Two nights ago Brent said that I was talking in my sleep...in FRENCH! He asked me what I was doing and I said, "Quoi?" ("What?"). I struggle so much forming the sentences when I am awake that I was really thrilled to know that it was embedded enough that I could do it "in my sleep."
We pray that we may all be blessed as we do our own "sorting" and that we may support and sustain the process in each other.
A Bientot!
The Castaways
