How would you describe a "Senior Missionary?" Old? Fragile w/health issues? Experienced, but unable to adapt to current policies and practices? Technologically challenged? Outdated skills and ideas? Old school biases? Forgetful? Slow to learn? (Especially a new language.) Grumpy?
Well......we probably manifest a few, or a lot, of all those characteristics. BUT, we are here, we are willing, and we are serving. In Doctrine & Covenants 64:33-34 we read, "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."
This past week we have had some meaningful discussions about our lives, our marriage, and our family. (Covid quarantine takes you to places you might not otherwise visit😉!) In the course of those discussions we've concluded that in spite of our flaws, our children have turned out miraculously well. We are grateful for their goodness, for our amazing children-in-law, and for our grandchildren. Their goodness blesses us each day and allows us to serve without unnecessary worries and concerns. Thanks to all of them!
Missionary work continues to be slow, but we have taken advantage of the time to read and study. I loved rereading all of the general conference talks, and this weekend I enjoyed watching and listening to BYU's Women's Conference at https://womensconference.byu.edu/digital-event.
Yesterday, I noticed that the Supermaxi grocery store and a local fruit shop had taped off or painted social distancing markers outside their stores to help customers maintain the recommended 6 feet distance. Do you think "social distancing markers" will become a permanent result of Covid-19?
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| Squares or Circles? |
While standing in line at Supermaxi, we also enjoyed some sideline entertainment from a street juggler. He was actually pretty good! I would have thrown a few coins into his collection tin if I had had some cash with me.
We were finally able to return the missionary luggage that was left behind by the missionaries who were evacuated in late March. It was not a difficult process to inventory the bags, remove prohibited items, weigh the bags, prepare an address & phone number list, find a carrier, wait for the carrier to send the shipping tags, tag the bags, and schedule a pick-up time. However, it did take about 2 weeks for all of that to happen. We were glad to see the FedEx truck arrived on Wednesday morning to pick up the bags. The luggage is on its way and will be delivered to 27 different US locations. It will arrive on each missionary's doorstep by Monday or Tuesday of this week.
When the missionaries were informed via email, that their bags were being returned, one sister missionary, who had only been in the mission for 6 weeks, expressed her appreciation this way.......
"You all are my heroes!! Thanks for all your efforts of getting this stuff back to us!! We are truly blessed because of your dedication. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!"
We know that some states have and are lifting quarantine restrictions. We understand that Ecuador is going to start doing the same tomorrow - May 4th. It will be a slow and gradual process, but we are hopeful that things will go well. May we all stay healthy and strong in the process.
Blessings to all!
Elder & Sister Lewis
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