With the mission president
I woke up
with a pounding headache and couldn't trust myself to get out of bed. I
had a barking cough and I felt like tossing cookies. I couldn't even
get out of bed to go downstairs and let in the mission nurse and her
companion, who were bringing me medication. I couldn't sleep the entire
night, and the next morning felt a little bit better, although still
miserable. I managed to get myself over to the church to receive a
blessing from the zone leaders. After picking up our lunch from the
Chavez family we went straight back to the house, where I ate and got
back into bed, hoping that I'd be able to sleep. Nope...
The
next morning we headed over to the hospital to figure out What I had.
At this point it had to be more than your common flu. We took the train
to Olivos and then walked 20 blocks to get to the hospital... I think I
almost didn't make it. Once there I was told that I had faringitis. I
obviously didn't have any idea what that meant.... I looked over at
Hermana Bekaouche, who said under her breath that this was the worst
thing I could have. She has such a way of making me feel better.... We
then went to lunch, as it was on the way home and my companion needed to
eat, even if I had no desires to do so. From there we went to see
Lilian and Zulma. While my companion was teaching them I was dying on
the couch. Using my jacket as a blanket, I took the chance to rest and
yet enjoy human company after being inside for so long. When my
companion was done sharing Zulma called a taxi to take us home. I was
sent straight back to the bed. Lilian had gone with my comp to buy my
antibiotics (what an angel).
Jorge Luis saving the day:
Then my companion
started feeling sick. Not with faringitis, or larangytis, but with her
gastritus. She was stuck in bed all day as well. I read for a long time
in the Book of Mormon, catching myself up until I was at Moroni 10, the
last chapter in the Book of Mormon. The chapter that we would be reading
as a mission the next day. I didn't know if we were going to make it.
After reading I watched a church movie, one that had always "put me to
sleep" before. No luck. As it got later and later and my companion
didn't improve I started to feel incredibly alone. I didn't know what to
do. I wasn't well enough to take care of myself, let alone my
companion.
the cure all: lemons and honey
In this moment I couldn't keep the
tears from coming. I felt sick, tired, and alone. Abandoned. As I cried I
prayed. I prayed with all my might. I pleaded with the Lord. I thought
of the atonement of Jesus Christ. I don't know how much time I spent
crying, but I do know that I was never alone. The Savior was right there
beside me, wiping away every tear. Taking hold of every burden I just
couldn't bear to hold any more.
The moment
that seemed like an eternity passed. My companion improved and was able
to help me calm down, eat something, and get back in bed. How I hated
the thought of getting back in that cursed bed. But in I went, and this
time I slept for the first time in 2 days. It was such a heavenly
experience. The calm after the storm.
The next
morning the medicine had finally taken effect. We were able to go to
the mission activity and finish the Book of Mormon. What a beautiful
moment! The spirit was incredibly strong, and even though I felt very
weak physically I felt such peace and such strength spiritually, the opposite of what I had felt the day before. I was blessed to see Hermana
Yancey and Hermana Riquelme, my hijas, and get a picture with the three
of them. The Dickson family together at last;) We went home directly
after, as I still wasn't doing well. This time, however, I was able to
sleep! What sweet relief!
Mis hijas :)
Saturday,
after resting for most of the morning we went out to see the Galarza
family. They were passing through a tough moment, as Franz had just
gotten the car taken away.... However, while visiting with the family we
were able to talk with Ruth, one of their neighbors. We had been
talking to her about the Book of Mormon and had brought her a copy. I
wasn't feeling too well and didn't really have a voice, but found myself
jumping into the conversation when Ruth started bringing up the Bible
and my comp looked at me with panic in her eyes. It felt so good to
teach again after almost a week stuck in the house! I think we can
easily say it was one of the highlights of the week.
La Familia Galarza
On Sunday I finally started feeling a little better and we were able to stay for all three hours of church.
Yesterday
we were able to go out for almost the entire day! What a huge blessing,
something I definitely took for granted before.
For
all of you that are serving missions, please be grateful for every day
outside, for every chance to share the gospel, for every chance to leave
the bed, or the house, and to do what we do best: teach of Christ! I
love this gospel. I have been incredibly blessed. Was this week tough?
Better believe it. Did I learn a LOT? Without a doubt.
Now,
I'll be staying in San Fernando this new transfer with Hermana
Bekaouche, finishing up her training. However, we also have the Hermana
Green staying with us now! She's from Park Valley Utah and has 5 months
in the mission. This means I'll have spent 6 months of my mission in San
Fernando when all is said and done! Crazy!
Introducing Hermana Green:
Love all of you! Take care!
La Hermana Dickson
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