I learned something new this week from a conference talk by Elder Uchtdorf...
"Many
of the things you can count, don´t really count. Many of the things you
cannot count, really do count." As a missionary, you can count
baptisms, lessons taught during the week, referrals contacted, and so
on. But for Heavenly Father do those things REALLY count? What are some
things that maybe we can´t count in the mission with numbers?
--giving to the poor and needy (I see them everyday walking up and door the littered streets of Mexico)
--giving the relief society president a big hug and telling her that everything is going to be alright
--staying up 10 minutes late to give comfort to an upset companion or missionary who is struggling...
the list goes on...and on...and on....
We had an experience last night that goes on the list of things that we can´t really "count" in the key indicators.
After
our lunch appointment yesterday afternoon, Sister Bailey and I really
wanted to go visit Hermana Lupita, an active member in our ward who
lives alone. She is a grown lady, probably in her 60´s whose 2 hijos
have abandonded her. It´s hard for old people here to get jobs, so she
walks up and down the streets collecting plastic bottles to recycle.
It´s a common thing here for people to set their garbage out on the
street outside their gate and then to have it rummaged through by people
like her who collect them. Then they tie the bag right back up and
leave it all nice their on the sidewalk. So, she usually can get a big
garbage bag full by the end of everyday, and then she takes it to the
supermarket and they give her 20 pesos. (less than $1.50)..The sisters
in the ward make lunch for her everyday. Just like us, she has a food
calendar and goes to eat with them. One of the sisters in the ward who
is older and widowed lets her live in the apartment part of her house
for free. She invited us in yesterday and showed us her little kitchen
(which consists of a faucet and sink) her bedroom, with her bed that she
doesn´t sleep in because it´s too hot, her hammock, a small tv, and her
bathroom. That´s it!!
We
read with her in the Book of Mormon about the tree of life. She´s so
smart! She was explaining the symbolism and how we can apply 1 Nefi 8 to
our own lives. She told us a little about her past. She is a convert of
10 years. We felt happy to be there with her. As we finished the
lesson, my companion asked her, "Lupita, is there anything we can do for
you before leaving?" "No," she responded...
"Are you sure?" we asked...
She
looked at us and sadly said, "Just a few things I need here in my
house." And I immediately began thinking maybe a curtain for the window,
or that she needed something repaired. with a sad look on her face she
said, "even just some cookies and a glass of milk?"
"Lupita," I asked, "do you have something to eat for dinner?"
"No, hermana. No I don´t." she said.
"We´ll
be right back! Stay right here!" I said before even thinking of what we
were gong to do. We gave her a hug and set out on an adventure.
I
remembered that at home we had hardly any milk (I don´t drink milk and
my companion is almost out) but that a less active gave us some nutella
the other day, so we could go make her a nutella sandwich and ask our
neighbors who are members for some milk. We went over and asked
them..They gave us a whole carton of milk, 4 pieces of bread with ham,
cheese, and mayo, and a big stack of cookies. We thanked them and made
it back over to Lupita´s house.
As
we left, I felt many different emotions. I felt that in that moment,
maybe helping Hermana Lupita was more important than trying to get a
bunch of lessons in for the day so that we could finish the week with
high numbers. I began thinking about where we live in the US, with
Iphones, cars, good education, pantrys and fridges full of food, and my
heart felt grateful. I feel grateful for what we have, but I also feel
sadness at times seeing people here suffer and live off of so little.
Not all of them live that way, but many definitely do. I know that the
Lord has sent me here to help me be more humble and try to help whoever I
can. I love Him and and am grateful to be here during this time serving
HIS children in need.
Do I tell this story to receive recognition or a "Good job Hermana Maki"?
Nope.
However, it was an experience that will always be with me. There´s no key indicator in our sunday
night call in for service or reaching out to someone in need. Instead
of counting those moments, we just remember them forever and more
importantly remember how we feel.
I also loved this part from the conference talk..
".. If Jesus Christ were to sit do
Let
us each remember this week to do the things that can´t be counted but
that really count for our Father in Heaven. Go do something that really
counts! Serve someone. Bake cookies for the missionaries who are far
from home and take them to them. Serve your neighbor who needs some help
with their yard. Do something, ANYTHING, for someone. It will brighten
their day, but it will brighten yours even more!!
Con amor,
Hermana Melody Maki.
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