This week has been a truly unique and spiritual experience, I feel as though so much has happened and I have learned so incredibly much which I am truly grateful for. It started off very simple and normal with a busy evening full of great lessons. That night around 11:30 Sister Erickson got a phone call from Pres. Jones informing her that her dad was not doing well and was told he only had a few days to a week to live. Background on Sister Erickson, she is entirely incredible! She has 6 siblings and lost her mother six years ago this week. Before she left her father had a little back pain and since being her on her mission for the past 5 months the back pain was discovered as 3 large, cancerous tumors, one eating away at his backbone with cancer also spread throughout his body. Though his diagnosis and pain was severe Sister Erickson has been peacefully faithful he would pull through but the sickness declined and declined very rapidly. I knew something was wrong as I listened to her talk to President and as she told me the news I literally didn't know how to react it was so sudden and unexpected and she was simply calm. She was able to speak with her family and her dad briefly that evening over the phone. The next morning was.. blessed if there is a word to describe it. We had a very full day of lessons and as she contemplated on going home, and communicated back and forth with President, started to try and process it all we were able to do our work and have wonderful lessons. I was blown away by her faith her trust and her diligence. As I contemplated how I would react to the news I was simply taught by wonderful example of the power of this gospel and how much Christ can truly help and uplift us in some of the most difficult circumstances. What a blessing and need there is for us to fully understand that families can be together forever sealed through the true authority of God that has been restored. I couldn't possibly imagine going through this experience without that assurance. That night we got another update on how he was doing and woke up to the news that that morning he had peacefully slipped away and was now gone. Once again the spirit just surrounded us and supported the hard news. Only a few tears were shed as she processed and as we continued through the day we saw miracle after miracle of support from the incredible ward members. Miracles with the people we are teaching and the sweetest feelings of comfort as we talked of the wonderful person he was and their very best memories together. Throughout all of this, I through my own study and feelings was also going through a stretching process and the scriptures and subtle promptings were answering slowly the questions and needs I needed. Friday was the anniversary of her mother's death and we celebrated the knowledge of her parents being able to be together at last and enjoyed more reminiscing of their lives and as she read me some stories of her mothers I gained a huge insight into not only what incredible parents she has who shaped her into the faithful person she is but also into the strength of the Savior. Her mother had a very hard life and her experiences of diligence and love were exactly what I needed as well. The work that day was blessed. We had such powerful lessons with the spirit so present. Jean, one of our investigators explained to us just how happy us and what she is learning is making her and as we shared with her and her husband who was not supportive of the idea of her being baptized hearts were softened and it was simply a beautiful tender mercy. Pepe, a recent convert, was able to open up about how he has been struggling with the transition into his new lifestyle. The spirit and our Savior continued to be with us as we were able attend a session at the temple on Saturday. I am absolutely in love with the temple. There is NO greater feeling than the power in that building. As we sat there together with Pres. Jones and his wife and other sisters who came with us there was once again just this overwhelming assurance and peace. I was flooded with answers and greater understanding of the power of the atonement and our purpose here in this life. We came out truly strengthened and spiritually and emotionally exhausted but what a wonderful way to celebrate and participate as back home the funeral was going on. I am so sure of the love and power of our Savior in our lives. So grateful for the ability to rely on him and the reassurance and peace He can bring. I have an awesome companion and Uvalde is beautiful! I love you all so very very much and hope that all is well with you! Life is precious and we are here to be happy! Keep smiling, keep having faith, and remember to say your prayers!! :)
with love
sister camarella
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