Because of a wonderful thing called internet, us missionaries were able to watch the Saturday and Sunday morning sessions of General Conference live! On Saturday, I was kicking myself because I didn't have anything to take notes with, but Sunday I made sure I brought my journal with me. There were a few things that I really loved that I think will help me improve as a missionary and as a daughter in Zion (personal revelations are personal). But the one thing that I would like to share was from Saturday morning:
What e'er thou art, act well thy part.
That phrase really got me thinking, and it reminds me of another phrase that President Padovich gave to us once: Either you should be 100% right or 100% wrong; be committed!
So now with those two phrases in mind, I feel I can really go forward knowing a bit more of how to be a missionary (yup, I'm still learning!). With my pending transfer to Zambia next week, and the arrival of the new baby sharks, I'm feeling a tad bit more prepared.
I'm using a mosquito net, and it's been tied up with a bit of... well, it looks like a bit of flimsy ace bandage. I'm not sure what it is, but it's not string. In other news, the net has worked wonders for me at night, but it does nothing for me while I'm in the area where most of the mosquitoes are. I woke up Tuesday morning dying of malaria (the medicine they gave me to prevent it makes me sick, so I haven't taken it since November almost...). And just in case you're curious, malaria = three days in the compound going mad. I wasn't so sick mid-way through day 2, but I still didn't have the energy to do much else besides move like a snail around the house. I slept most of Thursday, just because I didn't want to look at the walls that I'd memorized.
Actually, this week has been full of sick missionaries. On Tuesday, only two companionships went out and worked (out of six) and everyone else stayed home to die of malaria together. It's not fun, by the way. I was confused about whether I wanted to curl up on the bathroom floor, under a billion blankets, or even out on the grass. But the trick was I didn't want to move at all because I was aching all over. I'm not going to ask that you try for yourself because it's that bad. But they say you haven't experienced an African mission until you've had malaria.
A lot of Malawians get excited when they see an azungu, and I guess the mosquitoes are the same.
**
Well, the week ahead promises to be one full of adventure as this sister missionary goes paired with a local. Then I'm off to Zambia the Great!
I know this Church is true. I know Joseph Smith truly was the man called of God to restore His wonderful Gospel. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us, and is very aware of the little things in our lives. In parting, I would like to share a story that demonstrates His love.
Saturday afternoon, I was using my favorite pen during the English Class as a pointer. After the class, I had put it in my ponytail because I didn't feel like putting it in my bag. Then, while I was playing with one of the children who'd come, she stole the pen right out of my hair and began running around the primary room with it. I finally caught her and recaptured my pen. But I don't remember where I put the thing. I know for certain, though, that I did not put it in my bag. Needless to say, when I got home and discovered the pen missing I was very sad.
Fast forward to Sunday afternoon. I was digging in my bag for my planner, when I saw something shiny at the bottom. Reaching down, I found my favorite pen! I have no idea how it got there, and the pen could have easily been replaced, but to me it stands as a testimony of our Heavenly Father's love.
I love you all,
Sister Adams
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