Dear everyone,
So unfortunately, this past
weekend Jesus didn't get baptized. He's been pretty sick this past week and it
is not only affecting him physically, but mentally and spiritually. I was so
bummed out, it sucked. But we are hoping to pass by this week and help him out
and get him back on his feet. This trial is making me think a bit, so I am just
writing down my thoughts as I go.
As I have been living in Los
Angeles for the past 7 months, I realize that there are two kinds of people in
this city. But something is common between the two groups. Each group goes
through intense trials. Whether it be having to come over indocumented, loss of
a loved one, horrible health problems, no work, etc.. They all have these sorts
of problems. I think every single person I've talked to, whether it was a brief
conversation on the street, or sitting down and sharing what we know with them,
has a huge trial sitting behind them that I would have never imagined.
Now back to the two groups:
The first I see a lot of, are the
people who have these huge trials and let them overwhelm them, and by doing so they
get completely defeated. This place is full of just that, defeated people. And
as missionaries, we help them overcome these trials through the restored gospel
of Jesus Christ. But unfortunately, there are people who are so defeated, that
they see no way out and even refuse the escape ladder we toss down to them. And
that always hurts me the most. It makes me wonder and hope that one day they
find that escape ladder, and find their way out of their situation. But as they
say here all the time "todo en su propio tiempo" (all in due time)
The second group of people still
have these trials, like everyone else, but the difference is how they deal with
it. There are people looking for this escape ladder that we pass by everyday,
but we don't even realize it. This second group still lives in the same place,
has just about the same resources, speaks the same language, etc.. A big
difference is the outlook they have and their willingness to look for and
receive help. And it is so amazing to see those who do accept change and to help
them overcome their trials. It is awesome, actually!
At the same time, we have to look
up for the help that we need. And if we see others that need it, help them!
Looking back at being home, I feel like there are so many people I could have helped, I just let the opportunity slip by. I don't want that to happen again
and will strive to help others in need.
This may have not made a lot of
sense since I kind of wrote it on the fly, but I love every one! Thanks for all
the birthday wishes and all the gifts, I got them all!
No comments:
Post a Comment