Open When... You Are Frustrated With the Language

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his 

head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

My Dear Hermana HW,

I cannot begin to describe how much torture you can put yourself through by letting yourself get frustrated with the language. Trust me, it does not help, nor does it work. All you can do is practice, and pray. If you have the Holy Ghost with you, you can teach. You will get the language. It will take time, and a lot of work. But that is part of the mission. Every North American down there has had the same experience. Ask them what helped them learn. They oftentimes have some really good advice. But the most important thing is that you are not afraid to make mistakes. Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing. Most of the time the screw ups make great stories that you will be able to look back on and laugh at. While I was in the CCM (MTC) one of the sisters told the whole class she was “embarrasado” (which she thought meant embarrassed, but actually translated to pregnant). We had a great laugh about it.

You will have those moments where you feel like you have no clue what anyone is saying to you, and you won’t know how to respond. But don’t be hard on yourself as you are learning. Picking on yourself is not something that is inspired by the Lord. Satan will try to get you frustrated and down on yourself. Do not let him have the satisfaction. Stay positive. Be nice to people. They will see your kindness and your beautiful smile, and they will want to listen to you. Even in broken, mispronounced, and sometimes the absolute wrong Spanish. They will admire you for your effort in learning Spanish, and many will try to help you out. Embrace the language. Embrace the people. You’ve got this girl!

Te quiero mucho!

Con amor,

Heather

Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.

The greatest achievement that can be reached in

 our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.

“You can depend on the Lord.”

–Henry B. Eyring

Doctrine and Covenants 33:10, 100:6, Moses 6:31-32

Open When... You are Sick or In Pain

When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.

Much of your pain is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.

My Dear Hermana HW,

It is a very hard thing to be in pain or sick while on a mission. I understand that. For me, it was hard because I could not communicate my pain to anybody. It was not visible and many thought I was faking it. But when you walk around town crying because of the pain people should really be able to figure it out…. Anyway, I understand how you feel. I understand what it is like to want so badly to go out and work, but to also desire a day of rest. I understand the feeling of guilt when your companion has to stay at home with you because you are sick and they can’t go alone. I understand. But even better than me understanding, your brother, Jesus Christ, understands. He loves you. He loves you so much, He actually felt your pain.

I hope you feel better soon. But until then, do all you can to heal quickly. Get a priesthood blessing. Pray a lot. Sleep if you have to. Take medicine. Do whatever you have to do to get feeling better quickly. You are a strong person. You can pull through this temporary discomfort. Remember Job, who was covered in sores and boils. He never lost faith, and in the end he was blessed even more for his faithfulness through his trials; as you will be for your service.

Keep the faith! DyC 121:6-8

I love you!

Heather  

Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place.

“The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.”

–Joseph B. Worthlin

“We should not complain about our own life’s not being a rose garden when we remember who wore the crown of thorns.”

–Neal A. Maxwell