We began the week with an extraordinary Noche de Hogar (FHE) at our apartment. It had a funny origin. Dad and I were walking last week and visiting about what theme we wanted. It was a disjointed set of ideas and I thought it would take us a day or more to decide. Dad then did what we've done so often at home: he gave me the "D" (decision in my hands). Once I adjusted to being the boss, I had the whole thing planned and invitations emailed by noon. He had wanted us to decide quickly, since we had other things to do.
We (through me) invited everyone in our English-speaking FHE group to bring a favourite scripture and some tangible item to represent it. That was the beginning of the most wonderful testimony meeting. I particularly remember President Burk's scripture 1 Corinthians 2:9:
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Before Granddaddy JMorris (my father) died, he gave me a blessing. At the time I was surprised at what the Lord considered important, which was that I use my talents of flower-arranging and music to bring love and warmth to our home. I've always had flowers but often just brought from the store and put as-is into a vase, not inspired for someone who studied flower arranging with experts. Some time ago, when I was ill and discouraged with the difficulties I've been having here, my deceased parents reached through the veil and visited me. They reminded me of that blessing and I responded. I've spent more time learning organ skills when I play in the temple and I've begun creating arrangements with more enthusiasm and imagination. Here's a photo of my show-and-tell flower arrangement. Below are YouTube videos of some of the emotions this whole process and evening inspired.
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That was the high point of the week. Physically it went downhill from there, and I've been back in bed. I've already gone through a round of antibiotics for stomach bacteria, but am still weak and not able to work in the temple when I exert myself beyond a few hours. Yesterday Dad mentioned going to doctor and I had the impression (again) that I need medical help. (I do not do well with Guatemalan bugs, if you think about it one way. On the other hand, they're having a "hay day" with me!)
After visiting with our mission nurse and Becca's mom (our temple matron), I was at a lab this morning getting tested for ulcers, bacteria, and Monday I will be tested for parasites. Bless our dear compadres, our missionary neighbours the Allreds. Brother Allred came along after we were there to see if we needed any help with Spanish. Dad is getting good, but fluent is wonderful. The picture to the above left is both for the Allreds' kind care and for those pesky bugs trying to convince me they belong with me everywhere I go.
Good thing we don't see what's running around inside us when we're sick! I've had a home week, mostly. It has given me time to start the novel I've been incubating. I now have over 1000 words of my target 70,000. I don't know why that's important, but among real writers, 90,000 words is tops. I got to 1000 so easily that I am surprised. Here's a character from Part 1. He's a gypsy boy and his name is Mihai. |
I'm back to scripture study and Spanish study and continuing to keep the home fires burning while Dad is serving in our lovely little temple. I've come to love it dearly and hope to be back soon. Wish me luck with Mihai and his sister Aisha. They lose their gypsy home and family in the very first page of this novel. I'm intrigued to see how they handle their new life. For that matter, I'm intrigued to see what's next in my own ongoing saga. Love to all, Missionary Mom |