Lessons learned

White clothing on my kids plus my mom equal TROUBLE. I don't know if all grandmothers are like this my mom is. She just can't resist feeding them. Which is fine, but inevitably after whisking them away they are usually returned 'slightly' messier. This is probably because they are having much more fun than they would with me. I'm sure I will be just like this when it is my turn being grandma.

Tonight as I was hand washing an outfit of Max's, I was suddenly taken back 5 years ago when I was probably doing that very same thing as a missionary in Bolivia, where we had to hand wash ALL our cloths. By hand. One piece is fine, but doing a whole load is another story.

Living among such humble people taught me a lot and it helped me to be grateful for everything I had. I saw people living very simple lives and were still happy. No dishwashers, no washing machines, no cars, no refrigerators, no microwaves, no computers, indoor plumbing and I could go on. Everyday I take these things, and more, for granted.

While it was only five years ago it, at times, feels like a lifetime away, like a dream. But I know how lucky I have it and I am so grateful for all I have and grateful for what Bolivia taught me.

Bolivia taught me the kindness of strangers.
Bolivia taught me to work hard. Real hard. This is a chapel that was built in an area I served in for a long time. It was a small, rural village and while we attended church in a tiny upstairs room with often less than 20 people, at times I would wonder if we were making a difference, if the hard work would pay off. Though it was hard and sometimes seemed hopeless, we kept talking to people, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, knocking on doors, and doing whatever we could to fulfill our purpose as missionaries. Toward the end of my mission I was able to see the dedication of this building, built big enough to be a stake center one day, which I don't doubt will happen. Now it is thriving and the members are strong.

Bolivia taught me that prayers are answered and inspiration is given to those who seek it.

It taught me that people can change, no matter how much it might appear they won't or can't.

Bolivia taught me to be flexible, things don't always go how you think they will. We found this puppy, wet, shivering, dirty and sick just outside our doorstep as we were leaving to begin a VERY busy day. We could have just left it and went on with the day as planned but we didn't. We got it taken care of though it took a good hour or two and still had a great day. Now little "Pequena" is doing well and I hear is a grandma.

It taught me that change does not come all at once, but is a very slow gradual process.
Bolivia taught me of service. This is Mauricio a grandson of one of the members who cooked lunch for us. I wonder how much time and love went into those meals. When ever we asked anything of the members they did all they could to sacrifice for the work of the Lord. They never ceased to amaze me.

I learned to be happy and the way to be happy is to make others happy. Thank you Sister Medina
It taught me to be humble. This is my companion, Hermana Vargas, and I at a baptism. I can't say it was easy being with a companion 24/7 for a year and a half. There were times when I wanted to run away to be alone for just one minute. But by being forced to be with someone who didn't always share my opinions, who had a different personality than my own and who had their own background, I learned how important it is to be humble and that for any relationship to work there needs to be a lot of give.

Bolivia taught me the gospel through diligent scripture study.

Most importantly, Bolivia taught me to love.

I am so grateful for the year and a half I spent as a missionary in Bolivia. I know it has changed me in ways I don't even know. And I thank all those who helped get me there, because I know I couldn't have done it on my own.