To Meet and to Part is the Way of Life

Monday Monday....beautiful Monday.  And it truly was.  The sun shone brilliantly over the puddles, the dew-glistening surfaces of fields, grass and trees.  It was a great morning to tackle some cleaning and the ever-present laundry.  Six loads and I will do a couple more tomorrow. 

There was the requisite shopping, then home to make a dessert and a big pot of chili, ready potatoes for baking, and get things prepared to serve dinner.  I think I am beginning to get the hang of this.  I love the point at which everyone who will be there is there, the blessing has been said and everyone has dished up their plates and are sitting visiting.  It feels like home and family, and I love to just sit and look around the room and listen to bits of conversation here and there.

We had a book-recommendation family home evening activity tonight.  So I have 14 recommendations that I noted, and will hopefully tackle at some point in the future.  I have always loved to read, and I want to do more.  The last four months have been busy for us, so I am hoping to be able to better order my time to read for pleasure.  Someone recommended "The Hobbit" and I think Oxford right now is certainly the place and time to read it.

The dinner all turned out well....for which I am most grateful.  The YSAs are so very gracious and complimentary.  It would be easy to start thinking maybe I really am a good cook!  I know I am receiving help from somewhere, and that is wonderful!

We said goodbye to Elder Tshendabo.  He met us at the train the first day we arrived in Oxford, and we have come to love him for his kindness and gentleness.  There are many here whose lives he has touched for the better.  Isn't that a marvelous thing?  To leave a place after four months knowing that you have left people there who will remember you forever - because of your kind service and the gift of the gospel.

He will go to his new area tomorrow where he will be a district leader.


For a young person who goes on a mission with the desire to serve and to share the light they have cannot help but be altered forever by the people they serve and love, for the testimony that is strengthened and for life's lessons learned.

That is also true for 71-year-olds.

Comments

melissa said…
I hadn't thought much about those goodbyes...but that's got to be rough! You spend so much time in another's company, and then part knowing you may never see them again! He sounds like an amazing young man. I'm glad he has been there for you!
January 27, 2020 at 11:04 PM
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