May 27, 2014
Talofa! For all of you non-Samoans, that means
hello! (I think) The traditional greeting of Samoa (I think) Because I got
adopted as a Samoan this week (I 'm pretty sure)......well I got gifted a
traditional hair flower thing,. so I'm pretty sure that constitutes a
legal adoption....more or less.
I went on exchanges to 29 Palms this week and
got to spend about a day in the Samoan branch with a companion that is from
real live Samoa! She was adorable, and I absolutely decided that my honorary
heritage is Samoan. Lots of food? Lots of hugs? yes, please!
In other and more pressing news, we are
having transfers this week! We got the call on Sunday night
and...........I'm staying here! For the 8th transfer in a row, mind you.
(Where's the Guinness Book of Records guy when you really need him?) Which
means that by the time this transfer is over, I will have been here 11 months.
Sadly Sister Stuber is moving on to bigger and colder places (namely Redlands)
and I am going to miss her. She definitely filled our companionship
with plenty of laughter.
On a more serious note, there was a tragedy in
our area this week. A teenage boy was killed. He was the son of one of the
less-active families here, and it came as a huge shock to everyone. We had the
opportunity to visit the family, in particular the mother the day after it
happened, and it was heartbreaking to see her anguish. Seeing her pain just
made it so much more important to me to share the gospel. Not only so that
others can know what happens after this life, but to help take them out of
dangerous situations and show them that there is a better way. We don't have to
wander around aimlessly in life, or surround ourselves with things that are
only going to end up causing us more pain. The answer is found in following
Jesus Christ, and it is important enough to God that He sends out missionaries
to help people change their lives. As a missionary I'm not here to just say
nice things and bring a good feeling for a while. I'm here to share this good
news and help people change. We can't have it both ways. There is a clear
choice that has to be made, and if you follow Christ, your life will be much
more full of joy and fulfillment and peace. Nothing else in the world offers
that.
There are miracles happening here. There are
so many people that are recognizing the truth of what we have, and are
thirsting for more. I can't wait to see the people I know so well and love so
much progress this next transfer. I really feel that amazing things are coming.
-Hermana Thomas
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