"We are thankful that you are safe and still able to accomplish your labors. The volcanic activity will cause some difficulty in your life and / or in the lives of those you know and may yet meet. Adversity is one way the Lord softens the hearts of people and prepares them to accept the restored gospel. The Lord works in his own way to bring about his eternal purposes!"
This quote from Dad is a tender mercy for me today. First of all, I want to let you know that we are just fine. Believe me, the missions keep on the safe side. As reported, the volcano was hurling out a lot last Thursday. For us, that just meant that we kept on sunglasses all the time and got more ceniza (ash) on our bags and plaques. But we were just fine. However, because of that greater level of activity for that day, we have not been allowed to work in our sector since last Friday. That´s where the quote comes in. It`s part of being a missionary that you learn to love people and then have to leave. However, you usually leave knowing that missionaries are still there, helping and teaching people. You know that the work is going on. In this case, though, we just feel ripped away from our people. (I really do say "our" people, because that`s how I already feel about the people in my sector, even after just a week.) Of course, when President says we cannot be there for a week, we obey and have the faith that the Lord will take care of the people and help them. It`s hard because the eruption is not an if but a when, which means the sector will end up being closed and re-opened…someday. The branch will still be there, of course. That`s a comfort. I´m so grateful to know that we are in the Lord´s hands. He knows why we are here and why this needs to happen now. He knows each and every one of us. He knows the people in Baños, from the stubborn Catholics that say they know their church isn`t true, but that they have no desire to do anything about it to the little old grandmas that live all alone to the people that really are seeking the truth and ready to receive it, just as our Savior is always ready to receive us with open arms. I don´t know how things will work out, but I do know that the Lord knows what He`s doing. Sabe lo que hace. The feat for us is to just not doubt and thrust in the sickle with might, even if we are reassigned or just helping out in different sectors.
Anyway, since Friday, we`ve been going out on divisions with the hermanas here in Ambato, sector Miraflores (look flowers…haha). I´ve been with Hna Delgado, because she is more familiar with the sector and Hnas Ramos and Lucas have been together, because they both are a little familiar with the sector. It`s tough here, but there`s always bright spots. I`ve really been trying to get to know the people and let them know I`m (we`re) here to serve, even though I don't know for how long. For example, we taught the sweetest little new convert/ma family the other night. The kids were so excited for us to be there. They claimed that I looked just like hna Hickey (my first comp from the MTC, now at home), who apparently taught them before they were baptized. The little 4 year old boy offered a wonderful prayer, asking for protection for them all, and especially praying that his daddy (who no longer lives with them) never ever drinks again. We talked about taking care of our spirits, just as we need to do things to take care of our bodies. At the end we had them all state what they`d do in the next week to better strengthen their spirits. They already followed through on the church attendance part, too.
We received permission from President to go to Baños for sacrament meeting and the baptism of Manuel. However, the latter didn`t happen, as there was some urgent need over in Puyo (opposite direction from the church). But, we were excited to see some other investigators in church, including Símia. Maybe with her I finally feel like I`ve found someone that I`m certain I knew before. Anyway, we ended up traveling in buses for about 4 hours trying to figure out what had happened with Manuel and really weren`t all that cheery as we headed home. So, I pulled out my camera for a quick picture session, on the off chance that it could help cheer us up. It worked.
At the end of the tough days or weeks, I know all the trials are for our good. I know the work of the Lord goes forward, boldly and nobly as ever, for it truly is as the stone cut from the mountain without hand. It will go to every nation, kindred, tongue and people, for it is directed by the Almighty.
It´s the truth. Let`s share it!!
Love,
Hna Henrichsen
Alive and well
Ecuabit: I wash clothes up on a "rock" on the roof…it`s really a sink and cement washboard system. That´s also where I run and enjoy the view of three noticeable natural beauties; Chimborazo, a large, snowy mountain, Cotopaxi, an inactive and snowy volcano, and Tungurahua, the ash and rock shooting active volcano. It´s pretty cool, actually.
P.S. mail is normal again! I received a letter from a friend from freshman year (Thanks, Tay!!) in 11 days from when it was sent. Good deal.
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