09-28-13

Well, one more change under my belt, ;)  This last change was quite a success.  Elder Powell and I are still working on getting out in the field more. :)  It amazes me that even though we aren’t able to leave and yet the Lord sees it fit to put people in our way and prepare them for the reception of the Gospel.  

One of the COOLEST experiences happened last night!!!! We were leaving the mission home around 7:15PM and we got a phone call from the Pugmires.  (Senior Couple) and they informed us that Elder Pugmire is going down hill quickly.  He had a horrible back spasm the other day and had to make a trip to the doctors.  The doctors gave him some meds and he accidental overdosed and was quite loopy when we showed up.  He could hardly remember my name.  When we walked in the door, he was sitting at the computer trying to remember his password to his email.  He is a temple worker here in Uruguay as well as a missionary.  My companion was the one to anoint and I was privileged to give the blessing.  Now the interesting part is the following:  I had to give the blessing in English... The last English blessing I gave was in my own living room right before leaving for my mission.  That was only the SECOND blessing I have given in English in my LIFE.  The rest of the blessings I have given have been in Spanish.  The power I felt during the Blessing was incredible.  To know that God was present during that blessing overpowers me.  I am so thankful that I hold the priesthood and that I are able to serve the Lord in such a FULL capacity.

I am so happy to have received a letter from Grandpa Connolly.  I believe that is the first card I have ever gotten from him.  The rest of the cards have been written my grandma and signed by grandpa. :)  It was so sweet to hear his stories and feel his love for me.  I wish I would have spent some more time talking with him and just picking his brain about the stories he has.  Here on the mission I have really learned the importance of talking and understanding where people come from.  I have gotten to know so many of the people here in Uruguay and been able to get to know them on such a personal level.  I wish I had a much closer relationship with all my grandparents. Grandpa Connolly especially.

Oh how I feel the separation as strong as I sat studying on the 27th reading the little insert Chelsea wrote in my quad.  It amazes me that I have been gone for so long!  10 Months is so stinking long!  Josh Stewart has been out for 18 months already!!!!!!  My twentieth birthday is sneaking up on us, as well as my one year mark.  November will be here before you know it and we all know what comes after that don’t we??  CHRISTMAS!  Time has moved so quickly!  I honestly can’t believe that 10 months have flown by so fast.  I am just overwhelmed that there is so little time in what seemed to be a long two years.  I started my mission what seems like yesterday.  After Six companions, 10 months, two areas, two mission presidents, and a whole lotta work, I am now looking at the fast approaching events to come with hesitation as I wish to stay where I am and work harder and stronger to accomplish more with each moment I have.  Two years is nothing compared to the life time of service I signed up to when I passed through that sacred Veil?  I am so thankful for the experiences I have had thus far and am ecstatic to see what God has in store for me.

I love you all.

Elder Reay