Changes.
We have a big change meeting and it's lots of fun. And I found out that
my "son" is..... Elder Castro. He's from Guatemala and he's super
awesome. He speaks practically perfect English which is great, and I can
tell he has prepared a lot for this mission. He obviously still has a
lot to learn about the mission, but that's why I'm here. I'm excited for
this amazing opportunity. We had to open up a new area (kind of). We're
actually now in the area of the AP's in Managua! They are hardly ever
there so it's basically ours, but man it is so awesome to work with
them. Elder Araniva and Elder Benson. Elder Benson is from Utah and
already in my mission he has helped me so much. I got to work with him
on Saturday and he teaches with such power. I wanna be like him some day
in my mission. I love that guy (and more on that right now).
Now
to the fun stuff. I GOT JUMPED LAST NIGHT. Here's the story. We were
walking down the street and we heard a few guys say something about the
Mormons (we get a lot of crap down here). Some guy started to walk up to
me, but I figured it was just another drunk guy being stupid. But it
wasn't. He demanded me for my phone, so obviously I just gave it right
to him (not a big deal the phones are crap). Then he started to walk
away, but another came up to Elder Castro and asked him for his phone.
Elder Castro doesn't have one though. We were trying to tell him that he
doesn't have one when it hit me. Like literally a huge rock hit me in
the face. Hahahaha it hurt so bad. I was super dizzy for a second,
spitting out blood and all that. I turned around and Elder Castro was
still talking and I just yelled at him "c'mon let's go!" So we left. I
wanted to go to a members house that we know but we couldn't freaking
find it. So we found a random lady on the street and used her phone to
call Elder Benson. All this time I was spitting out blood, and my shirt
was covered in it. And I could tell that my teeth were destroyed. Sorry
for the details hahaha. Elder Benson came flying in the truck, we called
President Russell and went to the hospital. It never really hurt, there
was just so much blood. I don't have the picture with me but I"ll send
it when I can :) there at the hospital I got a BUNCH of stitches, I
don't know how many, but a lot. I spent the night at the Presidents
house, and I'm going to have to spend the next few nights at least here.
I learned today that I'm going to lose one tooth on top, and they're
going to put a post in and replace the tooth. On the bottom I just have
to get a crown and root canal and fix it all up. It should be a pretty
long process, and I know I'm going to have like a 2 hour surgery next
Monday. Fun!
Now
for the best part. The blessings that I received as a result of this.
First, I'm so grateful that it wasn't Elder Castro. Extremely grateful.
I'm thankful that it hit me in the mouth and not higher in the head. The
guy that threw the rock(same guy that stole my phone) probably could've
done a lot more but for some reason he didn't. Elder Benson was right
there to help us, and was so loving. President Russell and Sister
Russell, I can't even describe my gratitude for them. They are honestly
so amazing. They had been traveling all day and there were right there
with me every step of the way at the hospital. I was there til about 11
doing the surgery. And they've been so loving today. Sister Russell has
more love for these missionaries than anyone could ever imagine. She
reminds me so much of my mom, and that gave me so much comfort at the
hospital. And lastly, I received an even greater testimony and love for
the Prophet Joseph Smith and our Savior Jesus Christ. I just got hit
with a rock. They had soooooooooo much more done to them. So don't worry
about me :) be grateful for those two men.
I
talked to Dad on the phone this morning, and it really was so simple.
I'm alive, so I'll just get right back to work when I can :) love you
all so much and I'm thankful for your prayers and support!
Elder Merrill
Sister Merrill,
As a mother of
four, three who served missions, I know sometimes our "mother's heart"
feels things differently than our husbands do. For this reason, I am
writing to you.
Please
know that President and I are doing our best to take very good care of
quiet, kind Elder Merrill. We love Elder Merrill. President and I
spent all morning with him at medical appointments and purchasing food
that will be easier for him to eat than rice and beans. We have
contacted the absolute best doctors/dentists and have been seen
immediately. Last night in the ER probably felt like a long time to
Elder Merrill because we were finished long past his missionary bedtime
of 10:30 and because he is a morning person versus a night person! He
is tough and uncomplaining. I monitor his pain, which he says he has
very little of or none at all Probably one of the hardest things for
him is not being able to work. He has asked to help out in the office
tomorrow as he wants to continue serving the Lord in any way he can
while he waits for future appointments, less swelling and healing.
It takes wonderful parents to raise such a fine missionary. He knows why he is here and wants to fill each day with service. I am sure he will write to you, but should you personally have any questions I can answer, please let me know. Thank you for sharing Elder Merrill with us.
Hermana Russell
Nicaragua Managua South
Sam wrote me on Monday, but didn't say anything about his troubles - he thanked me for the music and added that "It literally saved my life!" I didn't know what he meant until I read his letter home... He's in my prayers. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers Bret. It's good to know he got the package and I'm so happy he loved your music!! And congratulations on 20 years at Oak Hills! The children sure love you!
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