Pt 3/5

Out trip was seriously a dream come true thus far. But, Sunday morning was my favorite part of it all...

Being down here in Mexico, it's hard to live exactly how I want to because I depend on so many other people. I always do exactly what my host family has planned for me. So, sometimes I am unable to make it to church on Sundays because of what they have going on with me and the family. Or sometimes the girls and I have to travel home on Sunday mornings from our weekend vacations. Regardless, I hadn't been to church for 3 weeks. And it was taking a toll on me. 

I can honestly say I have never wanted to go to church so bad in my life. 

I do my best to read my scriptures and say my prayers everyday. And that brings much joy to my life. But there is something special about being with a ward family. Dressing in my Sunday best.  Hearing others bear their testimonies (even when you can't totally understand everything). Which in turn helps my testimony grow. Partaking of the sacrament. And feeling the spirit. 

After searching for a while and me making a few phone calls, we found the chapel in Taxco. The excitement I felt walking up to the building was overwhelming. Really. I've never felt that way about attending church before. A member of the bishopric greeted us with a handshake and a smile. We walked up a few flights of stairs and then saw the Elders. What a happy sight. They were shocked to see 5 gringas walk in. One of the Elders was from Kaysville and attended Davis High. We chatted with them for a while and waited for the meeting to get started. The attendance of about 50 people was heartwarming. I wasn't expecting that many for the size of the city! They had a CD player playing hymns and so we volunteered Ashley to be the pianist for the meeting. They were thrilled! 

It was fast and testimony meeting and I'm so grateful that it was. It was just what I needed. Hearing the testimonies of those members was incredible. Really, I don't know why that very meeting was so special, but it was definitely one of my favorite testimony meetings I've ever attended. 

I certainly take for granted the life I have back home. Raised by the best examples I could possibly have. With parents who love the Lord. Sealed in the temple. A father and brothers who worthily hold the priesthood and chose and will choose to serve missions. Sisters who continue to live their lives worthy of all of the blessings our Heavenly Father has to offer. Also, for extended family, friends, and neighbors who make it that much easier for me to live the gospel.

It seems like it would be difficult to get up and travel a fair distance to church in places like Mexico and other parts of the world. By yourself. With children but without your spouse. Or even with all your family. It's got to be hard! But the spirit I felt from those people is unforgettable. What faith, courage, and strength they have. They will never know the example they were to me and the impact they had on my testimony. 

I love the gospel. I feel so blessed to have the knowledge that I do. 

Sunday was such a good day. :)