Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Bipolar Seniors

Hola Todas!
Shoutout to Richard Higginbotham on his mission call! So excited for you and Chip!

 
Thank you so so so much for all of your letters, love, and support. I promise I read every email but dont have much time to respond. I take pictures of all your emails and read them throughout the week. What a strength you all are! Muchas muchas gracias a todos!
 
Im a senior now here at the CCM! Its so crazy! These last two weeks have FLOWN! It makes me terrified that these next 17 will too. (and also a little relieved, I gotta be honest). I only have 17 months left! That is so depressing! I have so much to do!
 
I SAW EVA VANCOTT! That was a tender mercy this week. Im pretty sure I scared her with all my crying but it was so wonderful to see her beautiful smiel and be uplifted by here. She has always been an example to me and I know she will do miracles even when she comes home today. I love you Hermana Vancott! Thank you much!
 
Last pday was extremely hard. I was really really depressed and extrememly homesick. We went to the temple (WONDERFUL as always) but it was really really hard. I cried a ton. I was feeling like I couldnt do this for 18 whole months. Then I realized that the Priesthood is there for a reason and asked for a blessing of comfort. It was amazing! I have not been homesick since. (I still miss home and there are still hard moments but nothing near that). The Priesthood power works miracles. Speaking of miracles. Chileans believe so much in miracles! It is wonderful!
 
I am missin the snow at the moment but Santiago is HOT! I actually really like it. It is great to go outside and talk to all the bus loads of people that come to the temple on the weekends. It is such a blessing to be here at the CCM!
 
This week my district all got really down and felt like we were in a rut. One of our wonderful teachers, Hma Alegria, had us go in a circle and tell strengths and talents of each person in the district. Talk about spiritual experience! Sometimes God uplifts you through others. In fact, its more than we ever realize. I love this district with my whole heart. I know we are meant to be together. They are so patient with me when I break down and lift me up countless times. I hope I can be at least half as helpful as they are.
 
The language is very hard. That is what I have struggled with this week. The more I learn the more I realize I dont know. I get frustrated sometimes. I know that the gift of tongues is a process though. I am trying to be humble and patient. There are funny moments though when people say that they know the scriptures are vegetables or when they say we can be saved from our fish. Legit things peeps. :) We have laughed so hard weve cried.
 
I love the scriptures so much! They are so true! If you need comfort, strength, hope, love, motivation, happiness, faith, etc THE SCRIPTURES will give you those things when paired with the Spirit. Yo sé que las escrituras son verdaderas. Cuando yo leo las escrituras yo recibo mucho consuelo. Dios halba a Sus Hijos mediate las escrituras.
 
We have had soccer tournaments ever morning as a CCM for exercise. My team won! Now dont be too surprised. I promise i did nothing. And dont laugh too hard while trying to imagine me playing soccer. 
 
We all claim that the CCM makes us bipolar. Actually the mission makes you bipolar. We experience a wide range of emotions all of which are wonderful. How can frustration, hopelessness, despair, and sadenss be good things? you ask. It is because those are the moments when you grow the most and when you grow closest to your Heavenly Father. How can he calm the storm when there is no storm? How can he strengthen us when we already feel strong? How can he comfort us if we dont need to be comforted? Be greatful for trials.
 
Scripture that accurately describes the CCM: Proverbs 20: 13. Everyone loved this one when I found it. Hermana Doll kept it too. :) (SO MUCH BREAD!)
 
 
Things I wish that I would have done pre mission (for all you preparing now)
1 Writtten down more spiritual experiences and brought them with me
2 Studied the BOM and PMG more (and marked them LOTS)
3 Studied my mission language more
4 Learned how to rely on him more
5 Learned more about my mission country
Its a real thing yall.
 
I know that this gospel is true! I cannot doubt. It becomes more apparent to me daily. I love you all so dearly and pray for you all more than you know.
 
Mucho Amor! Olay!
 
Hermana Kelson
leah.kjeldsen@myldsmail.net

Mailing address:
Sister Leah Kelson
Chile Vina del Mar Mission
4 Norte 1112, Casilla 631
Vina del Mar Valparaiso
Chile
 
Package Mailing Instructions:
Sister Leah Kelson
Chile Vina del Mar Mission
4 Norte 1112
Vina del Mar
Valparaiso
Chile

1 comment:

  1. Oh Leah! I needed this today! So much goodness. Being a mom makes me bipolar too! I love you girl!

    ReplyDelete