First, my back has not been doing well so, like I said last week, I've been talking to Irma Fluckiger a lot about it. The mission doctor called and told me he would set up a consult and some exams for me here to see what we could do to keep me working. So on Tuesday, Irma Fluckiger called and said I needed to come into Lisbon to go to the hospital with her and make an appointment. The next day we went in and I was able to schedule a consult on Thursday.
The consult went ok, and the doctor told me I needed to have an MRI to see what was going on, to see if my back is getting worse, and to begin physical therapy. We scheduled an MRI for Friday. As we were waiting for the train, my companion goes, "It's your six month mark today! What do you want to do?" I just kind of looked at her funny and said, "Get an MRI...?" because it was going to take pretty much all of the afternoon. So yeah, we are now really close with Irma Fluckiger who is hilarious. And I'm very familiar with the hosital CUF in downtown Lisbon. Good times.
But, the Lisbon trips don't end there! This past weekend was a special stake conference for the three stakes surrounding Lisbon. Elder Nelson, Elder Terxeira and Elder Rasband came to speak to the stakes here. On Saturday morning, their wives spoke at a Relief Society conference which was amazing. Seriously so, so wonderful.
Directly after that conference we had to leave to go to a mission conference! All the missionaries in Portugal got to come except the ones who were out on the islands. I go to see tons of people from the mtc and the first couple transfers. that conference was so incredible. Elder Rasband did a question answer session with us and it was so so amazing to feel the power of all us missinaries sitting in that one tiny, incredibly hot chapel together. The counsel given was so so great. The conferences felt like a breath of fresh air and helped put a lot of things back into perspective for me about how to approach the work.
This past week was really great. On Sunday there was the actual stake conference and Elder Rasband talked a ton about the temple! It was really cool and the people here are so excited to be getting a temple! They all have such strong testimonies of temple work! I love it! Everyone go to the temple as much as you can! In fact, this whole past transfer has been really great.
And, speaking of which, today is transfers! I'm being transferred! I can't even like process it right now. I have so many mixed emotions. I'm going to some place called Quinta de Conde. It's on the other side of the Tejo River or something? I'm not sure. It gets better though, I'm doing yet another white wash! My companion's name is Irma Palmer. She came in two transfers before me so, same as Irma Quebbeman. Three areas and three white washes! Ha ha ha, goodness gracious.
I've heard some cool stories about that area though, and about my companion, so it should be good. I'm so nervous about leaving here though. It's so true what everyone says that as soon as you love an area you have to leave. When we sat in sacrament meeting two weeks ago, after Dania gave her testimony, I just looked around and was overwhelmed with how much I love the people of this ward. Mom and Dad, I will definitely bring you here when you pick me up. After that feeling of love, I kind of felt like peace and just a hint of knowledge that I was going to have to leave.
When I heard about transfers, I was actually doing alright until I had to call a few members to tell them and they made me cry. I'm gonna miss them so much! This ward is amazing! I'm also really sad to leave Irma Quebbeman. She's also being transferred so there's been a lot of craziness and confusion, and packing. She and I are both kind of at peace with it, but it's going to be really hard being with a different companion. She and I are so close it's weird. We legit read each other's minds and know so much about how the other works. It's definitely going to be tough getting used to another companion and trying to have that same level of bond. I'm not sure it will happen as much as with her though, like other missionaries have commented on how it's a little weird and unusual how close we are. Overall, I'm not freaking out anymore though. It's what the Lord wants for me; so I'm gonna just go with it.
Last night we were at a baptism of some other missionaries in our district and my district leader said that he felt like he should tel me a few things. He gave some really good advice on deciding what kind of a missionary and person I'm going to be. He told me to start working at it right now and on how to really accomplish my potential as a missionary. It was just a lot of stuff I really needed to hear, and I feel like today the Lord is telling me to put it into practice.
Everyone pray that my new companion and I will get along. I hope that we will be able to figure out where the heck anything is! As soon as I have my new address, I'll let you guys know. I love you all so much. I'm so excited to be out here and to have lasted six months and to keep working toward a seventh. I'm excited for the new start and another opportunity to share my testimony with a companion, a ward, and new investigators. Don't forget that God loves you and that He wants to help and comfort you at every second. All you have to do is get on your knees and the peace will come. I love this gospel, and I love the mission and I love you guys!
Here is my new address fools!
Urbanizaçao Cova dos Vidros
Alameda Salguiera Maia Lote 82 R/C-C
2975-100 Quinta do Conde, Portugal
So anyway, I'm here in our new area! I'm just sending a quick email because my new companion Irma Palmer didn't get to do email yesterday. The area seems cool and its actually really great, we have a miracle already!
As you know, we are white washing so neither of us know the area at all or anything. However, because so many places were having a white wash, like ten Irmas had to come meet at a train/bus/metro station in Lisbon and trade companions and keys and phones. One of those Irmas was Irma Brown! She was in the other companionship of the Mem Martins ward during my first transfer. She and I are really close and she used to serve here in Quinta do Conde. Well, her new companion is having some health problems and is at the hospital for a few days. So she had to come stay with us and now she is showing us around all over the place. She is going to introduce us to people for the next few days! Hurrah! White washing is super stressful. So hallelujah.
Also, Irma Palmer, my new companion is from South Jordan, Utah. She is super funny and we are basically a lot alike. I can already tell it's gonna be a great transfer. I was so nervous to leave Irma Quebbeman and Mem Martins but I already feel so happy and at peace about it.
I love you guys a ton.
Do me a huge favor and update my address. Don't forget that this address is only for letters.
Packages go to:
Irma Erin Dean
Rua Jorge Barradas
Nº14C
1500-370
Lisbon, Portugal
Thanks! Have a great week!
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