The Silver Lining

 

     Fortunately, one person made my life at the MTC bearable. I was assigned to the most wonderful missionary companion. His comforting voice, calm demeanor, and thoughtful personality reassured me that I could find peace at this difficult crossroads. He was someone I could talk to for hours while we lay in our bunk-beds and reminisced about the lives we left behind. He was musically talented, incredibly smart, and caring. While I was not attracted to him physically, I felt connected to him on a different level—a stronger level. I hadn’t realized it until later in life, but this experience, and many similar ones in the course of my mission, offered me a profound connection to who I am inside. Discovering myself in like-minded companions helped me discover the qualities I would seek in my future life-partner. This was one of the unforeseen yet remarkable rewards of my mission. Being a missionary has also taught me to develop my spiritual self in ways I never thought possible. I learned to love each member of humanity. My work became a daily expression of this love. And, although I consistently felt a sense of inadequacy as a District Leader, I led my district the best I could.

     I can vividly recall the last meeting I had with my district as their leader. In a private room, we knelt down to pray together for the last time. I would likely never see most of them again. I offered to say our parting prayer. I had no idea what to say, but when I opened my mouth in my broken Portuguese I felt my heart unravel. I prayed from the depth of my soul which produced the warmest and most comforting feeling. I spoke with such overwhelming and complete sincerity and love that when we opened our eyes, no one could hold back the tears. We were all literally sobbing. We became so immersed in each other’s lives that our love for one another was stronger than any I had ever experienced in my lifetime. It was a defining moment which I will cherish forever.