Week 53: My Sister's Keeper

Happy birthday, Jonah!!!

We love running into other companionships at the mall on P-day

My dear audience, can you believe that my little brother’s about to become an adult? Wednesday will mark the end of an era. Two eras, actually, because that’s when Hermana González will be driving back home, and I will never see her again, unless she sends me off at the airport when I go home in six months. Also, I’ll definitely be visiting Guatemala after my mission, and I’m sure she’ll visit the U.S. But after spending four months with a person, parting ways is a really weird thing.

Not me being taller than my entire district (a Guatemala standard)

Also very eventful! We had zone conference, Hermana González had to go to the hospital and get an IV (she’s totally fine, please do not worry), we got a super rare commodity (Dr Pepper) the very day I thought about not having it in a while, I went on the shortest exchange ever with Hermana Dunford and Hermana Hernandez while Hermana González and the other missionaries on their last legs did baptisms in the temple, we ate so much food, and there was no electricity in Xela for half of Sunday! And, like I’ve already mentioned, I have to say goodbye to one of my best friends.

The first members who fed us, and now the second-to-last.

Hermana González has been such a blessing to me, and she’s also defined my entire experience in Guatemala so far. I have absolutely loved the time I have spent with her and all that she has taught me about how to be a missionary. I seriously cannot describe my gratitude for having her in my life. No person or companionship is perfect, but I just find my love transcending anything that could even begin to be a problem.

We also love walking down the street and running into one of Hermana González’s converts (not literally of course *canned laughter*)

At zone conference, the story of Cain and Abel was mentioned. You know, where the brother murders his brother, and then he lies to God about it?

9  And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?

I think that the character of Ruth (I love Ruth) is a wonderful contrast to this attitude.

16 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.

Naomi, the person Ruth is talking to, isn’t even her relation by blood. She’s her mother-in-law. Both of their husbands have died, and Naomi is planning on going back to Bethlehem, which is her homeland. Ruth’s sister-in-law in a similar position to her simply goes back home. But Ruth decides to care for this woman, not because it offers her anything, but because of the love in her heart.

I don’t really find the love I’ve given has in turn given me anything. At least, in terms of some material reward. But my love has always made me happier, more positive, more willing to reach out. Love is what identifies the purpose of God and of our Savior. It is the framework of the entire gospel. Love has made my mission.

One of my favorite hymns is “Lord, I Would Follow Thee,” and I don’t necessarily have any commentary, because I feel the lyrics speak for themselves. I’ll just attach the last two verses and this video of the Tabernacle Choir singing it:

I would be my brother’s keeper;

I would learn the healer’s art.

To the wounded and the weary

I would show a gentle heart.

I would be my brother’s keeper—

Lord, I would follow thee.

Savior, may I love my brother

As I know thou lovest me,

Find in thee my strength, my beacon,

For thy servant I would be.

Savior, may I love my brother—

Lord, I would follow thee.

— Love all of you,

Hermana Newton