Trials

This week has been interesting. Starting off, for half of it I spoke like Darth Vader because my voice was really sick, so my teaching effectiveness went down to about 7%. The other half, I spent having digestive problems. I ate garba at one of our new ami's restaurants, which got me really sick. I finally ended up at the hospital samedi night and stayed for 3 days. So, health-wise, not the best week. We also killed one of the rats here, so that's 1 less rat scaring me when I go to get food.

One thing that has touched me, and that will continue to do so, is people. The conditions they live in, problems they face, and how many of them choose to be happy despite the situations they struggle through. This week we encountered several different people with different problems:

On mecredi, we weren't sure where to go, as our rendes-vous had fallen through. A clear image of a red building I had seen before came into my head. We went to it, still unsure of what we needed to do. Some people in the building next to it beckoned for us to come visit them. They were a nice Muslim family. Next, we found out that actually their house is where two deaf sisters live. I have bought food sometimes from one of them, and she's super nice. She and her sister are Christian, so that's way cool. Elder Diaz and I are hoping to go and visit them this week.

Sr Estelle came to church! I mean, I wasn't there, but Elder Diaz was. He said she looked great and seemed really happy to be there. I have so much hope for her. She seems to be putting what we have been teaching her into practice and it is going to change her life. It's such a cool thing to see.

Fr Herve is an ami that we met as we were leaving another lesson. He was very open with us and said that he was trying to overcome an alcohol addiction, and needed help. He was a very sweet guy, and even fed us some of his garba (the garba that got me sick haha). We are hoping to be able to help him this week on his path to recovery.

The most touching and biggest experience this week was with this sister, who's name is Sr Dorcas. We met her last week while teaching about the Book of Mormon. She was on the side, just listening, but after Elder Diaz and I testified, she started asking questions. People told her that the Book of Mormon was diabolic and that people did animal sacrifices with it, so she threw away the first two that the missionaries had given her. But when she heard our testimony, her perspective changed. She's a very cool sister, but she has lots of challenges. She shared with us on mecredi that she was having her 4th kid from her fiancé that beats her nightly. She had a c-section with her last kid and so everyone she sees says her next kid is going to die... and lots of stuff like that. She was crying as she told us all of that. It broke my heart. I cried as I told her that "through the Savior, you will find peace and you will find joy." I said many other things, and so did my companion. It was so sad. But, she said that through the Book of Mormon and through us two, her life started to have light and happiness. On dimanche she came and bore her testimony, and Elder Diaz said it was powerful. She has so many struggles, and the worst part is that we can't help her about them anymore. She just got kicked out of the house she was living in, and so now she's living with her friend in another sector. So, we'll be sending her our prayers and our love. She's such a sweet sister.

There were many many other examples of people who are suffering or struggling, and yet, were happy despite their trials. After talking with Sr Dorcas, Elder Diaz and I were so distraught by what she shared with us, along with other situations of other amis. We had to take a break. We sat down on some concrete rubble and thought. The image of a place that I hadn't been to before, but knew where it was, appeared in my mind. We went there, and found a small, shaded area next to the lagoon in our sector. There was a cool breeze, the water was lapping the shore, and there was peace. Elder Diaz and I rested there and pondered for a time before going back out to work. As my thoughts turned, and eventually settled, I reflected on our Savior. He knows each and every one of us, our sufferings, trials, and pain. He knows what each of us will go through. To overcome these challenges, he offers us His plan. If we follow His example, we will find joy, we will find relief, we will find peace. 

"Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me" (D&C 19:23)

Just like how Elder Diaz and I were weighed down by the problems our amis shared with us, and how we found peace in sitting by the lagoon, we can also find peace in Christ. He is the Way. He is the Life. He is the Light of the world. He understands our trials in a sense deeper than simple human conviction. He can help us in any situation, as long as we reach out to Him. No matter how weighed down we may feel, far we may be from the light, or alone we may seem, He is always there. And, he can cure any trial with love, joy, and peace. When our lives seem a disaster, we can turn to Him. When we do so earnestly and sincerely, His response is simple, yet powerful. "Peace, be still."

When we walk with Him, we find peace. When we seek Him, we find the answers to our questions. When we knock, the door to blessings and light opens and floods our life with His love. Everything is wonderful out here in Cote d'Ivoire. The Lord is pouring out His Spirit on the people here, and miracles are happening. It's such an honor to be a participant in this great work. I love you guys. Until next week

-Elder Lyman

Definitely doesn't look like the rats in pet stores here... Look at those ears! Maybe that's because it is wet. It was stuck in the toilet until Elder Diaz and Elder Lyman killed it. 

 

 

The look on his face might be relieved disgust? 

 

 

 

Elder Tehiva and Elder Ngindu were in better spirits than Elder Lyman.

 

 

 

 

 •While in the hospital Elder Lyman became extremely bored. He took to watching a mosquito taunt him as it flew around the room for hours.

•Elder Lyman had an IV placed in his hand when he arrived at the hospital. He says he was given IV fluid and 20 different injections of unknown medications, and was feeling quite a bit better after 2 days. Blood tests, a chest xray and an ultrasound were also performed. 

On day 2 Elder Lyman couldn't see the purpose of his IV and removed it himself, only to have a doctor or nurse come in later and have to put another one in his other hand for more infusions.

•A gentleman from France was in the bed next to Elder Lyman for a little bit of the time. Elder Lyman spoke with him at length and shared a bit of his testimony with this man. The man then invited Elder Lyman to visit him if ever he goes to Paris, and gave Elder Lyman his number.

•The Vridi1 branch President and his family came and visited with Elder Lyman on Sunday, and the mission President visited on Monday, giving Elder Lyman some much needed distraction and company. 

•Elder Lyman said the air conditioning, good food and hot showers were definitely not enough of a temptation to make him want to get sick again.