Yesterday, in the afternoon, we attended the memorial service of Elder Cuevas. Sadly, he passed away Wednesday morning of natural causes. Although I did not know him personally, the spirit of the service was very strong and we felt united as children of God. From Elder Cuevas' example, I learned what it means to endure to the end. He had actually gone home early a few months ago for knee problems but came back to the mission. His companion and mother told us in the service yesterday that he had made a promise to his mother that he would not return home until he had finished his mission. He wanted to do the Lord's work. Now he is home and he is still continuing his mission.
When his mother spoke, she spoke of her son's perseverance and his dedication to the work. And at the end of her testimony, with tears in her eyes, she cried, "¡Hurrah por Israel! ¡Hurrah por Israel! ¡Hurrah por Israel!" The Lord's work continues on, brothers and sisters! I know it! Death is a temporary separation. He will be greatly missed but I know that the Lord wants him there. I was heartbroken to see how distraught his parents were but I was also greatly comforted because I know that God's plan is a perfect plan and it continues on. I know God loves us. That's why He created the Plan of Salvation. There is so much more to hope for!
Our investigators are doing well. But, this week, I received another confirmation that each of God's children is a soldier fighting their own battle. Every person we know has their own Goliath that they are facing. It's heart-breaking and sometimes as I pray at night, I find myself on my knees for a long time, trying to remember all of the names of the people we are praying for. Everyone is so brave!
This week, we found a "golden investigator!" Her name is E and she's from Nicaragua. Seriously, she is so awesome! I contacted her when I was with Sister Hidalgo but never saw her again after that. We ran into her on Wednesday in what I like to call "God's timing" because it was perfect how we ran into each other. We talked with her and visited her later that night. She accepted a baptismal date and accompanied us to an activity that same night! She is really social and talked to everyone. Sadly, she went to Nicaragua for a few days and we're not sure when she's coming back. I know that if the Lord wants me to be His instrument in leading her to the waters of baptism, that He will bring her back soon.
We had transfers today but luckily, my companion and I will be staying in Montelimar! I'm glad because I love this area, the members, my companion, and our district. The Elders are really awesome! So awesome that we made district t-shirts! There is a couple in our area that we found contacting that prints shirts, measuring cups, etc. They gave us a discount and printed us shirts with a design on the front that says "Costa Rica - East Mission" and on the back it has our last name, the number 3, and the phrase, "La Viña" (the vineyard). We have a running joke that we are the next series of "The District" and call ourselves "District 3" and "La Viña" because our last district leader, Elder Hoover, always asked us, "In which area do you work?" And the answer is, "The vineyard!" (the Lord's vineyard).
I love this Gospel! I know that it's true! I love you all! Have a good week!
Hermana Whitman