June 22, 2015
Dear Family & Friends…
I guess Malawi doesn’t last forever
after all; I have been transferred to THE GREAT!!! Zambia Lusaka. Honestly I am
pretty bummed, I have fallen in love with the people in this area and had
accepted that this area would be my last area, and then the Zone Leaders
called. And the area is just starting to be on fire so I am way bummed, but its
okay. I am stocked to be going to the Great ZAMBIA!!! I have been there several
times because of Mission Leader Councils and it is like America! Huge shopping
malls, etc. so I am stoked, I will not lie.
The zone leaders have truly saved me
this week. I’ll tell you the full story when I get home but I was in an
accident and hit a car. I wanted to take care of it all by myself but everyone
was gathering around and yelling at us. I wanted to handle by myself but I knew
I needed to call the Zone Leaders. They showed up immediately. They were so
nice, but honestly, I was humiliated. I have put the zone leaders through so
much since I’ve been in Blantyre (8 weeks)--not just this, but other things.
When the showed up… I started crying (and you know me, I don’t cry very
easily). They handled me and the whole situation so well. They didn’t even make
me talk. They saved us! The next day we had to go do a police report and it was
then that I accepted the reality of my mistake. I realized that this applies to
the Gospel. Many times when we sin, we want to deny what we’ve done and don’t
really want to face our Father in Heaven. I definitely did not want the Zone
Leaders’ help. But when I accepted the mistake I made, I was able to more
easily see how kind and incredible it was to have their help. I felt so much
love for them--not in a likey, likey way--but in a charity way. Once we truly
accept the Savior and acknowledge our mistakes, it makes it easier to love Him
and also to love those around us.
One of the major things I have learned
on my mission is charity. My patriarchal blessing mentions it. I feel like it has always been somewhat of a
strength in my life, but on mission it has grown to a whole new level. I never
realized that the kind of love I feel for the people here was even
possible. And not just for the people
here on my mission, but for the human race. I have deepened my love for
everyone. I truly do love every person in this world. I don’t even know how to
explain it. I remember though before my mission haha I would be studying at the
library and when I needed a break I would just people watch. I remember
specific moments when I would be looking at someone and feel love for them and
want to know their story and their life and I never had the courage to go and
talk to them. I remember these moments so vividly in the library. Maybe I
wasn’t listening to the spirit… maybe I was supposed to go and talk to them.
But I know when I felt this way towards someone it was a unique experience and
I remember I really would love them. Maybe I sound like a weirdo but it’s true
so I have to accept it. But on mission, my capacity to love has enlarged or
increased and the love I feel for people is deeper than ever before. I am truly
grateful for this. I think it's a result of really trying to consecrate myself,
to let myself get lost in the Lords’ way--not just the Lord’s work, but the
Lord’s way…trying my best to do the right thing. I’ve also tried hard to trust
the Lord 100% which kind of goes back to the car example--accepting that I am
not perfect and accepting that the Lord needs to help me A LOT. I hope that I
will continue to develop this charity. I am truly grateful for it. It’s a gift
I hope I never lose and that I’ll continue to grow in my ability to have
charity for all.
I Love you ALL!!!! THE MISSION IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME!! I am forever grateful to be a missionary!!
Love….Sister Falco
Photos: Goodbyes in Blantyre
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