The day she got the surgery the two sisters we live with (Sis. Moure and Sis. Hancock) and I all fasted for her. I prayed specifically that the Lord would send her His angels and His Spirit to bear her up. She said that even while she was in so much pain, she felt the love and Spirit of the Lord wrap her up like a warm blanket. I was so grateful for that.
I took her to the ER on Tuesday, and again on Wednesday, they did the surgery that night, and she stayed in the hospital until Friday morning. Then Friday morning we went to live with a member of the English ward until today to help me take care of her.
President and Sister Castro came to visit, as did various ward members and missionaries. They brought us meals and took such good care of us. We really felt everyone's love. I think love is the greatest principle I've learned about this week. - kind of ironic with it being Valentine's Day and all.
On Thursday President Castro had me switch out with some Sister Training Leaders. I went with Hna. Lindford - who I know and love. She is the most loving missionary I know. I was pretty exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally, and she just fixed me. It was just hard for me to see my companion in so much pain, because I love her so much. But Hna. Lindford's love healed me, strengthened me and helped me to be able to do everything I need to. It felt so good to go out and do some missionary work. I tell you what, I am SO grateful to be a missionary. Sharing the light of the gospel just brings light into your own life. It felt so good to get out and work. It was just what I needed.
Pres. Castro has had us switch out with the sisters we live with and work in our area for a couple hours each day while Hna. Hamlin recovers.
Okay, this email sounds really depressing. I'm going to change my tone now haha.
Going out with Sis. Moure has been so fun! She is an incredible missionary. She and I are so close and are in the same situation - as are our companions. So the way this switching out has been working is so good for all of us. Our companions are both struggling so it's been good for them to rest together and have fun talking - while Hna. Moure have so much fun together going out and teaching! We both run really fast paced so it's so fun to go out with her and just work. I LOVE teaching with her. She has only been a member for 2 years and has such a powerful testimony. We teach so well together. It's great.
It was fun living with that English Sister too - her name is Sis. Doucette. She was an elderly woman who lives alone and works in the temple. She loved having us. I prepared a message for her and she just loved it. I really felt the Lord speaking through me and giving her exactly what she needed in her life. While Hna. Hamlin rested I did studies like normal, then during the day helped Sis. Doucette around the house, picked her oranges, and moved some boxes for her. I was glad we were staying with her. I think I would have gone crazy just at the apartment without having anyone to help. Of course I help Hna. Hamlin with whatever she needs - but she's asleep most of the time. I love all the studying I get to do - but when you study for 8 hours every day you just start to go a little crazy. So it was good getting to help her.
I definitely feel the enabling power of the Atonement helping me to do everything I need to. It's only through Christ that I've been able to take care of my companion, and take care of our area by myself. But I don't feel alone at all. I feel the Savior and the Spirit right by my side. I feel the love and support of our mission president and his wife, the sisters we live with, and the members here.
I know this is happening for a reason. The Lord has a plan for her. Even though it's so hard I know it will become a blessing in her life and in her mission. I know my knee surgery was a big turn around point for me. If you could all please pray for Hna. Hamlin I would really appreciate it. She is looking better every day. It's still hard, but I think the worst of it is over.
Okay sorry this email was so long and not organized at all. And probably a little bit of a downer. It was hard to figure out how to tell the story of this whole week.
But all is well. We are learning and growing. I really love being a missionary. It's the greatest joy there is. I am more grateful for it now than ever.
I love you! Thank you for everything!
Hna. Cannon
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