Lagrimas de Gozo

These last few days were super special.

The grandma of a family in our ward passed away and we were able to go and support them at the cemetery grounds. Funerals here are nothing like what we do back home. Instead of having a nice service before going to the cemetery, we went directamente to the cemetery and they placed the her body in the ground without saying anything.......they all just stood there without saying a word and cried. Its was honestly so sad because the family wasn’t able to come to a conclusion on how they would do the service because they’re all from different religions. So they just stood there without saying anything about the life of their grandma, or that she was in heaven, nothing. So sad.

After the major part of the family left, those who are members of the church in the family came together with us and the family of our bishop. We were able to dedicate the grave. After the super powerful and special prayer from the bishop, the family members shared their simple but powerful testimonies about the Plan of Salvation, and the spirit was soooo strong. I was truly able to see the joy and happiness that the restored gospel brings to our lives. It reminded me a lot of my brother’s funeral, and specifically that of my grandmother Dawna. So much so that after the testimonies, I felt prompted to sing Come Come Ye Saints, which if I remember right, was one of the hymns that we sang at the grave dedication of Dawna. I asked permission first, and they agreed instantly. Boy was it special. The young family was able to truly dedicate the grave of their grandmother in such a special way. Instead of leaving the cemetery sad and depressed like the major part of the family did, they left with uplifted spirits and hopes of seeing grandma Rosa once again on the morning of the resurrection.

I love the chances that I have as a missionary to bless the lives of others just by being able to do small things like singing a hymn or helping them with their bags. Although many many people tell us that we´re crazy or that all we do is annoy and bother the people, I know that this work is important, and that this work is incomprehensible. I love the mission!!!!!

I was also able to teach the Sunday school class about Revelations 1-11 in Come Follow Me with my comp, and the lesson turned out wonderful. Such a miracle for me jaja.

Love you guys,

Elder Anderson