So, I've had my new calling for nearly a month now. It has been quite a ride so far. I use my spanish every day, at least once. It has been really busy--busier than I was expecting. I used to get 5 phone calls a week. Now it's averaging about 15 a day. I never know what each phone call will bring. I'm still trying to figure out how to manage my time so I can fit everything in. It's like when you have a new baby and all of a sudden you have all this stuff to do for the baby, and you still have to manage your household and other children, etc. I must say, though, it really feels like a privilege to serve the sisters in our ward. And regardless of what skills or qualifications I have or don't have, the purpose of the relief society president is to serve the sisters and their families. It's been a neat experience so far. I'm recording these experiences so I don't forget them. I feel really intune with the Spirit and feel constantly prompted as what to do and/or say. One Sunday I had a strong feeling to go see a sister, so I went Monday morning. I didn't really know what, if anything was going on, but I just felt like I needed to be there and a specific phrase came into my mind to say to her. And it was exactly what she needed. To be honest, it was a bit overwhelming for both of us. I don't take credit for this--I just feel it's the Spirit working and doing it's job through me. I've seen a great deal of financial need in our ward and have often felt after talking with the sister or leaving her home, that I could/should just pay for whatever she needs. But then I've thought if I can afford to buy groceries for her or pay to fix something, I should give that extra money as fast offerings and then have the bishop decide how the money should be used. So, at our pres. meeting last night I felt strongly about sharing this. This morning one of my counselors called me and told me she had been thinking about it all night and really felt and gained a stronger testimony of fast offerings. Beforehand she had felt that since so many sisters have financial needs what can't the church help them all or why can't we have fundraisers. I explained to her the bishop can't pull money out of a hat--the amount of money he has each month to help those with needs depends on how much we, as members, pay in fast offerings. That same counselor and I visited someone yesterday who said she needed help buying food. We went to assess her needs. We both left with the same impression that she does need help but had been exaggerating her need a bit. One of my counselors has only been a member since September, but wow--she is priceless. She has helped so much so far. She's Latina and although I can speak spanish, the other latina sisters really trust and confide in her, more so than they do with me just yet. This is such a wonderful experience for her and really an honor for me to be a part of her experience--to see her growth and development. She's definitely going to be a great leader and asset for the hispanic sisters of the ward. So, although this calling demands a lot of time and can be emotionally taxing, I'm really enjoying it.
