A Day in the Life of a Senior Missionary

Last Friday was a typical day for us. Our focus is somewhat different than the young missionaries. Often we work with the older, homebound members or those who need help becoming involved again with the Church. Last Friday we had an appointment with a Filipino couple who are struggling in their marriage and to feel united with their two adult daughters and granddaughter who live with them. It was the fourth week for us to meet with them so we felt pretty confident that everything would go as scheduled. So far our visits had been very rewarding for us. The first time we met with them, the husband and wife were not talking to each other and their relationship was very strained. We listened to each of them and carefully tried to uncover their issues. It was like peeling an onion....one layer after another, but by the end of that visit they seemed to feel like they were both understood. We made a simple suggestion and they commited to it and by the next visit they were talking and even smiling some of the time. So last Friday we prepared another simple step for them and also prepared some pictures for their granddaughter and we were feeling good about the visit. However, we were stood up. At first we were concerned that it had been a bad week for them and their relationship, but thankfullly they had just needed to run an errand at that time. We'll meet with them this Friday. Not keeping up the momentum with them was disappointing.

But Friday night was terrific. It was the first meeting with David and Grace Palacious. Eight years ago when David was released as branch president of the Spanish branch, he and his wife quit coming to church. It all seemed so out of context. How could someone go from being so involved and steady to just quitting. At first we just tried to get to know David and Grace. They had come from El Salvador thirty years ago. David helped organize the national elections there at that time. There was a military leader running for office and another person. The voters supported the other person, but the military leader won.  David knew  unrest and violence would follow so they left the country. Grace has been working for 30 years now for San Mateo County and is a delightful person. David is very bright and forthright. They told us they were just completely drained from all their work to keep the Spanish branch going. I can somewhat relate. The church units here have tremendous needs and few strong to help. I at least can rereat to home in 18 months; so I have an escape from the overwhelming needs.There were few members and most were needy. There have been many over the years who have reached out to the Palacious family, but we were fortunate to come when they had mended enough that they were ready to step forward and to make a new start. I think it helped also that we are pretty close to their age and have served enough to know there are times when you have to modify your efforts to preserve your physical health and your mental health. You have to make sure you don't neglect your marriage and your children while you are serving others. Tom is good about keeping in balance and I think the things he said resounded with David Palacious. Poor David Palacious has been tortured by the thoughts that the Spanish branch might not survive without their support and that the work is divine, but he had nothing left in him to give. Sunday he and Grace attended church and were warmly welcomed. However, they will be adjusting so there is balance in their lives. There is a good chance that they will not be attending the Spanish Ward, but will go to their regular neigborhood ward instead.  It looks like it might meet their needs more. Meeting  the Palacious family was a very SWEET experience!

So all in all, Friday had it's ups and downs and that's the way most days go. There are challenges and inconveniences and then there are wonderful moments when you feel the Lord using you as His servant.