Sister Louis

Thirteen months ago Sister Louis came to the MTC from India.  When she arrived she was almost overwhelmed with this new culture.  The food was tastless, the people were bold, the dress was boring and she would sometimes wear her native silk tunic over silk pants (beautful but a bit out of place here) and the biting cold chilled her to the bone.   She struggled with the language and missionary work but she had determination and a strong testimony and she stayed the course!   Her family are members but none of them have the commitment she does.  It was a HUGE leap in her life to serve a mission.  By the time she left she had attached herself to us and we to her. Since then she has written often and  asked us repeatedly to find a way to see her again before we left for home.  So.....we called her mission president and arranged a visit with her.  Last Monday we headed out for the south western tip of Wales (about a 5 hour drive) where she is currently serving.  When we called  her to tell her we were coming she was  ecstatic.     

She is serving in the little town of Newcastle Emlyn where there is a strong ward but the missionary work is very slow.

The town is charming, the streets lined with brightly painted flats.

I suppose when giving directions you just say, I live in the blue house, or the pink, or the green.  How clever.

And this is Sister Louis with her companion Sister LeFevre, who was with us 8 months ago.   Both girls are terrific.  It was absolutely delightful to watch Sister Louis.  She has blossomed into an amazing young woman.  She talked to everyone she met.  She never wiped that broad grin off her face the entire time we were with her. And she has reason to be sad. In the 13 months she has been here she has never received a letter from home.  Finally last October the mission president suggested she call home and find out what is going on.  She talked to her brother who told her that her mother and father have separated and they do not know where the mother is.  She still doesn't know why no one writes her but she does not seem to care.  She LOVES her mission.  She LOVES the people and or course they love her.  She has simply given herself over to the work!  She does not ever want to go home.  (and supposedly her family is active in the church!!!)  We sat together over lunch and then walked the streets.  We bought her a new skirt for Christmas (probably all she will get) and when we parted it was with many hugs and tears.  We may never see her again but she will always remain in our hearts. (altho she calls us mom and dad so who knows.  She might just show up on our doorstep some day.) But it was worth the 10 hour round trip.

This is the beautiful chapel that sits on a hill overlooking this valley. 

And this is the valley with the beautiful river and arched bridges that are the focal point of so many towns.