I
arrived to Costa Rica in August of 2014 to start my mission. When I got
off the plane, I was greeted by President Wilkinson who quickly
informed me that I would be the new Mission Nurse Specialist for the
Costa Rica San Jose Mission. My call packet said nothing about being the
mission nurse, I did not take the nurse training course in the MTC, and
I was very unfamiliar with the common sickness found in this foreign
country. But the current nurse had almost reached her 18 months, and had
already been assigned as my new companion.
I
was unsure if this meant I would now no longer be able to proselyte and
share the gospel of Jesus Christ, but I had agreed to serve where I was
needed. To my pleasant surprise, we indeed did still have time to be
missionaries and share our testimonies with the beautiful people of
Costa Rica. I learned how to balance my time between the phone calls,
text messages, and emails from sick missionaries, doctors offices and
hospital trips, submitting insurance claims and documenting our work and
missionary work.
President
Wilkinson made it very clear from the start of my mission that my first
priority is being a missionary, and then second is the health of the
other missionaries. I am sure he loved all of the missionaries and
wanted everyone to be healthy, but he understood God's plan. He
understood the protection we receive while serving our Lord. He
understood the urgency that is needed to bring more souls to the
knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ.
While
being a missionary first, I have had the Lord's guidance in my work as a
nurse for the missionaries and my work among the beautiful people of
Costa Rica. I have been able to feel the joy that comes after the people
I love accept God's will, are baptized in the name of our Savior Jesus
Christ, and continue to learn and work towards making covenants in the
temple. I have seen addictions conquered. I have seen broken families
made whole. I have seen the light of Christ grown in the eyes of others.
I have seen changes in the lives of many, including my own.
This
is the best decision I have ever made. Originally I had plans to come
to Costa Rica, stay for a few month, and then talk to President
Wilkinson about returning early to start my next semester of schooling.
But I was shown a better way to live. I was shown how to put the Lord
first in all that I do and accept God's will. I was stubborn and
prideful. But I have been shown how to rely on Christ. I have been shown
how to study the scriptures and let the Word of God and the Holy Ghost
guide me. And I am grateful for the example and love that was given to
me by President Wilkinson.
While
being a missionary first, my life will be changed forever. I now know
that my Savior lives. I now know that God loves each and every one of
His children. I know that through the Atonement that Christ provided for
us is the only way I can reach my goals and become the person I want to
become. I know what God expects of me, I know he is always ready and
willing to help me, and I know I am his daughter. I know the Plan of
Salvation is perfect. This mission, my family, and the Gospel of Jesus
Christ are huge blessings to me in my life and I am happy. :) I say
these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Hermana Makensey Beth Markle
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