Adiós, Málaga

It is quite a weird feeling to be saying goodbye to Málaga. A short 6 months ago, I began the long bus ride from Cáceres to my new area of Málaga. I remember the distinct feeling of excitement to see what was to come, and the slight knot in my throat as I began to think of those who I would not see again. As I begin this train ride to Jerez, that slight excitement of months ago has converted to an almost nauseousness and the knot in my throat, to tears. When I made that trip to Málaga back in October I had no idea what might await. I did not even have a grasp of the wonderful people I would meet and the incredible experiences I would have. You will notice in this email lots of faces of people you surely do not know. A short time ago, I also didn't know them. Since then, I have had the incredible privilege to become acquainted, and see their amazing examples. Let me share with you the stories of a few: 

-Lucia is a sister from Paraguay. She is one of the most Christlike humans I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She has an incredible ability of teaching and connecting with others, keeping the focus always on Jesus Christ. She is always willing to serve, and does so with a humble smile. As my time in Málaga went on, and I began to understand better her family situation and the difficulties she has experienced, I was even more impressed. She is someone who has been changed by charity. She emulates the idea of turning out and looking to others even as we feel tempted to turn inward. 

-I met Angel about a month ago through a member who had recently been baptized. He was only 19 years old and was living here alone in Spain in a precarious situation, both medically and economically. As we began to teach him and to prepare him for baptism, his life began to fill with light. He began to meet incredible people and he was blessed both spiritually and temporally. He found a stable job, a place to live and, more than that, found peace and purpose. Although many obstacles stand in his way, a mission is one of his goals. I will continue praying that he may be able to embark on that journey. 

-I met Ivan and Sonia the night of my 19th birthday. They had recently moved here from Colombia and had met the church through a friend. I frankly couldn't understand a word of what Sonia said, and Ivan didn't even say a word. That said, I could tell they had something unique about them. They were learning and progressing quickly, but they were not married to keep the Law of Chastity required before baptism. I remember Sonia crying as she lamented that it would be impossible to be baptized as they didn't have the money or resources to be married. We explained about the opportunity to be married cheaply through a judge in Utah and they jumped at the idea. The ward planned an incredible wedding and the baptism to follow - it was also very beautiful. They have become some of the strongest recent converts our ward has seen. Ivan now speaks much more and has revealed a great desire to serve in the ward and a dry sense of humor that always cracks me up. Sonia is a someone that loves to laugh. A minute doesn't go by that she isn't smiling or causing that someone else smiles. They are examples of being genuine and humble friends. 

-Pablo is a friend of the other Elders in our ward, but I have also had the privilege of seeing his baptism and his growth afterwards. He is much unlike any other convert I have ever seen in a very good way. He is very intelligent and has a deep desire to learn, serve, and grow as a person. I remember weeks after his baptism, he spoke to me and said "I think I have some ways you could improve the way you teach. Why didn't you tell me that I would sleep so much better?" Although in that moment he maybe wasn't sure how Joseph Smith's first vision related to his cortisol levels at night, he had found those blessings that come from living a life converted unto Jesus Christ. He actually recently met a girl on Mutual and went to the temple with her in Peru! It is incredible to see the real life changes that take place from the implementation of good and true principles.

-I met Gabriela this last December. She had placed a call requesting that missionaries go and visit her even though she was already a member. She had left her home in Nicaragua months before to escape a complicated situation only to find one even more difficult in London. She then began anew in Málaga. With only a few days in a new country, working a caretaking job for an older and difficult man, she was quite down and needed our support. We simply went over and helped her organize the kitchen and made sure that the older man behaved himself. In that first visit she expressed how she had wanted to serve a mission, but that too many missed opportunities ought to have disqualified her and that she didn't feel like she would be able to serve. We didn't push the issue. With time, she found a new job, moved in with a member in Málaga and began attending and serving in the ward. We would meet with her to read Preach my Gospel and the Book of Mormon and go to the streets with her. She began to open up to us and tell us her concerns and her dreams. I could tell she was unique: someone brave enough to leave all that she had in her country, and kind enough to share her tender testimony with those that might listen. With the help of time, and an inspired prayer from a dear friend, she made the decision to serve a mission. She has been preparing her papers and has been working diligently to prepare to leave this summer. I am so grateful to have known her and watched as God prepared her to take this step. 

I am quite anxious to leave those that I love so dearly, but I know God has prepared others that I may meet and love as He has done here in Málaga. It's hard to make friends, only to leave them, but I hope to carry a part of them wherever I may go. 

I would like to share my favorite quote from General Conference, one that resonated with me;

"Through my service, both in and out of the Church, I have learned that even those people who at first seemed insignificant have become some of the most remarkable and uplifting individuals I know. There is wonderful depth—so much to love—in every soul." Elder Causse

I absolutely love that I have been forced to meet lots of strangers. I have met mundane people that have changed my life forever and have become remarkable examples of Christ's love. If we search, we will find a hidden history and potential in every human soul. Perhaps then, we will begin to see them as our Heavenly Father sees them. 

1 Corinthians 2: 9

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

I want to simply say that I am so grateful to be here. This is the greatest thing I have ever done in my life, and although some may see me as giving my life away, I feel that I am finding one much greater. 

By the way, I am being transferred out of Málaga! (If you could not tell by the quite melancholy email) I am going to Jerez de la Frontera and will be serving with Elder Kriepl. I have only heard amazing things about him and am so excited to work together with him to lead the zone of Cadiz.  

Elder Dougall