Letters from Sister Lewis

7/17/17

A Letter for Juliet Uchena

Masquer asi. Eish guys...so some of you will notice that I have not responded to your emails this week...please forgive me, but I just needed a little bit of a break today. This week on Wednesday, I found out that one of the recent converts in our area, Sister Uchena, passed away from a stroke. Sister Uchena and I were extremely close, and I am still kind of processing her death. I never really thought I would get to experience anything like this on mission, but I am grateful for the chance that I have grow and become better. I am doing good, though! I am tough and able to continue on with my missionary work without any delay.

I have visited Sister Uchena every single week since the end of February. She was baptized by some of the sisters who came before us, so our job was pretty much just to strengthen her, but I found her strengthening me a lot more. Every week without fail, Sister Uchena had something to share with us from the Book of Mormon. She had such a unique view of the scriptures, and she was so good at applying them to herself. She really could speak English well, but she did not have confidence in it, so she would always giggle whenever she spoke her English. She never got frustrated with herself, though, she just kept on learning! I always laughed when we visited Sister Uchena. She loved experimenting with cooking and would always bring us her newest thing when we visited her. More than anything, Sister Uchena loved everyone. She is humble, sweet, and so faithful. Sister Uchena was a real light to my life. I will miss her so much, but I will be so excited for the day when I get to meet her again at the feet of our Savior.

I am grateful beyond compare for the knowledge that I have of the Plan of Salvation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know Sister Uchena is not gone, and I have felt her spirit with me since she has passed. I know that she is resting in paradise until the day of her judgement. I know we will meet again and that day will be the sweetest reunion.

I am grateful to my Father in Heaven who allows me to experience different things in my life that help me to become a better person. I have felt so much peace this week. I have found that when I focus on others instead of myself, I don't feel pain. I really am okay and happy, I just need this week to balance out my emotions a little bit more. Please don't worry about me because I am okay! I love you all like crazy and I hope you have a good day!

Sister Lewis