Visit to Leala

Leala lives 3 hours away in Zestefoni where she takes care of her bedridden mother and mother-in-law. She has been a little down lately, so on Nov 21st we went to visit her to give her a blessing. We took Mzia, her good friend (and an interpreter!) and also bought some groceries. After 3 hours in an uncomfortable marshutka we arrived to a lovely lunch that she made for us. We ate and visited - we felt very welcomed - like honored guests. Pres. Reese gave her mother a blessing and you could tell it made her happy. He then gave Leala a beautiful blessing. There were tears in our eyes as she hugged us and expressed her gratitude. This is what she needed to be able to go on. Then her MIL wanted one - it was very sweet. Then a neice came over and she wanted one! After the blessing she said that she had a warm peaceful feeling and we talked about the Holy Ghost. Pres. Reese also explained that he held the same priesthood that Christ held when he was on the earth. It was a spiritual hour for us and the women in Leala's home - truly a wonderful visit. She is not able to come to church because of the distance and her obligations, but it was good to see her and let her know that we still cared for her and supported her. She called me on my birthday and all she knew how to say in English was 'Hello Sis Reese, this is Leala, Happy Birthday, Goodbye' It was my favorite b-day call! A few weeks later her mother passed away - so glad that we had made the long trip to see her and bless her mom before she died. It's hard to express the great joy that we felt after our visit with Leala - this is what being on a mission is all about - loving and blessing our Heavenly Fathers children.