Dear family and friends,
These last few weeks have been difficult as you may have heard. Tears filled my eyes as I read the loving emails from friends, family, and even strangers haha. My heart is full of gratitude for the love I've felt during these difficult days and nights. Thank you:)
It pains me to say that the area I love so much will have to continue growing without me. Without a proper farewell, I had to leave my beloved investigators, members, and recent converts. I'll find the time to write them letters and I know the missionaries will continue caring for their needs. I love them and I know it'll all be okay!
Before I left on my mission I promised myself that Liberia could take my life away but my sense of humor was here to stay. That being said, I'm excited to update everyone about Elder Hallenberger's experience in the Liberian hospital!
When I first got to the hospital they pumped me with water, gave me a billion shots, and kept calling me Morris. I was too sick to correct them. I was starting to feel good until a nurse came in with a pencil sized needle. I asked where it was going and she replied, "I need to see your bum." Now, I'm not afraid of needles and I'm always up for new things so did what she asked. Following was literally the most painful minute of my life! She said it was for the fever but I would have defiantly preferred the fever! My butt was a bit sore for the night but in the morning I felt well enough to leave.
Turns out, leaving the clinic wasn't a good idea. The next morning I had a fever of 104 and my stomach wasn't being too kind. The 40 minute trip back to the hospital was not fun because it was by keke on a bumpy road, and the traffic was the worst. Regardless, I was able to make it to the hospital and return to the treatment. Jokingly, I asked the nurse accompanying me if another needle would poke my butt. He said yes. Suddenly, my smile disappeared. Unless any of you think round two was any better, I'll be the first to say.... It's not. In fact it was worse because I knew what was about to happen! Haha that night wasn't easy. They said I had a bad stomach infection and possibly a parasite which is always fun to hear. EVERY TIME I would complain about my stomach, another needle went in my bum. Overall I was poked around 20 times and 7 of which were the terrible butt shots. Wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy! I guess you could say Liberia was a pain in my
There was a television to my right and it was always playing nothing but animal documentaries which I've always enjoyed. Missionaries aren't allowed to watch tv but, I figured since I couldn't hear it and it was nature on a screen, a few glances wouldn't hurt. Well, during a very difficult night of discomfort and probably the peak of my pain, I turned my head and saw a giraffe on the tv being completely torn apart by a group of hungry lions. I suddenly didn't feel so painful haha! The sight of that helpless animal being eaten made me glad I was where I was! It could be way worse haha!
After a few days, I felt recovered enough to go to my new apartment in Paynseville and recover there. I was able to meet my new companion Elder Booher from Utah! Great guy and I'm excited to work with him. Also, the apartment is literally soooo nice. A microwave, couches, AC, running hot water, and 24 hour power. President says its the best of the apartments and missionaries don't leave without a little force haha! I tried to unpack my stuff but I kept having to take breaks and sure enough, within a few hours, I had a fever of 104 again and I couldn't even move. President and Sister Clark picked me up and I returned to the hospital where they told us the following morning that they did all they knew how to do. Sister Blackwell (The West Africa health specialist) approved that I would meet her in Accra to receive treatment at the hospital.
My companion packed some things for me and from the mission office, I left for the airport with Bishop Pride. Bishop Pride is the travel specialist who was going to accompany me for the flight. He is so cool and he liked it when I called him my body guard haha! Unfortunately, My bodyguard's passport was expired so I had to go without him. It would've been nice.... I sat by these Russian drunks that didn't care about being too loud or vulgar. Haha I kept thinking about how things would have been different if Pride were on the plane.
I spent two nights at the Accra hospital and I feel a lot better! Hopefully it stays this way. I'm taking it easy with the office Elders here in Accra for the week. I got to meet President and Sister Keyes from South Africa. They are super cool and super kind. I want to make it back to Liberia for the Christmas party on the 21st but I if I miss it... It's just the way it is. At least I'm feeling better! This morning I went with the missionaries for a zone activity and a lot of my friends from the MTC were there and we were excited to see each other again.
On Sunday morning I had the wonderful privilege of having a nice meeting with Elder Nash. He said It was a pure impression from the Spirit to find the time to come see me. The chances of a missionary getting to meet with a general authority one on one is very very slim. It just proves to me that the Lord is mindful of me and my trials. He gave me great words of love and encouragement to help me as I move forward and continue my mission. He is awesome and the experience was unforgettable.
Notice the shirt I'm wearing in the picture Sister Clark sent home. I don't think its just a coincidence that Elder Dea tossed me that shirt when we found out I was going to the hospital. Perhaps its the Lord's way of reminding me in my time of weakness that true disciples of Christ can indeed "Do hard things" through him. Its clear to me that this simple camp slogan will never cease to motivate me as I continue my mission. Your fasts and prayers surely did more for me than any medication I've received. It has brought me so much comfort and I thank you so much!
Love you all! Thanks for everything! Hope your Christmas season is going great!
Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger
