I want to give my whole self to the work

Today we went to the temple. It was so nice to go again. I love the temple and it just kills me to live within walking distance and only be able to go once about every six weeks. But it's better than the poor elders in NH, so I'm grateful for what I do have.

I have been struggling a lot with pain and lack of energy and Hna Scott has actually made me take a lot of naps. I feel like the most ineffective missionary in the world right now. In the celestial room this morning it just all hit me at once. The fact that with this much pain and this little energy I really can't serve the Lord as I want to. I want to give my whole self to the work but feel as though I need to take care of my temple too and so I'm just torn. It brought on the tears in the celestial room and at some point I looked up and made eye-contact with Elder Hendrickson. Several minutes later he came over before leaving and asked me how I was. I have explained a little to the elders about Lyme Disease so he probably had an idea of what type of thing was wrong. I told him a little bit how I was feeling and he showed his sympathy. Even though he didn't really say anything special or profound, I was extraordinarily comforted. That is probably because of how much he reminds me of Daddy. Then Elder Lehman came over (the elders always go around and shake everyone's hands before they leave the celestial room) and shook Hna Scott's hand and then mine as he said "and save the best one for last." That of course made me feel really appreciated too. :/ :) I have good men and women looking out for me here. So don't let this depressing letter worry you too much. I'm okay and will be doing better soon. (I hope!) My health is the one thing I wish I had taken care of the most before my mission. That and PMG [Preach My Gospel] and the scriptures, of course.

The wonderful part is that when we are the most humble and literally giving all that is possible, he blesses us more. We were finally able to set another baptismal date yesterday. Almost all of our appointments fell through last week so we decided to work as hard as we could yesterday to earn some more blessings. Almost every one of our appointments was there and we were able to teach some wonderful lessons.
So it has been a hard and humbling week, but we are starting to see the blessings of our humility, patience, faith and increased obedience.

I feel as though I slept through the past week. It is a blur of pain, exhaustion, and HEAT. So forgive me if this isn't exactly what you wanted to hear about this week.

I love you!
Ella
[Please pray for Andrea's health.]