Among the many other missionary blessings our family has received as a result of Avery's faithful service as a missionary, this past week I have been blessed with answered prayers for Avery. A Mother's intuition is real. All last week, I worried about Avery, I had no reason to, I just did. I asked him in my email to him, are you ever down or sad? I hadn't asked that before because in his emails he doesn't ever allude to it or give me reason to think that he might be. But, I really felt impressed to ask. And the email back was the most heartbreaking email I've ever read. He said he's trying so hard to be brave but feels like a failure when it comes to the language and that he's just getting in the way, that everyone laughs at him and he's trying to not be offended. That he loves the families he visits with so much and they are so poor that it's hard to see them in such poverty. He said they invite the missionaries over for dinner but then the families don't eat, they give their food to the missionaries. He said he gives his dinner then to the children. He is very homesick and misses the family so much and we're always on his mind. We were able to have an email conversation back and forth after that email and he appreciated being able to do that. I shared part of his email with a new friend of mine, another missionaries Mom, asking for advice on was this normal for a new missionary ect. Her son also happens to work in the mission office in Santa Fe. She asked if she could share it with her son, because she thought he could help since she got a very similar letter from him early on on his mission. She shared it with her son (Elder Meyers) and he wrote back that he was going to reach out to him and that he forwarded it to Pres Perez, and that he was going to give him a call that night. What a miracle that was, within that same day, the Lord heard Avery's cries (literally) for help and his MP was there to reassure and reach out. Also, such a blessing that they were having zone conference just 2 days later and President and Sister Perez could be with him and give him encouragement and love.
President and Sister Perez also knew they had a worried Mom on their hands, (what, me?) and they were so kind to send an email. Very thankful for friends who know Spanish that could translate for me haha, as they sent the email in Spanish.
Dear Sister Tutton: I am writing to tell you that during these first weeks of your son in the mission field, he has shown signs of great courage and faith in his Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. He is a great missionary and although the mission is not an easy experience he has been very mature to face his missionary adaptation. He seems easy going, lively and with a positive mental attitude. You should feel happy and grateful for having the good son and teaching him to trust in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
With my wife we were attentive to meet the physical and emotional needs of Elder Tutton, but now everything is fine. Tomorrow during the Conference Area that we will send you a picture with.
Sister and President Perez
Mission Santa Fe Argentina
Dear Sister Tutton: Today in the Conference area [zone conference] I could be with your son, Elder Tutton. He is well and working on his missionary adaptation. He has a very good companion that helps him with the language and with their service as a missionary. Everything is going well in his life.
Receive our best regards.
Gabriel Perez Benavides
President Mission
Argentina Santa Fe
Don't they just look so loving? I love them so much for their service to the Lord and to my brave Missionary.
