Today I was thinking about something that my Mission President once told me the first time I met him.
He told me I am like Concepcion.
Concepcion is the 2nd largest city in Chile. In 2010 an 8.8 earthquake completely destroyed the city. Every major building had to be rebuilt and it was known as the 'city in ruins' to the world. Concepcion was not the most significant city in Chile, or even the world. Most had never heard of it before the earthquake. Within 18 months after the earthquake, I arrived in this city and it was completely rebuilt. No sign of damage and completely immovable. It's social, political and economic influence in not only Chile, but the entire continent of South America is unprecedented as new business, industries and people rebuilt the once "city in ruins". It now stands as a model to the world. My mission president told me that I am like Concepcion. I might fall. I might crumble. I might think nothing or no one can rebuild me, but like Concepcion, I have the strength and the source to start again.
I started my mission in Concepcion and I had many times where I felt I crumbled, but I knew I always had something and someone who would help me rebuild, start over, and begin again.
I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am grateful that through him I will never be low enough that I cannot reach up and have his hand their waiting to pull me back up.
Concepcion is my favorite city in all the world. I love every corner of that city. I feel alive, motivated, better, and honored to walk those streets. There has never been a place that I have more vividly remembered than this city. I love this city because it is where I truly learned how to implement, teach and be grateful for my Savior and all he did for me personally.
I am like Concepcion
Ciudad de Concepción from
Angelo Silva on
Vimeo.
