Can you believe that I've been in NC for three weeks now? I can't hardly believe it. But wow at some of the experiences I've had in such a short time.
This previous week was one of very little success, comparatively speaking. We only taught a few lessons and the Miller Family, who we have been teaching for a little while, is super combative about everything. We're pretty sure they've been reading anti-Mormon literature online and their home just doesn't invite the Spirit. So we're hoping to be able to teach them in a member's home here soon so that the Spirit can just blow them away and they'll hopefully be less argumentative. We say the simplest doctrines like "God is everyone's Heavenly Father so that means we're all Spiritual brothers and sisters!" and the dad gets all angry about how he refuses to think of this person or that person who committed this atrocity or something as his brother and the Spirit just leaves. Its so sad. The week had a lot of no-show appointments and not very many people would talk to us, but I have no fear! Each week will be a new challenge!
But on a better note! Last night was one of the most amazing experiences yet! We have been teaching Sister Moore, her cousin Brother Murphy, and their friend Sister Jones (who may or may not be pregnant. . . ) for the past few weeks and its been amazing. Sister Moore came to church last week and this week and she just loves it all so much. But we taught them in the Nock family's home so that the lack of smoke and the already prepared spiritual environment could have a more powerful effect and wow. Just. Wow. The lesson was pretty great. The spirit was so powerful. And it was all about helping them follow the Word of Wisdom. They're all struggling to stop smoking.
Sister Nock brought up how her husband smoked for 35 years and that eventually he needed a blessing to help him quit. So we explained what that was and let them know it was an option if they so chose. They each asked for it. And Sister Moore and Sister Jones BOTH asked me to give that blessing. And I was just amazed. The Lord spoke through me because they were not my words. And when I gave Sister Moore her blessing I said things that I had no idea where they came from. But then when I gave Sister Jones her blessing they were even less my words than before. I said things about her understanding the situation she's in and how difficult it was and she kept nodding her head "yes" during the blessing, like she was agreeing with what was being said. I am so blessed to have been able to give that blessing. Wow. Just. Wow. Ask Sister Nock how she felt during that blessing, Mom, because it was just amazing.
As far as our New Year's went, we didn't do much. We were actually asked not to proselyte by President Bernhisel so we ended up not doing a whole lot. Which was good because my companion was still really sick and needed another day to recover. So I ended up spending most of the day reading my scriptures which was pretty nice.
I just cannot believe how much I've personally changed in just a few short weeks. I don't know if y'all can tell just through email but I'm just amazed at what the Lord can do when we're open and willing. Watch out, there might be a whole new person meeting you at the airport in a couple of years! A new and improved one!
One thing I'm learning is that you can be obedient, you can follow the rules, and you can still have fun. You don't have to be a stickler to follow with "exact obedience" (one of the emphasized things in our mission) and its a tricky line, I think. One piece of advice I was given before I went into the MTC was "obey by the Spirit of the Law but don't let it run away from the Letter of the Law" and its something I hope to learn to a greater degree over these coming months.
We have 170 missionaries in the mission right now. And its estimated that the world-wide number of missionaries is going to jump from 50,000 to 90,000 over the next two years. So in all reality there is a good chance my mission could be split while I'm out here. So if you hear anything about stuff like that, let me know!
OH! Mom keeps asking about my companion and I keep forgetting to tell about him. His name is Elder Joshua Johnson. He's from Bountiful, Utah. In high school he was a water polo star--not a high school sport but like . .. community or something. Um, he's been out about 13 months, I think. I don't know what else to say.
Calley-- thank you for the history lesson! I knew I was on the right track. Poor baby camels. I got your package--BODY PRODUCTS AND SEES CANDY!!! You know the way to my heart for sure. I'll write ya later.
Jared-- I promise to write you today!
Suey and Ryan-- The little notes from the kids are seriously the cutest thing ever. I LOVE that so so so so so much. I'll send a letter sometime relatively soon.
Grandma Penny-- I got the red package inside my mom's package and am currently wearing the tie! Thank you so much!
Grandma Dottie-- I was going to say last week, I know we only spoke for like less than two minutes on Christmas but I was so glad you were there and I could hear from you for a minute!
I'm running short on time but I love you all and look forward to hearing from you! The updates on what is happening there is really nice.
Love you all! Go read your scriptures!
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