New England - it's like stepping back in time 40-50 years. The people aren't progressive, they don't like change. They live off the land and are so content with what they have. They are honest. VERY HONEST, to themselves and others. They can talk for hours, days, weeks... I love it.
We received a phone call from Ava's dad Friday night. He's been doing "research" through the reformed mormon church. He's baffled that a religion that is up with the times would restrict the Priesthood from women. He said we weren't allowed to teach Ava, and that she can make the choice when she is 18. My heart sank. Anti makes you feel AWFUL (the Spirit doesn't bear witness that it's true). The Spirit left in our conversation. I handed over the phone to Sister Westling, fearing I would blow up without the Spirit. She testified to him and we got off the phone. We went over to Ali's and told her and Ava that she'd have to wait until she was 18. Tears poured down our faces as we were humbled that this isn't in our time, it's in the Lord's. Patience until we understand why we must have patience. Later that night Ava cried out her testimony with passion.
There is opposition in all things.
We had the BEST SERVICE opportunity I think I've had on my mission! Yarmouth holds an annual Clam Festival through the Chamber of Commerce. HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE travel from EVERYWHERE to come to this tiny, New England coastal town to feast on CLAMS. We called the Chamber of Commerce and asked if us and the elders could volunteer. We went on Friday and Saturday for 8 hours total (our service limit). We talked with a ton of people, they were comfortable asking us questions. A lot of the people knew the branch members, especially the youth. We were asked to be Ambassadors to the clam mascot and follow him around and get pictures with people. They called us into the office. The guy who was in charge (he SHOWED that he was bothered by our presence from the beginning) asked that we pocket those things (pointing to our name tags). Without hesitance I replied "no." He gave us this face, and I will never forget the face... How I wish I could be more like the Savior and hold meekness in the midst of trial. He said nothing, and thought nothing negative of the people crucifying Him. He understood them and who they were. He had such mercy on them. I learned in that moment to be more like the Savior. We walked away. I wish I could better describe the situation, there's just no way to!
Chuck is the typical New England farmer. He progressed pretty well about a year ago and has remained stagnant ever since my MTC companion left this area. This week he FINISHED THE BOOK OF MORMON AND CAME TO CHURCH WITH HIS FAMILY!!! His wife is a member, and his grandson was recently baptized, but quickly fell into less activity. We saw them all come to church. Chuck wants this, so badly. He has incredible faith and a testimony of the Book of Mormon. He is REPENTING. Naturally, the next step is baptism. He's praying for the first time on his own!
We have Zone Conference tomorrow. We are training on faith in finding, setting return appointments, and having 15 minute lessons frequently throughout the week (the secret to progressing investigators).
Most of our efforts are going to the branch members, and we have a bunch of miracles in the workings. They all share with us the people they are working with. The goal is to get them with us. It's working!!! The Knightons text us one morning inviting us over for dinner with their friend Sydney. She sounds just like Kaitana (from Hanover). She has a TON of deep, good questions. She is thirsting for the word of the Lord. I can't wait to teach her!! It just goes to show that respect comes before friendship, especially on the mission. You can be friends with the members, but they have to be able to trust you. You can't just hang out... doesn't work like that.
I feel so bountifully blessed, so happy, so incredible... SO TIRED. I am exhausted from the inside out. I didn't realize it could get worse, it never gets better. I have learned the art of power napping during lunch and dinner.
".... So you can with confidence expect that He has prepared opportunities for you to learn in preparation for the service you will give. But when you put the spiritual things first in your life, you will be blessed to feel directed toward certain learning, and you will be motivated to work harder.
... But I can promise you that if you will go to Him in prayer and ask what He would have you do next, promising that you will put His kingdom first, He will answer your prayer and He will keep His promise to add upon your head blessings, enough and to spare. Those apparent prison walls of "not enough time" will begin to recede, even are you are called to do more.
The real life we are preparing for is eternal life. All we can learn that is true while we are in this life will rise with us in the Resurrection. And all that we can learn will enhance our capacity to serve."
... But I can promise you that if you will go to Him in prayer and ask what He would have you do next, promising that you will put His kingdom first, He will answer your prayer and He will keep His promise to add upon your head blessings, enough and to spare. Those apparent prison walls of "not enough time" will begin to recede, even are you are called to do more.
The real life we are preparing for is eternal life. All we can learn that is true while we are in this life will rise with us in the Resurrection. And all that we can learn will enhance our capacity to serve."
(don't know who said that, sorry)
"We become who we think we are."
No comments:
Post a Comment