I wish I could describe this week in full detail. Let's just start with this:
1) One of our investigator families are really shaky right now. They've cancelled all our appts the past week, saying they're "really busy." The dad wasn't super sold in the first place, but the mom had a date! We're nervous they're slipping...
2) Another one of our daters called me this week with some questions about The Law of Consecration, plural marriage, a Heavenly Mother, Mountain Meadow Massacre, etc., that he read online. I did my best to bear my testimony to him and share what scriptures I could. The last thing I wanted was any sort of Bible bash. But he's currently baptist and has a stellar knowledge of the Bible. I explained to him that I didn't know everything, but what I didn't know I tried to bridge the gap with my faith. I trusted in Heavenly Father and His choice of prophets. Above all else? I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God, and I knew because when I prayed, I felt the answer come from God through my feelings. In the end, he asked me to "humble myself," and read the highest revelation we have from God on earth--the Bible. I am prideful for trusting in feelings I receive from Heavenly Father, I guess....I just hung up the phone after a 20 minute discussion and just started to cry. We've prayed a lot together, and tried to call him back, but he's pretty set on his decision. And yes, this is the miracle guy I mentioned last week, that had a date? We only met him twice! But I felt like it was a dagger to the heart.
3) Our bikes got stolen. Yup. They were locked "safely" in the gates of the church. We went to an appt, and ended up not having time to go back to get them, So we took a taxi home. They picked up the 2 bikes together and somehow managed to lug them over the super tall gates around the church. That was a fun surprise to come to Saturday morning....we'll be borrowing from the elders for now, and then possibly from a couple missionaries that are close to finishing their missions. It'll work out.
I've learned that Heavenly Father really does answer prayers. Last week I prayed for the ability to be able to laugh in difficult situations. Heavenly Father certainly provided the opportunity to pracitce!! It was a rough week.
BUT I NEED YOU TO KNOW THERE ARE ALWAYS MIRACLES TO BE FOUND AMIDST THE TRIALS. My old investigator, Phii Nang, from Bangnaa is incredible. Last week we went to renew our visas, and I had the chance to talk to an Elder from the area. He told me how she had returned from her little town (remember--where she was converting the whole little town, teaching families and prayer, and having the missionaries come visit??) and had talked with her husband. I guess he got mad at her for something, and usually she'd just shoot some comment back. But that time, she didn't. It caught his attention, and he noticed she was different. She said, "Come to church, and you'll see why I've changed. I promise you if you come to church, you will recieve an answer to your questions." SHE WAS PROMISING HIM BLESSINGS!!!! He came to church. In the middle of the investigator class, he leaned over to her and whispered, "Can I get baptized today?" The sister went over that night and extended a baptismal commitment. They're scheduled to get baptized the 17th of July--HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! This is the same husband that wanted nothing to do with religion, christianity, or missionaries 3 months ago when I was there. I called her that same day and just cried on the phone. I've never felt so....ah. That woman is why I'm here. I've never seen someone so insecure, so unsure, so scared to take a step in following the Savior. She was so scared to mess up. And now? She doesn't know everything, but she is living what she knows. She knows that she cannot do it on her own. She knows that there is a source higher than her that can help her overcome her weakness, that she desperately needs. And from there? Her love and excitement just radiate from her face. It's so easy to see! People can see the change in her, and it's saving lives! Words cannot express my excitement for that family.
As you may have presumed, Sister Rochana did not move. YAY. I am so grateful to have her. We're just...good friends. It's easy to be with her, to work with her. I'm learning that no matter the differences, if you have the same desires, then you will have unity. I could not be more different from Sister Rochana. But we love these people, we love this work, and we love the Lord. And we're seeing success. We still met lots of new people last week, and hopefully will see them start to progress this next week and get some new daters.
Matty, Happy Birthday TODAY!! I love you! And Dan Happy Birthday on the 30th! I hope you both have wonderful days. I'm sorry if I've missed anyone in the past year--it's not intentional. But I love you and think of you often. AND LIZARD----A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Family, I love the gospel. It's become my life lately. I feel like I don't have room to think of anything else, other than the work. The weeks are flying, and miracles keep coming. I know that we recieve the help we need, when we need it. But if you feel alone, you never abandon the Lord. I realized that it was easier for me to follow/trust in Him amidst all the trials, because I had already decided to do so! He is the only way. Any other way is nuts. I love you all, make it a HAPPY and wonderful week!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
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