Happy mother's day to all you mothers out there!
This week's been crazy. Monday night ended super nasty... I went to English class on a split with Elder Clarke and Elders Condie and Nelson went to see Dorothy and Don. When we met back up at the apartment they looked like someone had kicked their puppy and they were justified in feeling that way. They told me that Dorothy's not quite ready for baptism yet and Don has done a complete 180 since we've taught the word of wisdom. Apparently he's been dipping into some anti and is starting to slip away. Satan is getting in the way of the work. As soon as people come to the truth the devil works pretty hard and it's the worst. It's hard but those that have faith come out on top.
Tuesday was a little better and we had a good meeting with Belle. It's funny to hear her talk about how she hears all these little kids cussing in the streets and how much she doesn't want her boy to do that. When asked what she could do better she said: "Stop cussing." The story of the stripling warriors strikes again. Mothers teach teir children and the children learn from their moms. If you want to make the world a better place a good place to start is right where you are. Right? Later that night we followed up with Dorothy and set a new goal for her baptism. Sounds like we're moving it back a week to let her come to church one more time and work more on keeping some commandments. She'll get in the water soon enough.
Wednesday night was the long awaited return appointment with Don. It was hard to focus during the day because I just wanted that appointment to come! It was on the back of my mind all day and I just kept hoping and praying we would say the right things and turn the ship around and I think we did. I could write a ton about what happened, but what was really decided was that we need to slow down our teaching. We've moved really fast because of how quick he's grasped things and I think the pace made him uncomfortable. Looks like we'll be going back to square one. We had Brother Pinto-Martin with us who is someone Don really respects so I think it was a small victory. The road to baptism just got a little longer but if that's what needs to happen so they're prepared, so be it. The Lord continually teaches me patience...
We had a cool experience on Thursday night that I might as well toss in here. We were doing language study and decided we needed to try someone before dinner. It was kind of random but we went with it. We started driving to Manuel's house but then called an audible and tried these other houses right by where Orvin used to live. We didn't have any luck, but thought about trying Orivn's place just to see what would happen. Turns out we found a lady named Marie who took the lessons in Guatemala but didn't get baptized becuase she felt too pressured. She said she loved the church and was willing to give it another shot so we're excited. It was definitely a tender mercy becuase this week has been super weird and I've felt a little off. The Lord blesses us as we keep trying!
Saturday was awesome. I had a great birthday and big shout out to my family for all those cards! Elders Spencer and McCally hooked us up with a surprise breakfast in the morning and from there it was trying some people with some good success! That night the ward had a Fiesta for all the students graduating and it was awesome! Not only did Sister Reyes cook some awesome food but we had 6 of our investigators show up including Don's family and Dorothy! It's so good to get investigators with the members and ward parties are a great way to do so. They all enjoyed it and I think some solid ground was made. Dorothy kept telling everyone about her new baptismal date for the 27th. Hopefully things work out!!
Sunday was a pretty successful day at church but we haven't figured out how to get everyone there. I swear we can only get Spanish investigators or English gators, but never both at the same time. This week was a Spanish week which I was grateful for. We'll take what we can get. After church we went and visited Steve Sivulich who is the great uncle of my friend Brock! The conversation started off a little weird, but he softened up and ended up inviting us to breakfast every Thursday morning at the Ukrainian orthodox church in Carnegie. If I'm still here next Thursday we will definitely be going. Such a nice guy! Thanks Sivulich fam for the referral!
Random stuff
- "I want to get dunked!" -Direct quote from Dorothy.
- Some Spanish guy talked to us on the phone for a half hour about why we need to know what's happening in politics. Wow.
- Elder Condie had straight meat for breakfast this morning. That's a man.
It was so good to Skype home yesterday and see my family. Families truly are so important and I'm grateful for my good parents who were sealed in a temple of God by Priesthood authority. If we all do what we're supposed to we can live together forever in the presence of our Savior and our Heavenly Father. What a blessing!
Much love,
Elder Halls
Pictures: I have good friends; Transporting food for the fiesta, Fiesta pics, Steve Sivulich
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