Here are some highlights from the week:
Tuesday,
we went to contact a former investigator. We couldn't find the right
number in the trailer park, so we decided to embrace the awkward and
approach a group of about 5 people who looked related somehow- they
pointed us the right way, all but one accepted Book of Mormons, and two
are interested in learning more. When we finally knocked on the door of
the woman we had come looking for, she slammed the door- at least she
made it clear how she felt. :) Then we met Mahogany, another woman
standing on her porch, who was interested in meeting with missionaries
in upper Alabama where she lives. The uninterested woman led us to
others who are interested!
On Wednesday
we had in interesting lesson with Ellis and his daughter Kendra. Kendra
said she was open to listening, and then called us a cult and said that
she and her two year old son are prophets... After she went inside, her
sweet dad simply laughed and told us he believed our message. He came
to church on Sunday, too! He is so humble and sincere.
On Thursday
we taught Mildred (an investigator, different from the Mildred who was
recently baptized.) She is in her 70s, she met with missionaries a
couple years ago, believes the Book of Mormon is true, and is very
humble and open to our message. We're teaching quite a few "older"
people right now, which really goes to show that the restored gospel of
Jesus Christ is for everyone, you're never to old to change, and God
looks on the heart, not on the age, race, gender, etc. And so should we!
Friday
was a conference in Bonifay, FL for all the Sister missionaries! It was
so wonderful! The theme was "The Errand of Angels," taken from the line
"the errand of angels is given to women" from the hymn "As Sisters in
Zion." The messages were about how God works through us with all our
strengths and weaknesses, accepting and loving us completely, and we
ought to do the same. We discussed how to overcome negative self-talk
and turning outward and focusing on others. Thoughts are so powerful! I
learned that when we are thinking about how others feel about
themselves, (rather than what they think about us, what we think about
them, or ourselves) we are filled with love, we are turned outward, and
we have great positive influence on those around us, as the Savior did. I
invite you all to turn your focus more outward this week- it brings
real joy! I love you all!