June 15-25, 2009

My district is having a problem with going to members homes instead of trying to find people to teach.  I think I figured it out last night though.  I committed everyone to go and work to find an other lesson before they went to visit members.  That means they should get at least one other lesson per day.  They all agreed to do it.  So we'll see how that goes.  We had to turn Mu Mu and Wolf over to the other Elders in our district.  I know I should have confidence that they will do well with them, but my confidence is lacking.  Our sweet miracle, elect, investigator Ryan cancelled on us because of his girlfriend.  Our baptisms don't look like they are going to hold up.  It seems like everyone I'm trying to help just isn't listening.  If I were to put Elder Blaylock in a category... I would say he is just like my brother Jacob.  

At the same time I say all of these things, I understand that it's Satan trying to get my mind off the goal.  To get it away from progression.  He is trying to stop me from moving forsard for just one second because that might stop someone else from moving forward.  I know Satan is trying to get me to not have faith in my district and my companion and my area.  He tries to cause as much disunity as possible.  I really do love my area and my companion.  It's frustrating to not have been able to have a weekly district meeting yet, but I have a good district.  It's teaching me how to fix things on a daily basis instead of weekly.  

...That Night...

Wow!  That was a lot, eh?  I wrote that on my lunch break and I was about to snap.  Just shows that missionaries get worked on and get frustrated too.

All of our appointments dropped on us yesterday and our teaching pool went back to zero in about 2 hours.  It went from 4 possible baptisms to nothing.  Then around 3:00 we met with one, her name is Chris, and committed her for baptism and she accepted to be baptized on July 12.  Then, even though Ryan cancelled on us, he called and set up an appointment for that night.  Then he told us that he read 3 Nephi 11 and loved it.  He knows it's true.  He has even told all his friends that he is mormon already.  We committed him for baptism, more like he committed himself, for the 12th of July as well.  So, here is your prayer task.  Pray that Bulee can be committed enough to be baptized soon, as well as Decantee.  Pray that Jarom, Chris's husband, will accept the gospel and be baptized with her.  Also that they will have the strength to make it to church.  They didn't make it last Sunday because their 17 day old son, Joshua, was up the whole night.  So pray that he will sleep.  Then pray that Ryan will overcome smoking.  That is the only thing holding him back.  

Later that same day we confirmed 2 people members of the church in their own home.  It was Flan and his daughter Angel.  Flan's wife wouldn't listen to us, but after we gave them the gift of the holy ghost, the spirit was so strong.  She told us she wanted to learn more and come to church.  

The ups and downs of a missionary life.  All that in one day.  All in all, it turned out for the best.  

Elder Dutson IS my zone leader and it's the best ever!  We see each other every p-day!  My other zone leader, Elder Leamon, was my first zone leader when I became district leader.  He is way sweet.  I love the two of them and things are way great with them.  I'm with Elder Dutson for the first time since the MTC!  There is always stories to tell.  You're gonna love meeting him.  

I love being in a singles ward with kids my own afe.  There are tons of RMs that just bring their friends.  Heck, everyone just brings their friends. Everyone is wiling to help as well.  I think singles wards are my favorite for sure.  I'm pretty sure Hma. Folkner served in this area.  At least she is in the area book for finding people.  

Elder Blaylock is a really great companion.  Thank you for praying for me to get the best things possible this transfer.  He actually made me lunch when I was feeling grumpy at the beginning of this letter.  He has an amazing testimony and he is easy to motivate and get excited.  Our personalities do match pretty well together and we teach with unity.  I was just being a punk.