Stranger than Fiction - 10/15/12

Okay, so apparently my message last week didn't get to everyone, but hopefully that's sorted out now. Long story short: I loved conference. I loved the temple. And I found out that I need surgery to correct my inguinal hernia.

 

Speaking of which, I will be seeing Dr. Gustavo Lara on Thursday of this week to see what needs to be done. I told the ward mission leader and the bishop about my surgery, and now everybody at church knows about it. They are going to try and get meals brought to the apartment, and as many team-ups as possible so that we can go on splits. I feel bad for whomever has to sit around and babysit me while Elder Alvarez goes out and does missionary work, but that option is far more productive than both of us missionaries sitting around doing nothing while I heal. I'll try not to go crazy while I'm cooped up inside.

This week was a ridiculously productive week compared to most weeks. Our anesthesiologist is getting baptized this Saturday, and we taught her a lot with her newfound friends the McCooks, who moved into the ward about a month ago and have been excellent team-ups. Both of them served missions, and they are great at helping us out when we need it. Seeing her progress has been so satisfying! Although it kind of feels like we are reaping the work of the past elders and her LDS boyfriend, because she knows an awful lot already without us having to explain it. Her questions are about things like the lost tribes, or how to tithe your time as well as your money, or what the missionary work in spirit prison will be like.

Oh yeah, Elder "A" and I worked our little butts off this week and God poured out blessings like you wouldn't believe! The standards of excellence for our mission are a baptism a month, 20 lessons a week, 7 lessons to investigators with a member present, 4 investigators at sacrament meeting, and 20 contacts every day, even p-day and Sunday. Well, Elder "A" and I set our sights on those numbers, and we actually got there this week, just barely. We were scrambling at 8:30 pm last night to find our last lesson, and ended up teaching a recent convert lesson about Nephi 3:7. God definitely provided a way for us to do what we haven't been able to accomplish ourselves.

Investigators attending sacrament meeting is a classic problem for us, because we can't force anyone to come to church and they frequently find excuses not to. We were feeling pretty good, though, because we committed 9 people to attend church. Only 3 of them actually showed up! But then, we saw Sister "D" come in with her husband, who has been a message for a couple years now. We had taught them earlier in the week, but didn't invite her to church for some reason. She surprised us and showed up on her own, and we were able to hit the standard of excellence because of it.

Your prayers about my surgery are definitely appreciated. I will do my best to have faith and be strong! I know you guys all love me and are thinking about me, and it makes me smile. A lot. God is great! And I love all of you.