I'm convinced that the mission is life in miniature, a microcosm of the human experience as a whole. What sticks out to me today is how there will always be things to be happy about or things to be sad about. Whether your focus is on the victories or the setbacks will determine your attitude about the future. And your attitude influences your actions in a large way.We taught a lot of lessons this week. We had a lot of cancellations this week. I'm super proud of most of my investigators, actually. I told somebody this week about how being a missionary feels like being a parent, and on any given day, four out of five of your investigators/children will tell you they are making bad choices. But when you get one that changes their course for the better and listens to the counsel of God, it means that much more to you. My companion was quick to chime in that I feel that way because I care way more than most Elders do. But this week, I feel like I have a lot to be grateful for.
Our eternagator from the canyon recorded the conference talks on her DVR and is all set for her baptism on the 26th of October. We need to get her interview set up soon, I almost forgot.
The 7th Day Adventist watched conference with her in-laws and really enjoyed it. She's still reading everything we give her and is nearly spellbound by our lessons when we teach her. Apparently there's some paperwork to take care of for her client that was formerly on Sundays, but I think she will start attending soon. She's praying about a date right now, and I'm pretty sure it will be pretty darn soon. Mostly I think it's her husband's hard feelings towards the church that are making her even the slightest bit hesitant. But she's pretty strong, and I don't think that the less-active husband will hold her back much longer.
The guy that we promised an answer to didn't make his appointment this week. I hope he actually knelt down and prayed. Our softball star has had to cancel on her last appointment - actually her last THREE appointments, but who's counting - but I'm convinced that the spirit will not let her give up on the light that she's found.
We had a fun unplanned lesson with a 14-year-old truth seeker at our dinner appointment last night. I hope that she takes the effort to read and pray. We also picked up an investigator from the Spanish sisters. They are the best sisters I've ever met, and they're in my district, and they do the best work, and they're so much fun to be around. Just wonderful! This guy needs some good influences his age, and our ward has a pretty good YSA presence. I'm convinced we will fellowship him as well as anybody, and he speaks English really well, so the handoff has been smooth so far.
General Conference weekend is always the best! I've really come to appreciate President Monson's facial expressions. The eye roll during his priesthood session talk about bad home teachers was hilarious! And I really enjoyed being able to spend all weekend at the stake center with the other missionaries. It just so happened that the neighborhoods around the church had their bi-annual neighborhood yard sales on conference weekend, so my companion and I got to walk around and get our daily contacts in short order right before conference started. Then after priesthood session, we had dinner with one of our favorite families and celebrated the 19th birthday of one of our ward missionaries. He invited some non-members over for dinner too, and it was a pretty fun missionary experience. They didn't end up coming to conference or taking the lessons, but that's their own fault. :P
I have so much to be grateful for guys! And he that receives all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious. Thanks for your prayers, and I'll keep on being an awesome missionary.
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