Sorry my email was super late last week! But at least I was able to send one off. Life has been pretty otimo since Wednesday. I guess I'll just pick up from there.
Found out that Jaymin got baptized 2 Saturdays ago! (I don't remember if I told you about him. He's a 9 year old son of some members that we were teaching. Super stoked!) And Cheyenne got baptized this past Saturday! (I'm sure you remember me mentioning a 10 yo girl who was bouncing off the walls whenever we tried to teach her...)
Wednesday: We taught Judy the first lesson! It went pretty well, which was awesome. She was a little confused on some things, but I think we were able to clear most of that up. She said she would read the pamphlet we gave her (The Restoration) to try and understand it more. She also agreed to start reading the Book of Mormon, and said she would write down any questions she had while doing so. She's such a sweet lady. I really love her!
That night we ate dinner at Mary's. Once again, somehow we had yummy vegetarian food. She's such a great cook. Sister Paddock shared a great spiritual thought with her, and we left for home. Can I just tell you how awesome Mary is? She is super amazing. She's only been a member for 2 years, and yet she's the Relief Society President here in the branch. What an incredible woman.
Thursday: IT FELT LIKE FALL! I mean, the kind where you can wake up and feel that the air is different. It feels... brisk. Yupp, brisk is the right word. Thursday was weekly planning, which was... fabulous as always. Since we were low on miles (due to the temple trip), we asked Jen to pick us up for dinner. She is amazing, so of course she did so. We helped her make dinner- yummy chicken noodle soup with biscuits. We helped make the biscuits and noodles from scratch. What an amazing cook she is! So good, in fact, that we didn't mess it up by trying to help out :P
Friday: We had an interesting district meeting. Very spiritual. We talked a lot about the Atonement, and about how to qualify for the Spirit. The people in our district our pretty cool. Although I did get mad at our district leader when he called one Sunday for numbers because he told me that my visa was never coming, then laughed and laughed and laughed because somehow he thought that was hilarious. Its not. But he kept insisting that I would never get my visa. Ever. But all is well, never fear! The lad apologized sincerely, so we're all good. Haha, :P so anyways... We gave Sister Kyles and Sister Hansen a ride back to their apartment (they walked to the church building we meet at) and got an extra nightstand they had. Thank goodness, because we needed just a little bit more storage space with 3 sisters instead of 2! What nice people I know.
We ate dinner with the Arellanos that night, and she was an angel and picked us up as well. We had yummy BLT's with guacamole in them. So good! Y'all, I like food. Who knew? Haha, anyways, it was fun. We got to know her husband, Phillip, a little more. He works night shifts at a hospital as a Respiratory Therapist, so he typically sleeps during the day. Hence we haven't seen him at church too often. But he's a really laid back, nice guy and has a strong testimony.
Such good people here in Caldwell! Then, we drove back that night to do exchanges. Sister Jones left, and our Sister Training Leader, Sister Jacobsen came here.
Saturday: Exchanges continued! I was super proud of myself that morning too! I was pretty productive- full, good workout in the morning, I read in D&C while waiting for my turn to shower, I had my makeup done and was dressed on time, and didn't even begin to doze off during personal study. And I studied Portuguese really well for a solid hour. It was AWESOME!
Saturday was interesting. So, we went and visited Vicky. She showed Sister Paddock and Sister Jacobsen her cat habitat that she's built onto her house for her 30+ Persian cats (who are oddly friendly for felines) and we sat out there, since we could feel the nice weather, and had a nice chat. Then Sister Jacobsen grabbed her scriptures and shared a spiritual thought that pertained to everything Vicky was talking about from the Book of Mormon. (Remember, Vicky was baptized several years ago). Things got a little interesting and antagonistic and the spirit was not there anymore. I felt very sad about how things were going and tried to help the spirit come back into our discussion. I told her how much we loved her, apologized if we upset her, and thanked her for her faith again. Sister Jacobsen asked if we could say a closing prayer, and asked me to say it. We parted on good terms, laughing, and Vicky told us to come back soon. She also said to tell Sister Jones that she missed her!
Thank goodness for the Spirit, because I would not have known what to do if I had only my own thoughts and mind to handle that situation. Even though it hurt to hear her slandering all the things I hold precious and sacred, it was a testimony builder to me because I still felt the Spirit guiding me. And she didn't change what I know. All of it is still true- even if she doesn't think it is. And I still love her, and want her to be happy.
This gospel is amazing. Being a missionary is amazing.
After that experience, we went over to Dan and Margaret's for Margaret's birthday party! So fun. Barbecue, friendly people. I talked to Jen about what had just happened, and she helped make us laugh and feel better. I also asked a few members there about Vicky's Book of Mormon question, and got a few good answers. Members are amazing :) Then, we had some yummy, delicious, beautiful cake that Jen made and a closing prayer, and we were off!
To the Gambles we went, and we helped clear off part of their land. We piled huge branches and brush into the back of Jason's truck and then started a huge bonfire while Grace was watching Henry and finishing some online homework. We left and went home to finish exchanges.
And I felt sick that night. My stomach hurt, my body ached, and just... blech.
What a day!
Sunday: Woke up feeling a bit better, and we got a ride from Jen to church. She's awesome, as I've mentioned before. Church was amazing. And Dan gave his first talk! He was a bit flustered, but he did such a good job. It was about service in the Priesthood. He humbly talked about how he still has a lot to learn, but that he's trying to do as much as he can. He talked a bit about Henry B. Eyring and what he has said about Priesthood service, and then expounded. He's one of those speakers that can read something off of a paper, then look up and expound on it. A LOT! It was so good. He talked about how if we quit serving others, we are really just losing ourselves and doing ourselves harm.
I've never heard a more beautiful, humble, simple yet powerful talk. It touched my heart.
We went back home, and since Sister Paddock and Sister Jones were feeling a bit sick too, took brief naps. Then we went and visited Connie Colley (a fairly recent convert) who is amazing, then dropped off a "Welcome" card to a family of 6 who are moving into the branch!! Everyone, including me, is super excited that they're moving in. We can really use them here, and I love them already!
Now here we are today, doing P-Day stuff and I just want to say... Thank you! I've already gotten some birthday cards and presents (which haven't been opened, don't worry) from family members and friends. What amazing people I know! Thanks for being so amazing, everyone! Hope everyone's week is just lovely! Next time I email, it will be as a wise 20 year old woman.
Crazy how time flies. I love you all! The church is true, and being a missionary is the best thing I've ever done.
love,
Sister Shell
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