This week has been probably one of the most depressing weeks (in finding lessons) that I've had in a long time. We had plenty of lessons set up including some with a member present but the majority either canceled or didn't show up for the appointment. It happens a lot in missionary work but it just happened a lot more than usual this week. Hermana Delis and I have been brainstorming ways to make our lessons more set. We had 3 people say they would come to church but none of them actually came (and they didn't answer the phone calls either). There were less members at church this week which was a little bit depressing as well probably only between 15 and 20...and 2 of the speakers (who are normally very active) didn't show up... poor branch president. As missionaries we were able to talk with the branch president before church. We think he's going to be really great. I'm sure he feels a little bit overwhelmed as well. He had only been in the stake for about a week when they called him as branch president a month or so ago. So he doesn't really know anyone. He has a lot of work on his hands
After more digging into the branch (or rather 'twig'). It really seems like one of the really core problems is lack of genuine love and charity between the branch members. That realization has been a little bit overwhelming because not only will it be challenging to try and change (for the leaders and for us) but it also makes us more nervous than usual for our investigators to come to church. Especially since a huge chunk of the more recent converts are less active. Also the majority of the less active members have been offended in some way. But Hna. Delis and I have been brainstorming ideas for how to help and how to support the new branch presidency and recently called relief society presidency. So we're excited to try and put some of our ideas into practice. But we're still looking for more ideas. Any suggestions for how to change the culture of a ward or branch from a missionary standpoint?
We think the new relief society president will be really good. They live out of the area (and the mission) about 3 miles into Wisconsin though so we can't visit them though.
We are excited for our two new investigators that we found this week Juan and Emilia. The English Sisters actually knocked into them and gave them to us as a referral to us a week or two before. On Sunday we were able to teach them finally and we had a really great lesson with them! The wife Emilia had just had surgery so she was laying on the couch in pain but we had a really great discussion with them about the Holy Ghost and how the gospel really brings more peace and joy to the soul than anything else can. They seem happy to learn more and we have another appointment with them this Sunday.
Despite all the challenges that this area holds I know that it has a lot of potential. I can feel that the branch is ready to progress forward and expand. It's just my hope that I can be an instrument in the Lords hands to do what he would have me do in this area.
Two days ago was like attack of the mosquitoes. I think I have 21 mosquito bites the majority of which are on my legs particularly around my ankles. That area must be particularly tasty for them or something.
Chelsea's engaged!? Thats crazy. I feel like I need more information about this since that's pretty much all I know... Can I get a copy of an announcement or something? Maybe a picture?
Well I hope that you all have a fantastic week, thanks for the pictures!
love,
Hermana West
pictures from me! |
| The first one is of me (obviously) pointing to a sign that says "West" on it. Not usually too hard to find but this one just happened to be where we were walking. |
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| The second one is Hermana Delis in front of our car. The story behind the photo: Missionaries generally refer to parking spots that you can park and pull out without backing up as "missionary spots" or also "celestial parking". We found the only potential missionary spot in the parking lot at church and figured that by the time church was over we'd be able to just pull out forward because the parking lot would be practically empty. But because the world is always looking for ways to work against us one of the only cars in the parking lot was right there blocking us...so we had to back up anyways. |
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