More time out...

Week 60

Yeah this week we spent more time outside of Sumy than we did in Sumy. 4 days out, 3 days in.  But it is okay because we still got some good work done.

We had to buy some medicine this week for one of the most adorable little girls. She was running a really high fever and all of the branch presidency were unavailable so it fell to us.  It used all of the Money we had with us, except for 4 greeven and some coins Elder Vanbuskirk had.  After that we talked to some Jehovahs witnesses.

You know how I feel about Bible bashing (probably the biggest most pointless waste of time that drives the spirit away) and so I wasnt going to talk to them because that is all they want to do.  Then they said "Come here" so I came there. And I testified of Thomas S. Monson as a living prophet. They asked me to show them where in the Bible it says that we need prophets. So I showed them, they refused the validity of Amos 3:7 (God doeth nothing if he doesnt open his secrets to the prophets). So according to them God is doing nothing. Then I asked them in the bible to show me where it says we shouldnt have one.  They tried to apply a verse at the end of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 where it talks about Charity not failing, and Prophecy and Gift of tongues failing(They told me I did not have the gift of tounges, though they themselves complimented and maybe even wondered at how I spoke). This is where I could have continued by asking them to turn the page to where Paul admonishes us to seek the gift of prophecy(1Corinthians 14), but I did not(Trading versus all day does nothing when those with whom you speak refuse to feel the spirit). I testified that God is a God of miracles, that there is a prophet today, and that if I had not the gift of tongues I would be unable to say a word.  That meeting only took about 5 minutes, and it ended with me having a stronger testimony of our prophet, and of the miracles God does, I told them if they want to talk to us on the grounds of learning and coming closer to God (not contentiously arguing) that they are welcome to call us.  The spirit had remained with me and supported me.

That is the big story this week.  We had exchanges and zoneconferences which is why we were out of town so much.  I am really loviing being a missionary.

More miracles we had 3 Less actives show up to church yesterday. We have a prospective appointment with each of them and all of them heard President and Sister Sullivan speak, and I know it touched their hearts.

I love all of you!

Hey Buddy!

There were some great blog posts this week and Sister Sullivan sent me some photos of you too!  I love anything extra I get!  I can't wait to hear all about the changes for this week from the other moms...and you.  We have found a few of the moms from the new missionaries coming.  They have been in Washington waiting for their visa's.  Sounds like they are set to arrive Wednesday.  

Our week was good.  Jordy and I went and observed in the class over at Oquirrh Middle School.  At this point I think we will have him switch.  It will give him the best chance at learning more.  I have him accepting it at this point.  It will cost me...bribes but it will be worth it in the end.

We had Kalten and Ollie this weekend.  Ethan was sick on Friday and had Sadie's dance yesterday so he didn't come.  We went to the BYU game Friday night.  It started at 8:30 pm and went in to double over time so it went until 12:15 am.  We left at the end of the game...but missed the double overtimes.  The weather this last week was super nice so even really late it wasn't cold.  

Josh has to go to a concert for his choir classes so today he took Cayson's sister with him to the Mo-Tab choir performance.  I was worried about him driving downtown, but he made it safe and sound.  

Christian Russel came home this week.  I'm not sure why, they said a "honorable medical release".  I think he was just having a hard time and was ready to come home.  It was weird to see him though.  Ethan Glaittli comes home in a couple weeks and then it will start everyone else coming home every few months until it is your turn to come home.  It makes it seem fast.

Dad got a response from Elder Oaks to his Religious Bill of Rights so he was pretty excited about that.  

I'm improving on the piano playing, and I am still working on the Family History stuff when I have free time.  

So all the moms have been talking about different things that I want to ask you about.

1- did you eat some of that Nutria rat thingy???  What was that????

2- Elder Vanbuskirk's mom said that if his back doesn't stop hurting he has to be sent home?!?  I didn't know he was having back issues.  Is it really that bad???

3- New branch president in Sumy.  A couple weeks ago I had the passing thought that they could make you branch president.  But then Sister Sullivan told me they were changing it this week.  So who is the new guy?  Do you know him well?  Is it a good change?

4-Transfers Changes this week...did you guys get changed, or moved?  Do you have any new missionaries coming up to Sumy?  I think that would be awesome!!!

5-How was your interview with the President this week?  What does he ask you about and what do you talk about?

6-Did you give Sister Sullivan the Envelopes?

7-Where do they stay when they come to town?  Was your apartment clean for her inspection???

8-EV sent home some white chocolate snickers bar...send me one please!

9-How is training with the master of sports?  And your other investigators.  When will Tamara get baptized?

10-Any predictions for your future in the mission?  

11-Does the president hint at things/changes to come before hand?

12-Are you still happy and positive?

13-Are you staying obedient?

14-Do you hear much about our politics?  It's a pretty big disaster at this point.

15-Are you still getting mail from me?  Please send me another letter soon.  I love them so much!

I miss you so much but I am so proud of you.  Seeing Christian was odd.  Keely said, "Are you jealous, do you wish it was Jax?"  and after thinking a second about it I said, "No, I would be sad if he was back already.  I feel like the best 10 months of his mission are ahead of him, now that he has the language down good and it immersed in the culture."  I am truly grateful for the experience you are having.  I am so proud, and impressed with the person you are.  Thanks for being amazing and such a great example to me.  I love you so much.  

Good luck this week if you have any changes coming up:)

Love you,

Mom

No, I have no clue, but I saw a picture, and it probably is in half the stuff we eat anyway, its an over grown rat.  Yeah his back his hurting him pretty bad. I dont think there is anything wrong with it except for maybe a bruised bone or some messed up nerves.  Yeah I know the new Branch president he is not as good as the Old one was(he is moving to Dnepr)  but he is a good man.  We are staying the same. President seems to like to keep me in the same place for a while. Interviews are good he usually asks us about our goals or about how we feel we have grown it is different every time, he says you all wont recognize me when I get off the air plane. No, she did not ask for them, but I asked if there was anything and she said no.  Yes, but no inspection happened.  Okay I will send more letters and packages soon for the snickers.  They are all in about the same spot, but Tamara is doing good still. She will get baptized either this week or next week we are not sure.  I am clueless as to the future.  No he makes no hints and no clues.  Yes I am happy and Positive.  Yes I am obedient.  No we dont hear much about that.  What is wrong with our politics? Yes I still get mail every zone conference.  Tell christian hi for me. I hope he is okay.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM I love you so much, do you remember the Surprized BDay party Traci helped me throw for you? I cant believe that was so long ago, I love you so much.