The Week of Meetings

This week was zone conference and General Conference. That meant that there was only one day this week that we did normal stuff all day. It went by so fast.

Funny: We visited the house of a man who was a referral from his neighbors. He came out and was super friendly to us. He was so nice and complimentary about our work and welcomed us to Page. He was so charismatic and kind that we didn't even realize that he wasn't interested until we got back to our car. We didn't even have a chance to say we were missionaries because he was just so nice to us. It was the kindest door slam that we have ever had. haha

spiritual: We met this old lady who lives out in Big Water. She is a Lutheran and didn't want anything to do with us but she agreed to sit outside and talk about Jesus. As we talked she would bring up questions about the church. They were actually really hard questions but as we watched she would ask the question. Stop. And then answer her own question. She taught herself the Plan of Salvation without us having to say a word. It was amazing to see the Spirit testify of the Gospel without us doing anything.

Where I am at: I have realized how grateful I am this week. This first area is hard. So far I have not been able to use a single one of my strengths. None of what I thought I was good at applies here. Because of how big our area is and how few people we have I can't even work "hard" in the traditional sense. Everything I had practiced for and prepared for now doesn't apply. We haven't taught a single traditional lesson. For this I am so grateful. I have learned so much about myself, I know that God tries each of us according to our abilities and desires. I also know that he loves us enough to push us down.

The Gospel is true, the book is blue. God loves each of you, and I do too.

Elder Black

When I asked him if he was feeling discouraged this was his response: I know that it came off as discouraged and I figured it would, but actually I am loving it. It is such a stretch for me. I am having so much fun being able to really give my all with no pride. It has been such a blessing to be shot down. I hope it continues.

I am so happy to be here. It is so opposite of what I expected. My companion is great but we don't have anyone to teach. The people are open to listening but don't have a desire to change. It is so opposite to what I wanted. But I know that this is where I am supposed to be. I have really learned to trust God and have the faith to let me suffer. It really comes down to that. God needs me to change so that I can become more. I know that this is the best way and I am so grateful to be experiencing it now.