here, and I'm still getting used to the system. But they are an
amazing tool for us, definitely. No more big bags full of books! It's
nearly all electronic- the scriptures, the planner, the
pamphlets...it's pretty great. Definitely makes things easier!
Anyway, this is my first email in a week and a half, so there's a lot
to cover. The day after p-day, we had an In-Field orientation. That
helped quite a bit, I thought. We talked a lot about how to approach
people on the street and about working with members. The teachers even
put on a little play- I couldn't tell if it was actually funny or if
I've just adjusted over to missionary humor. But there were some great
moments.
The next few days were pretty normal. I did receive half a dozen
cupcakes- thank you Ashley!- and they were delicious. Our room just
had so much junk food we didn't know what to do with it. I don't
remember whether or not I mentioned the four pounds of brownies that
Sister Carter received, but we did manage to finish those as well.
I had my first Fast Sunday at the MTC as well (17 left!) and it was
pretty amazing. Two of the elders fro my district did a musical number
in sacrament meeting- a duet of "I Need Thee Every Hour." It really
brought the Spirit into our meeting. And Sheri Dew spoke at our Sunday
night devotional! She talked a lot about how all people have access to
priesthood power, even though only men hold the keys. She said that
our access is proportionate to how well we keep the covenants we have
made.
We flew out of the fifth- and reported to the travel office at 3:30
am. We got to call our families from the airport, and talk to them a
little, which was really nice! I had a burger for breakfast at the
airport, since we hadn't had a chance to get food before that. We met
President and Sister Taylor at the airport. They're really awesome and
I'm excited to work with them. We went to the mission offices to get
our iPads and learn about a few logistical things, and then we all
went out on exchanges. The thing I noticed most is the trees. They're
everywhere, and they're huge! And there are so many kinds too. I miss
being able to see the sky like we've got in Colorado, but at least
it's trees and not buildings! Anyway, for exchanges, I went with two
other sisters to an appointment with a lady named Donna. She was very
sweet. We talked about the Plan of Salvation and she really opened up.
We sang a hymn and just talked to her about the gospel. It was so
wonderful. That night, the five sisters slept in the mission home, and
I think the elders went to a motel.
The next morning we had our transfer meeting! I'm assigned to the
Hazel Dell ward, and my companion is Sister Girot. She's from Utah and
she just finished her own training. She's super cute and I love
working with her. There will be pictures! The funny thing is that I'm
actually the designated driver, because I have more experience. So
we've been having fun finding our way around- I look at a map before
we leave and she navigates based on landmarks, shops and things. We've
gotten a bit lost, but we're getting the hang of things now! The trees
don't help with that.....they're gorgeous, but they like to hide the
road signs!
Our first appointment was with Mallory- they'd set it up before I
came, and it was pretty fun. She'd actually made us cookies! We taught
her the Restoration (well it was mostly Sister Girot. But I'm starting
to speak up more now that I've learned the ropes!) and left her with a
Book of Mormon. We thought for sure she was ready to hear the Gospel,
but we got a call from her yesterday and I guess she and her husband
are going to a different church. That was pretty sad. We're going to
call her back at some point today (since we only got a voicemail) just
to ask what changed her mind, and to let her know that we're always
here to help out.
We had dinner at the Trumbos' house! They really spoil the
missionaries. There was steak and yams and salad, and ice cream for
dessert. And they absolutely wouldn't let us help clean up! They're
very nice. We went back Saturday and helped them paint a wall in their
backyard. Sister Trumbo says that whenever we come to do service, she
takes pictures and texts them to our parents, and that's what she did!
They sent us home with a box of donuts, and when they found out we
didn't have a dinner appointment, they invited us to come out for
Chinese food. It was really good too. They're a really great couple,
but unfortunately they're moving to Utah soon! Most of their stuff is
already there. One of the other members of our ward also brought us
Costa Vida one night! It's out of our area so we can't go get it for
ourselves.
Anyway, as far as the next few days go, we had a lot of appointments
with less active members, and investigators. We're teaching an eight
year old who is really cute. His dad won't let him get baptized
though. Everyone has been really nice so far. We've done quite a bit
of tracting too. In the future, I think we'll try and get more
referrals as well, especially once we know the area better. Yesterday,
we tried to find an old referral, got lost, and accidentally left our
area! But we turned around right away and the made sure we let our
district leaders know. Next time, we're going to bring a better set of
directions for sure. That's a lesson learned! As for results from
tracting, we didn't have too much success until yesterday- we found
two people who were interested! So we're going back to see one of them
on Saturday, and the second wanted to come to church first. I'm really
praying that it goes well and that they'll be protected from Satan's
influence in the intervening days. Also last night we ran into a
family of inactive members and they told us to come visit! It was a
cool experience.
As for where we're living, we're with Sister Vincent. She's really
cool, and very much into saving money. Apparently it costs a lot to
have garbage picked up, so we try and create as little trash as
possible. She also does something cool that I never knew before- she
keeps a tiny bowl of coffee grounds in the microwave to absorb odors
and flavors and such. And when she replaces it and pours the old ones
in the garbage, they help that to stink less as well. It's pretty
cool.
The people are great out here, and I know I'm in the right place. I've
felt good and comfortable since I arrived, and I know that's the Lord
telling me this is where I'm supposed to be. The Spirit is definitely
here, and it will only get stronger as I adjust to this new lifestyle
and new place (the humidity is definitely going to take some time). I
love you all and hope everything is going well!
Sister Jacobs
No comments:
Post a Comment