I've won a bookmark, a cookie
cutter in the shape of a heart, two foil crowns, and jokes that barely surpass
those on Laffy Taffies. We need crackers in the states, I think.
Christmas was well fun. There
were loads of nonmembers at church, and then we headed to Tricia's for most of
the day. Her family was over and we chatted with them whilst they helped
themselves to the open bar. Tea was delicious--ham and roast potatoes and turkey
(Brussel sprouts are gross) and gravy all over everything. Pudding was
chocolate mousse and Christmas cake, which is a really soft fruit cake wrapped
in marzipan and frosting. I couldn't face Christmas pudding. It's a fruitcake
that's been soaked in rum or port for about two months (they started making
these before Halloween) until it's all gelatinized and they bake it. Somehow I
passed on that one.
The rest of the evening was
spent doing karaoke, which I've never done. Christensen got all into it, and
they wouldn't let me leave until I'd done one. So after all the Buddy Holly
hits, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and that one song from An American Tail, I got
Christensen to sing Amish Paradise with me. They thought it was hysterical (we
can't rap) mostly because everyone here mistakes us for Amish at some point or
other. I was sad to leave when Debbie arrived at half six to shuttle us to
Skype.
This week was awesome.
Considering it's Christmas, we got 17 lessons in and we've got a goal for 23
this next week to make it forty. The Lord wants us to fulfill our goals. We
couldn't manage a Christmas baptism (there were 23 of those in the whole
mission, so it wasn't just us struggling with seasonal commitment) but at least
we can get twenty lessons a week.
Our pool consists of:
-Vishal: From India, went to
Catholic school, and think that the principles taught there have really
hindered his ability to be happy like all the jerks he works with who are rich
and mean and have everything going for them because if he tried to be nasty he
would feel horrible inside (as we all do). We're teaching him the PofS today to
help explain what true happiness is, even if you're trying your best and things
aren't working out.
-Cindy: Still slow going. She
totally believes everything we tell her and she's very susceptible to the
spirit, but we think she's struggling with depression that's not getting
treating, which would really explain her nervousness and such. We're trying to
get her daughter interested, at least after the holidays are over.
-Tricia: Breakthrough this
last week in making the gospel real to her. We're trying to get her to stop
smoking, but it won't be easy. She quit once before and nearly got divorced
because she was so grouchy.
-Trisha: Former member, offended
by the bishop's lack of warmth to her, which is completely understandable. It's
not exactly a huge ward. We're doing our best to build her faith and help her
feel the Spirit when we're with her...she's got good member friends, which
helps a lot.
Those are the big ones we're
working with. It's really cool to see the Spirit work on them, even if you've
given up hope that they're even paying attention, you find out they are. I'll
be grateful to get back into the swing of things after the holidays are over
and everyone's back to school and work and such. With Nana's money that she
sent I bought some super cute dresses and a top on Boxing Day to expand my
tired wardrobe. It's not nearly as tired as Christensen (her cardigans are just
sagging because they've gotten all stretched out).
Things are going well on Jersey . We're doing our best to energize the members at
the moment...I don't think they've ever met sisters like me and Christensen who
sort of tell you like it is and are loud and talk smack during the ward
pictionary game...I think they're a little shell-shocked. With any luck, I'll
still be here for a few months more and someone like Sister Kutsevytch from Ukraine
It's something I've had to
learn--not to expect anything from the members. You have to make nice with them
and give them compliments and uplift them at every possible moment. That's the
missionary's job. If they're not responding with referrals and such, try harder
and pray to discover what the Lord would have you do. At Christmas we had like
ten presents each under the tree...scarves and gloves and spa sets...I was
shocked. You won't hear an article in the Christmas Ensign from ME that says,
"It was Christmas on my mission, and no one had given us any
presents" like they all say. Our Christmas was rad. Yvonne's friend was
wanting to meet with us to learn more about the church at the end of it. We're
so lucky to be here!
Happy Christmas, everyone!
I'll have to make some good resolutions and let you know :)
Love from,
Sister Willard
No comments:
Post a Comment