This week has been by far the most trying of my short life as a missionary. Both outwardly and inwardly.
First off with our Most Progressing Investigator. You're probably tired of hearing about M., but she was baptized! The night before she stood us up for her interview. But she was interviewed by president himself the next day! She'll be confirmed on Sunday. We have a ride set up and there is nothing to stop her but Satan. Otherwise, P. is our runner up, but we still need to find out from the mission presidency when he can set the date- but he's so close!!! I don't know if I mentioned it, but he resolved all his issues with the commandments and is ready to be baptized!!! YAY!!! When he brought it up I was like "uh oh, here it comes, he doesn't want to see us anymore" But then he was like- "you guys are right, and I want to be baptised" and I was like- WAHOOO!!!!!!! It was a great day.
The most miraculous event this week was M's baptism. There was a lot of tears and frustration behind that baptism. Our whole district was fasting that Sunday for her, and Heavenly Father made it happen! I wish I could say it took more effort on my part to help with that process, but Sister E. is really the missionary that started with her. Still, I am very happy for M. and can't wait to help C., her son :)
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| M. Baptism Day! December 22, 2013 |
So as I said, it has been a VERY trying week. So many people have cancelled appointments, virtually no one is able to joint teach with us, investigators have completely turned off to us after being so close in their progression, etc. It's mostly because of the Christmas season. Every day is exhausting. It hasn't helped that we always seem to be late to appointments lately because the investigators we DO see tend to talk for a VERY long time. These are the external problems. We are working to fix them and have made goals such as timing and working our schedule to factor in long conversations. However I've also been wrestling with inner trials- nothing terrible, but I find that because I have such an amazing trainer, sometimes I feel like I can't step in when I feel something different needs to be done. I end up stepping down because she has been doing this much longer than I and she knows how it's done. It's hard because I don't know when something really should be changed or if we could try something else. I don't want to sound pessimistic. She is a magnificent trainer and we'll work it out. It is something I've been working on.
I really can't complain though- Heavenly Father has blessed us by letting us talk to people who were really closed off before, and he's put several people directly in our path for us to talk to, like a Brazilian guy who called out. "Hey, are you sisters??" We were like- "let me tell you something.... "- Ha Ha, not really, but we ended up meeting his mother (who took a picture with us?) and we'll be going over to visit sometime with a member who served in Brazil.
It would be wonderful if everyone could pray for R., T., and K. They are a family who has loved meeting with us and have felt the spirit, no doubt about it, in the lessons we've taught them. But R.'s big fear is in going to church. When we stressed the importance of her coming she completely turned off to us and won't see us anymore :( Prayers would be really appreciated.
When we asked A. about his scripture reading he told us he hadn't liked it so he stopped. :( Also an investigator to pray for.
On a funny note, I made a list of 50 things I can't think of on my mission. (Ex. Swimming, the sun, movies to watch, the mall....) I wrote that list and BURNED IT!!! Not really- I ripped it up and soaked the pieces in water till they dissolved. I'm not allowed to mess with fire. :P Those thoughts are no longer who I am! I am a missionary!! HA! Take THAT Satan!!! :D
Wanted to say that I got Grandma Winert's and Grandma Robert's Packages!! Thank you so much!!!!! They have made my Christmas PERFECT :D Haven't opened them yet :)
Thanks guys for your words of comfort and encouragement :) I love you all so much! Merry MERRY! Christmas :)
Hurrah! For Israel!
Love,
Sister Roberts
Ps: hey Mom :D you are awesome! I'll see you (on Skype) in a few days!!! <3