HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Everyone!
This week, there is much to be thankful for:
I am thankful for Zone Conference. I got to see my old companion and the Mission President, get a flu shot, each lunch, take pictures, get Steve (the black box in our car that tracks our driving), learn how to be safe and healthy, how to talk to people I wouldn't normally talk to, and so much more. Really, it was awesome.
I am thankful for cool experiences while harvesting and, of course, for the Holy Ghost:
As we were harvesting in the middle of the week, we had knocked on several doors without anyone answering. As we got to the last door on the street, we met a young man named Webster who was very glad to allow us to leave the blessing with him and to come back and meet his family the next day. As we were walking away from his door, we saw a woman walking her children home from school. She didn't speak a lot of English but she was happy to have us follower her to her house and leave the blessing with her and her family. Lots of the family was there and participated in the blessing. We were able to speak to her children and find a time when the Creole Elders could come back and teach them. Then as we walked away from her home, we saw a women standing in her driveway smoking. I soon as I saw her I thought "She needs us" so we walked straight to her. When we explained that we were representatives of Jesus Christ she got really excited and put out her cigarette. She was so shocked that we were there because she said she had strayed from the path. As she continued, she recognized us as her sisters in the gospel and was crying before we said the blessing. She was very glad to have us return. And although we haven't been able to teach her a full lesson yet, we have talked with her each day since then and have a return appointment. I know the Spirit was there guiding and directing us to her. I am glad we were able to hear that direction and follow it.
I am thankful for our investigators. We got to see some of them we haven't seen for a while. We also met several more and even committed some more to baptism on the first lesson. Yay!
I am thankful for ward parties. Our ward had a Thanksgiving day party and invited everyone and their friends. We had 3 investigator families there! Patricia, our Argentinian friend (she always calls us her "girls"), Laverne and 9 grandkids plus 2 friends, and Ardena, her son and daughter, and her friend and her daughter. It was so great! The party itself was pretty crazy and chaotic. There was a pinewood derby race (which we totally entered but didn't win) and tons of food. We were able to give Ardena a tour of the church and she was pretty excited to come to church. Unfortunately, she didn't get up in time on Sunday. But at least she's been in the church building now!
I am thankful for the ability to sing. The missionaries were asked to sing at the party, but we were somehow forgotten. So the bishop had us sing in Sacrament Meeting. We sang "For the Beauty of the Earth" acapella as a double quartet. Because we can. I am thankful for the other 7 missionaries in this ward. They are amazing people.
I am thankful for Jim Davis, a less-active member who let us come over and eat dinner with him and his non-member wife. And showed us his lovely Alligator head. Yes. He has the head of an 11 foot alligator. I got to hold it. He used to be an alligator hunter. So cool. Don't worry I have a picture.
I am thankful for all the random animals I see here. And for the great reactions from Sister Hawkes when she sees them (the most common being: "Ew!"). I guess I'm also thankful for the creepy Chihuahua named Tinkerbell which we saw when we were blessing a home. Even though he bit me. That's right. I got bit by a tiny rat-dog. At least he didn't break the skin. I feel like a real missionary! Ha!
I am most grateful for the WEDDING! Our wonderful investigators, that have been working with the missionaries for 8 months, finally got married!! It was so amazing! We spent 4 hours on Saturday decorating their cake and helping get things ready. Then on Sunday, we set up some tables and chairs, put some tablecloths out (that was the extent of the decorations), held the door open for the guests coming in out of the pouring rain, moved the podium from primary into the Relief Society room, handed the bride the bouquet (of silk flowers made by a ward member), and pinned the boutonniere on the groom (yes, we did that), passed out hymn books, and then it started. The bishop conducted the ceremony and we took pictures, I'm pretty sure my companion cried. It was SO exciting! Then they exchanged rings and the bishop gave them some advice. Then we went into the gym for some dinner and cake. Took more pictures and cleaned everything up. The whole thing was over in two hours. It was fun. The best part is that Anthony and Laverne were even more excited for next week: Their Baptism! I can't wait!!! (neither can Sister Barnes who has been here teaching them since the beginning!)
I am thankful for the wonderful ward members here that came and helped with the wedding and are so willing to go out with us to visit people. With 8 missionaries, it requires a lot of help from the ward, and they do it! Would you like to have that experience as well? You can, it is just one phone call away (to your local missionaries, of course)!
I am thankful for all of you! You are wonderful people and I love you. Yes even you.
Go read Elder Scott's talk from conference and then memorize a scripture. Any one. They're all good.
Heads-up: My Preparation Day is on Tuesday next week because of transfers. That gives you an extra day to write to me!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Love, Sister Anna Sheffield
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