We also had a very interesting/new experience for me this week: Caroling in 70 degree weather. A lady in our ward asked us to go caroling in Leisureville (one of the many 55+ communities within our ward boundaries). We, all 8 missionaries, went around for about 45 minutes at night and I was wishing I didn't have to wear a sweater (mission rule: Sisters wear sweaters when the Elders are around). It was that warm. Then we sat outside and ate pizza. Got to love Florida. Also, I find it so interesting that people turn off their lights when we knock on their door. Um, hello! We already know you are home! What's the point of that?
We helped a lady decorate her tree and she gave us a ton of decorations or ours. It was fun. Our apartment is very festive. It is just so strange to see Christmas lights and no snow. Or even chilly weather. Weird.
The Relief Society President had a Piano Recital at the Church on Thursday and we went at the end to help clean up and talk to the non-members. It was funny because it reminded me of all the violin recitals I have participated in. Someone even played Pachabel's Canon.
There was a parade in Delray last Saturday, but we didn't get to actually see it, just the traffic because of it. We've seen the giant tree, carousel, and skating rink. It all looks so cute! Someday, I will come back and visit and you can all come too and enjoy it with me!
Sacrament meeting was great. Sister Colbert reminded us of the Forget-Me-Not talk by President Uchtdorf. But the best part was the three investigators we had there! Scott, Ardena and Jerry (whom I met the first week I was here!) He finally came! And he was wearing a suit! Awesome. I don't actually know if he liked it, since we haven't been able to talk to him yet, but I bet he did. He has been really progressing lately and feels comfortable telling us important details such as: he can't read. Yeah, that would have been nice to know two months ago, Jerry, but thanks for telling us. He has just been saying his eye-sight is bad since he had a stroke a few years ago.
On Sunday afternoon, we had about 20 minutes before the sun went down to harvest and we made a goal to get 3 before going to our next appointment. As soon as we got out of the car, a woman opened her door and popped her head out. We immediately said hi and hurried up the sidewalk to talk to her. We introduced herself and she said she was just visiting some friends. She asked the people that lived there but they didn't want us to come in, so she stepped out unto the porch and we were able to bless her. She was very happy to give us her address so we could come visit her anytime. Then we went next door and found a nice woman who is very religious and let us bless her home, but was not at all interested in us coming back. After knocking a few more doors and not finding anyone, we were getting ready to walk back to the car when a man saw us across the street and walked right up to us (*which scared my companion really bad). He said "hi" and we introduced ourselves. He had some mental disabilities and about 3 teeth (one sticking outside of his lip) so he could tell us his name and said yes to a blessing, but said nothing else. We said a prayer with him right there on the side of the road. He said thanks and kept walking. We don't know anything about him, but he was very excited to see us and was very happy we prayed with him. I hope we see him again someday.
One of our investigators has been struggling with the Word of Wisdom. We have been working with him all week. We have some wonderful members in our area that are trying to help as well. When we spoke to them before our lesson last Saturday, we let them know that we had taught the word of wisdom and asked them to share some of their experiences with overcoming their addictions to coffee when they were investigating the church. It turned out amazing. They bore firm testimony of the importance of obeying that commandment. The spirit was very strong there. I know that Scott was definitely influenced by them. They even provided him with some coffee substitute and had some herbal tea ready in case he had a problem with tea! They were so kind and prepared!
The next day, during Gospel Principles, the teacher asked Scott a question and made mention that he wasn't a member. Scott responded with "not yet!" And he mentioned that he was talking to a friend and told them that he believes the LDS church is for him! We were so excited! I wish we had already taught him everything so he could get baptized next Sunday! But I guess we'll just have to wait a few more weeks.
So that was basically my week. In a very random nutshell. I hope you all had a wonderful week, too.
To those of you with Finals: Good Luck, stay strong, you'll make it through.
To those of you teaching: Give out some candy. The kids will love you. But wait until the end of the day. Then you don't have to deal with them!
To those of you who are working: smile at everyone around you, because it is Christmas. Pass out a "Joy to the World" Pass-a-long card. The missionaries will thank you. Especially if you bear testimony with it. Those you talk to will thank you, too!
To all you other people not sitting on a cushion: You are great. Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Sister Anna Sheffield
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