You Gotta Look Up

Last week was a bit frustrating, but things don't often stay the same for very long here on the mission. The only constant is change! This week was a lot of fun. 

Happy 4th of July!

We met again with the 10 year old girl who's dad is less active, and her 12 year old brother has been sitting in as well. We weren't sure if she was really retaining anything that we had taught her because she was always so quiet, but when we came back the next time we found out that she had been reading the Book of Mormon, and had even taught her brother what she learned in the last lesson! Her and her brother now actively participate in the lessons. We invited them to come to church, and the little girl said "I don't have any dresses..." to which her dad responded, "Don't worry girl, I got you covered. We're going dress shopping!" Then her brother said "What about me??" Haha it sounds like they're going shopping this weekend. It is often difficult to teach children who have less active parents, because although they want to be baptized, they don't have the support at home to help them keep the commitment. But this family is different. Their dad is excited to see his children learn, to see them embrace the gospel, and he has been praying often, and has even decided to quit smoking! 

Also, we had an experience with a member this week. Don't be someone who calls and complains to the missionaries about your personal problems with your neighbor's dog. It is not very professional, or effective for that matter. 

Sizzler with our grandparents!

Our fourth of July was fun and pretty low key. We went to a parade with a ward missionary, and it was so fun to see the community get together, all dressed up in their patriotic garb, to celebrate this blessed land that we live in! Our adopted grandparents took us to Sizzler for a delicious American meal of steak. We had a 7:00 curfew, so we watched fireworks from the back yard. But the next day our neighbors set off a ton, unfortunately they were intoxicated, and a few of the fireworks got a little too close for comfort, so we went inside and watched them set the neighbor's yard on fire. Luckily it was contained. 

This weekend we had dinner and a lesson with one of our investigators who is getting baptized soon!!! She has quit smoking, and her transformation has been incredible. To hear her testimony of the gospel and the power that God has in her life is so so so awesome. We always leave her house with happy hearts, and happy tummies!

We have been meeting with members of the wards, and the success has been miraculous. Each family is different, and we don't know anything about them going into it. That is when the spirit steps in and we are guided in our words. We met a family and the dad is less active, and he has a lot of deep questions. He struggles to believe that there is even a God, how he wants to believe that He is there, but also that He is not, because it would be easier. It is hard for him to believe that God cares about him because of all of the difficult things that he has gone through. He is struggling and is searching for answers. We listened to his theories and ideas, and asked if he would like to meet with us so that we can help him to find some peace and understanding. He said "Yeah that would be great. I don't want this to sound weird, but sitting here with you girls, I feel... love." It was such simple but touching statement. As a missionary, I am a representative of Jesus Christ. Because I bear His name, I am an instrument through which others can feel His love for them. That has been an incredible experience, and has strengthened my love and compassion for others, as well as my love and gratitude for my Savior Jesus Christ. 

There are so many things to be grateful for. A good meal, a kind compliment, our freedom to worship. We just have to look up to see all of the wonders that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with!

I love you all! Keep smiling!

xoxo

Sister Boman