Hey Ma and
Pa!
We had a few
amazing experiences this week. I've never given so many blessings in a
transfer. It's incredible to see the amount of good a priesthood blessing
can do, and it's strengthened my faith immensely in the power of the
priesthood.
Early this
week our friend ‘V’ had been stressing out a lot with some family problems, a
son dealing with depression, and preparing a daughter for a big trip coming
up. We offered a blessing and though only knowing a little bit about
priesthood blessings, she accepted without hesitation.
At the
appointment Elder Lester offered a comforting blessing, and ‘L’, her husband,
though an atheist, even agreed to stay in the room. When the blessing was
finished everyone sat very still for a minute, and I could tell that something
struck a chord.
Later she
texted us and said she had felt like it was a 'huge hug' and that she was going
to quit smoking! She set Sunday as her final day for smoking (yesterday)
and asked if we would give another blessing to get things off on the right
foot.
After the
blessing yesterday though something else happened that was just like what
happened with Sis. ‘S's blessing. ‘V’ had me come over and just put one
hand on top of her daughter's head. I felt a rush of comfort coming from
the connection, and right then ‘V’ asked 'can you feel that?' to her
daughter, and rather than asking what she meant, she replied 'what is that?'
‘V’ said she could feel the 'energy' coming from me today, and explained that
to her daughter as well.
 |
| The beautiful fall forests |
There are
still obviously some things that still need to be explained, and steps that
need to be taken, but I feel like this family is just on the edge of great
things. I'm so lucky to be here at this time.
Some other
fun things that happened: Elder Lester and I found a free, brand new stationary
bike out on someone's front yard. It was so nice I made sure to double
check with the lady that it was ok for us to take. It's a great work out,
and now allows one of us to do cardio while the other one can do other exercises
all in one convenient location! :)
I also
picked up knitting from ‘V’ this week, and she's got me knitting a scarf
:) I get lots of weird looks on the trains, but it's already sparked some
casual conversation since it's so weird to see a teen boy knitting, so I've got
a great new contacting strategy ;)
‘R’ is doing
awesome! Still off alcohol, and working towards the first Sunday in
December to come to church. ‘O’ is still being taught, was supposed to take us
to church this week but bailed, we're also teaching his wife now. ‘S’ is also
going to get married here, and then we'll have just one more hurdle before he
can set a baptismal date that he's so excited for. Still having a lot of
fun here!
I've been
telling everyone today in my emails about how crazy it is that everyone will
continue to grow even until the time when I get back. It's great to see
the progression, it's just weird to think I won't be coming home to the same
old family. Then again, I've grown with you, so the change can't be too
bad, and it's mostly exciting.
Change is
something that I feel like I've actually really come to love since being on my
mission. If things aren't constantly changing, then there is never an
opportunity for improvement, and that's what God's plan is all about.
I asked President
today about the drum, we'll have to just wait and see. I'll be sure to keep
sending pics. I love y'all.
Ældste Pitcher
