In our area, we haven't had new investigators in a long time. A few that have come back, a few that were almost investigators that bailed on us after one lesson...but not tons of progress. We were so blessed to have lots of opportunities this week to find new people. One was a referral, one was digging through an old area book, one was a GQ, and one happened to be married to the guy we GQd (funny how that works). The other half an investigator is their seven month old daughter who, according to the zone leaders, "does not count as an investigator". Something about not being old enough to be accountable for decisions...I dunno. I think they just didn't want to give us the Tim Tams they promised if we got five new investigators.
Kidding aside, we're so excited. The first two are solid and we're overjoyed to have a couple and their daughter. Family is so important - who we are surrounded by changes who we become. I've met a lot of people out here who didn't have the family they deserved and ended up in places they didn't want to be. I am more and more grateful to have grown up where I did, surrounded by the people I was. To each and every one of you, thank you for the role you've played in my life. I don't think we can ever quite comprehend the extent to which we touch others' lives.
We had a lesson with Mandy before FHE last Monday. She showed up early (which we're always excited for) and had time to read Mosiah 3 and discuss the Gospel of Christ. It was such a powerful moment as Elder Norby (exchanges) laid out the whole circuit and we testified of the process of change through Christ. Faith in him that encourages us to repent and be cleansed and receive God's constant guidance which helps us build our faith...it goes on and on and on. And Mandy saw that. She saw what we can become with God. She told us - this is a good thing. So, I extended a baptismal invitation. Our beloved investigator committed to prepare to be baptized on March 17 of this year and I couldn't be more excited.
We had a few fun moments this week. Elder Liu and I have a fun time singing and chatting wherever we go. He introduced me to Nashville Tribute's "Children Go Where I Send Thee" and I don't think I've stopped singing it since. We had a cooking competition last week against the branch - the two of us and our member Joan proved that we were the supreme cooks in the branch. Those of you who know about my cooking skills know that it was all me who won that contest because I am a fantastic cook.
I'm kidding. I probably would have poisoned everyone.
Anyway. Joan and Liu prepared two dishes that were spicy beyond all measure. We named them "Sodom and Gomorrah" and had fun watching everyone else suffer.
We were on the train the other day from Heidelberg to the city. There's a station named Dennis we pass every day. On this particular day, there was a father and three young girls. The two older girls were singing nursery rhymes. As we passed Dennis, the youngest shouted, "We're driving on Dennis' head! We're driving on Dennis' head! That must hurt a lot!" and I busted up laughing. My dear father, please avoid train stations in the near future.
Thank you all for your letters and emails and constant prayers. I feel so good out here. There's nothing better than serving the Lord. I'm not perfect - I see my weaknesses more and more. But the thing is, with Christ, finding weaknesses isn't a problem - it's a chance to repent. And there's no peace that compares to that of the repentant soul.
Have a lovely week, my friends and family. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Elder Blackhurst
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