Never a Dull Moment!

I don't have too much time to write today, because the library is super busy.  So this is what happening in my life:

 

Hope, the night before her interview, called and canceled because her car broke down.  She also had a lot of stress and feeling scared so was not going to happen, even if we got her a ride.  She was not able to come to church ether.  But we met with her today.  Found that she is really concerned about family and what baptism will do.  So tomorrow, I hope to get her husband's cell number so I can talk to him about it.  It is never a dull moment.

 

Jaymie and Alicia are doing great!  Only Jaymie came to church because Alicia was sick.  Jaymie said that her husband would be interested lessening in!  So we have an appointment this Saturday.

 

Brian said he talked with his wife, and they are not interested in learning :(

 

But, we found two new investigators this week (Rick and Chuck).

 

Friday it was 60 degrees!  It was amazing!...  Then Saturday; cold, snow, high winds.  The road were closed, but we did not learn about that till we got back that night.  O well!  :)

 

I learned that I like electric ovens (Syracuse apartment) over gas ovens (Oneida apartment).  I made banana bread, and the outside is cooked, but the inside is gooey!

 

I finished reading the Book of Mormon again.  I also finished D&C.  I started both Dec 8th.  So now I am restarting the Book of Mormon, and rereading the New Testament.  I am so excited!  I love the New Testament and the Book of Mormon applies directly into our daily life.  Hope is reading now in Alma- she says that is her favorite book so far.

 

Jessi, a friend from BYU is taking a world religions class.  She reminded me of a scripture in Alma 29:8.  The Lord uses other faiths and religions for the benefit of the individuals.  We got to remember the Lords hand is in all, and he is going to help us as well as His other children come unto him.

 

Love you all,

 

Elder Shurtz

So much has happened!

It's so cold here!

It has been an exciting week!

 

We met with Jaymie and Alicia on Wednesday and Friday.  They are loving it all.  It is creating a little bit of contention in the home with the father.  But, he has come to church and a volley-ball activity.  So we will see what happens.  Jaymie is supper strong and Alicia is loving church and the youth activities.

 

We also met with Hope on Thursday to help her prepare for her interview tomorrow.  We are so excited for her.  Yesterday we got some of the branch members, including some youth, to help shovel off the snow on her roof.  with ten of us it took us a little over an hour, and she was just going to do it by herself!  She said: 'I have never had so much help before, ever in my life!'  It was so amazing to see the smile on her face.  The branch is trying to make a special effort to fellowship with her, despite the lack of numbers and the many responsibilities they already have.

Would you let these guys into your home?

 

We also found a new investigator, Brian. We are excited to meet with him again.  have an appointment with him tonight at the church.

 

We had dinner with Brother and Sister French (less-actives) and with Elder and Sister Rieldbeck who works at the mission home and comes to our branch.  It was a great opportunity to fellowship.  Sister French goes into surgery this week, for her leg/foot (she has diabetes) and the branch is going to provide meals (even Jaymie signed up to help!)

 

 

I sure miss those cats at home!

Saturday, our car (Shamoo) got stuck in a ditch [Elder Robinson was driving :)].  We spent three hours talking to farmers and even calling the branch president with his truck.  But we could not get it out.  So we had to call a tow truck.  Got it out around 6:30 at night.  So that was an exciting evening.  We did find someone who said we could come back and share our message with them; so who knows, maybe it was meant to be!  :) 

 

Hope, Jaymie, and Alicia (with Jaymie's little girl, Bella) came to church!  Hope had to leave after the first hour, but Jaymie, Alicia, and Bella stayed for all three.  Bella, is not quite use to church for three hours, so 5 minutes left of the 3rd hour she had a melt down and they left early.  But, they are strong and will keep trying to come.  It will get easier as they continue coming.

 

Well I hope you have a wonderful week!  Happy Valentines Day!

It's pretty funny - now!

Shamoo - hopelessly stuck!

 

 

 

By Small and Simple Things are Great Things Brought to Pass

Small little things all week:

 

We met with Jaymie and Alicia on Wednesday.  Talked about the Word of Wisdom.  They said they are willing to give up her coffee.  Nothing big for them.  They also came (with Chris [husband] and a friend of Alicia's) to a Volley-ball activity we had with another branch on Saturday.  It was a blast.  They really enjoyed it.  They did not come to church though.  Lots of 'stuff' going on.  But hopefully next week.

 

We also met with Heather again! (Lady who lost her Father two months ago).  She got sick on Sunday, so did not come to church.  Next week though!

 

Hope, we set a baptismal date!  the 26th of February.  She still needs her interview and needs some encouragement, but she said she is willing to shoot for that date.  She was a church Sunday, and stayed all three hours.

 

This week the handle to the driver side door broke.  We just got it fixed.  I'm so glad I don't have to jump through the back or the passenger side anymore in 'shamoo.'  It must have looked strange in a huge twelve passenger van.

 

Zone Conference was great.  Talked about obtaining the word and spirit.  A lot of focus on focusing on the ministry.

 

Monday we also helped this lady get out of a snow bank. (after somebody, who looked drunk, tried to push her out with a snow plow, getting stuck himself, and doing damage serious damage to the bumper and rear light).  Never know what you will be doing as a missionary. 

 

Had a lady answer a door we knocked on and after introducing ourselves she asked us why her grandchild had to die (sort of mad).  Always interesting circumstances, but we gave powerful testimony about our Savior's plan for us.  She said we could come back. 

 

Hope you have a great week!

 

Love,

Elder Shurtz