December 9, 2013

This week was alright. Mostly just trying to find people to teach. We tried tracting, tried visiting former investigators, and tried a district blitz, but so far nothing has worked. My goal is to smash finding the next two weeks, especially this week because the closer it gets to Christmas the harder it will be. Last year it was hard because around Christmas everyone was nicer to us, but they were less interested because they were busy. Funny how the true meaning of Christmas can be so easily lost with the business of the holidays. I really hope that we find some people or else it is going to be a really boring transfer. The packages should get here in time, most of your letters take about 10 days to get here. We have a couple people offer for skype, but have not set up a time. When would work best for you? Mom when you said Christmas Eve, was that Christmas Eve for you or for me? Wow this whole different day thing really makes it hard. I think the morning here will be the best, maybe around 10 but let me know because I can work around you.

 

Love,

Elder Cook

Baptism and Transfers (December 2, 2013)

This has been a really good week. It feels like it has gone by so fast. Our investigator and her family got baptized on Saturday. It was an exhausting day, but it was such a cool experience. I have never met a family on my mission that I love so much and have learned so much from. On Saturday it did not feel real until I got in the water with Jerome. We also enjoyed Thanksgiving with them yesterday after their confirmation and it was Louise's birthday which was cool. It is weird to think that 3 months ago we talked to her and she said that she was happy with her own church. If someone had said that she was going to be baptized the next transfer I would have laughed at them. Then getting kicked out of the caravan park led to us teaching in her house and having her and her son feel the Spirit. Watching her and her family transform before our eyes has been such a great blessing. There have been times when I wondered if I would ever be able to see someone I taught get baptized. So many times it felt close, then nothing would come of it. If I have learned anything in this area is to never give up, and that God is real. This would never have happened if He was not. When I teach the kids, the words to the primary song "A Child's Prayer" always come to my mind. That is how it really started, teaching a child to pray and have him feel the Spirit and his mum to watch it. I have never been so happy to get kicked out of a caravan park.

Now for transfer news. I will be staying here. I forgot my new companion's name. He is from Tahiti. I have seen him once and he is a good missionary. I think he has been out about 9 months, but I am not sure. I am glad I am staying here because Christmas will be this transfer so I already know everyone in the ward.

I love you all, and am so grateful for everything that everyone has done for me. You all inspire me and help me do better.

love,

Elder Cook