I have had a great week :) Remember how I said we were trying every suggestion in the book for finding people to teach? Well, I am loving it. Some things don't work too well, like leaving a card with a really confused lady at a funeral home - telling her to give it to a sad person. But other things have worked great! With our new emphasis on members and making our dinner appointments more purposeful, we have had some success. Members have invited Russell to their homes, we helped the ward write their mission plan for the year, and we got some great referrals! We contacted one of them a couple days ago and we have another family to teach. YAY.
In my scripture study, I have been very impressed with Ammon and his willingness to serve people. His service led to great relationships and trust! That is what you try to build with people as a missionary.. SO, Sister Kelly and I walked into the local thrift store and asked if they would allow us to do volunteer hours! THEY SAID YES! Last week we did about six hours of service there, going through donations, pricing, cleaning, and talking to people :) The thrift store is owned by a local baptist church, and we have been able to talk a little bit about our religions, and even clear up some common misconceptions about our beliefs. We are planning on attending their Sunday service this month and getting to know more people there. Working with other churches is one of my favourite things to do down here, I get to know so many wonderful people. This service opportunity has been great, and to make it better they give us employee discount and first look. Got a skirt for $.25 and a Duck Dynasty shirt for $1. Score.
Did I tell yall Duck Dynasty is in my mission? I can't remember.
Russell is our best friend, I wish I had a picture of him (goal for this week). Our last few appointments have been by a campfire and the Spirit has been really strong. He has such a great desire to change his life and circumstances so he can better live the commandments and follow the Saviour. He lives in a camper outside of his Uncle's house and his Uncle had the idea to have us over for a campfire dinner to start a fast for Russell. HE BURNED HIS CIGARETTES! And made it through his first fast! His family and friends haven't been very supportive, but he is sincere and motivated to find better influences. Russell is our age, and that is a really hard transition to make. Pray for us and him this week as we try to help him! Sister Kelly and I are really focusing on the difference between ministering and administering. Every once in a while it hits me really hard how real this missionary work is, how much of an impact I truly have on the people I teach....... I don't want to mess up :) I'm bearing my testimony with more sincerity, not giving up on people, and setting higher expectations for myself. Good things are happening :)
Funny Southernism: In apartment complexes, no one carries their trash to the dumpsters. They put their trash bags on the trunk of their cars and drive it around the corner to throw it away. I should take some pictures, we see it every day. Even if it's just one bag.. they drive it. SO yesterday Sister Kelly and I cleaned the apartment for 7 hours and had a lot of trash (missionaries leave so much behind when they leave) that we piled in, on, and hanging from the car to drive to the dumpster. It was probably around 30 steps away. We felt very Southern. And can you say GHE-TTO!!! I love this place :)
Today is transfers so I have pictures of my Zone and my Sisters to send home. It has been a great six weeks in Oak Grove, I am glad that I am finally finding reason for me to be here :)
On Sunday, everyone we have been working with came to Church. Joel and Dede (Joel recently came back to church and Dede just got baptized), Whitney and Paris (we have been teaching Whitney and dying to meet her boyfriend, he showed up at church!), Forest and Britney (Forest is a member, but hasn't been to church in years and Britney is his girlfriend who we have been teaching), Sister Curry (sweet lady who is coming back to church - my first lesson in Oak Grove!), and Sister Hunt (another sweet old lady who one day decided to quit smoking all on her own, has been feeling much better, and has been coming back to church). The only one missing was Russell, but we were thrilled to have so many great people with us!!!!!!!! Miracles, miracles, miracles.
Thanks for the prayers, I feel them being answered!
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK
Sister Bartsch
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