Note to Self: Don't lock the church on the primary activity. It may result in the alarm going off, screaming children and the topic of discussion in the next ward council. Ooops. Just keeping everyone on their toes over here. Don't mind me.
I think we hit a new record of the number of lessons taught this week in all of Sister Heywood history and again I am pooped. But who cares? We are positive and peppy and as long as you have chocolate you can always take one more step right? Plus we are just preparing ourself for this next challenge of: Going the Extra Mile. But that is next week so let's back up. I have 3 stories for you. Buckle up.
I have told you about our Asian crew multiple times and I am just going to keep telling you about them because I love them so stinking much and my heart just goes out to every single person I meet from there. It just continues to blow my mind how many people have never heard of Jesus Christ of who have never even prayed before. Like what in the world? But this week we were teaching Ge about God's plan for him and how he could know the answers to the questions: Where are you going? Why are you here? Where did I come from? and after we finish, testify and ask him what he thinks about it. He whips out the biggest smile and just says 'I think it is Fantastic. Of course I believe it.' And you didn't even know God existed 2 weeks ago? Wow.
One thing I love about being able to serve all these sisters is how much they continue to teach me. I went on a split with the sweetest sister ever and we were talking about how we could become better at contacting. She told me she had talked to about 5 people her entire 8 months of her mission but wanted to be better. So we made some goals and some good ol role plays and then we went out and she blew my socks off. It took a little warming up but by the end of the day she was a talk-to-everyone genius. And seeing her confidence just sky rocket and her joy that came from being able to help people hear about the gospel? I just felt like a proud little momma. She is amazing. That same day, we were walking in a park and literally there are like 5 people in the whole park and I turn to her and ask her who she wants to talk to and out of all people she picks this group of punk athiest teenagers all puffing smoke who I would have avoided in 2 seconds. Okay? If you really want to... and we just go right up to them smile on our faces and get talking. I thought of a chapter in the Book of Mormon to share with them but literally had no idea where it was. Randomly open the Book to the exact chapter I was thinking of and then challenge them to read that chapter and ask God if he is there. They accepted. And there countenance was changing right in front of us. And to think they would have never happened if Sister Bates hadn't suggested we talk to them. Little do they know that they are holding something that is literally going to change their lives. I love seed planting sometimes. Thank you Heavenly Father. I owe you one.
The other thing is that I lost my planner. Which is HUGE. like basically a missionary's life. And we had the address of a potential family in there who just needed the gospel and was so stinking prepared. And... I lost it. Running for a bus. Sometimes I really just want to kick my unorganization skills. But Luckily it was positivity week and I have a wonderful companion and she just said we are going to find them. We will find them. (man... I gotta work on my faith huh?) and so we fasted and prayed and began our two hour dooring search... (sounds a little creepy I know but I promise we aren't THAT big of creeps) And we may not have found them but we talked to 3 other families about the gospel instead. I think Heavenly Father may have had other plans for us. Plus we didn't put a deadline on the when we are going to find Lawrence and his family or who was going to find Lawrence and his family. So maybe someday some other missionaries will find him and be grateful for our fast. Absolutely.
you're the best.
xoxoxox
s. heywood
3 cheers for no tights. It's a big day.
You know you are getting sick of bakeries when this actually looks good to you. Germany is changing me.
The one and only Sister Bates. AKA: The new contacting genius.
cute. gotta love those classic road trips down to Frankfurt.
And some classic kickball action shots. And you should all be proud of me because I didn't fall on my tush once the whole game.
What do you mean we set off the alarm? what? No we did not try to mugg the church.
