This week has been pretty crazy.
Monday
We celebrated one of the Hermanas birthdays by going to The Rainforest
Cafe, that day was super packed. We rushed everywhere and I did not
get time to write many people. I didn't even have time to send my dad
his birthday pictures! But all is well I suppose.
Tuesday
We wanted to visit one of our investigators and have a very special
lesson because his wife died a year ago that day, but he didn't want
to have a lesson, he didn't even want to pray! That was pretty big
because he loves to pray. We were heart broken because we wanted to
help him through this but we didn't know how. Later that day we met
with a potential new investigator and got a return appointment! We
were able to teach about the restoration, I think she needs this
gospel for a specific reason, she looked really concerned in the
lesson, but I haven't figured out what exactly she needs yet. Only
time will tell I suppose. We also had the opportunity to meet a new
family. They seemed to really take to the message of Christ. The
little boy was absolutely brilliant and had the best vocabulary I have
ever heard from a 6 year old. We then had dinner with the Avila
family. They are some members in our branch and the food was to die
for! They had grape koolaid...my favorite!
Wednesday
We had a few meetings cancel today but in a way it was a blessing
because we were able to teach a less active member. He has been less
active for five years now and we are helping him find a way to come
back to Christ. We shared a talk about gratitude in every
circumstance, it was really cool because number one it was in English
and the spirit was so strong. We also had lunch with a member and
following lunch we received and contacted a referral and got an
appointment for Sunday! It was so cool! The spirit truly led Hermana
Vega to us and then to her. We then had our weekly service project
then after we had a meeting with the two other companionships in our
branch about our missionary coordination meetings. Sometimes, actually
quite often, they are scattered. Some of the missionaries had concerns
about not focusing on the needs of our investigators and how to help
them have a better tie into the branch, which is a good point. We
discussed how we need to come prepared with plans before we meet
together so meetings can run more smoothly and quickly.
Thursday
We had five appointments...we were tired. They all went really well
and we had two member present lessons!!! It was awesome. It was also
our last day with the car so we really tried to get as much as we
could in! The Lord really blessed us with people to teach that day.
Friday
Planning was this day and it was a mess. First off, planning is 4
hours. And then we had a lesson in the middle of it, and then the
bikes weren't at our apartment because the Hermanas forgot to tell us
they were at the church so we walked...it took about an hour and a
half but we eventually got to our appointment and the investigator
wasn't there. So we went to the library to try and finish planning. We
were actually pretty productive but we didn't have a lot of time
because we had another appointment. Needless to say it was a long day
and I am glad I don't have to live that one again.
Saturday
We helped some members with a yard sale in the morning and then did
some studies at the library around the corner. After that we went back
to the members house to have lunch and finish our studies. It was
during our studies that we were able to meet with someone and have a
lesson with them in the garage of the members. It was really
interesting because he was the brother of the Hermano we were helping.
I then, after this lesson, had my first experiences knocking doors. I
hated all of that morning because I didn't want to do it, I was scared
and I honestly felt sick to my stomach. But I said a quick prayer and
went about the work with a smile on my face and a heart pleading for
strength and courage. It was no where near as scary as I thought it
would be. I also found that attitude has a huge impact on how you feel
the spirit.
Sunday
Sunday was a real test of faith and attitude because not a single one
of our investigators showed up to church! Nada! It was so sad! But I
have faith that we will have more this next week. We have come up with
a member contact list to try and get as many members involved in the
process as possible. This helps the investigators establish more
connections in the branch and really stops us from being
annoying...but sacrament meeting was good. One of the high council
members spoke so it was in English and one of the white members
translated it into Spanish for the other members. I loved that talk.
Then the next talk was super powerful but I didn't really understand
much of it because it was in Spanish. My parents and teachers from the
CCM would be a little bit upset with me because I haven't been taking
advantage of the time given to me to study language, but I am changing
my ways. I know that I can only receive the help of The Lord when I
qualify myself for that help. I need to do everything I can on my own
so that I show that I really need this!
I think the best thing about this week was all of the uplifting words
I was able to hear and read. There is too much to tell all at once,
but let me share these few with you. First off, in district meetings
we have been discussing the importance of members in missionary work.
Guys, you are so important! With the help of members missionaries can
help investigators feel more comfortable in adjusting to a new life
style and help the establish relationships that will help them when
the missionaries are gone. Members also act as another witness. My
favorite thing about using members is how each member has a different
conversion story. Each one is about the gospel, but they came to know
of the truth in different ways. I know that the experiences we have
gone through help us become better missionaries.
If you don't have a copy of preach my gospel, please go get one! Study
it with your family and individually because it really does strengthen
your testimony. It also has entire sections dedicated to Christlike
attributes and knowing how to share the gospel. Everything in preach
my gospel will help you become a better member, but more importantly,
a better member-missionary. As missionaries, we have been asked to get
members involved in the work. That is all fine and dandy, but the
problem is getting members involved. Some don't even know missionaries
are looking for help with families. I assure you, they need all the
help they can get. Let the missionaries know when you can help, and
help them. It is a truly special experience and you will come to
develop a true love for each person you help teach.
Another thing you can do to help the progress of the gospel is to pray
daily for opportunities to share the gospel and someone to share the
gospel with! Be patient, The Lord may not answer right away but I know
he will! The Lord is always preparing people to come unto Him, the
only way we can find them is if we share the gospel with everyone we
see. Be an example of Jesus Christ at all times and in all places
because people will see a difference, take the time to develop your
faith so that the fear of sharing the gospel lessens. It's hard. It is
hard as a missionary and I know it is harder when you don't have a
name tag. But it is important. These are our brothers and sisters who
have not yet heard of this amazing gospel. This gospel that helps each
and every one of us individually every day. This gospel that gives us
hope when we experience loss in this life, or when we face troubles.
Think of why this gospel is so important to you, write down when and
how it has helped you in your life, think of when you knew these
things to be true, and pray so that you can have the faith to be an
instrument in the hands of The Lord. It's hard, but with Christ, it is
possible.
The other thing I want to share is from the talk I heard on Sunday. It
talked about the legacy we will leave behind for others to Remember us
by. Think about this for a second. How do we want others to Remember
us? How do our choices, no matter how small, affect those around us? I
like this because it shows me that everything we do needs to have
eternal perspective. We need to make choices that will help us and
those who follow us closer to God. I'll let you guys ponder on that
but let me know how you think our choices affect our futures, our
future families, and our present families.
I love you guys so much and now that you have listened to my spiritual
rant lets get to the good stuff! It's not really funny this week, but
we couldn't ride our bikes this week because it was storming so we had
to walk. You have got to love that true mission experience. Also, we
saw a guy with a tube in his throat in the back of an ambulance, which
was kinda cool as well. Other than that, our week was pretty typical.
Knocking doors spreading the gospel, meeting with people, eating
Mexican food at members houses...the usual. Also, it is getting kind
of chilly over here so if any of you kind souls were planning on
sending a package soon, I would love to have winter headbands,
sweaters or cardigans, gloves, beanies, and scarves! (just remember I
have to look professional, not like an old lady, cute but
conservative) Also some body spray would be nice too! Thank you to those who sent me things already. I really appreciate it!
I love you all! Have a great week!
Love,
Hermana Kunz