So this week has been a busy one. We have had a full day every day of the week. However, it's not the same "full" you might think of for a missionary. We've taken it with a lot of humor though! Here's a quick list of the activities of the week!
1. Welcome to back to church, Michael!! (a less active member) We've been working with Michael! He is a really smart, spiritual guy, but he struggles with some aspects of the church. He has issues with depression and is constantly switching medication to try to find a solution. We invite him to come back to church every week and usually get "I'll try". Well this week was our miracle! He came to church! And he stayed for all three hours! Now we know it's not just coming to church that shows change, it is the fact that he enjoyed it and participated!
2. "Do not go in your apartment" - Elder Kidd concerning the high possibility of radon gases in our apartment On Monday we had a conversation with Elder Anderson, the housing guy. We told him we were feeling off and explained the symptoms we've been having. He said we need to get a Radon Gas test ASAP. We got it of course. We talked with our district leader, Elder Kidd, and he did some research and sent us a text saying "Do not go in your apartment." It was hilarious because he has been willing to switch apartments with us so we can have a better living situation. We have yet to take him up of the offer.
3. Four sisters, one apartment, a little contention and a lot of compromising. Following our message from Elder Kidd, we received a call from President Carlson saying we needed to sleep elsewhere so he didn't find us dead in our apartment from poisoning. We made quick arrangements to sleep at the sisters apartment. They have two bathrooms and two bedrooms. We thought it would be a good set up for the night and next morning. Little did we know, three of us would share one bathroom and the fourth person would get the other bathroom. It was a great morning! Lots of learning how to handle lots for roommates sharing!
4. Greek pasta is a wonderful, refreshing invention. Jessica, the sister of a member family who feeds us often, offered to have us over for dinner! Well, it turned out to be lunch because of her work schedule. We went over and had Greek Pasta (fettuccine, Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper and lemon juice). She is so sweet and we were able to have a great conversation with her about her past and how she is starting the journey back to Christ. I love seeing the full picture of people's lives and seeing where they come from.
5. Big hair Matt brought some big brain questions! Let me just say, for only having one investigator to teach right now, Matt is great. He responded to our messages and asked if there was anything he needed to do to prepare for our meeting. He watched the video we asked him to and he saw a lot of parallels with his beliefs and what was discussed/shown in the video! We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and he said yes! Pray that he will not let his intelligence get in the way of feeling the spirit!!
6. We did not "sleep tight" and we unfortunately "let the bed bugs bite". So our second night at the sisters, we woke up with bug bites all over our legs. With my past experiences, we were pretty sure we had bed bugs again. Well, the futon mattress we slept on had them. We spent several hours cleaning and bombing the apartment! Funny story, the next day, the sisters decided to cut open the mattress, only to find basically a hive of bed bugs! They promptly discarded the mattress. Bed bugs have won this round....
7. Couch surfing or homeless? Because of the new found infestation and a conversation with President Carlson, we decided a new sleeping location would be the best option. Not only because of the bugs and such, but so we didn't infringe upon the sisters any more. The best part is the apartment we moved to, belonging to Elder and Sister Strong, is in the same complex as the sisters. We parked our car at the sisters and walked over to the Strong's apartment. We looked straight up like homeless chicks, with our garbage bags and water bottles in our hand! We are still at the Strong's until further, more permanents plans are made. #homelessonmymission
With everything going on, I've learned so much! I can do hard things and I can be happy in whatever circumstances! Life is still good! I've learned a lot about Charity and how when we develop this Christlike Attribute, we are able to become more purified in the Savior. Charity truly is the greatest of the attributes of Christ. It requires humility, patience, and so many other qualities! But the best part is we have the opportunity each day to work on them. The Savior never gives up on us!
I know the Savior lives and he is forever by my side. I have received much strength this week through the Atonement. I know I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. Never doubt your worth and significance to Him.
Love,
Sister Mondragon
Sorry for no photos!
1. Welcome to back to church, Michael!! (a less active member) We've been working with Michael! He is a really smart, spiritual guy, but he struggles with some aspects of the church. He has issues with depression and is constantly switching medication to try to find a solution. We invite him to come back to church every week and usually get "I'll try". Well this week was our miracle! He came to church! And he stayed for all three hours! Now we know it's not just coming to church that shows change, it is the fact that he enjoyed it and participated!
2. "Do not go in your apartment" - Elder Kidd concerning the high possibility of radon gases in our apartment On Monday we had a conversation with Elder Anderson, the housing guy. We told him we were feeling off and explained the symptoms we've been having. He said we need to get a Radon Gas test ASAP. We got it of course. We talked with our district leader, Elder Kidd, and he did some research and sent us a text saying "Do not go in your apartment." It was hilarious because he has been willing to switch apartments with us so we can have a better living situation. We have yet to take him up of the offer.
3. Four sisters, one apartment, a little contention and a lot of compromising. Following our message from Elder Kidd, we received a call from President Carlson saying we needed to sleep elsewhere so he didn't find us dead in our apartment from poisoning. We made quick arrangements to sleep at the sisters apartment. They have two bathrooms and two bedrooms. We thought it would be a good set up for the night and next morning. Little did we know, three of us would share one bathroom and the fourth person would get the other bathroom. It was a great morning! Lots of learning how to handle lots for roommates sharing!
4. Greek pasta is a wonderful, refreshing invention. Jessica, the sister of a member family who feeds us often, offered to have us over for dinner! Well, it turned out to be lunch because of her work schedule. We went over and had Greek Pasta (fettuccine, Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper and lemon juice). She is so sweet and we were able to have a great conversation with her about her past and how she is starting the journey back to Christ. I love seeing the full picture of people's lives and seeing where they come from.
5. Big hair Matt brought some big brain questions! Let me just say, for only having one investigator to teach right now, Matt is great. He responded to our messages and asked if there was anything he needed to do to prepare for our meeting. He watched the video we asked him to and he saw a lot of parallels with his beliefs and what was discussed/shown in the video! We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and he said yes! Pray that he will not let his intelligence get in the way of feeling the spirit!!
6. We did not "sleep tight" and we unfortunately "let the bed bugs bite". So our second night at the sisters, we woke up with bug bites all over our legs. With my past experiences, we were pretty sure we had bed bugs again. Well, the futon mattress we slept on had them. We spent several hours cleaning and bombing the apartment! Funny story, the next day, the sisters decided to cut open the mattress, only to find basically a hive of bed bugs! They promptly discarded the mattress. Bed bugs have won this round....
7. Couch surfing or homeless? Because of the new found infestation and a conversation with President Carlson, we decided a new sleeping location would be the best option. Not only because of the bugs and such, but so we didn't infringe upon the sisters any more. The best part is the apartment we moved to, belonging to Elder and Sister Strong, is in the same complex as the sisters. We parked our car at the sisters and walked over to the Strong's apartment. We looked straight up like homeless chicks, with our garbage bags and water bottles in our hand! We are still at the Strong's until further, more permanents plans are made. #homelessonmymission
With everything going on, I've learned so much! I can do hard things and I can be happy in whatever circumstances! Life is still good! I've learned a lot about Charity and how when we develop this Christlike Attribute, we are able to become more purified in the Savior. Charity truly is the greatest of the attributes of Christ. It requires humility, patience, and so many other qualities! But the best part is we have the opportunity each day to work on them. The Savior never gives up on us!
I know the Savior lives and he is forever by my side. I have received much strength this week through the Atonement. I know I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. Never doubt your worth and significance to Him.
Love,
Sister Mondragon
Sorry for no photos!