I Was Born Into What They Call The Church Of God

     Let me explain the title. We knocked into this lady named Sandy this week. I am pretty sure my lungs are completely black now and I don't think I have ever smelt so much like a smoker in my life. She was a very heavy smoker. The walls of her apartment were yellowed from the smoke and there was a cloud of smoke lingering from the past. Her home smelt like a casino times 100. Can you just smell it now? As we went home we could smell the smoke on us the rest of the day and we hoped the other non-members that we talked to wouldn't be able to smell us and get the wrong idea. Oh the things you experience on a mission. Sandy is this really sweet older lady who let us in after talking for about 30 seconds (just so you know that is the first time I have ever been let into a home on first contact). We taught the restoration lesson but every 5 minutes or so she would say to us " I was born into what they call the church of God. They call them the holy rollers. Now that is just far fetched." I think she told us that 6-7 times. Because of that we weren't sure how much she remembered or understood of what we were saying but it was an interesting experience. It felt weird being in a complete strangers home but she told us that we were welcomed any time, however we aren't sure that she would even remember us if we went back. Maybe we will check in on her in a few weeks and see if she remembers us.
     This week some of the events that took place feel like they happened months ago but at the same time I can't believe it is already preparation day again. So in some aspects it went by very fast, in others it has felt like it has been a long week.
In my personal studies I finished reading the Book of Mormon which was really cool. After I finished I said a prayer and have continued to pray to feel of the truthfulness of the book so that I can gain a better testimony of it. Having that reconfirmation I feel will help me to help the investigators understand the importance of it more as well. The thought that I cannot convert someone past my own conversion comes to my mind a lot as I declare to people about the Savior and the Book of Mormon. As I have been able to read and pray I have been able to grow closer to the Savior and I have been able to strengthen my own testimony. I hope the Lord's investigators are able to feel my testimony as I bear it to them and can feel of my love for the Savior and the Book of Mormon.
Today I also read in Matthew and I really liked a verse in chapter 7. It is verse 29 and it says "for He taught them as having authority and not as the scribes." In JST it says that He spoke with authority from God not from the scribes. I just thought that was neat because that is how I want my teaching to be; from the authority of God and not of myself. My goal is to always be teaching with power and authority and of course with the Holy Ghost. I know it is only through him that people can become converted.
I don't remember if I told you about Chad in the last couple of emails but Chad is a newer investigator and his life has been a difficult one full of past mistakes. I feel bad for him every time we teach him. I want him to be baptized already so that he can start a new life and have a more fulfilling life and not feel so cast out. He came to church on Sunday which was super exciting but he took off after Sacrament. We also have a police officer in our ward and we suspect that Chad saw him and felt uncomfortable and that is why he left. We aren't sure yet but we will try to figure out what we can do to help him spiritually. He has been so great at reading the Book of Mormon and he said that whenever he is really struggling he opens it up to a random page and starts to read. He said it has always opened up to something that can help him and he has been strengthened through reading it already. We are so excited to be teaching him but sad that it is so hard to get a hold of him and teach him a real lesson. He tells us he has questions but every time we plan to answer them he leaves or doesn't show up for the appointment. One day we will be able to answer his questions! 

      I have a feeling Chad will be baptized but it might be awhile before he is completely ready for the gospel.

      So I am sure most of you have heard stories or met JWs who are nice at first and then they get really hostile. Let me just tell you, that has been my experience with all of them except for one out here. I am quickly losing respect for them because of how rude they are. Oh man, if I could bible bash they would be sorry. I refrain though and go on my way. So this week we met one who approached us and the minute she said she was a JW I shuddered a little bit. I was waiting for her to bring something up so that she could start arguing with us but I was completely wrong. She asked us a couple of really sincere questions and we had an hour long conversation about the things we believe and what we know is going to happen after this life. We cleared up some misconceptions for her and explained the real Adam and Eve story. Have you ever heard their take on it? It is kind of funny. Anyway, I walked away thinking "wow, I can't believe that just happened." Anyway I just thought it was funny because she was so different from the rest of the ones I have talked to.

     Also a couple of quick things: Jamie, thank you for getting me hooked on Jolly Ranchers. I cannot go through weekly planning without them now. And guess what! I got a free skirt this week! That was sweet! It isn't super attractive but hey I am always down for new clothes when they are free!

Ok, time to sign off! I love you all!

Sister Skeeter