Monday we had dinner with a member, she is a ward missionary and just the sweetest convert. She told us that she thinks that the university ward has been waiting for this particular set of missionaries (us)! I don't know what they have been waiting for but I felt such a change this week! They seem more open towards us than before and they are coming to us with friends! Of course I'm always praying for their missionary work and I really just hope that they are never hesitant to share their beliefs. I don't know how much longer I will stay in this area but I can feel a change in me already - mostly of the member that I want to be when I get home. The Lord knows what we all need to learn, and these singles have taught ME so much about the importance of saying, "I'm a Mormon, I know it, I live it, I love it."
The Bishop actually gave us an assignment! We are working with a LA sister and really just (on her request) converting her. She doesn't have a testimony and knows certain things are true but just doesn't have a personal relationship with her Father in Heaven and her Savior. She is HILARIOUS and tells us the best stories, we give her homework each week that I hope will help her to learn how to read the scriptures. This week is Alma 32, with questions. Many people go through their life not really knowing HOW to read their scriptures. I'm excited to help her.
I see who I would have been in her. She grew up in the church, but never took the time to actually gain a testimony, and honestly I know that if I had not have put forth personal effort in gaining one myself and going on my mission, I would be just like her... in 15 years. I'm so grateful for the examples in my life, I am learning so much working with members as well as investigators.
We had some LONG public transportation rides this week. We have been going ALL OVER. If you sit down with a map of this area, you will notice that Boston is HUGE, but that we also include a ridiculously large area of Brighton (where we live), Arlington, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, Newton, and more. We have a GIGANTIC geographical area and a very small demographic - single women between the 18-25 or 30-45. My "Charlie Card" is my bestest friend. I am becoming a LEGIT public transportation hopper, especially because your average human would simply look it up on their smartphone and never quite grasp the hang of it - but with me? Oh, I've MEMORIZED the public transportation system for multiple areas. Just tooting my own horn here, ignore me, read on.
My new companion is lovely, she is completely OPPOSITE of my last companion in practically every single way possible. So some days I know I tick her off, but that honestly it's mostly because I just am ignorant of the way she would like to do missionary work. I've really only had one side of the work so far, so I don't know certain things. Sometimes it's really frustrating because I'm trying to be the best missionary possible and I can't grasp my own style. I think the Lord is choosing to show be VERY different ways to do the same work so that I will continue to learn. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO LEARN Y'ALL.
Here are some things from my GREAT THINGS journal, I always write 10 great things at the end of each day :)
-A less active we met with on Wednesday came to church, we think since winter break!
-Great meals all week long! And so healthy! The Lord knew that I needed veggies!
-We met with K on Thursday and turned it into a dinner that night with some girls from University Ward, and it was so so much fun! We had ice cream together and talked and talked :)
-Our new investigator S came to church! She stood up and introduced herself and told the ward about her baptismal date and getting ready for it, she was SO EXCITED! Adorable.
-The Bishop from the other ward gave us assignments for this week as well!
-We went all the way to Jamaica Plain when our member lived in MEDFORD, which is crazy far, but she picked us up and took us out to dinner that night because our dinner cancelled. It was a miracle.
This week has been really great, and I'm sure next week will be even better. I am getting much much happier in the work.
Oh, and a Bostonian thing:
They have nicknames for some cities out here... Sister J HATES them, but they're funny. Mattapan=Murderpan, Dorchester=lock-your-door- chester, Glouster=Glockster, I can't think of any more at the moment, but I think they're funny (mostly because these cities are not THAT sketchy).
Love you all
Sister HRP