an old dog learning new tricks

Hello from the post office computers!

Thank you for your letters and emails. It sounds like you are all about the daily grind in very different ways, but generally happy doing so. I'm glad to hear it.

This week has been an interesting one. We taught Sister P on Tuesday. We talked about how we were just going to teach her like an investigator. She had asked for The Book of Mormon Stories and New Testament and Old Testament stories in English so she could understand the scriptures a little better. So, we gave her those and she was really excited about them. We started teaching the lesson and from the first two points we got into some deeper doctrine a little too early and I realized how hard it is to teach the gospel in English too. Ha. We may have caused a little more confusion than clarity, but once we started talking about prayer and the BOM again, it got a little easier. Sister P expressed doubts about this being the right time to change her life--it's hard to change when everyone around you doesn't understand your desires for change. I just kept praying that we weren't getting "dropped." Anyway, she agreed to say a prayer this week. The day before our next appointment she sent us a text message that said she was drinking and it probably wouldn't work to see us the next day. We were disappointed, but told her we would call her to set up another time. We talked with her the next night and she said she thought we would have given up on her, but agreed to meet. So, in spite of our mistakes and weaknesses, we will meet again. I am grateful that the spirit makes up for human frailty. I was really quite worried about the whole situation, but I am now really relieved that we will be able to meet again.

We also have a new investigator. He is the friend of Brother Jeong, a 16-year-old young man in our ward. Our new investigator's name is Brother Jeong Seung. He came to our "friendship night" last week and then came to church the next day. It is perfectly normal for people to come to church here wearing whatever they want. That's what he did. This week, though, he came to church wearing a TIE. It is big news in these parts. It was so cute watching the youngest deacon in our ward, Brother Lee, teach him how to tie that tie over and over in sacrament meeting. We are looking forward to teaching Brother Jeong Seung this week after English class.

In other news, Sean got the priesthood this week. We are excited for him and hope his testimony will continue to grow. We are hoping before he leaves for Taiwan for school again in September that he will be able to baptize his little sister. We'll see.

Our new house situation is fun. I am in a house with Sister Baker (who was in the house the last 2 transfers), her companion Sister McComber (who was a transfer ahead of me in the MTC and a lot of fun), and Sister Cutler. The dynamic is a lot different than before, but we laugh a lot, which keeps me sane. The other day after study all four of us walked out into the kitchen from the study room. I was first in line and casually looked left out the window over our deck out of habit. I have never seen anyone or anything there, but I look every day. It's just what I do. Well, this time there was a man smoking in his briefs on his back deck in the other apartment building across the way. Technically it's his back deck, but unfortunately for a few of us, it's our front deck. There was really no way to avoid the sight. Ha. It took a good 10 minutes for all of us to get our composure. Real mature, I know.

I am having a lot of fun with Sister Cutler. She works hard, talks to EVERYONE, maintains a positive attitude and a sense of humor. I kind of fell into a funk last transfer, but I know that Sister Cutler is here to help me get out of that funk. I am really grateful to be able to serve with her. She is teaching me so much by example. It's nice to be able to laugh. It really helps lighten things up. We are working hard and she is challenging me to increase my faith. I couldn't ask for a better situation right now. We set some bold goals this week and I know we are committed to doing everything in our power to acheive them. I know Heavenly Father knows me perfectly. He pushes me to the edge of my limits and then gives me someone else who can help me get where I need to be. I know He is deeply involved in our lives. Every night before we go to bed Sister Cutler and I talk about the miracle and funny moment of the day. There are so many. I know if you look for them you will find them too!

Mom and Dad--always recovering from some manic sleep depravation, but glad you're still kicking. it's inspiring, as always. i hope the backwoods of the islands keeps things fresh. it's nice to have humble people humble us. that certainly happened to me a few times this week. love you both and hope you are well.

Nick and Meg-- glad you made it to FL. sounds like quite the trip. I would have been a goner. I remember trying to sing Weezer songs at the top of my lungs to stay awake at 3 in the morning with Ashlee and Chip, and unfortunately I was the first to go. Glad you made it. Hope you are enjoying a little time off! Love you both.

Char and Matt-- good detective work. I loved that story, though I can't say I envy you. You are the best and always have great "fix it" stories, being engineers and all. Hope Lincoln's idea of "potty training" has spared you a little this week. Sounds like he's a good trainer. Have fun with Matt's parents! I hope you guys are able to hang out together soon. Site sounds like a real drag. Love you!

Ladi and Bob-- now yours is the life i want! sounds like you are the tourists of the century. glad to hear things have been so fun and simple. it's interesting how those usually are the most fun things. love you both, thanks for writing to me. i was more than disappointed to learn about the hershey park tradition shutting down...next time? loveeeeee.

Be good. Love you all. I know the gospel is the way to happiness. Thank you for your examples!