Famous Kabob
April 27th, 2009
Bula Bula! Or “Hello!” in Fijian. Another beautiful week has passed here in sunny Sacramento, and your favorite Elder is here to tell the tale.
The week started with two miracles. The first is in relation to an event that I didn’t mention in my last post, since it was a little depressing. You see, last week one of our investigators preparing to be baptized suddenly and without explanation “dropped” us. That is, she left all the materials (Book of Mormon, DVDs, etc.) on her front porch, and told us not to contact her, and never to come back. Naturally we were devastated! BUT, this past week she called us, apologized, and now we’re teaching her again. The short story is she got sick, weak, and afraid (fear and doubt = faith’s biggest enemies!), and so she wasn’t really thinking clearly when she did what she did. Needless to say, we’re happy to be helping her again. She’s working towards baptism on the 23rd of May.
The second miracle is really, well quite miraculous… on the morning of the 21st we were teaching a young man outside his home. No sooner had we finished teaching him than did another man on a large motorcycle pull up in front of the house and yell, “Hey, are you the Elders in this area?” We were a little taken aback, but responded, “Well, yes we are.”, he then asked if he could speak to us for a moment. We spoke, and discovered he was a member of the church, though long since inactive. However he wanted to get back to activity, and also wanted to help his wife and 15 year old son to be baptized! These two miracles have really been a blessing, and we’re looking forward to teaching this man and his family tonight!
We also continued to teach those two young women (the roommates) this past week. I’m so happy every time we do. They’ve really been making huge changes in their lives, I know it’s because of their faith. Sometimes I even feel like they’re teaching us more than we teach them!
We had 5 people that we’re teaching come to church yesterday. I’ve learned that it’s SO important to get them there, since there’s few other places they can go and feel the spirit so strongly. Do all you can to invite your own friend’s to church! Or even just activities. They’ll feel something, I can promise you that.
I hesitate to say things are “easy” here, because really, they’re not. The days are long, we have to bike long distances rather frequently, the days can be overbearingly hot, and sometimes we’ll talk to people and knock doors for hours, only to here slight variations of “I’m not interested, sorry.” Mingled with a few slammed doors and dirty looks. If only these people knew the happiness and purpose this gospel could bring to their life. Ah, but the choice is theirs in the end. So no, things are not easy, but they ARE rewarding. Words cannot describe the joy of seeing others love and embrace the truths of the gospel.
While I’m thinking about it, big shout out and thanks to Grandma Snyder for her thoughtful care package! And also to everyone who’s written to me in the past week, you all rock! Another shout out to Newton from Radialpoint, thanks for your email! I hope to hear more updates when ever you’ve got the time!
I bet you’re wondering now why I called this post “Famous Kabob” — well, you see, it’s quite simple. There’s a persian restaurant by that name not far from our house. So yesterday me and Elder Groshong went there to eat, it was great! But way to expensive… so I don’t think we’ll go back. Haha… at least now I can say I’ve eaten a “famous” kabob though.
Time’s flying here so fast, I’ve already been here for over a month now, and Mother’s Day is coming soon (May 10th), which as some of you know is one of the only *two* days a year I can call home (the other being Christmas). So I’m certainly looking forward to that!
Also a small request if I may. If anyone is willing, PLEASE send a Canadian flag my way. I need more ways to show my heritage, haha. That and more Smarties, I can never have too many of those!
Anywho, I love you all! I pray for you continually. Stay strong, and read the scriptures, though if you’re not really the religious type, well… maybe you should be!
Love,
Elder Macpherson