Hey!
I'm so happy to hear you're doing well! I loved getting those pictures, it almost brought a tear to my eye, thinking of all he great times we've spent on the organ coast. I think it's so great that you helped that man that was stuck. That's the type of service that the Lord would do. He looks for the little things that others would just pass by.
Denise and John have a date for February 18th. We're really hopeful they will be ready for it, though there's definitely still a ways to go. Joe Warren is the other man we're mainly working with right now, and he's going to be interviewed for baptism in early March. ... Joe is one of my favorite people though, he is super sincere. His wife's a member, which is why he is taking lessons.
Other investigators we're working with are also good people. However, we've had quite a few first lessons, and we've scheduled times to come back, but they cancel on us. Most of the excuses seemed legit, though you have to wonder with some of them. We have high hopes though! As they progress, I'll tell you more about them. It's nice just to have people to work with, even if they're yet to be fully committed. You honestly can't expect them to be. After all, they don't have a testimony yet. I definitely haven't found any "golden" investigators, though I've met many amazing people who do seem sincerely interested. Not much more I can ask for there.
With all the canceled lessons, this week was actually on the harder side of things. It was partly because last week was super awesome, we were on fire! Then, this week was on the harder side of things. That contrast was real! We actually had a few investigators and recent converts yell at us. I don't blame them, and I'm not upset at them. I know it was because they have a lot on their plate, and we just ended up being the people that got their frustration. However, it was still pretty lame to have people I love so much accuse me of stuff. Oh well, they obviously have stuff to work through, and I pray they will be able to. I just want the peace of the lord to be with them.
Despite it all, I'm actually super happy with this week. I'd be lying if I said it was all smiles and sunshine, but I really did love it. It's easy to be consecrated on days when your lessons work out, and people are asking you to come teach them. It's far harder, and I'd say far more important, to be consecrated on the days where it seems the world is against you, and the only one that understands is our Heavenly Father. The days that will count most for our good, are the ones that at the end of it you are worn ragged by doing everything the Lord has asked, even when it would have been easier to just curl up into a ball and give in for an hour. Those are the days we must make our stand, call Satan out, and get to work! I honestly love weeks and days like these because it makes me remember the amazing missionary heritage I have, and I feel honored to walk even one rain soaked mile in the shoes of so many past Saints.
Speaking of rain, we had an awesome storm yesterday! And now today I'm sitting outside in a tee shirt writing you. The weather is beautiful and unpredictable. I love Texas. I love my mission. I love these few precious months I have to serve the Lord! I love you! :) ❤
All my love,
Sister Erika Marks ❤
p.s - Transfers weren't this week. They will be next Wednesday (the 25th) though I'll find out Monday morning what my fate is. If I train next, I'll find that out next Sunday night. Also, the office can no longer forward anything for free, so I have to wait to get it if it's sent there. Will you please put my up to date address in the ward bulletin because of that! Thanks!
Love you ❤
I'm so happy to hear you're doing well! I loved getting those pictures, it almost brought a tear to my eye, thinking of all he great times we've spent on the organ coast. I think it's so great that you helped that man that was stuck. That's the type of service that the Lord would do. He looks for the little things that others would just pass by.
Denise and John have a date for February 18th. We're really hopeful they will be ready for it, though there's definitely still a ways to go. Joe Warren is the other man we're mainly working with right now, and he's going to be interviewed for baptism in early March. ... Joe is one of my favorite people though, he is super sincere. His wife's a member, which is why he is taking lessons.
Other investigators we're working with are also good people. However, we've had quite a few first lessons, and we've scheduled times to come back, but they cancel on us. Most of the excuses seemed legit, though you have to wonder with some of them. We have high hopes though! As they progress, I'll tell you more about them. It's nice just to have people to work with, even if they're yet to be fully committed. You honestly can't expect them to be. After all, they don't have a testimony yet. I definitely haven't found any "golden" investigators, though I've met many amazing people who do seem sincerely interested. Not much more I can ask for there.
With all the canceled lessons, this week was actually on the harder side of things. It was partly because last week was super awesome, we were on fire! Then, this week was on the harder side of things. That contrast was real! We actually had a few investigators and recent converts yell at us. I don't blame them, and I'm not upset at them. I know it was because they have a lot on their plate, and we just ended up being the people that got their frustration. However, it was still pretty lame to have people I love so much accuse me of stuff. Oh well, they obviously have stuff to work through, and I pray they will be able to. I just want the peace of the lord to be with them.
Despite it all, I'm actually super happy with this week. I'd be lying if I said it was all smiles and sunshine, but I really did love it. It's easy to be consecrated on days when your lessons work out, and people are asking you to come teach them. It's far harder, and I'd say far more important, to be consecrated on the days where it seems the world is against you, and the only one that understands is our Heavenly Father. The days that will count most for our good, are the ones that at the end of it you are worn ragged by doing everything the Lord has asked, even when it would have been easier to just curl up into a ball and give in for an hour. Those are the days we must make our stand, call Satan out, and get to work! I honestly love weeks and days like these because it makes me remember the amazing missionary heritage I have, and I feel honored to walk even one rain soaked mile in the shoes of so many past Saints.
Speaking of rain, we had an awesome storm yesterday! And now today I'm sitting outside in a tee shirt writing you. The weather is beautiful and unpredictable. I love Texas. I love my mission. I love these few precious months I have to serve the Lord! I love you! :) ❤
All my love,
Sister Erika Marks ❤
p.s - Transfers weren't this week. They will be next Wednesday (the 25th) though I'll find out Monday morning what my fate is. If I train next, I'll find that out next Sunday night. Also, the office can no longer forward anything for free, so I have to wait to get it if it's sent there. Will you please put my up to date address in the ward bulletin because of that! Thanks!
Love you ❤