Loving Greenies, Teaching Africans, Converting Nations

August 18, 2014

Hey Y'ALL!!

I am becoming stronger every day. For example, the other day I squished a spider. With my FIST. Yeah. Anyone who knows my arachnophobic tendencies at home should be really proud of me. 

This week definitely pushed me. There were a few days I felt like I just couldn't keep walking. It was difficult, but I can feel myself stretching and growing, and I love the work. It seems such an oxymoron, to feel zeal and excitement for something so difficult and often frustrating! But I know the Lord is directing the work, and the people here are prepared and progressing. 

Sis. Hawkins is a real trooper. The stress of adjusting to missionary life is really hard. I know I can't fix everything for her but I'm trying to find little ways to encourage her and help the sunshine shine through. She is a hard worker she's always offering to help with dishes after dinner and doing the little things so I won't have to. I think I'll keep her. :)

The other night, we were so, so tired and completely exhausted. The week had run us dry. It was good bonding time though. We laughed about things that should not have been remotely comedic. Like the green traffic light on the way home. Simply hilarious. ("Conosco esta el verde luz, es verdad." #missionaryjokes) I'm glad we get along so well. 

We're teaching an awesome guy named Edwin, an African man in his 30's. We taught him about the Plan of Salvation-- where we came from, why we are here, and where we're going. When we told him we receive our bodies back in perfect condition in the resurrection, his eyes bulged and he said, "Ah you fo real?! You jokin me!! Ah you fo fake?!?" Best reaction to truth ever. He said he would be baptized and pick a date if he received an answer from God that our message is true. We are hoping to have him on date for baptism on Wednesday or by the end of this week.

I probably felt the Spirit the most powerfully this week when we visited Shannon King. Shannon, age 25, is the daughter of an active family, and in the last month she's had a complete turn-around and is changing her life to come back to church after ten years of complete inactivity. We sat down, and since her parents had arranged for us to meet, I didn't know how open Shannon would be with us. But I asked her what made her decide to come back to the church, and she unfolded much of her journey over the last few months, including drugs, jail, people entering her life that helped her find God again, the kindness of her parents in letting her come home, and a new-found understanding and gratitude for the Savior and His Atonement. Sis. Hawkins has a great ability to love people, and was especially able to help her feel not alone in her struggles. The Spirit helped me see the beauty and value in a lost lamb, and the incredible love Heavenly Father has for each of His children, no matter how much they stray. 

Jeff & Georgina canceled two appointments last week, but they are looking forward to a lesson with us Wednesday and said they'd come to the ward picnic afterwards! Keo, who was formerly on date, committed to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know which church is true. Great things are happening here with all our investigators. Please pray for Jeff & Georgina, Edwin, Keo, Jeremiah, Julie, and Theresa. They could really use it.

Stay nice and dry when the sun is high!

Sister Taylor

P.S. Me with my Shaq's!

Green meal, in honor of Sister Hawkins' greeniehood

zipper spiders (body the size of a quarter, spread out they're the size of your palm, easily). gross.