Oh, hello, fine people of the email list and internet. I
hope that all is well in y'all's respective corners of the globe. It's pretty
okay here - the weather man says that we should only be peeking into the 90's
this next week, which I am totally okay with. I've learned to not trust the
weather man, though. I don't blame him, but Texas just decides to be a punk and
do crazy things out of nowhere.
Like this week, for example.
It wasn't really out of nowhere, but it was totally
ridiculous. There was a nice little storm that decided to stir things up in
the...ocean...somewhere... and it made things a bit wet here. I think her name
was Odile. It was insane. We spent the vast majority of Wednesday and Thursday
inside because biking in the rain is bad news. Sharolyn came and rescued us
both days, so we were a little less stir crazy, but it was still psycho.
In other news, Sister Ae and I painted again this week, and
there was only a very minor paint spill - nothing compared to the fiasco in
Tara's room. I was reminded, however, that painting STINKS. I really don't like
it. It's way too boring. Another future career: eliminated.
We were able to go to the baptism of one of the girls in the
ward this week. Their family just moved in to the ward a few weeks ago, so
there weren't many people there besides their family. I just love families,
guys. Sometimes they make me sad because mine is so far away, but I love that I
have this opportunity to be around so many families and to learn from their
examples. There's something totally irreplaceable about family that you can't
recreate in any other social group.
We also had a good chat with the baptismee's sister,
HunterEve. Hunter's a little obsessed with boys, so she talks about them a lot.
She says that arrogant boys are the reason global warming exists. She's 28%
sure.
Our focus this week has most definitely been with the Jace
and Layla clan. Their baptism is scheduled for this Saturday, and we've been
doing all we can to prepare them to make those covenants. It's a little scary,
knowing that you are creating a way for people to come closer to their Heavenly
Father, but also knowing that you're making them that much more
accountable.
However, my biggest thought this week has been, in
Sharolyn's words, "Faith, Trust, and Let it Go." (One of the benefits
of being a missionary is that that song isn't old yet. It's still pretty new.)
I spend so much time worrying about things I have no control over - I teach
people and help them to make and keep commitments - beyond that, I really have
no control. I can't do anything about whether or not they actually chose to do
what we've asked, whether or not they come to church or if they progress.
That's all up to them and God, and I need to trust that He's got a handle on
things.
It's incredible how much your demeanor changes when you're
not out to fix everything. Ain't nobody got time for that.
The week finished off with some excellent meetings yesterday
and a really cool mission president fireside in Cypress where I got to see a
whole bunch of my buddies. I just love people. They're great.
Things are going well here. I'm not the perfect teacher, I
don't talk to everyone I see, I'm not exactly obedient, but I am doing the best
I can. I go one day at a time, and I do my best to leave what I can't control
to the Lord. I don't need to fix everything all at once - I can't. I shall just
do what I can and have fun making mistakes along the way. And partying with
Sister Ae.
Boo yah.
Have a great week, y'allzies. I sure do love and appreciate
you.
Love,
Sister Liljenquist
Sharolyn eats Peach.
Peach is my best friend.
Rain, rain, and more rain.
Sister Ae, Elle, and I
Painting - missionary style.
Elder Hillebrant got this letter from an investigator
These rocking chairs are out front of our apartment office.
I love them.
No comments:
Post a Comment