What Was That Again?: In Which Joseph Smith Walks to Utah to Pray and Rugby is Elder Misa's Girlfriend

I think my mind just thinks that if I'm righteous enough, this email will write itself and be clever and witty and spiritually uplifting all at the same time.

Alas, I don't think I'll ever be that righteous. #apologiestothereaders

Transfers have come and gone, and we are just chugging along. Sister Hudgens and I are still here, but we're one of two companionships in the zone that didn't change. The Westfield Elders and Cypress Creek Elders were white washed, Elder Evans was transferred, and Sister Davis went home. Still sad about that one.

Side note - We went to the office on Monday to say goodbye to Sister Davis. President Mortensen walked in and we invited him to be in our sad picture.

SAD picture, President. He is TOTALLY fired from being in any more sad pictures.

Anyway. One of the Cypress Creek Elders went to Westfield, and then we got a whole bunch of kids from all over the mission. We also got Elder Misa, who's from American Samoa. Elder Misa is HILARIOUS. He was picked to play for the All Blacks before his mission but gave it up to come here. (I kind of had a fan girl moment when we got in the car,) and he told us that rugby was his girlfriend when we asked is he had anyone waiting for him.

The newest edition to the Olde Oaks posse is Elder Yanzon from the Phillipines. He's only been out three months, but he's pretty much a rock star. President says he'd going to be an apostle. All I know is that he's great and we're happy to have him. He and Elder Nielson are on fire. Holla!

So many stories, so little time.

"I Knew From the Opening Prayer That We Were in For It"

Last week while we were knocking doors, we met a family who let us in and talked to us. They were very kind, but the dad knew the Bible better than I know the English language. We asked if we could have more time to study, and then naturally asked President Mortensen to come with us, because he's kind of a scriptural boss.

Monday rolls around, we go back for another meeting, and it starts off really well. President's all personable, they talk about sports and such, and then we ask if Seth (dad) would like to start with a prayer.

Seth starts off his prayer by praying to Jehovah.

I kind of freaked out internally. I didn't say much. President whipped out all of his knowledge and tried desperately to get them to see that the root of our differences was the Book of Mormon. It was a long appointment. We're going back tonight, and I'm hoping that if it doesn't go well that we don't have to go back.

Jehovah's Witnesses. Gotta love 'em

"Any Millionaire, Look 'Em Up - They're a Mormon"

There's a couple that live across the street from one of our members that we contacted a few months ago, and they're adorable. We've been wanting to invite them to learn for a while now, but we've never been sure of how to bring it up. We had the fabulous Kate out with us (she just got back from her mission last week,) so we decided to go for it, even though we still had no idea what to say. We got there, Ashlee opened the door.. and I asked if I could use their bathroom. #smooth It worked, though. We got to teach them the Restoration, and it went really well. Nick knows quite a few members, and he kept asking how we got to Utah - so when Sister Hudgens said that Joseph Smith went to a quiet place to pray, he said, "So he walked to Utah?" Too funny. They were so kind and really receptive, though.

So, it was a total shock when they texted us the next day and told us that they were happy with their religion and wanted to cancel out return appointment.

Sometimes agency stinks.

"You're in the Wrong Place" "Well, Do You Know Where the Right Place Might Be?"

We've done a lot of tracting this week. You see, I felt really prompted and a little coerced into making a covenant with the Lord this week that I would invite 15 people to learn and invite someone to be baptized every day. Covenant is a big word, so I've been all over that.

For the record, I still really don't like knocking doors - people are mean. (White people especially - can I be racist against my own people?) Exhibit A, the title of this story, which was said by a nasty man at this door. The response is Sister Hudgens trying to be clever. Yes, she really said that.

There were a couple of nights this week were I was just sick as a dog, but I had promises to keep, so I prayed a lot and kept on going. And you know what, we were able to reach our goal all week after I promised. It's really cool to see how the Lord helps us keep our promises.

That's all I have time for. Have a great week! I sure do love you!

Love,

Sister Lil

Sister Davis left me...this makes me sad.