17 December 2011

Last night we spent some time cleaning up the old records in our area book for Bridgetown after our visits with Pres. Ellefson.  We consolidated all the information on some new pages on the contacts we can keep and shredded the old pages on contacts we needed to get rid of. 

Today was a very busy Saturday.  I’m really tired tonight.  We went for a good walk up and down the hills of Bridgetown to begin with, came back and ate, studied, and showered.  Then we decided to start looking for the referrals we have from other missionaries—people who have been taught before.  We tried one and were invited right over, so we went and had a nice discussion with the Lakes, and older couple whom we challenged to read the Book of Mormon, which they have had for some time and have not read.  We are invited back for another discussion on Monday.

We came home for a quick lunch and a “nannanap,” then off again for our appointment with Brother Les Williams.  We really felt good about what we were able to accomplish there, and left him with a prayer and a hug.  He said he will be looking forward to our next visit.  Ray is trying to help him get his Priesthood blessings restored.  He was told 31 years ago that it would only be a year.  A long story.

Then it was off to our next appointment with the Stuart family from Zimbabwe.  That was enlightening.  They are a Christian family referred by President Ellefson.  The Orths were their friends, but it seems that they have never been taught.  We spent some time getting to know them, left a Christmas DVD and made another appointment for tomorrow.  (Ray has Council meeting after church, but we think we can make it.  Then I think it’s the night for “Christmas By Candlelight” in the park at Manjimup or Bridgetown.  There will be carols and candles, and it is supposed to be very nice.  I wish we could have seen it in Albany tonight though, because there they bring in the cruise ships with all their lights and have it at the beach.)

We came home and had a quick dinner.  Then our last appointment was for a FHE with the Morrisons.  He’s the one who lost his partner three years ago, and is raising his kids by himself.  We had fun teaching them about Christmas, and giving them some gifts we had prepared.  They were so excited.   I told President Monson’s story about the train.  It filled a hole in my heart this Christmas without my grandchildren.

It feels so good to be working so hard!  This is the most satisfying work ever we could be doing.  I love the Lord.