It started on Tuesday.
Because *** didn't show up at church, Elder Curzon and I went over to
her house and explained in further detail why church is important. We
told her about the Sacrament and how it relates to Baptism. We committed
her to coming again to church. After that she said, "So I have been
talking to my mom about your church and she says that it is against the
rules for women to shave or wear makeup." We quickly explained that
these things were false and that it was completely ok to shave and wear
makeup. She looked a little confused still so we asked if she had
concerns with anything else. (I honestly expected an answer like, "Yes.
I'm not sure about Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon.) She looked at
us, kinda chuckled and said, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be weird or
anything but I am super curious. Are y'all Virgins?" I looked at Elder
Curzon with a
(what is happening) look. I looked
back at *** and explained that God has asked us to keep Sexual
Relations in Marriage and to only do that sort of thing after you get
married. She said,"Ok. That makes sense. I guess the only thing is... If
I go on a date with a guy, what am I supposed to say? If ya wanna turn
something on, turn on the Oven, don't touch me!?" Elder Curzon and I had
to stifle our laughs. We said that she should pray about it and then
concluded our lesson. That was the WEIRDEST lesson I have ever been in.
Anyway,
so after that happened the week went pretty normal up until Zone
Conference. We talked a lot about Pleading with the Lord every morning
in prayer and asking for our mouths to be opened. We also talked a lot
about Christ and how we can follow in His way more fully. It was very
interesting and a super good experience. President Miller also said that
a good way to apply the scriptures in your life is by asking why it was
put in the Book of Mormon in the first place. One Question that he
asked us to think about is, "Why should we seek the power of His Word?"
In Break out Sessions with the AP's and President and Sister Miller, we
discussed what things we have because of Joseph Smith. These things
include, The Book of Mormon, an Understanding of the God head, the
Priesthood, the process of repentance, etc. Zone Conferences are always
so inspiring.
Because
none of our investigators have come to Church we have now dropped all
of our investigators baptismal dates. We aren't teaching anything new
until the keep the commitments that go alone with the Message of the
Restoration. So that's a bummer.
Saturday was our branch Thanksgiving
Party. Elder Curzon, Elder Eaton, and I all sang Lead Kindly Light with
Elder Porter playing the Piano. There was tons of Salad, Meats, and Rice
to go around! It was a great opportunity to spend more time with
members and get to know some less actives.
Yesterday
was a very, very, interesting and awkward experience. Church was great
and everything was going well. All the Missionaries were invited to
attend the YSA Face to Face with Elder Oaks and Elder Ballard. Before
that Elder Curzon and I were going to visit a referral. We stopped by
the house but nobody answered the door. On our way back Elder Curzon got
on the phone with the Sisters in our district to collect their numbers.
While walking back to the apartment anybody we would pass I would offer
them a picture of Christ and start introducing ourselves. Everybody
took the Pictures but nobody would take the time to listen. We were
about a mile from home when we passed a woman. When I extended a picture
of Christ this woman looked at me and said, "How did you know?" I
looked at her and said, "How do I know what?" She started crying and
said that she had been an alcoholic for years and wanted to be a good
person but in this world it's super hard. I pulled out a Book of Mormon
and bore testimony of how the Book could help her in her life. I pulled
out my planner and took her name, address, and her phone number to pass
her off to the English Sisters. When I put my pen and planner back in my
pocket she just randomly hugged me. She grabbed my jacket super tight
while hugging me so to get her off I would have had to be aggressive and
break her grip, then push her away so I just stood there with my hands
in my pockets. I looked at Elder Curzon who was now off the phone and
whispered, "What do I do?" He just starred at me with a blank look and
whispered back, "I don't know..." While this 40 year old black woman was
hugging me she started crying again. When she finally let go I stepped
away and told her that we would get her information to the English
sisters and they would contact her as soon as they could. She said,
"Yes, that would be great. I believe women should minister to women and
men should minister to men. If I do take lessons from you men I am sure I
would fall in love with you.
At
this point I realized she was drunk and looked at Elder Curzon with
another, "What do I do face?" She looked at me and said, "Can I marry
you?" My eyes widened and I almost started laughing uncontrollably. I
responded, "No. As missionaries we aren't allowed to do that. I'm
sorry." I then said, " Well, It was nice meeting you but we have to
go. I started walking away and she stepped in front of me, hugged me
again and said, "But I am in love with you." This time, I just broke her
grip and stepped back. She then looked at my name tag and said, "Elder
Bushman. If we get married, you can be Bushman and I will be Bushwoman.
Anyway...
She said some more weird things, tried to kiss my hand, and then Elder
Curzon and I finally just walked away and never turned back. This is the
WEIRDEST experience I have ever had in my entire life.
Well I hope all is well at home! Love you all :)
Elder Bushman
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| My first Monster in almost 4 months |
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| A very thoughtful package from the Cub Scouts of the 24th |
"Obedience makes us progressively stronger, capable of faithfully enduring tests and trials in the future. Obedience in Gethsemane prepared the Savior to obey and endure to the end on Golgotha."
—Robert D. Hales, "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments"
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