The Lord Loves His Servants

This new guy is intense (one elder said "uptight"), but that is NOT a bad thing.  This p-day they went to another missionary apartment and studied for the morning (can you say missionary geek squad? -STILL not a bad thing!)  I am amazed at how much hard work is going into the missionary effort in our area.  There is not much of a teaching pool right now, so the elders are meeting with bishops and other leaders in the area.  Their area comprises 13 wards (one stake), so they have plenty of people to work with to get help finding people to teach.  But right now there isn't much teaching happening (at least that is what I understand).

One of the previous elders inspired me to try to get in shape.  I have been a couch potato for too long, so I have been swimming twice a week to try to build up my cardiovascular system.  (Yeah, boring background stuff)  Anyway this week I got on the scale at the recreation center and it showed that I have lost some weight, not enough to be scared, but it could be a little concerning if it keeps going down.  (Still background)  So, when I got home I went down to the apartment and asked to elders to borrow the scale they keep in the apartment.  It confirmed the weight loss.  I told the elders about it and I didn't think much more about the subject.  Well that evening when they drove up Elder B2 offered to help with my weight loss problem, I looked confused and he pulled out a plate of brownies and offered me one.  Too funny!  (Of course I didn't take one, those were made special for the elders.) 


Motivation to exercise is not the only thing that has changed in me since the missionaries have come to live in my home.  Two days ago I went up to watch a movie at my sister's house.  It wasn't a bad movie, but as I was watching it I became very uncomfortable with some of the things said and implied in the movie.  I was very glad that we weren't watching the movie at my house.  I have noticed that my music choices and television programs have changed too.  I just don't want to do anything to offend the wonderful spirit that the missionaries bring into my home.  It really is special.


These elders haven't settled in yet.  This past P-day mom did their laundry, as usual, but because they waited so long to pick it up mom had already gone to bed.  I texted them and told them they could come up and get their laundry, but they said that they would wait until the morning. (Both Elders' sheets were in the laundry so I don't know how they slept.)   The previous guys knew that this is their home and they were welcome to come up at any time of the day or night.

I think we might make a little breakthrough some day.  I asked about music, (because Elder U.'s mother is a very accomplished violinist) and Elder U. said that he plays the piano.  I told him that he is welcome to play our piano anytime.  He said that he might on one P-day.  I think he doesn't yet feel like this is home.  I guess because he and Elder B2. are both here for less than 1/2 month they don't yet feel comfortable.  I am working on that.

Elder B2. plays guitar, so I told him that my nephew plays and they should have a family home evening with my sister's family so they can play guitar.  Hopefully that will happen too.  Hey, if the members aren't comfortable with who the missionaries are, they aren't going to be comfortable introducing their non-member friends to them.  (did that last sentence make sense?)

Prospective missionaries who might be reading this, please be seen by the members of your area.  They need to know you care (and that you exist).  The better they like you, the better success you will have getting them to provide referrals.

Have a great week.  As always, PRAY for our missionaries.  The Lord loves missionaries and missionaries love referrals.
 
Love to you all.