This week was long. Seven days to be exact.
As it turns out, every week is that long.
But sometimes the days seem to expand beyond
their normal length.
Anyways.
I will start off the week by sharing why my
companions have repeatedly encouraged me to stop talking to African men. Last
week while I was waiting for my companions to finish their emails, I started
talking to an African also waiting for something. I gave him a card and we went
on our merry way, only to wake up the next morning to read this text:
"hi how are you sleeping well and it starts
your day well lady I oumar and I want to know if you are married and if you
have children you really be beautiful I want a very serious relationship
between you and me"
Here's we pause and think, would such a text work
on anyone?
Anyways, we thought it was funny and chose not to
respond. (Parents do not be alarmed at the amount of marriage proposals in the
past few months; I took that self-defense class for a wise purpose and have
bodyguard companions plus I always have the option of ceasing to shower so my
stench will drive others away).
After laughing about that, we went to help a
member in our ward paint the inside of her house. She is from America and
married a man from Fiji who is a member of another faith and they have two
little kids that are artists in the making. They practice by drawing on all
empty wall space within their reach. We destroyed their art by painting over it
and Alicia was really grateful (#notsoproudmother). It was so good to be
with them and feel a little like I was in America again J. Plus
that's the first service project I've done in a while, so it was double joy!
Saturday night we traveled to Hannover and stayed
the night with the STLs there because on Sunday, all the missionaries in the
Hannover areas went to church in a little city called Stadthagen in order to
invite the missionary spirit. It was actually pretty cool to have so many
missionaries at church and the Kosaks were there too.
Sister Kosak gave a great thema about "the
Mormon glow." Meaning people often recognize members of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because of the way we look. Apparently
radiating with peace or happiness or whatever other positive energies we sweat.
We should explain to people why we glow (so they don't think we were born under
radiation or something) so others can find that warmth as well.
Which leads to a quote from President Monson that
I read this week.
"There is absolutely nothing in this world
that will provide more comfort and happiness than a testimony of the
truth."
Amen.
That's why we glow in a non-radioactive way; we
know the truth that God lives and has restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ to us
today J.
On another random note, I just wanted to let you
know our dritt (trio) isn't going to last after this week. President
Kosak told us yesterday that one of us is leaving, though we don't know who.
So if you wrote me a letter, send it to the
address in Berlin or wait until next week to see where I go.
Also. I have ten weeks left on my mission.
I'm not freaking out yet, but I am a little too
time conscious. Anyways, I thought every week until I go home I'd share
something I've learned from my mission. So go.
10. I have learned how to pick and choose the
battles that are worth fighting.
Tune in next week for number nine. Love you all J.
-- Sister Claire Michelle Woodward
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