This past week has gone by so fast! Though I absolutely love time going by fast, I do hope that I am able to learn and grow as much as I can within this time frame.
We had a baptism for Dan this last Saturday! Dan is 65 years old and has been meeting with missionaries for the past two and a half years. He has been on date for the past 8 months Haha! As you can tell from the picture, he is also like 6'8" and the person baptizing him was shorter than me! Dan's story just goes to show you that you should never give up on people and that everything will work out according to God's timetable.
Dan shared a cool story with us at his baptism. He explained the first time that he knew that this church was true. Dan had been asked by a member of the ward to help do some gardening work at the Temple grounds. He accepted but was fearful because he had not been able to get sleep the past few nights because of terrible pain in his shoulders. The pain was so unbearable that he could not even lift his arms over his head. When they got to the temple, the temple curator pointed at Dan and said, "You're tall. You trim that large hedge over there." The hedge was taller than Dan. He accepted the task, not wanting to tell anyone about his problem. He started by trimming the sides of the hedge until only the top was left. This was the part he feared most. He slowly lifted his arms to start trimming the top of the hedge. Before he knew it, his arms were completely over his head and he was able to reach the top of the hedge. There was no pain.
He finished the gardening with a firm realization that this temple was truly from God for only God could have healed him. His shoulder never bothered him again. The only reason he wasn't baptized then answering there is because he did not feel he was yet worthy. While standing as a witness for Dan's baptism, I knew that he was not only worthy, but prepared to make that loving covenant with his Heavenly Father.
Also on this Saturday, we stopped by a young girl who we've been trying to talk to for a while. This time, she was home and we were able to talk to her about who we were and asked if she was interested. She said, "Yeah I really want to be baptized but my mom isn't home right now." I was shocked hahaha! Not only did this young girl answer the door, but she has been wanting to be baptized! The Lord has truly prepared people for us to meet and help. We have an appointment with her for this week. Her name is Lizzy.
I might have mentioned last time, but Elder Greenwood has been increasingly pessimistic. Now, anyone who knows me knows that I was never the most optimistic person, however, since I've been out on my mission, my optimism has soared! This leads to a problem though because Elder Greenwood does not agree with my hope filled ideas. In fact, just last night he explained that I needed to lower my expectations. He also described that I should not be so worried about being efficient and effective and worry more about just being diligent. I would like some advice on this. Elder Greenwood is not only my trainer but also my District Leader. I try to humbly accept meaningful council that he gives me, and I know he is truly trying to help me become a better missionary, but I'm confused with the council. Any suggestions or advice from those more experienced than I would be much appreciated.
I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving! Remember all the wonderful blessings that Heavenly Father has given you!
Elder Francis
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