Well! I actually have time to write so I'll try to give you a good long email! So last week I told you about a guy who decided to spout of lots of anti comments in a very contentious way but ran out of time so I couldn't tell what all happened. So a little back story. Lately we have been getting a lot of doors slammed in our face. A LOT. It doesn't necessarily bother me but it stirred up my stubborn streak. When we met this guy that was hardcore yelling at us about something he was very miss informed on I consider that to be something just as unproductive as a closed door. We let the guy yell for a second and then I pretty much told him that contention is not of God and because of the contentious behavior the spirit had left. This shocked all 3 of us on the doorstep but it was really amazing to see the change in atmosphere the guy immediately acknowledged the spirit doesn't work with contention and we were able to have a great conversation and I'm certain when he went inside he went in with a lot to think about. :) I love it.
The anti did not end there. We continued to have more people chew us out for being pretty much heathens and such for multiple days in a row. I loved every minute of it. It was so great. Every time someone would begin saying negative (and often incorrect things) about the church we simply opened our mouth and spoke from our hearts. My testimony has never been stronger. I know the message I am privileged to share with my brother and sisters in Washington IS the truth. It IS the fullness of Christ's gospel restored to the Earth for the purpose of our salvation and happiness. Its such a beautiful thing to be a part of!
Monday we toured an aircraft carrier with a really cool lady but unfortunately I forgot my adaptor at home so I'll have to send the pictures next week. It was HUGE.
Remember the family I told you we literally lost? Well we found them! They are back on date to be baptized on April 11th. Its a ways away but the mum picked the date herself and her youngest son will be 8 by then so he will be joining them that day! We're way excited! I love these families so much. It cracked me up when we asked the 9 year old daughter what she thought about being baptized on April 11th, her response, "that's too far away" The joy that come to families BECAUSE of the gospel is immeasurable! Its so amazing! Its such a gift!
Today we had a meeting with a member who is a dietician to see if changing Sister Combs' diet will help with her health. We were sitting in the car waiting for her when I look up and see this huge white truck backing right towards the car. All I can think is "please don't hit us, I REALLY don't want to have to call Elder Hadlock" Thankfully they barely miss us but as they're pulling out they slam into the mailbox that is behind a curb. I was shocked and waited expecting them to get out and go tell the people they hit it but they don't so we quickly wrote down the license plate number (hopefully we got it right) and give it to the receptionist. Everyone was shocked that it happened. I couldn't believe that actually happened. So hopefully they'll get the mailbox fixed and hopefully the driver will drive safer.
One last thing and then I'll end this. This week with all the negative comments and fall through plans I came to an analogy. God is the painter. Our lives are the Canvass and we are the artwork. We have the choice to pose how He tells us to or to complain and make our own suggestions. I've discovered its a whole lot easier to just hold onto what I know and trust that He can see the bigger picture. I am truly grateful for the atonement because of Christ and His artistic talents the smudges I cause in His painting can be altered into a beautiful part of the picture. We are all going to make mistakes and those mistakes may not bring the happiest results but through the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Atonement we can overcome all we must face and experience true unfiltered happiness.
I hope you are all enjoying the beauty that is life and God. Talk to you next week!
