This week was just packed with activities that made it go by so fast! We had zone conference on Johnson City and it was just awesome. President started it off with his amazing spirit and then left to start interviews. For the rest of the time we practicing delivering a message tailored to the needs of the people we talk to when we are out and about. We need the spirit to know their needs. For all of this time, when I talk to people I feel as if I'm trying to convince them that we're normal and that Mormons are normal. In reality I'm not normal, I'm a servant of the Lord; the members of the ward are the normal ones. Asking questions that are thought provoking aren't something that I should shy away from when I meet people on the street. The way we practiced was kind of intimidating. They would pick someone in the audience to role play in front of everyone else and then everyone would commentate and say what was good and what could be better. I was chosen (the curse of being friends with the AP's), but it ended up being a really good experience. I learned a lot.
On Thursday we went to a funeral for a lady in the ward who I had never met. I think she had been too sick to come to church. Anyways I was on the program to say the closing prayer because bishop had asked me earlier in the week. I was pretty nervous (and also it was kind of funny to me--so sorry) because I had never met this woman before. I didn't want anyone to be offended by that and also the majority of the congregation weren't members so I was hoping they would feel the spirit as I prayed that they would find comfort in the Plan of Salvation. After it was over, a few people came up to me and thanked me for my prayer and we were able to give a couple of them Book of Mormons. We got their information and the Abingdon sisters are going to head on over this week! Whoop whoop! We did a good job applying the skills that we learned in zone conference!
We did some service for Don and then him and his wife made us delicious curry! It was great to spend some time with my favorite honorary grandpa. He came to church on Sunday too because it was fast and testimony meeting. So awesome!
We set a baptismal date with Debbie for October 18th! We are so excited! She came to the general women's broadcast and I think she really enjoyed it because her head was nodding in agreement for a lot of the time (I was sitting right behind her haha). I loved the entire meeting because it helped me have more clarity in understanding my temple covenants. I wish I could have gone to the temple more before my mission, but oh well I have the plans of going a million bajillion times when I get home, that's for sure. I seriously loved Elder Uchtdorf's talk! My favorite part was when he said, "True disciples of Christ notice needs." I agree wholeheartedly. When we are focused on following Christ, the spirit will help us notice the tiny details that will be answers to other people's prayers. We will do all that we can to serve and help others feel His love.
Last but not least, let me talk about Bobby. The night before we went over to have a final lesson, he was just so prepared for his baptism. We were talking about how he has felt as he has been making changes to his life and he said, "I don't want to sin anymore, I don't want to do anything that'll break my faith." I really felt the spirit from his testimony. Bobby is what humility looks like. His baptism was pretty awesome, Rick had to baptize him 4 times until he got it right hahaha but it was a fun. Rick was really funny about it. It was pretty neat. Also Ron, the guy from Kingsport who referred Bobby to us to teach (in the pic with Rick and Bobby), was able to confirm Bobby in sacrament meeting on Sunday. It was such a spiritual meeting.
We went hiking today with Dan and Bryan in our matching Tennessee shirts! It was fun! Then we went back to their house and started our own band and ate burritos. We're kewl.
Love y'all!!! Enjoy conference this weekend!! Take notes and receive some inspiration. AND DON'T FALL ASLEEP OKAY!?!?!??!?
Sister Andrea Kate Merrell
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