Week 33: Stanley The Skunk & Transfers

Heyooo

Remember that skunk Mary had trapped at her house? Well he's been stuck in that cage for probably 2 months now... she didn't think animal control would take him because of where she lives and she didn't know what else to do so he's just been chillin' there. We were amazed that he was still alive but then we found out she started to feed him because she felt bad haha. She asked us to grab this big plastic bag thing and put it over his cage so we could move it without getting sprayed. So we did what she said but we still didn't know exactly what her plan was. We brought him out to the front and she wanted us to just release him into the street hahaha. We were like uhhh is there anywhere else we can release him... like an empty lot or something? So we went and found one a little ways down the road and then proceeded to carry it over there by putting a big metal stake through the handle and holding it on either side so that the cage was swinging around in the middle. People gave us some weird looks and once we got to the empty lot this guy started knocking on his window and looking at us sternly lol. Then he came out and asked what we were doing so we told him and he was like oh I thought you were dumping off trash. We invited him to stay and watch and he was not interested at all haha. Somehow we managed to get the cage open and set him (Stanely, as we named him) free without getting sprayed. I've definitely never done that before so it was kind of exhilarating! If anyone is in need of getting rid of a skunk I'm your guy I guess.

We finally had a lesson with LJ and it went SO GOOD!! He taught him about the restoration of the gospel and he pretty much agreed with everything we said and is really excited to read the Book of Mormon!! That lesson was definitely one of the best lessons I've had on my mission. The spirit was so strong and everything worked out so perfectly. I'm so excited for him!!

On the other hand, this week we had to stop teaching a few people so that was sad. Here's the rundown:

Monica and Juan

- We stopped by the other day and Monica tried giving us the Book of Mormon back but we didn't have a way to carry it on our bikes so she had to keep it, Juan said he read some of it but Monica wanted nothing to do with it and didn't seem very happy to see us. 

Sheilla (not to be confused with Sheila. AKA Bahama Mama) 

-  Her husband is controlling and doesn't like us. He told us that Sheilla doesn't want us contacting her anymore but we know that's a lie cause she's always so grateful to hear from us. Sooo there's not much we can do since he's not supportive. Sad day. 

Maria

- Ever since she went on her girls trip at the end of the year, she hasn't responded to us. We've stopped by, called, texted, and even emailed and we haven't heard a word. We're really sad cause she was very interested in the Book of Mormon and coming to church when we first met her. Our guess is her friends probably said something and she read some false information online. *sigh*

Abril

- She was supposedly very interested in meeting with us but we called her last night and after we said it was the missionaries she hung up. So that was awkward.

Now that we're done with all that depressing stuff.... it's transfer news time!! I will be staying in my area but there's a twist. They're combining Summerglen Hills and Bulverde and my new comp will be Elder Steadman, my district leader! I love him and all the people in Bulverde ward so I'm excited! Oh and I'll have a car for the first time on my mission!! We didn't think Elder Yardley would be leaving so we're a bit sad about that but it's in the Lord's hands and he knows best. It's gonna be super confusing combining the areas but I'm sure it'll be an adventure haha!

We had Stake Conference (a Sunday service where multiple congregations meet together for 2 hours and listen to talks from church leaders) yesterday and it was so good! A big focus was making time for the Lord so I wanted to talk a little about that. President Nelson told us last general conference that, "The voices and pressures of the world are engaging and numerous. But too many voices are deceptive, seductive, and can pull us off the covenant path. To avoid the inevitable heartbreak that follows, I plead with you today to counter the lure of the world by making time for the Lord in your life—each and every day. Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always." 

Whether that's just praying daily or studying a multiple chapters of the scriptures each day, make time for the Lord! Heavenly Father understands our circumstances and the effort we are putting in. So if all you have time for is just a couple verses a day then start there! What's important is consistency, not how much you're doing. I promise that as you make time for the Lord in your life, whatever that way look like, you will be able to navigate through these troubling times and be blessed for your effort.

Feel free to reach out to me whenever. I love hearing from y'all! Sorry if I don't email back though, my p-days are super busy.

- Elder Christensen

Pics

1 & 2. Elder Steadman and Harward played a prank on us while we were gone

3. Practicing a song for the Easter musical celebration!!

4 & 5. Parking lot pics??