Where did you come from Cotton Eyed Joe?
Yes, a dance move that was taught at our Ward New Years Eve Party. I've been teased since kingdom come because of this, but, it was done completely by accident. As we were standing around at the New Years Party, no one was doing anything...hardly talking. Sorella Nilson and I were in a corner, and all of a sudden a 4-count song came on and we started doing the Cotton Eyed Joe...subtley. Then all of a sudden, EVERYONE in the ward was jumping in, asking us to teach them. Next thing you know, the whole ward is watching with a handful of people doing it right along with me! It was so much fun getting the ward together, uniting through means that were foreign to both. I've been hassled because missionaries aren't supposed to dance, but...Bishop thanked me, as well as a member of the Stake Presidency for getting everyone together and excited for the New Year. I've let President know, but in my mind...it did more good than harm. Needless to say, it won't be happening again..unless asked to instruct to do so. :)
This week has had it's ups and downs, and recognition for the Lord's tender mercies...and how merciful He is to me. Instead of punishing me for my tiredness or lack of motivation, He blesses us with miracles, right and left. We have been struggling to find new investigators and really struggling to make appointments with the investigators we DO have. But we keep trying and we keep trying to have a good attitude about things. Nonetheless, it doesn't help that a lot of my dreams consist of nightmares about going home...Metro's taking me around BYU-Idaho and activities to be done that I can't do because I haven't been set apart...yeesh! Gotta let my brain relax!! But anyways, New Years Day we received a phone call from a Chinese young lady named Nikki who we met at the Questura, and made an appointment with her the next day. We had to start from square one...she knows absolutely NOTHING about God. Who He is..or anything. We slowly taught the plan of salvation because that was something she could relate to through the religion her family raised her...Buddhist...which she doesn't believe in, but we could build off of it. We gave her a Chinese Book of Mormon and was So excited! She accepted a soft baptismal invite and is going to ask permission from her family to keep learning with us. She is 26, and technically can do what she wants, but her family permission is VERY important and so, we pray that her family's heart will be softened.
Another mercy happened on Tuesday, quite a few actually. With this new gluten free diet, it is taking my mind and body for a loop, that's for sure. But the results are good, aside from the tiredness I still have. Anyway, I had to sleep yesterday morning for quite a while...all the time being frustrated that I couldn't get my act together. But, my companion is the best and just assured me that she wasn't frustrated and that she'll still get things done. I'm humbled by her kindness everday. We received a referral from the Genova 2 Anziani...a woman named Cecilia that they met on the bus. Her brother recently passed away and wanted to know more about the Mormon's...his religion. They called us with the referral on Monday, we called her immediately and set an appointment with her Tuesday afternoon at 4:30. I force myself to get up and shower, and pray for Heavenly Father to strengthen me...and He did. We arrive at the appointment and this wonderful Ecuadorian woman welcomes us in, and all of a sudden a HUGE Italian Man, who could be mistaken for the Godfather walks in. She asks us "Is it okay if my husband learns too?" OF COURSE?!? And he just goes from there...questions were being asked right and left and how they really wanted to come to church. What makes us so different? Why can't you drink coffee? No coke? What?! You're crazy! It's a drug?(Which his wife said...) I've never heard of that!! It came down to me taking the wife because she was more comfortable speaking spanish, and Sorella Nilson taking the husband.... All in all, Cecilia stated that she wanted to learn with us and become baptized. It was time she changed her life around. She's never done it, and she wants to do it right. WHAT?!?! We have an appointment with them on Saturday to pump them up for church. This Italian man, Mauro, is just a big teddy bear and is more than anxious to read the Book of Mormon!! After that appointment, Lina Salazar calls us with a referral. One of their neighbors was in a car accident and needed some help. We go over and start helping this woman, with Lina, make her home more comfortable to work with the wheel chair that she was confined too. We got her number and plan to slowly introduce the gospel into her life. Here's hoping. And last but not least, we've been having a hard time contacting Nelly. The Lord has blessed her with SO MUCH WORK that she can't make time for Him. That's not how SHE sees it, but that's how it is here. ANyway, she called us last night, by accident because she was giving our number to one of her friends. This woman is Brazilian and really wants to start knowing God in a better way...so who do you call? MORMON MISSIONARIES!!! The Sorelle to be exact! So things are looking up, not only did we have a successful night of doing casa, a wonderful and helpful district meeting, but also some new areas to hunt and appointments with some Jehova's Witness families. If the Lord can make an axe float, He surely can soften the hearts of this family. They were very kind and more than willing to talk...I felt really strongly that we need to throw out ALL pretenses, and just accept them as God's children who are confused...and teach them with love, ALL referring back to the Book of Mormon.
Even though I'm on the downslope, I gotta keep my head up and look forward to the beautiful days ahead. Still going strong and still doing my best...each day is a new lesson to learn! Thank you for all your support and I love hearing from you all!! Letters ARE appreciated!! ;)
con amore,
sorella bowman
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