I didn't think this week was very eventful, but looking back a lot happened. Since my companion is a STL we got to go on exchanges, so I went to Rupert for a day. It was hard being in a different area for the day. I found myself many times wishing that I could be back in Albion. I was with Sister Dunaway for the day. Being with a different companion was also an experience! She was kinda difficult. She would mumble everything and half the time I had no idea what she was talking about. She also had a particular way to do everything. I just went along with it, but I was definitely glad to go back to Albion. She does not have her license so I got to drive. It felt good to drive again. I will get to drive next transfer since it is my companion's last 6 weeks in the mission. We also rode bikes while I was in Rupert. I actually think I like it more. The only thing was that it was so cold. I felt like my nose was going to freeze off! One nonmember they are working with in the area, taught us how to make bread. Her name is Hazel. She and her husband are from England. They are the sweetest old couple ever and had a lot to share about overcoming trials.
One day we were sitting in Creekside eating our lunch when all the Kelley's pulled up in their trucks. They are one of the prominent families here and are completely against the church. They came and sat down by us and they always like to joke about us feeding cows. While we were sitting there another truck pulled up and the Kelley's told us, now these are the real cowboys. Two men walked in, all dressed up in their cowboy gear. They had on leather vests, chaps, and their cowboy hats. They saw us and said, "Well if it ain't the sister missionaries!" They all look rough but are really the nicest people ever. They only stopped real quick and we only talked to them for a minute, but I could hardly believe it. It was like they had jumped right out of a western movie! I probably shouldn't be surprised anymore.
This week we had a really cool experience with Casey. We were out knocking on doors and had Sister Loveland with us. A lot of people will not open their doors if it is someone they don't know. I am glad that we have members willing to go out with us. We were walking down the road where Casey's cows are at. He was driving by and stopped to talk to us. He asked if we wanted to help feed his cows and of course we said yes! We talked about his cows for a little bit and when we finished he kept driving around. He told us that he felt like he should tell us what his struggles are with joining the church. He told us that without a doubt, he knows the church is true and he knows that he will get baptized. He said he has felt the Spirit and he even quoted the Book of Mormon while he was telling us all of this. What it comes down to is that he has a hard time joining something that a lot of people are not true to. He has been hurt by a lot of people who are members in their life and a lot of blame has dishonestly been placed on him when they were in the wrong. These were people he looked up to and couldn't believe would turn on him so fast for the sake of saving face. A lot of people are also pressuring him into being baptized as well and he told us that when he finally decides to get baptized, it will be just for him and no one else. He also shared with us a quote from last General Conference that said, "Anger, if not restrained is frequently more destructive than the injury that provokes it." Casey has a lot of reason to be angry, but instead he has chosen to forgive them.
It is so important to not let other people get in the way of your faith. Your conversion is personal and it is all up to you. No one else can learn for you or put in the work. My other point is, never let your perception of how others view you take away from you being able to be yourself. And especially don't let it become so destructive that you would rather someone else suffer. Each person here on the Earth is so important and we are all here to help each other, not tear one another down. I love Corban's invitation to serve someone new everyday. Service brings joy to everyone! I have already felt that!
I didn't take very many pictures this week so sorry about that. I did get to feed a blind calf. That was really sad. All the other calves pick on him and always eat his food. I didn't have my coat with me up on the mountain so I had to borrow one and it was just a little too big! But it was fun! It sounds like it's been a great week and I can't wait to hear from you again. I love you all so much!!!
Love,
Sister Beutler
