We went through our area book and made a list of everyone with phone numbers we could call. We ran across the name of one guy who wanted to meet with the Missionaries in the past but was really busy and never could find a time to meet. It has been a while since he's had any contact with the Missionaries, but we felt like we should give him a call. So we did and guess what? HE ANSWERED!!! That has been one of the biggest struggles in isolation- getting people to answer their phones. Anyways, he answered and was actually in the middle of something but said to call back. We did and he told us he was just tested for COVID and is at home quarantined for 10 days until his results come back! So now he had all the time in the world! We set up a time to video call with him and we will see how it goes!!
Another day this week we had set up appointments all day to visit a few people in person. We got out and as we were walking we ran into quite a few people who wanted to talk! It ended up being so good. None of them were interested in learning more but we did have some great conversations and were able to share some light with them.
We did a ton of service this weekend! We helped some nonmembers shear sheep again and then we went straight to help someone else build a fence and shovel some rock. I was very tired by the end of that day, but it felt SO GOOD!! I seriously love being a missionary and serving people. Even though it is hard work, I really do feel supported in every single bit of it. I am always very ready for bed by the end of every day and yet I feel so excited for what else is going to come.
Lastly, we had a great lesson with Mary this week. She has been reading the Book of Mormon and doing CFM and really loves it. This week she asked us "How did Joseph Smith know Hebrew?" We told her that he did not and in fact was very uneducated but was only able to translate the Book of Mormon through the gift and power of God. She also told us that she wanted to continue with our challenge from last week that she really struggled with. We had invited her to look for the Lords hand in her life every day. We were sending our thought at the end of each day in a group message. Mary really struggled to see how God is involved in her life. As we talked during our lesson she got more and more hope and like I said she wants to try again this week! She also told us during our lesson, "This is the first time that I think I know the Book of Mormon is true." That made us so happy to hear. She is so wonderful and is truly seeking out knowledge.
I look around Parma and the people here and I already know that I am going to miss it so much! It hurts to think about leaving everyone in Idaho behind. I wish I could be in 2 places at once! I am grateful for every day I have left on my mission and am trying to make every day count!
I love you all!! Have a fantastic week!
Love,
Sister Beutler
