Did you know that Hannah does a “happy dance” in the privacy of the church bathroom after each baptism she attends? Thank you to Devin and Fred who gave Hannah a “happy dance” excuse on January 11th. Hannah also got to return to her first area in Texas, Imperial Oaks, to attend Annie’s baptism (and perform another “happy dance”)! Hannah expressed her feelings at these baptisms as “pure joy.”
As of last transfer (January 1), Hannah is in a new
companionship with Sister Wessendorf from Payson, Utah (home of Bordeaux’s
Bistro. Try the smothered shrimp po boy,
red beans and rice, and, for dessert, beignets!) She is still serving in Montgomery,
Texas. Hannah also has the assignment of
Sister Training Leader. This is
providing her with opportunities to associate with and get to know the other
sisters in her zone. They are all
wonderful, of course.
Act 1, Scene 1: 8:30
p.m. Middle of nowhere. 20 degrees and biting wind.
(Enter Hannah and
Sister Wessendorf in their mission Jeep.)
Hannah attempts to flip a u-turn and the right front wheel
and rear wheels are seized by mud on the roadside. Jeep is dramatically sucked in down to the
frame. Hannah exits vehicle (Sister
Wessendorf is unable to open her door).
(Enter big, scary dog.)
Hannah returns to vehicle and phones closest member she
knows, Brother Hamilton, for help.
(Enter truck, pulling into nearby driveway.)
Hannah exits her vehicle and starts shouting, “Help, we are
stuck.” Man exiting truck responds, “I
can see that.” Man then goes to Hannah’s
vehicle to assess damage. Man invites
Hannah and Sister W to wait inside with his family until Brother Hamilton arrives. While man and Brother Hamilton are working on
unsticking Jeep, Hannah and Sister W have enjoyable conversation with man’s
family.
(Jeep is freed from mud.)
Act 2, Scene 1 Family home of good Samaritans who unstuck mission Jeep earlier.
(Enter Hannah and Sister Wessendorf bearing cupcakes.)
Hannah says, "Thank you for helping us out that night. Would you and your family be willing to take the missionary lessons?" Man replies, "Absolutely."
(Happy Dance)
(Later that evening) Hannah writes in her journal: “God is great. He
turns dumb mistakes into miraculous finding opportunities!” *
*Editor’s note: I think being a
full time missionary gives God more to work with. Most of my dumb mistakes end up being dumb
mistakes.
Word of caution to anyone who is not a member of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:
Never Smile at a Missionary Unless You Want to Learn More. A stranger smiled at Hannah at the Library a
couple of weeks ago. The thought crossed
her mind, “Talk to him.” But then he
looked away. She felt weird approaching
him. As she was leaving the library, she
again felt impressed to speak to him.
She asked the member family providing her a ride to wait and she went
and introduced herself. The man did not
speak much English and was uncertain when Hannah offered to have the Spanish
speaking missionaries contact him. He
asked for her number and told her that he would call if he decided that he was
interested in her message. He
called! The Hermanas will be visiting
him soon.
Other news:
Hannah’s church schedule changed from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.*
*Editor’s Note: Now is the time
for anyone who may have been whining about 9 a.m. to feel sheepish.
*Editor’s Note: Maybe I’ll have
to send her a Zumba exercise DVD to use in the mornings. She sent me back the So You Think You Can
Dance hip-hop exercise DVD I sent her for Christmas because “the music tracks
used were not missionary appropriate.”
Who would have guessed?
Hannah’s testimonies of the ordinances of baptism and of the
Sacrament, of repentance, and of the unconditional love of her Heavenly Father,
have been strengthened. She loves the
people she is teaching, her companion, and the Lord. She acknowledges that God has literally
poured out blessing after blessing upon her.
She is doing well.
No comments:
Post a Comment