Monday, September 21, 2015

Week 64: Animals Galore!‏

Dearest Family and Friends,
          It's a sure, proven, without doubt fact that I saw more animals this week than people.  When I was little I promised myself that I would have a big dog.  Now I realize that I have turned into my mother...no big dogs for me!  Everyone has at least two mangy mutts here.  They are slobbery and hairy, but they are great missionary tools!  You ask people about their religious beliefs and it's a "no go."  If you just pay a little attention to their dog and start talking about the K9, wow, people will start talking and telling you all this stuff which typically will go into their whole life story.  So I guess you could say we are starting to figure out the people of Tiger Mountain.  But we still get more than a few doors slammed in our faces.  We just start singing hymns louder and go skipping along down the mountain.  Sister Partridge and I are pretty much running our own "The Sound of (Gospel) Music" around here.  We just frolic in the meadows and forest. 
The Sisters of Tiger & Cougar Mountains
           But when the sun goes down we get a little freaked out about the bears and cougars.  No bueno. Luckily, we have had lots of lessons with members at this time of night.  We are getting to know them and they are all very unique and very incredible brothers and sisters.  We had a lesson with the Collins (the couple we are living with).  Brother Collins is a fire chief, but he is going to retire soon so we are currently looking for housing elsewhere. I really do love living with them. They are so sweet. 
This is where I live!
          We also have been working with the Anderson's in our ward.  They are converts of 5 years and love the gospel! The best part is that they have no fear in sharing it.  Brother Anderson was a jockey for many years, but said he "ate himself out of a job" hahaha.  He is this little fire ball that invites everyone to church and passes out the Books of Mormon like hot cakes. They even have a sign in their driveway that says "Mormons park for free"!  He is so great! Everyone, members and non members alike know Brother Anderson.  I am so grateful to these members and all the sacrifices they make in the name of the Lord. They help us out a lot in furthering His work. 
          Now the update on Simon.  He fell off date for baptism which was unfortunate, but its okay. We are making progress.  The reason he fell off date is because he hasn't been able to come to church...his mom wants him to have all his homework done.  So we are the nagging big sisters that constantly remind him to do his homework, pray and read the scriptures!  He love us though.  And we love him!  We are making progress with his family too.   They invited us in this week! They started making deals with us....be careful what you get yourself into Hermana Stoddard!  So Simon's dad catches critters for a living.  They told us to hold a tarantula.  Of course I was like, "No way Jose!! Never ever!!" But then I saw all the symbolism in this experience.  By holding the tarantula, I realized that I will have faced all of my fears head-on while on my mission.   So I gritted my teeth and I did it!!! But then I screamed and had him take it back. But I did it! Haha. 
AHHH!!!

          Something that I have been working on is truly loving the gospel and loving the people.  I am just trying to be more passionate about being a missionary and a disciple of Christ.  I want to be better at putting my whole heart and soul into my testimony when I share it.  Something I learned yesterday in church is "The Holy Ghost gives us courage to use and love to share."  As long as I can bear my testimony with the Spirit, the Spirit will make up that difference that I am lacking.  I am so grateful everyday for the opportunity to serve.  Thanks for your love and support! Have a good week!
Love,
Hermana Stoddard
We found sparkling cider!
Pday Activities
Pizza for lunch

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