Week 39:Fairmont Ward, Houston East Stake; Companion Elder Nelson

 It's been a fun week with Elder Nelson, we've had some sweet lessons and he's a funny guy. 

     We've had a lot of lessons reschedule, but we've also had some really good ones. 

     We met with Stephen Hodgin and had an interesting discussion with him. He kept telling us that he wants proof that Joseph Smith was a prophet and pretty much refuses to accept that he'll receive an answer through prayer and personal revelation. We told him to try anyway and he accepted, though I'm fairly positive it won't be with real intent. The discussion turned towards baptism for the dead and he was very interested in that. He struggles with believing that God speaks to us though, so we'll be helping him learn about personal revelation as we continue to meet with him.

     Another awesome lesson with Bern and Norma, finally. We haven't been able to contact them in a long time, but we finally were able to talk to them again. We talked about the Plan of salvation and it went very well. They were very interested and they asked great clarifying questions. They particularly liked how everything is always centered on love and the Savior. We asked them to continue praying about the things we've shared so they can know it's true for themselves.

   

     The other day we went to a member's house to help them with some yard work. We planned on being done around 6:30 and then we'd head to Jazmine and Eric's wedding (it finally happened). You wanna know how long we were at the member's house? Until 8!!! Granted, they fed us dinner, but still! We missed the wedding and the opportunity to talk to Eric some more. Jazmine is a member but Eric is not. He wants to be sealed in the temple with Jazmine, so we're trying to help him get baptized. The wedding was a perfect time to swoop in and be like "Hey, now that you're married you should start coming to church with your wife..." But nooooo. We gardened for 3 hours and missed it.

     Later in the week we stopped by Eric's house to congratulate them and we were able to set up a time to start teaching him. So honestly, no biggie. But I wanted cake from the wedding  and the cool opportunity to talk to them there.

Oh well.

     Okay, now for why I say mom was right. When I was younger and taking piano lessons my mom would tell me about how it will be such a useful skill as a missionary. I didn't listen and I didn't care, I stopped taking lessons. Luckily I kept practicing hymns anyway and I was able to slowly progress on my own. You already know I played in a primary program like, 7 months ago, but yesterday the bishopric had me play the piano at the end of sacrament meeting. 

    It went well, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to share my "talent." 

Mom was right.

She always is 

Anyway, I've had a great week and I hope y'all did too. Sorry this one's a bit short, I'm exhausted and can't think very well 

Be strong, steadfast and immovable!

-Elder Peterson 

I found an Idaho sign.

Found a funny sign km someone's house.

Patriotism.

Elder Bengtzen got some of the McCann's honey. (They sell jars that size for $50, no joke. They gave it to him for free)

Week 38:Fairmont Ward, Houston East Stake; Companion Elder Nelson

  This past week we met with Marie and Lilia again and it was awesome! Brother and Sister McCann came with us and we went over the baptism interview questions with them. Marie was accepting all of it to the point of immediately agreeing to stop drinking coffee and stop smoking. It was awesome!!! Lilia still hasn't figured out if being baptized is right for her or not (it is) but shes still praying about it. You know what's even more awesome? They came to church last Sunday!! And they loved it!!! It was so cool, these ladies are so committed to following the Savior, it's such a blessing to be a part of their journey.

     Later that night we stopped by to give Marie a large print copy of the Book of Mormon and she said a prayer before we left. She said some awesome things and this part really touched me. She said: "God, I can't promise I'll do this quickly and I can't promise I'll do it perfectly. But I promise that I'll give it all I've got." She then proceeded to pray for Elder Mangan and I, her "missionary friends."

     I'm so excited for them, she is planning on being baptized on the 11th of June and we are all excited for it. Please keep praying for her, it's seriously working 

     The other day we went to help a lady named Linda Dula move some boxes and get a little more settled in her new home. She's a nonmember and we had also talked to her about doing a Bible study as well. 

We didn't have a Bible study.

She used our labor for an hour and then basically told us she wasn't interested. I was honestly pretty annoyed. We had planned on sharing a quick message after helping her out a bit and she just wouldn't let us! She used us to move her boxes! 

So rude.

I don't think we'll be going over for "Bible studies" anymore.

     Pretty much the whole day yesterday and this morning was a blitz with Elder Bengtzen. Elders Mangan and Barben were transferring out of the area (they're out now, I've got a new companion, keep reading), so those two were driving around saying goodbye to people while Elder Bengtzen (the new District Leader) and I drove around and did MISSIONARY WORK. It was awesome, I love the guy. This morning we drove to a Cavender's Boot Store and Elder Bengtzen drooled over these $800 gator skin boots, it was fun. Oh yeah, he also bought a $250 banjo, but apparently that's not weird.

Yes it is, Elder Bengtzen. Yes it is.

But he's excited to have it, so who am I to judge 

     Elder Mangan got transfered to Woodville Texas and I got Elder Nelson out of Beaumont Texas. He's been out one transfer longer than me, so we're pretty even. He's from Gilbert Arizona and he's actually a pretty cool guy. I'm excited.

     We had an awesome lesson today with a guy named Carlos. We taught him the plan of salvation and he loved it. Elder Nelson is a great teacher and we taught very well together. I'm excited for this transfer, I'm expecting lot of miracles! Thank you for all your prayers! 

I love ya'll and I pray for you. Be strong, steadfast and immovable! 

-Elder Peterson

Oh yeah, Elder Bengtzen also bought a $50 rope. 

That picture of me looking really happy is from Sunday. Not gonna lie, I can't remember the context. Sorry 

Pictures May 11-24