March 1st Week 21 - Growth of Faith and Friendships: Layton Utah Week 11

 皆さん! 

 Hope everyone is doing well and having fun! Anything exciting planned for this week? For us, we have new lessons! We were able to meet two different nonmembers this past week that both are showing interest in the Church! We actually learned about one of them from one of the other missionaries in another district - they moved into our area and though their daughter was baptized, they haven't been. We've been trying for literally a month and a half to try to get in contact with them, but they're barely by their phone and doesn't respond to texts very readily if it's from someone they don't know. So we decided that each time we were in the neighborhood with a member of the church, we would try and stop by (knocking at the door and then quickly walking back six to ten feet). Two weeks ago, we were finally able to get in contact with them (and they apologized for not responding very readily haha) and set up a lesson just this week. Really exciting! 

 The second we encountered while also walking in the neighborhood - we actually didn't know who was living at that house and didn't have any records there, so we decided to go with a member to get to know them. They answered the door and we were able to talk for a while about them, who the are, and what it was like to move in during COVID and things like that. We exchanged numbers, and two nights ago we were able to call and set up a discussion with them about their beliefs and hopefully we'll be able to find some common ground there! Other than that, we're getting close to having met with all the members in the five wards that we cover (around ~125-150 each!), so that's really exciting news! It's just trying to get in contact with people who aren't responding to texts or calls... we'll keep trying! But honestly, being able to teach these lessons is such a blessing. I know that being able to meet with the Elders regularly before my mission really helped me to prepare and learn a ton - and so though it's a little different than missionary preparation, I know that being able to meet together and share a message of hope can really bring a lot of light to people. 

We have a few people that we're regularly meeting with - one of which is an older woman named Sister Stahle. I may have mentioned her before, but she's blind - and can't really use technology well as a result. On top of that, she's at high risk due to her age, and so she hasn't been able to really be in contact with anyone at all. But she is one of the most optimistic and happy people I've ever met. Despite her struggles and circumstances, she's wonderful and loving and kind. And she's incredibly wise, too! I have a ton of quotes written down from her - here's one of my favorites: "I can't go back to the world I was born into and I can't go into the world I'm going to. I don't belong in the world I was born into and can't function in it, and I can't go into a world that I can function in! So if you've got anything magnificent you're going to do, go do it - if not, I'll be here to cheer you up and on." 

 I have so many quotes I've written down from her and some of the other people we've been able to meet recently. It's been wonderful to hear their stories, and to bond together over the Gospel. And many of these people have other issues, compounded with age. And yet, they stand so strong and resilient, despite it all. It's inspiring to see - and they each have testified that s they've believed and done their best to help other people, they've been able to see miracles. They've been strengthened. And they've felt an overwhelming love from a Heavenly Father and Savior who are cognizant of their needs and want to do everything that They can to help. It's incredible and humbling - and being able to help some of these people over the phone or with zoom, to help them feel comfort and peace when their lives are in such turmoil and stress and loneliness... it's an amazing feeling. It's a feeling that I've always wanted from being able to serve - and one I've felt every day since. 

 Sorry for the short email this week! Today is going to be a little bit crazy because it's the second to last week of transfers, and one of the Sister Training Leaders in our district is going home next week. So we're going out and playing pickleball (only the most Utah of sports) today - and so we're a little strapped for time, unfortunately. 

But I'm glad I was able to email you all and reach out in what time I did have! You all are amazing - take care, and stay safe! Take care of one another and each other, okay? Cheers! 

Elder Decker デッカー長老