#HUMPDAY

Wudduuuuup!

You wouldn't even BELIEVE the bipolar weather here. You think you have it bad in Utah...The temperature was 12 degrees a couple days ago, and this week it is supposed to be in the 60's! What! Remember when every single Mainer warned me of the death of Maine winters last summer? I think I have worn my winter boots one time. Once. #okaymaine But hey, that just means that spring is on the way which brings me the greatest joy. 

This week was pretty great!! We had an awesome double-lesson with two different member families where we shared a lesson that combined family history and member missionary work, the two things we are working on with them individually. We had a pizza party with the two families called BYOP (bring your own pizza) and then we shared a story of one of Sister Black's ancestors which linked both topics together perfectly. The spirit of Elijah exists and as we study, learn, and share stories of our ancestors, we will feel a deep love for our families both mortal and heavenly. I love it :)

On Wednesday we had dinner with a less-active member named Sister Lowe who told us that we could "guilt her back into coming to church". Hahaha okay, don't mind if we do! She is the first less active I've ever met who actually respects the missionary rules. God bless Sister Lowe! She made the BEST cupcakes in the entire world. She also lives on an island so that was awesome! Driving across the water to the island was a bit sketchy though...the road was so narrow and muddy and slippery. One wrong move and our jeep would be in the water. No big deal. 

We also had a coordination meeting with different ward auxiliaries and the ward activity coordinator and we started making plans for the upcoming ward parties that will now be happening once a month! These ward parties are going to be so good for this ward. They are emphasizing the fact that these parties are missionary tools so everyone is focusing on inviting their friends to come. This ward is just amazing and I love seeing them grow even just over the last couple weeks since the bishopric changed! 

I'll be moving out of Boonie-Bethel on March 28!! I'll finally be in civilization! There are actually people there, and a Wal-Mart, and neighborhoods, and members, and restaurants I'm familiar with, and the church building. I forgot half of those things even existed...16 weeks here has been plenty enough for this city slicker! 

On Saturday TWO LESS ACTIVES LET US INTO THEIR HOME. What! We were in Rumford (which is a ghetto city in our area) and there are tons of less active members there. We try contacting them but none of them are ever interested in hearing what we have to say. Out of some sort of miracle, two of them welcomed us in! I couldn't believe it! Then we went to our Bible Study at the nursing home and taught about the different prophets from the bible. Towards the end, I got the impression to share about modern day prophets and how much of a blessing that it is to have a prophet on the earth today. To my amazement, the residents were so interested and the spirit was so strong and we answered all their questions about it. Some of them even want to watch general conference! Therefore, we taught some of the restoration at a bible study to a group of residents at a nursing home. If that isn't cool missionary work, I don't know what is. 

That about sums up my week. 

Oh, and I am officially halfway done with my mission!! Oh my goodness! I can't even believe that. It makes me sick to even think about it but I love seeing the growth in myself and just how far I have come ever since being out here. Sometimes I feel like I have been serving a mission my whole life. I don't even remember being at home anymore. Then again, I feel like it was just yesterday I was standing at the MTC hugging my incredible family goodbye for the next 18 months. I am so thankful for the support I have been given and the encouraging words of advice that has strengthened me and helped me get to where I am. I have a ways to go still, and I can't wait to see what adventures Heavenly Father has in store for me!
I hope you all have a good week!
Love,
Sister Watson