This past week was just absolute insanity, but that's nothing new here as a missionary in the depths of Maine. In fact, I even had my first wood splitting experience a few days ago! We grabbed some axes and took on a huge pile of wood...i felt like a true-blooded Mainer. It was definitely something I NEVER thought I would find myself doing! We had a lot of fun though and we were glad to relieve some built up stress. Missions aren't a joyride all the time, that's for sure.
My favorite experience from this week was actually our lesson with a less-active member named Sister P. I'll refrain from using her full last name, but we have been visiting with her every week ever since I've arrived here. She's been studying with a different religion because she has more friends there, but she still believes in our church. Recently though she's been reading the Book of Mormon on her own AND with us when we come visit. This last visit we started with a brief chat and casual conversation before i asked her if she would start us out with a prayer. She said, "no thanks, my mind and heart are empty right now." so I said it instead. We read a few pages and then discussed what we read. There was a verse in there that briefly brought up 'light' and I had a small feeling to use that to transition into the #LIGHTtheWORLD video.
I was honestly scared to death because it didn't have too much about light to completely change the lesson, but I decided to act on the prompting. As we played the video for her, she started crying. We gave her an advent calendar and talked about how blessed we are to be given the chance to serve just as the Savior did this holiday season. The spirit in the room was so strong as she sat there crying from the power of the video and message. After a bit of silence, she said "can I say the closing prayer?" This prayer was the most humble, sweet, and thoughtful prayers I've heard in a long time. She thanked God for us coming over, and then started praying for those who are sick, hungry, etc. She was sobbing and could hardly make it through the prayer...we got up and gave her a huge hug when she finished. It was so wonderful being able to see the spirit fill her "empty heart"...i am going to sincerely miss being the imperfect tool in the Lord's hand as He perfectly goes about His master plan to bring joy to each one of us.
We had our branch christmas party this week! The theme was "A Night in Bethlehem" and we had so much fun. Rachel let us borrow some of her old clothes so that we could dress with "biblical" attire. The decorations were so good and we had shepard's pie for dinner. We helped out in the kitchen most of the time because the people in charge of food backed out or were late...or just didn't show up. But it's okay! We were there and able to help. Sister Barker (who was in charge of the party) was so thankful for our service that she invited us over for dinner at her house for CHRISTMAS EVE!
Oh, that reminds me...on Christmas Adam (day before Christmas Eve for people like my companion who doesn't know what that means) we are getting together in one of our areas called Boothbay with about 12 other missionaries. Boothbay puts on a Lights Aglow botanical garden thing that EVERYONE goes to. We are planning on setting up a table in downtown Boothbay and presenting the #LIGHTtheWORLD initiative. We will pass out hot chocolate, play the video, hand out advent calendars, give away wrapped up Book of Mormons, and just LIGHT THE WORLD! I'm so so so excited!!!! Thousands of people come to Boothbay at this time of year to see the lights so we are expecting lots of success.
I stinkin love serving the Lord and I'm looking forward to what my last 2 weeks bring! Love you all, and you'll hear from me next week.
Rachel treated us to Subway 💗
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