Hello Family!
I'm glad that all is going well for you.
This past week was rather long...but I guess that's what happens when you
have about 4 or 5 straight finding days in a row...BUT despite that, it was
still a great week.
We were able to teach Raphael this week...he still is having difficulties
with his smoking problem. But, he is making an immense effort. I'm very glad
that he is trying so hard. Saturday he only smoked one! That is some huge
progress from his normal 5 he was doing. And cool little miracle. We were
waiting at the bus station for our bus to go visit a non-active member, and as
we were waiting, Raphael was walking towards the station. He had to wait for a
bus to go do some grocery shopping somewhere. He told us that right as he had
envie (sorry, I don't know if that makes sense...I don't really know how to say
that in english. The phrase in french is "quelqu'un a envie à faire quelque
chose.") to smoke, we were there to remind him not to. I let him know that it
was a sign from God. He replied "Je sais."
Oh, it just makes me so happy. All of the little miracles that happen. Like
seriously, right now as I'm typing this, I'm smiling so big!! :)
So about Christian, yes we're still teaching the new member lessons. There
are some new rules that came out by the First Presidency about two weeks ago
that establish some things about amis and recent converts. For amis, we are now
obligated to teach all 5 lessons, not just the 4 and then slightly mention the
5th like in the past. And with recent converts, it says that we need to keep
seeing them for the 3 to 4 months after their baptism and then keep in regular
contact for at least one year, or more. So we still go to see him. He is doing
very well. We talked about missionary work...and he is a STUD!! He's already
talking to others about the Gospel. He is NOT shy at all that he is a member of
l'église Mormon, comme il le disait. :)
The Swanepoel family is doing well. We taught them about the Book of Mormon
on Tuesday, because they told us they didn't quite understand it. I think they
understand the Book of Mormon a little better, but the Fitt couple decided to
buy them Book of Mormons in their native language, Africans, because it appeared
like they had trouble understanding the old english pronouns. They invited us to
eat lunch with them on Friday. They invited some other friends to come, who
ended up not being able to go, but we still were able to go and teach them. They
had asked us to talk about something simple (not the Book of Mormon...apparently
the Book of Mormon isn't very simple...but I don't have any idea what it's like
because I grew up with it.) for their friends, so we decided to talk about how
families are eternal and are the most important unit in God's eyes. We still
decided to share that simple thought with them, and they loved it. They had
already been taught the plan of salvation, but they love Eternal Families. They
weren't able to come to church this week and we'll find out why tomorrow. I'm
rather starting to feel like Sister Voyles from the district when she talks
about her ami Ofelia. "JUST COME TO CHURCH!"
In talking about Eternal Families and seeing the Swanepoel's children, I
think I got kinda trunky. Trunky in the fact that I'm very excited to get married and start a family. And I started thinking quite a bit about families and how I
really want to have an eternal family and get married in the temple, when that
time comes. It's interesting to see how much I've changed since the beginning of
my mission. I had so many things that I wanted to do musically, but now, I still
have those dreams and I feel like I could go through with them, but I have a
greater desire to get married and have a family. I guess that happens when
you're with a man 24/7. Ha, don't worry though, I'm not legitly trunky. :) In
thinking all this, it was very spiritual and I really am starting to see how
important a family really is.
Well, that's all I got for this week. Except yesterday, Elder Smith was
sick. He was able to make it through church but after that, he was out like a
fat kid in dodge ball!! I haven't seen someone get sacked out that fast...but
today he is doing TONS better!! Which is great news. We'll be able to work!
Yay!! :)
I love you all so much!
-Elder B. Stanton Wilson
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