"WHY Would You LIQUEFY Rice?"

I'm not sure how much I've told you about this, but Elder Struve and I have been on the search for a FAMILY to baptize. We have this thing going for us when people keep allowing us to come back, but not keeping any commitments.. and we have people that agree to be baptized, but then don't make much effort to come to church or pray. SO! We've been dropping a ton of our investigators. :)

When you drop people, it's kind of a big leap of faith, because it means you temporarily won't have anyone to teach, which makes it feel like days are much longer and harder, and your numbers don't look very good, and it makes you struggle for a few days or so... BUT you do it all in the faith that in that free time, you can spend more time finding someone who is even more prepared, and then you get to work finding new people!

Like I said, Elder Struve and I have been really searching for a family. Not any specific family, just a family in general that would be interested and blessed by the Gospel.

We've worked with the Primary President to see if we can get a "Bring Your Friend to Church Day" going. We've looked through our old records to find families who USED to take lessons. We've changed the way we ask people for referrals so that it's all geared toward making them think of families and children. We're making a mix-tape of cool hymn arrangements for all the young men to get them thinking about missions. And we've been praying an awful lot for opportunities to run into Spanish families.

This week, it worked. :)

This has never happened before for me, but in one single week, we found THREE entire families. One of whom has a very solid member friend and a history of coming to church! The other two have very little church involvement, but were happy to hear more about our message.

miracles eh?

We've been staying pretty busy and trying to be creative in our finding, and it seems to be paying off super well. But of course, we don't get to decide who's prepared and who's not. That was all thanks to the Lord. :)

Now, for This week's "Had to Be There" moment:

The quote in the caption of this email comes from something Elder Struve said after a meal appointment that about made me die. We had just eaten Horchatta and Arroz con Leche, which are both Rice-based foods. (Arroz con Leche is essentially Mexican Rice-Pudding, and Horchatta is like Chocolate milk, but instead of chocolate, it's made with rice and cinnamon) Elder Struve didn't finish his food. He barely touched it. The member asked him if he liked it and he insisted that it was delicious, he just didn't feel well... After we left the appointment he told me it was the hardest meal he's ever eaten. I've seen him eat rice before without a problem so I was a little confused why he had such a hard time with these specific foods... This was our conversation:

Me- "I didn't know you didn't like Rice!"

Him- "I love rice"

Me- "But you don't like Horchatta?"

Him- "no"

Me- "Or Arroz con Leche?"

Him- "....WHY would you LIQUEFY RICE?!!!"

hahahahah classic Elder Struve

So. Love you all! :)

BYE!