It was a week!
MLC was this week - it was a little bit different than other ones I've been in. Several missionaries who don't normally go to the meeting were invited to attend. Some were District Leaders, and some didn't hold any leadership assignments at all. President separated himself, his wife, and the Sister Training Leaders from the Elders. It was pretty intense. I think the purpose behind that was so the Elders could say whatever they wanted to say without fear of offending the Sisters, or being rebuked by President.
The Assistants were in charge of the discussion with the Elders. The first question they asked was, "Why is the mission complacent with 19 baptisms this month?"
Man, it was as if they had set off a nuclear BOMB! The conversation got pretty heated - it was so awesome. :) We talked a lot about how the Leadership can do a better job of loving others and treating them like equals, and how everyone who's not in leadership absolutely hates everyone who is in leadership.
So basically, MLC was a big call to repentance. But that's okay, because the Lord chastens whom he loves!
It was kinduva slap in the face. I learned a lot from the Spirit while we were in there - about what I can do to change. One thing I need to do here is truly love my Zone. I don't feel like I'm doing a good enough job complimenting the Elders and Sisters in my stewardship enough for the good things there're doing. I could do better at SHOWING my love :).
I didn't realize how many great friends I made when I was in Annandale until today. Right now, we're back at the Ox Road chapel in Fairfax, where a lot of the Elders from Annandale are playing basketball, and recording some songs for President Riggs. I can't believe how many smiles, hugs, and "I love you's" I'm dishing out and receiving!
When I leave Mt. Vernon, I want the Elders and Sisters there know without a doubt that I love them.
We were just leaving a member's home, when Elder White asked how them how their son was doing (His name is Jack, is18 years old, and he's struggling spiritually right now. He likes us a lot, so we're trying to help him out). They said he was in their room, down a long hallway, the last door on the left.
Elder White peeked inside, whispered, "Jack, are you there?"
No answer. It was dark inside.
Elder White quietly shut the door, he saw Jack was asleep. On his way back down the hallway, I hear a loud bark, scurrying and a yelp from my companion. The member's vicious Jack Russell Terrier, Shelby, popped out of one of the dark rooms, and chomped down on Elder White's ankle! It was rad!
A couple weeks ago, the animal did the same thing to me. I innocently walked out of the bathroom, minding my own business, when Shelby came out of the darkness and nipped my index finger. What an animal!
She's actually a wimp, she didn't even bite me or my companion that hard. She's just a cowardly dog who doesn't like strangers walking down her precious hallway.
We're also kinda teaching this drunk guy named Don. He's in his fifties, lives on his own in a trailer home, and I've never seen him without a beer in his hand. Every time we go teach him, I feel like we're on a movie set, because he makes everything intense and over-dramatic.
He doesn't really want to change his life, no matter how many times he tells us how much his life stinks. We keep promising him a better life from living the gospel and keeping the commandments, but he's just grown so comfortable - he's frightened of change. We're trying to get him to church, but he's too afraid. We'll keep working with him, though! He needs some more of El Libre De Mormon.
Samuel is still doing awesome, as always. He's truckin' through the Book of Mormon, soaking up every verse like a sponge. He came to a baptism in the ward on Saturday and loved it, and the he and his family came to church on Sunday! (His family is less active). He is still on track to be baptized onNovember 29th! Tonight we're teaching him in Bishop's home, which is going to be stellar.
All-in-all it was a great week! We taught 10 lessons to investigators! It's the most I've taught to an investigator in a while now. Mt. Vernon is where it's at!
Love you all!
Elder Hansen
Washington D.C. South Mission
MLC was this week - it was a little bit different than other ones I've been in. Several missionaries who don't normally go to the meeting were invited to attend. Some were District Leaders, and some didn't hold any leadership assignments at all. President separated himself, his wife, and the Sister Training Leaders from the Elders. It was pretty intense. I think the purpose behind that was so the Elders could say whatever they wanted to say without fear of offending the Sisters, or being rebuked by President.
The Assistants were in charge of the discussion with the Elders. The first question they asked was, "Why is the mission complacent with 19 baptisms this month?"
Man, it was as if they had set off a nuclear BOMB! The conversation got pretty heated - it was so awesome. :) We talked a lot about how the Leadership can do a better job of loving others and treating them like equals, and how everyone who's not in leadership absolutely hates everyone who is in leadership.
So basically, MLC was a big call to repentance. But that's okay, because the Lord chastens whom he loves!
It was kinduva slap in the face. I learned a lot from the Spirit while we were in there - about what I can do to change. One thing I need to do here is truly love my Zone. I don't feel like I'm doing a good enough job complimenting the Elders and Sisters in my stewardship enough for the good things there're doing. I could do better at SHOWING my love :).
I didn't realize how many great friends I made when I was in Annandale until today. Right now, we're back at the Ox Road chapel in Fairfax, where a lot of the Elders from Annandale are playing basketball, and recording some songs for President Riggs. I can't believe how many smiles, hugs, and "I love you's" I'm dishing out and receiving!
When I leave Mt. Vernon, I want the Elders and Sisters there know without a doubt that I love them.
We were just leaving a member's home, when Elder White asked how them how their son was doing (His name is Jack, is18 years old, and he's struggling spiritually right now. He likes us a lot, so we're trying to help him out). They said he was in their room, down a long hallway, the last door on the left.
Elder White peeked inside, whispered, "Jack, are you there?"
No answer. It was dark inside.
Elder White quietly shut the door, he saw Jack was asleep. On his way back down the hallway, I hear a loud bark, scurrying and a yelp from my companion. The member's vicious Jack Russell Terrier, Shelby, popped out of one of the dark rooms, and chomped down on Elder White's ankle! It was rad!
A couple weeks ago, the animal did the same thing to me. I innocently walked out of the bathroom, minding my own business, when Shelby came out of the darkness and nipped my index finger. What an animal!
She's actually a wimp, she didn't even bite me or my companion that hard. She's just a cowardly dog who doesn't like strangers walking down her precious hallway.
We're also kinda teaching this drunk guy named Don. He's in his fifties, lives on his own in a trailer home, and I've never seen him without a beer in his hand. Every time we go teach him, I feel like we're on a movie set, because he makes everything intense and over-dramatic.
He doesn't really want to change his life, no matter how many times he tells us how much his life stinks. We keep promising him a better life from living the gospel and keeping the commandments, but he's just grown so comfortable - he's frightened of change. We're trying to get him to church, but he's too afraid. We'll keep working with him, though! He needs some more of El Libre De Mormon.
Samuel is still doing awesome, as always. He's truckin' through the Book of Mormon, soaking up every verse like a sponge. He came to a baptism in the ward on Saturday and loved it, and the he and his family came to church on Sunday! (His family is less active). He is still on track to be baptized onNovember 29th! Tonight we're teaching him in Bishop's home, which is going to be stellar.
All-in-all it was a great week! We taught 10 lessons to investigators! It's the most I've taught to an investigator in a while now. Mt. Vernon is where it's at!
Love you all!
Elder Hansen
Washington D.C. South Mission