Minions

What a Week

This week seemed to fly by! A lot has happened and I hope I can remember everything.

Tuesday we had district meetings and appointments with a variety of potentials and such.

Wednesday was busy and we had to do a lot of rearranging our schedule (for the better though!). We decided one of our investigators, Eddy, needed a baptismal calendar to help him learn and read what is necessary before his baptism. It was somewhat of a struggle getting it to him but we finally accomplished the task. It has helped him remember to read his scriptures and pray so that is always good! That night we had Family History with a recent convert. The goal is to get her some names so she can finally go to the temple! 

Thursday was weekly planning and then we were prompted to go see the new investigator that missed the baptism last week. We weren't able to see him. Then we had a lesson with a very slowly progressing investigator. We helped her understand baptism better and why it is so important (unfortunately she did not show at church yesterday).

Friday we were able to see the investigator we tried to see on Thursday! We set up an appointment for another baptism happening on Saturday with a church tour after. He seemed willing and excited! We had lunch with some members (which was excellent!). I am really learning to enjoy ethnic foods. Indian is my favorite so far. Friday night we met with a recent convert and did some role-plays with her to sharpen her teaching skills and get her into the teaching/missionary mode! She enjoyed it and it really helped her. I guess I have a lesson to learn from that: role-plays are beneficial. (I really dislike them).

Saturday we did service for some members then we went and walked the investigator to the baptism (we weren't taking chances). He felt the Spirit and enjoyed what he saw and experienced. We invited him to church and he accepted! After that we had lunch and spent the rest of the evening at the church setting up for a Despicable-Me themed pizza and ice-cream ward party. Sister Walker even made minion cupcakes (picture attached). The party was fun and went well. We helped clean up after ward. Saturday night while we were planning we were prompted to change our plans. We had planned to attend the monthly member-missionary fireside in Redmond but felt we really needed to meet with Eddy instead, sooooo, we planned in faith.

Sunday flew by! Our investigator made it to church and he brought his less-active family too! After dinner we were walking to our appointment with Eddy when we received a phone call from the Zone Leaders asking us to go to Seattle Children's Hospital and give a blessing to a two-month old baby who was being brought on an ambulance from Yakima. We arrived at the hospital just a few minutes before the baby and were able to administer the blessing. If we would have planned to attend the fireside in Redmond instead, there would have been no missionaries in the Seattle North Zone that could have given that blessing. ALWAYS listen to the Spirit:) Then our night got even better. While we were contacting on the way home, we talked to a Haitian man who had always wanted to get baptized and practically put himself on-date for March 21. Miracles abound if you listen to the Spirit!

I love you all!

Elder Thacker

Exchanges

As is self-evident in the Subject line, I got to go on exchanges on Tuesday night and Wednesday with........ Elder Jennings! Yes, the same Elder Jennings I was MTC companions with. We had a wonderful time! He is currently serving in the SYSA 1 Ward (pronounced see-saw and stand for Seattle Young Single Adults). His companion, Elder Robinson- our district leader- came to Ravenna Park. 

Elder Jennings and I spent the day at Shoreline Community College and, of course, University of Washington's "Red Square". We had a day full of miracles and plenty of "Other Lessons". I love Elder Griffiths but exchanges were a much needed break or breathe of fresh air.

Thursday was a really busy day as well! We were able to meet with a "investigator" (who is more interested in family history) and help her with family history! I'm blessed to enjoy family history and have experience as a consultant. The Lord finds ways to use our talents.

Saturday was slightly disappointing though. There was a baptism planned at 1:00 that we were bringing a new investigator to and we planned to give him a church tour afterward. He didn't show up so we walked to his house (near the church) and he was asleep (sister answered the door). She told us to try back another day. He didn't show up to church either.

If people understood their eternal salvation was on the line, maybe they would treat appointments with some more respect?

Yesterday we had a wonderful day, dinner, and then a lesson with our investigator Eddy. We helped him to realize his potential and see how important baptism is. We really focused on "teaching people, not lessons" and tried to resolve his concerns. It went well and he upped his baptism date to February 28! 

I love you all! Have a fantastic week. 

Elder Thacker

Fungi

Fungi

Well, a lot of interesting things have happened this week! I lost my voice, we have a few new investigators, we found fungus living in our apartment, and it has rained for about 5 days straight!

Lets start at the beginning shall we? This week has been really busy. We have talked to a lot of people, knocked on a lot of doors, and attempted to find addresses that don't exist! Fun things.

I also had the opportunity to help give blessings at Seattle Children's Hospital. What wonderful experiences and sweet spirits children are. The hospital is top notch as well! 

Thursday we had interviews with President and Sister Choi. It was really nice to talk with them and to receive some really excellent training from President and Sister Miller. Then on Thursday evening we went tracting and found a new investigator. Not extremely solid and has lived  alone a little too long but nice enough. Unfortunately did not come to church yesterday. 

Friday was the same. Busy, busy. We also found a new investigator! A man from Mobile, Alabama who just "can't do it without Jesus. Ain't nobody can." Amen brother. Amen.

Friday evening I also received a phone call from one of the members of the bishopric. I knew exactly what was coming too. He asked if I could speak on Sunday. I obliged. 

Saturday Morning I woke up and had a hard time talking. I thought it to be odd but just did my thing all day.

Sunday morning I woke up and had an extremely soft, gravelly voice. There was no way I was talking in church so I (figuratively) handed the reins to my companion and asked him to talk. He agreed and then ended up not having time! It was a very fun day whispering to everyone I talked to. Everyone thought I was just being extremely reverent. Priceless.

Also, some time during the week we noticed we had these mushroom looking fungi things growing along the balcony door where the carpet is endlessly wet. I took pictures before we disposed of them but they have since grown back quite rapidly. Concerning? No, you don't want to worry about that!

Another week has come and gone. I love you all very much and am extremely grateful for the thoughts and prayers in my behalf!

Elder Thacker

Look! I found the Roosevelt Vision clinic!

The Seahawks Lost.....

What a day it was yesterday. Let me  tell you, being on a mission during the Superbowl is WEIRD. Not only that, we had to go tracting during the superbowl. People thought we had lost our minds. Or they just didn't have time to talk to us  because, "Sorry boys, the games on. No time to talk now!" I have never seen two missionaries walk so slowly between house to house... (shh don't tell).  It was a really interesting night. We  could literally hear and feel the city gasp or cheer each time a play was made. There is really no way to describe it!

Then we had a dinner with Yakima Native Americans. Very neat and cool experience. It was a glorious Sunday!

Enough about yesterday, now back to the rest of the week.

One exciting thing happened this week. Elder Griffiths and I were walking past a potential's house that Elder Hillman and I had tried for two transfers to get in contact with (but never could), when Elder Griffiths was prompted to knock on her door. We did and found Wendy exiting her house just as we were knocking. She had been having a rough day and was excited to hear about the gospel. We set up a church tour with her and she accepted a (soft) baptismal date of February 14! What a day that was.

Other than that exciting news, I'm just learning to adjust to a new companion, working hard, finding a lot, and of course, walking a lot!

We have a busy week ahead. I love you all!

Elder Thacker