Letter - March 7, 2011

OH Boy!

My heart swells with gratitude as I approach my year mark in the field. It will be next Monday, March 15. I'll also be heading to a Sisters' Conference, so I don't know if I'll be emailing next week. Gratitude has become an increasing important part of my life and of my mission the longer I serve. Gratitude, as President Monson talked about in October General Conference, brings wholeness to life. Gratitude kind of checks my ever-increasing desire for excellence.

Yesterday was an especially fun day in church. I got to lead the 2nd hour gospel principles discussion. It was a real test of my language skills. I'm really just getting a hang of some of the simpler grammar principles of this language. By grace, and with a lot of smiles and help from the class, we were able to have a romping gospel discussion, have a great balance of input from the class members. I really really enjoy when things "get a little out of hand," in other words, the class-members were excited and commenting.

We have met a great investigator, his name is Vitali, and he is from English Class. In English, we invited our investigators to ask questions they want to know about us in English during the next class period. He followed the commitment, came with a list of questions, and even asked for a Book of Mormon. The next week, he was taught a first lesson, attended the baptism following hour, and then came to the full three hours of church the next day. It doesn't stop there. He's coming to family home evening tonight. He has seen something different in us, and he's willing to know more. That's a miracle!