Good Week

Hey Family!

This last week started off pretty rough, but things are improving bit by bit. We started some new things this last weekend in the branch that I think are bound to improve the member-missionary relations. We did a member help sheet which asked basic questions like, "Could you give investigators a ride to church?" and "Would you be willing to host FHE in your home for our investigators?" or "Would you be willing to go out and make visits with the Missionaries? If so, when?" We gave it to the Elder's Quorum and the Relief Society (There are only 4 High Priests in the Branch). So, last night, Elder Scherbel and I took all of the sheets and made a little chart with members, when they are available to go out, and people we need to call who said they had refferals. Considering all families in the Branch except for one live in the other Elders' area, I figure most referrals will be for them, but nonetheless, we have a huge list of members to come out with us every day. I really think that this is going to bless our area more than we can imagine. We usually have 2-4 member present lessons a week here as opposed to 15-20 in Mesa, but I have already taken it into account that I am in Scottsdale -- not Mesa. This week we already have 5 member present lessons set for before Wednesday. I think we are about to see some big changes.

We are really worried about Damien and Juana right now. Last Monday we had an FHE with them, and the ex- Branch President. It started off nice, but in the end we ended up with Hno. Castanon yelling at Damien and telling him he is just a sinner and needs to get married to his wife. Since this event, we have not been able to make and contact with them. I really am praying hard for them and hoping that they decide to listen to us again. They were so close to baptism. You would not even believe it. Hno. Castanon asked us if we had set up another FHE with them for today. I think I was a bit too sharp by saying, "After what happened last week, I do not know if we will ever do another FHE with them." In fact, I know it was too sharp of me. But, I have repented of that. I shouldn't have said it, but it was frustrating to see our investigators being verbally abused and being told to be quiet when I tried to intervene. I really am having my patience tried here in Scottsdale.

We got a refferal from the English Elder's in my area that I am pretty excited to begin teaching tonight. His name is Cesar and he was being taught by them. He just did not speak good enough english to be able to grasp the message, so they handed him over to us. When I called to set up the appointment, he was so excited. He tried to speak english to me, but as soon as he realized I could understand him, he just would not quit talking about how excited he is. I am pretty excited as well to be 100% honest. Elder Scherbel and I really need to start finding these prepared people. They are here, but we just haven't found them yet. Finding is pretty hard! We have a lot of it to do this week.

Victor is like the coolest investigator. I have taught him 4 times since being here and he is just too prepared to believe. He had the dream in which he was told he needs to get baptized in the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. He also had a dream when he was nine that he was going to baptized at age 31. He turns 32 on the 8th of April. We set a baptismal date with him for the 2nd of April. The biggest struggle with him is work. He works on Sundays and is not off until 4:30pm. If he does not come to church this next week, we will have to push back his baptismal date. I am really praying that he is able to make it. He is a really busy man. Do either of you have any ideas on what to say, do, or ask? I am really trying to find the magic words to be able to help people keep the Sabbath Day Holy. It is the hardest committment for people to keep for sure.

That breaks my heart about Anthony. I am going to try and write them to see what is happening. I hope Elder Nerveza and Monahan are still keeping tabs on him. I have no idea what is going on in my old area. Anthony was so solid when I left. He was not doing anything bad. I have heard sad stuff about all of my converts. Cindy from Phoenix moved back to Mexico. Elvira got a job that makes her work on Sunday. Anthony is going kind of off of the deep end apparently, and Estrella is going to church pretty off and on since her parents have separated. It kind of makes me feel like all I have done on my mission is for naught. I would love it if you put Anthony on the prayer rolls. I really hope everything changes and gets better.

Funny you talk about Trevor being reassigned. Today out mission is getting 8 visa waiters. We have to go to the mission office after this to set up chairs for them. No one knows who their companions will be for right now, but I am sure we will find out soon enough. Apparently no one in the MTC going to Brazil has VISAs to leave. The MTC sounds pretty packed right about now. IT is ok though, reassignments are temporary unless over 8 months, and they are done by inspiration. I am glad that Kawike got to go to Mexico. I am sure he is loving it.

I am starting to be able to more easily see the blessings in every day. This last week was hard and a lot of bad things happened in our area, but a lot of small miracles happened, too. I just need to learn to recognize these things and get over the genetic Pearson disappointment. I need to see the beauty and brightness of every day. Bit by bit I am learning to do that. It is only my pride interfereing when I compare myself to others. I just have to work my hardest, change myself to be always worthy of the spirit, and put the rest in the Lord's hands. We all have agency, I have just not learned to accept that fact quite yet. I need to though. That is coming to me as I study the scriptures more often and pray more fervently. It is hard at 10:30pm when I am wiped out, but it is just something I need to do every day of my life to stay on the path and to hold to the Iron Rod.

I am glad you are all getting ready for Israel. It will be the experience of a lifetime for sure! I am a little jealous, but at the same time not. Just remember to say your prayers and ask the Lord for his protection. I am sure that you will be fine! I love you all so much! I hope you have the time of your lives together as a family! Enjoy the dead sea, go swim in it! I hear it is fun! The smith twins told me that!

Well, I gotta go, but I do with with all my love. Thanks for writing and keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. You are in mine as well!

Con Amor y Gratitud,

Elder Pearson
(posted by Maddy)