here's my heart: another one bites the dust

My companion died on Monday. One of them at least. It was so weird to be at the airport seeing her off because I was realizing it will be me soon. Sister Parker was so sad to see her go and I was just like, "see you in a few months!" So it wasn't that big of a deal I guess. Sister Parker and I had an area cleanse :) We went through our apartment and area books and figured out a lot of stuff that missionaries have just been pushing off for the next companionship for years. We both like organization I think. So it's working well and we've got a good platform now. I plan on dying strong :)

They had a big party at the church for Sister Lor on Saturday. Man they love sister missionaries here. It was so good because Acha and her whole family came and they got some good fellowshipping time with the members, and they're following the word of wisdom now! We stopped by their place last night to follow-up and Acha came out to the door and said, "sister, I’m following the word of wisdom. I want to go to the temple. We need to pay our tithing right?" So good lah!! There are 7 of them for sure getting baptized on June 30th and another 4-6 of them set for the end of July. What an amazing family. I know that this has been a crucial time for them. Acha's son-in-law passed away last week and at a time when they could be shutting everything out, they're opening their hearts to the gospel and letting it heal the pain they're feeling. Her daughter who just became a widow told us she wants to be baptized and then said that her husband was never baptized, is there a way for people who have already passed on to be baptized also? Wow! It was amazing to be able to provide restored gospel truths about ordinances for the dead in a time when it was needed. We had a funeral basically at their house on Monday night and the branch presidency came along to conduct it. It was a really amazing experience for everyone that was there I think, even the ones who aren't open to learning yet.

Asen was supposed to get baptized this weekend but he's having to work overtime so it's been pushed to the 30th also, with Acha's family…but he's still doing great.

We have another investigator who has been flying kind of low on the radar, Jung. Maybe I’ve spoken of her before, I can’t remember. Anyway, we had a neat lesson with her yesterday when we talked more about Christ and His life. She understands things extremely well, which isn't always the case with a lot of people here. So it looks like she's really progressing towards her July baptism also.

Our other awesome family right now, Rojous and co. We're frustrated I guess. They’re potential kingdom builders and such a close-knit family and we can feel the spirit so strong while teaching them. Rojous and his sister are getting it I think, but the dad still doesn't see the need to search for authority, and we're having a hard time helping him open his mind.

Have I mentioned anything about the fear of dogs that I've developed over the past year or so? They're terrifying. I had three try to attack me while we were biking yesterday. I lost my nametag in one of the scrambles to get away :(

And I think that's about it. I’m reading in proverbs right now and am learning a lot about how much controlling your words affects your ability to follow the Lord and His commands. Just thought I’d mention that :) I love you all and hope you have a great week!

… Oh, and before I go I want to remind you all that Sunday is Father's Day! And I have the best dad in the world! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY!!! I’m sorry I’m not there to cook or do something for you this Sunday and I’m sorry even more that I didn't know what I could send for Father's Day. But I do want to thank you for the constant example you set for me with your love and reverence for the Lord, your honesty and charity for others, your sense of humour and positive attitude for life...the list goes on. Values you've taught me my whole life have become so meaningful to me during this time on my mission. Thank you so much for that. I love you to pieces, forever, and too much!!

Sister Norton

HFI