Working hard

Sorry I don't really have much time to write.  I was writing to president about the work here in Sonoma.  The reason I wrote him first is because he wants us to.  It's not required, but I'm trying my best to do  what president wants. 

 

The work here in Sonoma is picking up nicely.  My testimony on diligence is growing.  Elder Buchan and I have been diligent moreso than we usually are.  We're working hard.  The Lord is blessing us for our efforts.  I think God is trusting us more and more as we continue to strive to be obedient and diligent in finding those people whom he has prepared.  We have, not a huge number, but a good amount of people that we're teaching.

 

First is Mary Suagan, she is as solid as can be.  She is so ready to get baptized.  We set a date for her on the 27th of August.  We're going to try and move that date up though. 

 

The next is John Hubbenette.  He's solid too.  He was actually a former investigator, but we picked him back up.  Elder Buchan and I have only taught him once, but in that lesson, the spirit was so strong.  That lesson was directed by the spirit, no question.  It was awesome.

 

I went on exchanges with Elder Bankhead.  He's one of the AP's.  He's such a good guy!  I loved working with him.  He's so humble and so kind.  He made me feel good about myself.  He was giving me compliment after compliment the entire exchange.  How my teaching is awesome, and my contacting skills as well.  He said I was a beast lol.  I've definately changed a ton since I've been out. 

 

My solo in church went okay...I messed up and sung a line twice in a row.  I just shrugged it off and kept singing though.  It bothered me though that I didn't get it just right.  I was so nervous!  I was glad when it was over with.  But I still enjoyed it.  I'm definately going to take voice lessons when I get home.  I don't know why I was so stubborn when I was kid.  I should've listened to you and dad when you wanted me to take piano lessons and get into choir.  Now I wish I would have.  I regret not doing so.

 

Say Hi to everyone for me.  Give a shout out on Facebook to my friends too.  Tell them I love them and miss them, and pray for tham everyday. 

 

I love you and dad and Josh and Cara most of all.  I hope that my efforts and prayers being a missionary are blessing all of your lives.  I hope that I get to return home to an active family.  If not that's okay.  I still love you the same.  That just gives us something to work on together :)  Again I love you and miss you!

 

From Sonoma, CA

 

Elder Graeme Newman

 

Rough Week, June 27th

Well I guess it's update time.  Just yesterday an investigator named Ray Christian was baptized.  We've been teaching for a little over a month.  Elder Buchan my companion baptized him, and I confirmed him promptly after.  It was nice.  Of course I was nervous confirming him.  But it's good for me.  I'm growing and learning.

 

Elder Buchan and I had a rough week last week.  We went from 6 investigators having a baptismal date to 2.  One of them we dropped, 2 of them dropped us, and one of them got baptized.  One of the investigators that dropped us was Sandy.  She was 1 week away from getting baptized, she was interviewed and ready to go.  Then last tuesday she called us and said she can't do it.  "It's just been too hard on her" she said.  She has a boyfriend who's 24 years younger than she is.  Her boyfriend has 2 kids that she takes care of.  Her boyfriend lives with her a few days a week.  She didn't want him to move out because she thought that that would break up her little family.  And she doesn't want to get married to him because both of them think it's socially unacceptable.  So she's got some figuring out to do. 

 

The next investigator that dropped us was a lady named Marisol.  Elder Buchan and I thought she was golden.  She accepted a baptism invitation, and set a date with her for the 16th.  Then after Sandy called us on Tuesday, she called us and said that she wants to figure things out for herself and she wanted to talk to her pastor about it......NOOOOOOO!!!! UGH!!  

 

Dwayne O'neil is one of our investigators with a date.  His date is the 23rd, right after transfers.  I can't remember if I told you about him or not.  But he's a schyzophrenic who's addicted to smoking.  And I mean addicted.  He smokes like 2 and a half packs a day.  He says it fills a void in his life.  So we're trying to find something that will replace that.  He had the idea of getting a pet or something.  He doesn't have very many friends either.  He comes to church though, which is good.  He didn't come yesterday or the week before though...which was kind of disappointing.  

 

Hmmm...what else...Not much going on in my life right now.  Elder Buchan is having trial after trial after trial.  I feel bad for him.  But he still works as though nothing has happened.  He's a good example to me and the other elders in the district.  He's had 3 pets that have died.  2 dogs and a cat.  His Dad got in a pretty bad car wreck, the car ended up rolling, but his Dad walked away with a few bruises.  Thank goodness.  

 

Anyway, how are you all doing?  You having family home evening yet?  If not that's okay.  How's Jake and Emilee doing?  I haven't heard from Emilee yet.  I haven't been updated recently...I get a little discouraged when I don't have anything in the mail.  It's something I look forward to everyday.  I understand agency though.  I just keep praying that I'll have patience while I await for letters from my friends.  

 

This transfer is going by WAY fast.  It's already the start of the 5th week of this transfer.  I've already been out 3 months in a couple of days.  Time flies when you're a missionary.  Other times I think time doesn't go by fast enough...I miss all of you and my friends so much.  But I know that I have to stay out here.  I'll see you all again.  I'll weep when I do.  I think about the day I come home often.  I try not to, but I do.  I don't know if that's good or not. 

 

Well I'm running out of time.  I still need to write dad and President.  I can't wait to hear from you next.  I love all of you.  Tell everyone I said hi.

 

Love Elder Graeme Newman