letter #2 From Sister Sarah in WA

Dear Family Type Peoples,

I’m currently watching Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration with 6 guys and 1 girl. My district plus our Zone Leaders. It’s kind of weird to have Elder district and zone leaders, etc. I mentioned to one of my zone leaders last night that it was weird not to be able to hug my district/zone leaders.

This week has gone a lot faster then last week. I’m starting to get used to being in Washington. I’m starting to get used to teaching everything all the way to baptism rather than just the first lesson or trying to get to know what their concern or knowledge is of the gospel and building on it or teaching to that concern. I’ve learned a lot so far, especially from my companion Sister Halladay. We’re been working, fasting and praying for baptisms. We have several people who we believe are ready, but things keep coming up. The ward (Lake Forest Park) needs 3 more baptisms to reach their goal for the year and we don’t have a whole lot of support from the ward as a whole, but there are several members who are very supportive. I hope you don’t see this as negative. I love the ward & branch I am serving in but things have happened in the past that makes it difficult for the members to trust us completely. That being the case we’re working hard and trying to gain trust and get the Lord’s work done.

The mission goal for the year is 1,000 [baptisms],which means 4 more baptism for each companionship. A lot of people say it’s not about the numbers, but it is. Not to make anyone look good, not to up the members of the church, but every number we add to the people baptized is another soul saved, it another child of God who has the chance to live with him again. Sometimes it hard for mission to put the two together, I think. Sister Tew helped me to see that in both ways.

It’s kind of interesting seeing missionary work from the missionaries’ point of view. I remember going to PEC meetings as first councilor in the relief society and it’s really different.

And the rest will have to wait until the next week. Please write and if you have questions ask, they will help get my letters going faster.

Love you all!

Love Sis.