This week has been mostly ups and downs, with the biggest up being the fact that we have 15 investigators that are almost ready for baptism, and 10 of those 15 were at church yesterday. It is utterly insane, and i love it. Two of the investigators were ones that actually got a hold of us in one way or another to tell us that they wanted to be baptized, and they were both at church. Unfortunately for one of them, Matt, his fiance is trapped in a marriage that her ex wont sign for divorce. Apparently, in the state of Washington, it costs $100 for the man to file divorce from start to finish, while the woman has to pay $300 just to get the paperwork, and then another $500 to file it. That's why it hasn't been taken care of before now, but that is no longer the case. Matt and Sharon are working on contacting a lawyer acquaintance of his mother, so that they can begin the process of filing for divorce. Now the only thing between them and baptism is getting the paperwork, and a 21 day period for filing. Unfortunately, that also means at least a month before Matt can get baptized.
Other than those major ups, we had some awesome lessons, Riggins is frankly hopping with work, and people are just seeming more and more ready to hear the Gospel.
Now for a few of the downs. First off, EVERYONE IS GETTING SICK!!!!! We had at least three appointments cancel on us because either they were sick, or someone in their family was sick. Sadly, a lot of those family members seem to be getting cancer, and two families called us about that. Another sad part is one of our potential investigators actually died somewhere between Saturday and Tuesday of last week. We found this out from the lady who had brought her to church a while back, and from Nate, the mortician. The lady told us that Hope had been really excited to learn about the church, and had been asking questions since the Sunday she had made it to all three meetings.
That actually really reminded me how good what we believe is. When we had heared the news, I was sad, but the first thing that i did was chuckle, because i could just imagine Hope in the Spirit World, saying, "OK, i was promised some lessons up here. When do we start? Come on, we haven't got all time!"
It's really comforting to know that even though we may be done with this life, that doesn't mean it's the end. There is more to us than that. That knowledge really gave me a boost when we heard about Hope, and gave me new motivation to teach everyone who would listen, so that they can feel that same hope for Hope.
Well, that just about covers my life for the past week. I'm glad you all had fun at Sister Jeffrey's play. Please tell me you got some pictures of that... And Dad--what, no stories? Why not? I really want to know. Finally, Yeah! Score on for Orem!!!!
Love and Insanity, Elder Stuver
