They taught the Erickson Family this week. They are really progressing and had a great time at church. The parents smoke, and that is the only thing holding them back from being baptized. The six kids have never wanted to sit in, but did this time, so they taught the plan of salvation again. Even the 19 year old who had no interest previously wanted to sit in. By the end of the lesson, the parents were baring their testimonies to the kids, and they're not even members! He said it was awesome, and they are a very cool family.
The Woodalls who they have the most spiritual lessons ever with had to cancel this week, so that was disappointing because he LOVES teaching them. When they went back the next time, they topped it for the most spiritual lesson ever. It was amazing, and very inspirational to Nick. They struggle with the idea of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. They talked about those things more in depth and showed them the restoration DVD, and by the end the mom was crying. They had previously said they didn't want to join the church, but now the mom said she wanted to get baptized. The 19 year old had previously said she had zero interest in the church, but when they asked her how she felt now, she just started crying. They said they were done trying to deny that it was true. They now know it is 100 percent true and they want to be baptized. Nick said that it was very sweet and that when he has experiences like this, it motivates him to do better so that he can have more experiences like it.
They started teaching a married couple who are both 22. The husband is already a member, and the wife set a baptism date for September 25. She is very ready and has learned a lot from her husband. Nick has fun teaching them because they are so close to his age.
Brother Miller, a man they spend a lot of time with and do service for had back surgery. He had a stimulator put in his back. They visited him in the hospital, and he is now home and doing well. Brother Miller recently called Dave at work to tell him what a great job Nick was doing in Kuna, and that he had tried new things that had really turned the missionary work around there.
Last week, a family they teach asked them to help make a quilt for service. Nick said it was kind of entertaining because it was something different than the usual. I wish I had a picture of that! Next week they're helping a family they teach clean out their stables. They want him to ride a horse, which he's never done before. So he might try another new thing!
Nick was excited that he got a dental checkup, deluxe cleaning and a $250 whitening treatment ($439 worth) for $65. The only problem was they found two cavities, and those were Nick's first ever cavities.
He says when he gives his homecoming talk he wants to chastise the members about something. Missionaries really need to be cut some slack. He says there, because there are so many members, rumors spread like wildfire. Some people love to think they know all of the mission rules. So the mission president might get a phone call if the missionaries are seen out at 9:31 pm. But sometimes lessons can go a little long. He says that members can be the greatest asset to missionary work, or the greatest hinderance. Details will come out when he gets home. But he did say that although it's frustrating, it makes him stronger to see the good things that happen even with the negative.
Nick and Elder Crook were at the mission office hanging out and playing basketball, and the mission president called them in. Nick's first thought was that they were in trouble for something. But President Cannon just wanted to tell them that now and for awhile they had been his favorite companionship, and that they make his job easier because they do such a good job. But some things just have to happen, and six months in an area is the record, so Nick will be leaving Kuna. It still hasn't hit him yet. After six months there, and four and a half with Elder Crook, he said it feels like this is what he's been doing his whole mission. He was definitely in a routine with Elder Crook. The area has been going good, and he says it's exciting that they have been able to sustain the success they've had. That makes him very happy. He's hoping it continues after he leaves, and that he'll be close by in his next transfer so he can come back for the upcoming baptisms.
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