The African family was baptized! Nick was a little worried that they weren't understanding everything since they don't speak English, but they went over the baptismal interview questions, and they got everything. They've come a long way and were very ready for baptism. They have a crazy story about how they got to America, and Nick says the fact that they come to church every Sunday despite not knowing the language is inspiring.
L to R: Bishop Blackburn, Pacific (translator), Etoka, Miambo, Regina, Eliza, Elder Huyett, Nick
Nick got a new companion, Elder Vakauta from Hawaii. He's half Samoan and half Tongan, not super huge, but was in the army and is ripped. Nick says Elder V could kill anyone so he feels very safe. Not that it matters. Part of their area is Garden City and is supposed to be the most ghetto part of Idaho, but it's not at all. Nick says there's nothing dangerous in Idaho. Elder V trained in the same area Nick did, Boise West. They had dinner at the Chipman's in West Boise, and they had been one of Nick's favorite families when he was there. Plus he thinks Sister Chipman might be the best cook in Idaho. She's from Samoa and cooks something called 'poni popos' that she says is simply frozen bread dough and coconut milk, but Nick thinks it's the best thing ever. Proof that his appetite has really changed on the mission!
They set a baptism date for Annalyn in January. Nick says she is one of the most solid investigators he has taught; she was definitely prepared by the Lord. Everything seems to make sense to her. She says that each time they come over, the things they teach her are exactly what she needs to hear at that time and they confirm her belief in the church. They watched the Joseph Smith movie with her and it struck her because she is facing persecution from her family for wanting to join the church. But she said that after seeing what Joseph Smith went through, she can face anything.
They had a very cool experience. They stopped by to see a potential investigator who wasn't home, so they started talking to a guy out in front of the apartment building. He wasn't interested, but pointed to a door and said the lady who lived there was very religious. They later stopped by to visit her and found out that she had been a convert to our church, but had later had her records removed. After visiting with her for awhile, she agreed to let them come in and teach her.
A huge group of missionaries went home just before Christmas, including three of Nick's closest friends, Elders Solberg, Eging, and Maples. Transfers were on Monday and they didn't leave until Thursday, so they all stayed with Nick for three days since he lives close to the mission office. It was sad to see them go, but they are all going to college in Utah, so Nick will get to see them all soon.
Christmas was awesome! They spent most of Christmas Eve with the Spjute family. Nick misses living with them and loved spending time again in his first area. They had dinner with them and their extended family. Then there was a talent show, spiritual stuff, and dessert. After that they went back to the Spjute's house and Nick almost beat CJ at ping pong. Elder Wall spent the day with them too, and Nick loves Elder Wall, so that was really cool.
Elders Wall, Hefler and Vakauta with Curtis, Cheri, Cat & Cindy Spjute
Nick with CJ Spjute...CJ's tough to beat!
Christmas Day was really cool too. They had a good breakfast with Sister Binkley and her kids, then played a board game where they live. Then they called home for a little bit. They were invited over to the the Markus' family's home. They were awesome. Nick got to take a nap, then they had dinner with the Craig's, an awesome family they're teaching. The Craig's gave them gift cards to Nick's favorite ice cream place, Subzero, and to Five Guys, a restaurant that thinks it's N 'n Out (but it's not). But the reason Christmas was awesome was because they totally just got to relax for once. Nick misses being able to do nothing.
Christmas Day at the Markus Family's Home
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