Always More to Learn

April 23, 2012

So I have an idea. I am going to give you a hypothetical person and a little bit about them, then you guys can figure out what you would teach them. It’s a fun thing to think of because that is how we get so much done in such a short time of studying. We don't try to learn everything about a lesson, we just try to learn the things that we know that person needs. When you do everything in the work with a specific person in mind, it makes everything a lot more effective.

First person: Her name is April and she is in her late 30s with three kids. She is Methodist and has been for a long time. She just moved into the area and doesn't have any friends so she is pretty miserable. She also hasn't found a church down here that she likes. Okay family, have at it! Tell me what you would teach her!

Also, I have an extra 12 week training program that I will send Dave. It has some cool stuff in the back to help learn more. Also, go get the District 1 and 2 and watch them. They explain ALOT. And the District 2 is funnier, so start with that one maybe? I don't know, just a thought.

So this week we started a purification challenge. I think our whole zone is doing it but I don't know. Basically for 40 days we give up things that aren't helping us in the work. Basically it is just a way to show the Lord we are serious and want to work. Well, today is day 4 of Sister Giles not speaking English! (Except when speaking to an English member) and man! It is hard! It is different than other Spanish speaking missions because we use so much English so I forget sometimes to switch back to Spanish, but I can already see how much better my Spanish is! On May 29th, I will be a pro! (Ojala!) That is just one of the many things I gave up, but it has been great because I have been able to remain more focused!

Speaking of being focused, the Sisters wanted to go to the mall today and being that I have been before I told them it was a bad idea but Sister Ramos has been wanting to go since she got here so I said okay, we'll go. O man! It is so hard to stay focused when surrounded so much by the outside world! I like just sitting in Bath and Body Works. I don't know. Very crazy. Needless to say, I don't think we will be going back anytime soon. Plus I am all stocked up on my hand sanitizer so I am good. :) I go through that so fast down here! 

So on Monday, we went over to the Bradshaw's for an FHE with one of our recent converts and it was SO funny because after one of the boys came downstairs with a light saber and I told him that if he wanted to play he had to go get me one so we started to play and Sister Bradshaw wasn't facing us but she said, "BOYS!" then turned around and saw it was me and was like, "O, Sister Giles!" ha ha! It was SO funny! I laughed super hard! I also got the cutest picture with the little boys! They have these future missionary badges and so we took a picture. Love them!

Dad, I took your advice and wrote down stuff for every day so I can fill you guys in so I won't spoil it all now. :) Basically this week was just a good week overall.

This coming week we have a dinner appointment every day and interviews with President tomorrow. I am so excited because I love talking to him! I think he will be able to help me out a lot too so yay! I am excited!

O mom, M_____ LOVED the burp cloth! She looked at it and was like, "O I can't use this! It is too great! I am going to hand wash it!" I just laughed and told her she was fine. I will have to take a picture of A_____ with it.

Speaking of pictures, I know I am a total picture failure! I was going to take them in today but with the mall, things got crazy. Next week I promise! I have tons to show you!

Well, I need to go look at some talks that I want to read this week. I print one out every Monday to read throughout the week. Let me know if there are any good ones I need to look up!

Thanks for the letter Annie! I will write you back today!

LOVE YOU ALL AND HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

P.S. Also, I thought of another thing that I want for my birthday. A Spanish CTR ring, but a small one because I have tiny fingers. I think that my finger is either a 6.5 or 7. I don't remember. :)

LOVE YOU!!!

Kate