I don't have much time to write, but I want yo let you know that this has been my best/worst week so far.
The good stuff:
Tribe Lupercio, consisting of about 15 people, came to church this week, for a grand total of 11 investigators at church. (several of the kids are not baptismal age, and we saw a few new people as well). The Elders are jealous, and determined to beat us.
The branch has a goal to become a ward, and attendance has been high enough to validate that goal. (Although we're short 30 members and 4 Melechezedek priesthood holders). We did a lot of knocking, end every time someone would open to us. I've learned a whole lot about the catholic church. (Not the Roman Catholic church. evidently there’s more than one brand. shoulda known.) President Doll is not transferring any of us Spanish speakers, and has pronounced us a "team" with the project to make this branch a ward.
We have one set baptismal date, two more wavering, and one catholic woman who has all the pieces, but needs to make the decision to change religions. (As of now, she's been "just learning.") I have successfully escaped several run in with j-dubs. (All you have to do is offer them a card, and they run away screaming. ^_^)
The not so good:
We’ve had a lot of citas fall through. Thus, we've been doing a lot of knocking. We've been encountering a lot of resistance from parents. One little girl, who was able to assert powerfully that she knew the church was true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet, is having doubts about getting baptized because her mom is reluctant to do anything. A lot of less-active families are having issues, and we've been dragged in as marriage counselors. (Distinctly against the rules!)
We think one of our investigators is autistic, and have had to drastically alter our teaching methods.
One young man, who was going to get married, has been counseled not to by his lawyer because, "Her mom just wants your money." Oh yeah, I'm livid. Everyone, from Presidiente Urrrutia (branch president) on down is struggling with either work, health, or family. We're both sick.
No more time. Love and miss you all. Hope you are well.
Maren.
