After I emailed last week, Sister Wankier and I went to one
of the best Thanksgiving dinners I've ever attended. It was at the
Markoff cabin/barn/property (I don't know what to call it), and it was so much
fun! As we were walking up to the cabin (which Nick Markoff (also known as
'Chief') built with his own hands) we started to see people dressed up in
Pilgrim costumes. Then the assistants came around the corner. One
was in an Indian costume, complete with a feathered headdress and moccasins,
and the other was dressed as a Turkey. So funny. I will show you
pictures one day.
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| Elders Bigelow and Sanchez. (Sister Matsumori included this picture in her blog for the parents of missionaries.) |
It was great. Then we got inside the cabin, which
was just one huge room with three tables and a little kitchen, and we realized
that everyone was dressed either as a Pilgrim or an Indian. And
you'll find out why in a second. The dinner itself was great. We
listened to the Chief (who is 70) and one of his sons talk about their recent
adventure with the other 2 sons. Two weeks ago, the four of them raced a
sailboat all the way from Maryland to the Caribbean. Crazy. I was
trying to imagine this 70 year old man with his three sons in this little
sailboat, going through hurricane Sandy on their way to the Caribbean.
And they survived. Ah! They're crazy. But that's just how this
family is.
After dinner, I learned why everyone was dressed as Pilgrims
and Indians. It wasn't just to remember the beginnings of Thanksgiving;
it was to establish teams for the games. They had set up rows of pumpkins
on these shelves outside of a shed, and we had to use a bow and arrow to shoot
the pumpkins. We had three tries, and if we shot a pumpkin we got to
collect any money that was underneath. I was the only one of the missionaries
to hit a pumpkin, (and I actually knocked it off the shelf), but no
money. Just pride. :] Then there was a three-legged
race. And bareback horseback riding (which we couldn't do as
missionaries...probably a good thing because someone fell off of one of the
horses.) And more food. What a day. Then everyone went home,
changed, and went to the Hanson's house for dessert and a talent show. I
loved it. I want to adopt every single one of these traditions. I
loved that it was a whole day event and that it was just good family
time. That family loves each other, and it's easy to see why.
As for the teaching part of the week, our lessons with Tevin are going so well.
He's changed. This past Monday when we were at his home, we noticed that his
countenance was brighter; he's happier and better prepared for our lessons.
We've pointed that out to him, and he didn't try to argue it. He's on date to
be baptized on the 15th, and he will be ready. And it's interesting, lately
I've heard so many stories from recent converts who said that they did not have
a concrete answer until after they were baptized. I think that's how it
will be with Tevin. He's keeping his commitments, and truly seeking his answer
now, before he gets baptized. So we're sure that he'll feel prepared
enough to take the step because even now his heart is in the right place to do
it. This is one of my favorite things about being a missionary - seeing people
change. Tevin has definitely done that. He's sharing what he learns in the
lessons with his family. He's understanding entire chapters of the Book of
Mormon, whereas before he couldn't comprehend even the simplest verses. He's
staying for all three hours of church. He's more helpful around the house. He
prays now like he's talking to someone. He has stopped arguing every point of
doctrine with us, and now asks questions that lead to conversion. He's come so
far. It's incredible to see. My testimony of the power of the atonement has
been strengthened because as Tevin has tried to live the gospel, that power has
influenced him, cleansed his spirit, and strengthened him. Ah! It's amazing.
Margaret is wonderful as well. We weren't able to see her last week, but the
Chinese elders went over to see her son who was home for Thanksgiving, and they
spent some time with her. I've never had a district that is so involved with
one another's investigators, but it's helpful and I love the unity.
We're seeing Claudia tonight and extending a B-date. For the past couple of
months she's been telling us that she'd be baptized Thanksgiving weekend, and
now that time has passed. Sister Wankier and I had a neat experience this
morning, because we both studied for her, felt like she needed a lesson on
gratitude, and yet what we studied was different from each other, but worked
together perfectly. It was a sweet confirmation that this is what Claudia
needs, and we are headed in the right direction.
Also, we're teaching a woman in the ward and her 7 year old son, Romey.
We were going over the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and asked Romey to go get his
scriptures. He went into his room, came back out a second later, and
said, "They're out of battery!" It took a minute to register
what he'd said, but then I couldn't stop laughing. Oh, this time that we
live in. We'll have to work on getting him an actual copy that he can
mark and that has pages. Too funny.
Last thing. Festival started last night (Ambassador's Night) and I was
able to shake Elder Nelson's hand. I love that man. He is an
apostle and I felt it as I heard him speak. It was interesting to be
among so many distinguished ambassadors, the Marriotts, and other high-class
citizens, and then to hear an apostle so naturally and eloquently bear his
testimony of the Savior. The reverence and respect that came over the
room was remarkable. I felt that he was more influential and powerful
than them all, and solely because of the purity of his faith. The church
is true.
And stay true to it, and all that is eternal. I love you all!
-Sister Welch
