Dear Family and Friends,
What an exhiliarating week on bike! We have had a lot of opportunities arise that normally wouldn't have had we been in a car. One night we were biking home and I saw a cell phone on the side of the road! I slowed down and told Sister Porter and we turned around to pick it up. The cell phone happened to be on so we tried calling one of the contacts labeled 'Mom's Cell'. The service had been temporarily shut down so we dialed the number on our phone. We got in contact with a woman named Suzanne. She was excited that we had found her son's phone and she gave us her address. It was across the neighborhood so we biked to the house and dropped it off. She was very friendly and grateful that we had returned it. We asked if we could come back and share a message about how families can be together forever but she said "No, I'm Catholic." Oh well, at least we left a good taste in her mouth :) We were also able to do more street contacting than we normally do. I didn't realize how restricting cars were. We've definitely got better at planning visits around the part of town we're in. I'm grateful that the weather has been nice; we've only gotten stuck in the rain once. At first I was scared that my skirt would get caught in the wheels, but it's not really a problem :) Though it reminds me how Edna Mode (on the Incredibles) says "No capes!" A couple of my skirts have gotten holes but a member is fixing them; she's a great seamstress.
We were able to get in contact with a former investigator this week! His name is Joe. He was riding his bike one Tuesday and stopped when he saw the youth out playing frisbee. He talked to one of the parent's there and got talking about religion. The member invited him to church and he said he'd consider it. Later on, the member told us about this situation so we looked up his teaching record in the area book. We went over and introduced ourselves and talked on his porch for fifteen minutes. We briefly mentioned his neighbor (Sister DeLong: a woman who has lost her sight, former missionary, lovely 86 year-old lady) and he said he hadn't gone to see her in awhile. We said that we were headed there next and asked him if he'd like to come along. He readily accepted, so we went to her house. The great thing is that it turned into a 45 minute lesson! Joe expressed that he had prayed that morning (at 3:00am) for guidance and direction in his life. He also said he's had trouble being happy lately. Sister DeLong was really bold with him and said: "Joe, you've been telling us that you're unhappy and that you feel like something is missing in your life. It's time for you to join the church--the Mormon church!" Haha :) I love lesson's with a member present! Joe said he'd think about it. He committed to reading the Book of Mormon! His reservations with the church right now are coffee and having to go to a specific worship time. We'll check back with him this weekend; he's out of town for work this week.
Our car is in the shop until tomorrow afternoon. They called us on Thursday notifying us that the repairs had been completed but that the previous night a tow truck had backed into it causing the trunk to need replacing! What an ordeal! Bikes aren't all that bad though :) Also, they are a great way to get exercise. Speaking of which, with all the sisters coming in, President has banned coed sports. Now how am I going to get really good at basketball? Haha. My companions and I will still play occasionally but it'll be a lot different without the elders. President is thinking about letting us get together with the other sisters in our Zone, so we'll see.
On Wednesday we had Zone Conference! It was phenomenal, as usual. We talked about teaching simply, extending committments and withholding judgments. They also had everyone who will be having a birthday between that Zone Conference and the next one in December line up together. We were to say something about our companion (if he or she was on the line). Sister Porter and I were the one companionship up there together. We also received a mini green flashlight that says "Oregon Portland Mission, Leave Your Nets". Leave Your Nets is one of the biggest mission themes that we have. We have all left behind our personal cares and desires at home just as Peter left his nets to follow the Savior.
For P-day yesterday, we went fishing!! We went to Horning's Hideout in Hillsboro :) It was very fun! I caught the first fish! I also caught a craw-dad. Sister Porter caught two. We have o-fish-ially left our nets :) :) I'll try to attach some pictures. What started out as a rainy day turned out to be quite hot! We had a great holiday :) I hope yours was good too! I feel blessed to be able to e-mail today since the library was closed yesterday. We've been told that in a couple of weeks we'll receive a key to the Family History Center so we'll get to start e-mailing there! That way we won't have to worry about computer reservations, making sure we find computers next to each other, etc. More importantly, we'll be able to take our investigators there and teach them more about family history.
I have been reflecting a lot on obedience lately. President has illustrated a three-tiered obedience platform. The top layer is Rules; the things you can/can't do. The next layer is Principles; (if/then statements) If you do this, then you will be blessed. The last layer is The Doctrine. I believe this layer is where love comes in. "If ye love Me, keep My commandments". When you truly understand the doctrine of obedience, you're not bogged down in the rules. It's not hard to be obedient because of your love for the Lord. We talked about a similar concept in the MTC; there are three ways to obey: out of fear, duty, and love. Love is the most noble and the most rewarding. I know that we are filled with joy when we obey out of love. I continually strive to cultivate that love as I serve.
I love you all :) I hope you're doing well! Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Until next week,
Love,
Sister King
P.S. Transfers are a week from yesterday! Weird. We find out the details this coming Saturday; talk about anticipation!
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