Family,
I have some crazy stories from this week, and one from last week I forgot to tell you all. I think these border the white handbook's mandate to not say anything negative about the country in which you serve, but I figure you may as well know what really happens out here sometimes.
So there is this creepy little town called Maesgeirchen. Because of my time in the dodgier parts of England I have a deep pride that makes me want to work where missionaries usually don't want to go. It's the former assistant companion blood that runs in my veins, they do things to your mind. But anyway, it's sort of situated in the mountains and has a very exclusive culture and feel to it. The following story happened last week and one this week is even better.
We decided to knock a street. It felt like normal tracting except at one house the owner walked out on the porch before we walked up and basically his glare told us his interest level in the restored Gospel hahaha. So we moved on and at the next house no one answered. It was weird though because there was a little window above the door that rustled and as we walked away we heard a big splash. The people tried to pour water on us! Elder Lybbert and I honestly just found it hilarious and knocked the rest of the street. I guess you could say that was my greatest "persecution" story, but nothing like what some missionaries have haha.
Then the next week (Saturday) we were back in Maesgeirchen. We had a morning of almost completely no success where everything went wrong and a few pretty slow days before that. Both Elder Lybbert and I were about done. We sat down on a bench and I decided there are no people in this country ready to be baptized haha. Wo unto the faithless! Usually when there is opposition somewhere it is because blessings are on the verge, so after our little break Elder Lybbert felt like we should knock some bungalow style homes that weren't in our plans.
Not to sound too romantic, maybe English literature elements are just getting to me, but for a moment in that little village with the sun lined clouds and white mountains in the back and quaint flow of missionary work, it really hit me what we do as missionaries to come out and sacrifice our time. I have never given more of myself over to Heavenly Father and I have also never endured so much for it. I know so many missionaries who sacrifice everything to come here and serve, and it is all because of the simple testimonies we have and the hope to share them, to see someone embrace the Gospel. We knocked one more door and a lady called Joleen answered.
There is a special feeling as a missionary when you know you are on the Lord's errand, when somebody is prepared. The Spirit would not rest as we taught her and gave her a Book of Mormon. It was a simple but powerful exchange. We will contact her again sometime this week and perhaps there is more to the story, perhaps not, but all I can say is that the sweet feeling of helping one of God's children in a time of need washed away all the bitterness of the day. He will always remind us He is there.
This week was very important for me as a missionary and in my life. Our zone had interviews with President Ulrich and he gave me some pivotal counsel and a priesthood blessing and helped me see things and trust in the Lord more than I ever have. I know the time is not far distant where I will be able to say I have lost myself fully to this work. Before my mission I was convinced I had the Gospel pretty well figured out, but all I can say now is that I am completely changing. There is something everyday to learn about the Lord Jesus Christ and I love Him with all of my heart. Of His divinity, sacrifice, and the reality of miracles through His hand, I can truly testify. I will never regret coming to serve in this country because through it I have come to know Him and experience His matchless grace.
Love,
Elder Webb
PS Not to spoil the spiritual ending but a drunk man tried to kiss me this week. Yuck.
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