05/26/2014

Another week bites the dust. Time is flying and I don't even remember what happened the past week. I had to go through my planner to remind myself. This week had some adventures as every week on mission does.

On Tuesday my companion was sick with a bad migraine so we were just going to stay home. The zone leaders came over to go on exchanges with the other two elders in our flat (apartment). The zone leaders decided to have Elder Booker, an elder from our flat, and I to go and work both areas. So we went out and had to cancel some appointments and we worked both areas at the same time. We got more lessons than we would have had if we had just stayed home. So it was a good day. 

Over the next couple of days we had our normal routines. We worked hard and had some good lessons. What is impressing me the most is being able to see our hard work paying off. Our Heavenly Father is watching us and blessing our area. We have met many prepared people. Our members are starting to work with us and give us referrals which is the best way. Our hard work is paying off. 

On Sunday we had to speak in church. Guess what I had to speak on? Yup! missionary work! We were asked to speak for 10 minutes each and I got up there and spoke for 17 minutes then I was handed a paper that said times up. Then my companion got up spoke for 13 minutes and was handed the same paper. We thought it was pretty funny that we both went over and were told to sit down haha. The other funny thing is that I was only half way through my talk. What I would like to share with you is that missionary work is for everyone. It is everyone's responsibility. I would like to ask my family and everyone else to help out the missionaries there. Feed them and prepare people for them because it means a lot to us missionaries. 

The church is true. We all know it. It brings us true happiness. What better way to show your Heavenly Father that you love it than by sharing it. There are many things that I've learned and want to change about myself on my mission and this is one of them. Missionary work!

Love you all, 

Elder Hepworth

05/19/2014

Another week down! Time is flying. Sometimes I think it is going slow but then I look back and it has been 2 and 1/2 months. I feel like I just got on the plane. This week is kind of a blur for some reason. We had a good week though. Our area is starting to become better. We have been working really hard. The missionaries that were in the area before us were pretty apostate ha. I'm hoping to have some baptism next month. Quite a few actually. Which is getting me excited.

The weather is sucking. It is getting a lot colder. Winter is definitely on it's way. It is not even close to Idaho but my body is already adjusting and I'm running for a sweater when it is like 70 degrees. The days aren't bad especially with the sun but sometimes the sun isn't shining. It is way cold in the morning though. It is hard to get out of bed on time or get out of the hot shower ha. But we do it so we are obedient and receive blessings.

This week was eventful. I went on exchanges with our district leader who is Elder Lucking. We had a good day and taught 3 lessons. We were teaching and as I was talking he was looking for a scripture in the topical guide. I looked over and said Romans 3:23. Which is about sin. He was like uh ya and flipped to it and read it haha. I think it did pretty good with him. I can definitely tell I have improved and continue to improve. The next day President came over to study with us. We made sure we did everything exactly right. He was like this looks like a model companionship study haha. 

On Saturday I had an impression to go see this guy. I stopped and told my companion. We started walking that way and I was just praying that I listened to the spirit correctly haha. We met with the guy who was luckily there. It wasn't really what I was expecting but I was okay with it. We decided to walk to our next appointment. On the way there a lady called us over and invited us in. We taught a lesson to like four people who seemed interested. Hopefully something comes out of our visit with them. But the thing is if we hadn't gone that way to that next appointment she wouldn't have called us over. Always follow the spirit and don't question it. 

Read your scriptures. Say your prayers. Go to church. This gospel brings real happiness. South Africa is awesome and I'm happy to be here. Love you all! 

Elder Hepworth