Adjusting to the Busyness of the City

July 29, 2019

A great time so far in the City! 

I have had a good time learning to adapt to serving in the city but it is quite a bit different here because almost all people here know how to speak English although English is a little different haha but it is a lot of fun. The ward here is so good and overall it has been a good time. 

In this area, the area is pretty dirty like trash all over and it does not smell good. I also do not like how busy it is but like I said it is all an experience that I am growing through and I am loving the experience. As for the work, it is moving along well right now because of the help that we are getting through the members in this ward. We had 3 baptisms last week, we should have 2 this week and then maybe another 2 the next week so I am very pleased with the way that the work is going here. This last Sunday we were sad as 2 people that we are working with did not come to church but I have high hopes that they will be baptized while I am in this area. The two people are the wife to an active father and one of his sons. In their family they have 3 boys and 3 girls. The father and all the daughters are members but the mother and none of the sons are members. The son is 26 and his wife is around 60 I would guess but they have both been to church. They are just struggling leaving their churches so I am really praying for them to find that this is the true church, take a leap of faith and to be baptized. 

This week for P-day, we also went to the ocean and played with soccerball on the shore with a bunch of kids and it was a lot of fun. The ocean is just right in our area so it is awesome. I love the way the ocean just brings me a sense of peace and I really enjoyed the day today. 

As a challenge to all members, I would just challenge you to extend your hand to a close-by friend and bring them to church and really help to bring them unto Christ. This is something I wish I would have done better back home. To bring others who are still lost into that light, which is the light of Christ. I am doing great and am happy to be here! 

I love you! 

~Elder Shirley