# 16

Family,

This week I felt like I struggled with the language, but it was still a good week!

On Monday, Sister Clove and I met with Lala and read the Book of Mormon with her. She left for Georgia this week to go to her mother's funeral though, so we will be continuing to meet with her when she gets back. She has a baptismal date of July 20th.

We also bought a new fan because President Carter felt super bad that our old one cut me up haha. Armenian's are funny though...they carry everything in plastic bags. So when we bought a rotating fan that was already put together in the store, the bag boy stuck a plastic bag over the top so it wouldn't be as "amot" or shameful to carry outside haha.

On Tuesday, we had companion exchanges. Sister Haynie came to Arabkir with me. She is from Seattle, WA and is super nice! We had a fun time getting to know each other. We met with Marine at the church and brought her to a baptism. The members and other missionaries asked her when she is getting baptized and she said "I don't know yet, but you're all invited!" She is really excited to be baptized. 

Sister Haynie is next to Misa in black shirt. 

You know how I told you I was struggling with the language? Elder Smith randomly told me "You speak really good Armenian, you know that right?" Tender mercy of the day since Wednesday was super hard for me.

We also met with Rita, our new investigator, on Wednesday. She has a daughter, a daughter-in-law and a grandson who live with her. We taught the Restoration to her and invited her to pray. She was unwilling to pray because she was a bit embarrassed, but we are going to continue working on prayer with her. We also invited her to church.

On Wednesday, we brought Cedrak (member) to a meeting with Marine. We talked to her about the 10 commandments and set a baptismal date of July 20th with her!

That night, we also met with Asia, a member, and shared a scriptural thought about scripture reading with her. She asked us to come back on Friday and help her beat wool for her mattress.

I also met my new Mission President, President Carlson!! He and his wife are so nice! I had an interview with him and he said some really nice things to me that touched me. I told him how I met his niece in Palmyra the weekend before I went to the MTC! Small world!

On Thursday, we had a zone meeting with them and got to know them. President Carlson shared the scripture D&C 123:7 about doing all things in our power cheerfully. I feel like that is going to be my mission motto...I heard it a ton in the MTC and I just really love it. He also told us that at the Mission President Seminar, he met with Elder Nelson (apostle) who told him that our group of missionaries is the most dedicated and focused he has seen.  Whoa, that's a lot to live up to! Also, could you email me or dear elder me the Missionary Broadcast? I watched it...in Armenian and didn't catch everything.

After the Zone Meeting on Thursday, we planned and set up our ward activity. We had a family history activity and discussed the doctrine behind family history and showed the ward members how to begin their family history work. Leana brought her friend, Neli, and we plan on meeting with her this week.

On Friday, we did service for Asia and beat all of her wool for her mattress. What an exercise! We also met with Jenia, a member. We gave a spiritual thought on charity.

We visited Ashken on Saturday. Her mother (a member) was present for the meeting. We taught her the 10 commandments and the Word of Wisdom. Elder Arshakyan had talked to her about the Word of Wisdom before, so when we got there she told us that she already stopped drinking coffee! We were elated. She has not talked to her husband about her baptism yet though. She is scheduled to be baptized on July 27th. 

We also visited Teresa, a possible new investigator, but her son is against us teaching her. We are going to try and find a place where we can meet to teach her because he does not want her to meet at the church either.

We also stopped by Merujan and Alvina's (less-active) to remind them to come to church and we shared a spiritual thought about families with them.

On Sunday, Rita showed up to church and so did Merujan and Alvina. We also met with Ruzan, a new investigator. She has three young daughters and lives with her mother-in-law, brother-in-law and husband. She used to be very religious, but when she got married and had kids she had stopped going to church. We talked to her about families and invited her to church next week.

Another tender mercy - Elder Woolley told me that I speak like I've been in the country for four months. I thought he was joking at first. I still don't think it's true, but I am seeing how the Lord is blessing me and helping me while I am here. I am so grateful for that.

Yesterday was also water day! It's an Armenian holiday and it's basically like one big water fight. Everywhere you go, people spray you with water. It was super nice in the hot sun. As missionaries...we got sprayed a lot haha.

This week during personal study I have been studying "chosen" or "elect" people and the meaning and responsibilities that go along with that. I loved reading in the Bible Dictionary about the election of grace, or the righteous circumstances that people have been born into. I knew from a young age that I was blessed to be born into my family and learn the gospel at an early age. I think I am just beginning to understand how to use this to benefit others. I also learned that as we are faithful and obedient throughout this life, regardless of having the election of grace, we will be able to be exalted and have our calling and election made sure. I love that! One other think I have been studying is the responsibilities of the different tribes of Israel. I haven't studied every tribe yet, but I am going to continue that this week. 

Trev, I can't believe the Lieters named their baby after you! That is awesome! How was your birthday?!? Mom told me a little bit. And no, they don't call me a greenie here. I am super excited for you to have Mr. Norris. And I loved what you said about superheros in your letter...it touched my heart :) Asia, did you and Trev ever go see Taylor Swift? I heard you two are going to OneRepublic for your birthdays this week. Mom, how was Baltimore? Dad, what did you think of the Missionary Broadcast? How was Dave Matthew's Band and Lake Placid? I miss you all so much!

My thumb is still hurting from the MTC, I don't know what it is, but I get by. 

This past week...a random guy who knew English chased us down the street wanting to kiss us haha. He kept yelling "Come on, a kiss for Christianity!!!!" Just thought you would think that was funny haha.

I love you all and I love hearing from you! Have a great week :)

Love, Misa