# 21

Dear family,

This week was another great week in Armenia! On Monday, Sister Clove, the Reeses (office couple), Elders Woolley and Kopsa and I went to Khor Virap. It is the church where they threw Grigor Lusavorich (the man that brought Christianity into Armenia) into a pit for 13 years. The story is that the king was upset at him for bringing Christianity to the country so he threw him into the pit, but some servants felt sorry for Grigor and so they fed him every day. The king later committed horrible crimes and became stricken with disease. It was only after he released Grigor from the pit that he was healed. After visiting Khor Virap, we went to Vahagony (where the embassy families live) and said goodbye to the Filipinos because they are returning home to the Philippines. 

                                                                                   Khor Virap

On Tuesday during District Meeting, we focused on using the scriptures more effectively as we teach. I've decided to study that this week because the scriptures can teach better and explain principles better than I can! That is for sure. There is a power that comes from reading the scriptures that touches the hearts of people, so I have been trying to use them more in my lessons. After District Meeting, the sisters all had exchanges (switched partners).  I went with Sister Henriquez (Sister Training Leader) to Ajapnyak. I loved it! We met with Hasmik, an investigator who is so ready to be baptized...she just needs to talk to her husband about it. We taught her about obedience. We also met with Mariam and Arayik, a couple who have been investigating the gospel for a while. We watched the restoration video with them and answered any questions they had. We also met with Araksya, a 15 year old member and brought her a Preach My Gospel to start reading from to start preparing for a mission. Lastly, we met with Suzanna, an elderly investigator, and taught her the tripod (reading the Book of Mormon, praying, and coming to church). We brought Leanna (a member who served a mission in Salt Lake City) with us. The lesson went really well!

On Wednesday, we met with Hasmik again and taught her about tithing and fasting. We later met with Mariam and Arayik again and taught the Plan of Salvation. I loved exchanges. It was a great opportunity to learn from another sister missionary. Sister Henriquez is so bold, but loving. She also teaches very clear and uses the scriptures and True to the Faith well. I am going to try to incorporate that into my missionary work as well. After exchanges, Sister Clove and I met with Marine and reviewed Lehi's dream with her and related it to her baptism. 

                                                         In front of Mt. Ararat.

Thursday was planning day. After we planned for the week, we went to the church and met with Karine for her baptismal interview. While she was in the interview, we played Jenga with her eight year old son, Levon, and Elder Wood (since Elder Zachary was conducting the interview). Afterwards, we met with Lala and taught her the new member lesson about the Plan of Salvation. We were very pleased that she was able to remember it all and talk about the Plan of Salvation in detail. Later in the day we stopped a man on the street and OYMed him. He was wearing an EFY polo! We told him it was a program put on by our church and he stopped and asked about the church. It was so random, but funny to see that!

On Friday, we visited Emma Tatik (grandma), a member in our ward. We shared a spiritual thought about happiness and hope and then asked for referrals. She lives near Arus, so we stopped by Arus to see how she was doing, she has been continuing to read the Book of Mormon, but until she wants coming to church again we can't pick her up again as an investigator. Most of the rest of the day was spent walking and trying to find new investigators.

                                                                   Arus's paintings of Armenian letters. 

Saturday was a busy day! Four people were baptized into our ward! Elder Woolley and Elder Kopsa had two investigators (a couple) named Yura and Ghusher that they baptized. They also baptized Marine and Karine. After Karine was baptized, Levon told us that he wanted to be baptized like his mom! We had asked Karine before if she would let him get baptized, but she said she didn't want to push him unless he wanted to on his own. So we were so happy when he said he wanted to be baptized! What a miracle! Both Karine and Marine gave amazing testimonies afterwards as well. We were so proud of both of them. At the baptismal service, Guyane (a member) brought her two children with her...Aram and Manana. They are so cute! We have visited them before and given them little treats and CTR (choose the right) rings.  When Aram walked in the door and saw me, he ran up to me and gave me a huge hug and kept wanting to hold my hand. It was so sweet and made me miss all of the kids I babysat back home! At the baptism, I also had the opportunity to lead the music and translate for President and Sister Carlson and the Reeses. I've improved a lot since the first time I translated. Heavenly Father really has been working with me. I know that I would not be speaking this language without His help. I thank Him everyday for His tender mercies!

                                                                  Misa with Guyane, Manana and Aram.

On Sunday, Ghusher, Yuram, Marine and Karine were all confirmed. It is always an amazing feeling to know that Heavenly Father's children have started on the right path toward returning to Him. After church, we spent the day walking and trying to find new investigators.

This week has been a great one! How have things been for all of you? Trevor have you gotten your license yet? Asia, are you excited for Virginia? What fun things are all of you going to do while Lisa is in town? I love and miss you!

Love,

Misa :)