Wk 29

Hey!                                                                        

      I finally got my act together and plugged my camera into the computer. It’s been a little while since I’ve sent pictures.

     This week has been an exciting week. A lot of memorable memories. 

We have been doing a lot of work in the office. So it has been really busy. It seems like the whole 10:30 go to bed rule here doesn't apply at all cause we sometimes don't get back till 11:00 11:30 and then by the time I hand wash my clothes for the next day I am exhausted and it’s 12:00 or later. I usually fall asleep after reading one verse out my scriptures. This entire week I have been washing everyday which has kind of been a mistake. So today I am going to wash for a whole weeks worth so my heart doesn't drop next time its 11:00 and I realize I don't have any clean clothes.

     This week we met a Baptist white man at the SM (super mall). It is always kind of weird when you see a white guy here. I always want to ask them where they are from and why they’re here. Well this man come up to me and started talking to me. It didn't take long till we told him we were missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and then he told us he was too. He was a Baptist missionary. He was a way awesome guy like a motivational speaker. He talked to us about his life a little bit and about the Baptists. At the end of our conversation he asked us if we could pray. So we prayed in the middle of the Department Store. Elder Booth and I were peeking during the prayer both kind of wondering what was going on. After the prayer, we wished each other good luck and then he left. This was kind of a different experience, one worth writing in your journal.

     This week we have been learning a lot about teaching skills and following the Spirit and it’s made me super excited to go out and try the new things we’ve learned. I have learned a lot about how when you get a prompting to say something during your lesson, you got to say it, and you better say it quick or else the circumstances will change and it won’t be the same - it won't affect the person the same way it would have if you would have said it when you were prompted. I learned that you always need to wait even if it’s awkward so you can receive those inspirations from the Holy Ghost, those Inspired Questions, Commitments, Comments. Silence is pretty hard for me sometimes. It gets all quiet, and then a little hot, and then a little awkward. But of course, if you just trust in your calling you will be able to say the right things at the right time.

     Yesterday we taught a young man named Osmond. He is a super intelligent kid, a referral from Daniel the young man we have been helping go on a mission. It was a really neat lesson. We hadn't gone into the lesson with a lot planned. You could probably tell at the beginning but then I think both Elder Booth and I were praying that the lesson would go well and...it did. We introduced the Book of Mormon to him and explained to him how our beliefs in things can become knowledge, and we shared the Promise of the Book of Mormon. After we asked him what his feelings were about the Book of Mormon, not really knowing what to expect his answer to be. He said that he was impressed and that he really wanted to read it. It is always a good feeling after you get done teaching about something and someone is excited about a commitment that you give them.

      Things are going pretty well. I’ve learned a lot this past month or two.

There are a lot of times where you feel a little out of place or lonely. There are times where you ask yourself why isn't there enough water in this baptismal font so we can make the baptism a good experience? Why can't I say what I want to say in this language? Why can't my companion stop bein... Why am I frustrated? But then in the end, you finally understand the lesson that you’re supposed to learn, and it makes you a better missionary, and makes you a better person. You finally realize, oh man...that’s how it is.

     Every day I pray that I can become the missionary Heavenly Father wants me to be. To become a better person. And Smile even more. :P)

Well I know this work is hard, but I also know it is worth it. I think most people know that.

Well I love it like I do every week. :) I pray for each one of you.

Love,

-Elder Kirschbaum

P.S. Oh yeah every Sunday we usually get fed at a member’s home, The Elizans are a really cool family, and help us out a lot with the work. This weeks dinner was really good. I absolutely love the Filipino food here.