What a week here in the Great THSM. Another transfer week has come and gone and the Lord continues to bless us with good missionaries who have come to do His work. Ten returned home and four new arrived. We received a miracle in this group, a Burmese speaking elder that we have been praying for last 2.5+ years. We have a large population of refugees from Myanmar that speak Burmese and seven other related dialects. About six months before we arrived to Houston, two elders were assigned to teach these good people and during our time we have grown to 30 Burmese converts. The challenge has been trying to effectively communicate as our missionaries receive no MTC language training, there is no Book of Mormon, and they have to learn the language through trial and error. Our new elder is a refugee from Myanmar that arrived to the states when he was eleven. They ended up in Utah, he started attending scouts, was baptized at 14 (only member of his family), speaks 3 of the primary dialects, and has already found 2 families to teach in his first 5 days! We will also be receiving another elder directly from Myanmar in May. Divine design is amazing to watch and I can hardly wait to see what happens as these elders begin to teach and help these people come unto Christ!
Zac had a tournament on Tuesday and took third and the team took first place. He was obviously stoked about his performance. Golf has been such a good experience for him. Bode had his final bball game after school today with a big won. The last time they played this team they lost by 30. Bode has done really well with his team despite their record. He received two of the four team awards; best defender and team leader. It’s been great to witness both boys progress in their respective sports and in school.
Aaron continues to increase our missionaries use of technology and improve our teaching effectiveness when using it. This week our focus in district councils was on teaching the Restoration and we continue to emphasize teaching simply and powerfully. Aaron decided every companionship would record a 4 minute lesson to share with us on Facebook. It ended up being one of the best things to help them improve and teach more effectively. They had to study each principle and determine how they would simply share and explain it. Recording it is not an easy thing to do (we know as Aaron and I did it as well. See our effort here… https://www.facebook.com/THETHSM/videos/vb.1599874930270491/2016876461903667/?type=2&theater¬if_t=page_post_reaction¬if_id=1518885361394388)
We learned a lot through this process. Some of our missionaries have great depth and understanding and others just go through the motions. I just imagine what it’s like to be on the receiving end of their teaching and there are definite improvements that can be made to allow the Spirit to touch a person’s heart. Aaron decided to have every companionship teach him the Restoration this transfer via a video call so he can help improve their skill and become more effective. Our belief is the Lord will help us find more prepared hearts when our ability to reach and teach to those hearts is at a level where He can trust us.
I attended two district meeting this week on Wednesday and Thursday along with our new missionary meeting along with the training on the Savior and His Atonement on Friday. We received news this week that the Houston temple dedication will be on April 22. President Ballard will be our visiting apostle. We are not the only ones anxiously waiting to attend the temple. Members, missionaries and new converts can’t wait to participate in ordinances that will bring so many blessings. I believe that the temple brings an added measure of spirituality to a community and it’s been missing it. Can’t wait to enjoy that spirit!
I helped with Jessie’s Valentine’s class party. I didn’t want a repeat of her Christmas party I attended last year. I teamed up with another mom that wasn’t too fond of active games which she wanted to make sure was ok that the kids were out of their seats with the teacher. She also told me there was a new rule about no games involving food. I felt like she was sucking all the fun out of a class party. Though Jessie’s teacher was fine with active games and loved the idea of variations of minute-to-win-it games. I thought the party was a success so did Jessie. Her comment, ”Mom that was soo much better than the Christmas party. It was actually fun for everyone!” Happy mom moment! J Jessie’s school had a literacy fair on Thursday evening that we had to sneak between tennis and dance. We got to all of them and glad we made it so we could attend the literacy fair. They had a cute story-telling group, Tour Dejour, tell several twisted fables that were acted out. A fun way to get students excited about reading.
Aaron and I celebrated Valentines on Friday with the Morton’s and Burrow’s with a wonderful meal and conversation. Jessie, Avery, and I went to the aquarium Saturday afternoon. We enjoyed all the sea creature exhibits not once but twice. In between, the girls enjoyed going on the amusement like outside the aquarium. It was a great day to be out and about in Houston.
Have a wonderful week!!