We finally took Zac to the doctor to see if we could understand why he was so sick. No virus or bacteria. The cause was determined to be lack of sleep and stress. End of quarter testing obviously took its tool on him. He did get a prescription for Zophran(?) to settle his stomach so Zac could actually keep food down. It worked and he feels much better.
Jessie and I have been enjoying reading Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand for her biography book report. She really wanted to learn about Louie Zamperini since the boys told her about the movie. We found the young adult version that has 100 less pages (still 287 pages) and I’m sure less graphic. Jessie has learned a lot about WWII and how resourcefulness, determination and faith can help you survive the unimaginable. Jessie’s book report requirement this year is 15 books, three more than last year. We are looking forward to all the reading we will be doing and the creative ways we will report on the books. ;)
The kids had Monday off. YEAH! So we had some fun! Aaron and the boys played basketball with the Elders at one of the church buildings. The boys got some good playing in. We have a couple of missionaries that really do have some bball skills. Jessie and I had a chill mommy and daughter date. We went to the movie Middle School: The Worse Years of My Life. I think we all enjoyed just being a family before our full week of interviews being held at our home.
For these interviews Aaron had the missionaries teach him using a scripture and invitation to act. He instructed the missionaries to “BREAD” the scripture they used and apply it to his needs. To “BREAD” the scripture, they give background, read (by the investigator), explain, apply to their needs, declare your witness (testify). When they share the scripture they need to make sure it makes sense and helps lead to a commitment invitation (pray, read, come to church, be baptized etc). As they teach, they also need to follow a teaching pattern we refer to as TTIPF (teach simply, testify powerfully, invite boldly, promise blessings, and follow-up). As they improve their teaching with these skills they will increase their ability to help people understand why they need to act.
During the interviews, I work with the missionaries in their districts on their street contacting/door knocking approach. My goal is to help them be more personal and not as robotic as they OYM (Open Your Mouth). I discuss the scenarios that they see the most often and then role-play. I have made a game of it. They could use the “reset” button, “rewind” button, “Call a Friend” or “Ask the Audience” when they get stuck, wanted to start over or didn’t like where the OTM is going. It puts them more at ease and not in performance mode. We are trying to get them to be themselves and loosen up when they meet people on the street. Thanks to social media, many missionaries fear talking to real humans face to face and struggle with these social interactions. Fear is probably our biggest weakness so we role-play scenarios to help them.
The assistants are also involved during the interviews. They have been teaching the missionaries the principles of how to find. Most missionaries get so caught up in doing the same thing over and over that they get into a rut and then lose the faith to find. Aaron put together a brief overview of the steps to find including the doctrine, spiritual preparation, how to organize themselves, and then how to go and do. Finding is not easy and probably creates the most stress for our missionaries. Work with members is key, but very slow.
We had two great visits from Adam and Curtis this week. It was wonderful to have family around even if it was briefly. Adam treated us to Torchy’s, our family favorite. I think he agrees with us that it is pretty darn good. ;)
Bode had another good football game this week, not a win but close. His season ends next week. Zac’s official basketball tryouts are coming up soon so he’s preparing for them. We (Zac and Mom) are looking forward to him getting his drivers license next week. He will finally be legal. :) Jess got her flu shot Friday at school. She was not a happy camper. Hopefully our adventures at the Fort Bend Children's Museum lessened the pain of it. She brought Natalie and Laci with her. The museum happened to be doing their Halloween activities while we were there so the girls got extra goodies. Another fun day in the books for Jessie.
Allie was grateful to get together with the cousins this week before Morgan leaves. It was a good break from college even if it was only one night. She had just finished up her persuasive paper for English. Yeah! for that being done. But mostly she loves being with family. We were hoping to have her visit us in Texas since she had a couple days off for Fall Break but it just didn't work out. :( Family is so important!!
We had stake conferences in Bay City this weekend. Aaron taught at the priesthood leadership session and then we both spoke at the adult session. We are excited for Morgan as she heads off to the MTC and VA. Life is good, cool weather to start our day today, 50 degrees! Although we hear it won’t last long and will be up in the 80’s again next week.