This week has been so great!
We
had the whole zone over for the Hungarian's version of Labor Day (they
call it Work Day... and, basically, no one does work). We went and saw a
beautiful synagogue here in Szeged, had a photo scavenger hunt, ate
palicsintas, and played game. Pretty good day :)
Sister Papritz and I have been working crazy hard
outside of that :) And our work paid off! We learned that we led the
whole zone in numbers this past week! We've been able to meet with a
lot of new people, which is always great!
And, awesome story-- one of our newer investigators,
named Evelin, is so cool! She was one of the last people I spoke with
during the 300 week, and I met with her a couple weeks ago with Sister
Hudspeth while I was on splits. Sister Papritz and I hadn't been able
to meet with her, however, until this past Thursday. Her program went
so well. We taught about the Restoration and she thought it all so
interesting. At the end, she said she was excited to go home and think
because her head was just full of new ideas! The next day, she came to
Institute (a scripture study class) and a barbeque, on Saturday to a YSA
activity, and to church on Sunday! We met with her after church to
talk about how she felt during all of that, and she told us that she has
already been thinking about baptism!!! We were shocked (we haven't
really talked about it). We were able to talk to her about a lot of her
concerns (she is worried that she can't follow all of the
commandments). We talked about all of it and told her that she can slow
down and take the time to learn more about all of this stuff (we have
literally only met with her twice). We promised her that the more she
learned, the more she would want to follow the commandments. It is so
neat, though, because just through the activities, she saw the
difference and happiness in the members and wants part of it. I have
high hopes for her :)
We also had district meeting this past week and it
was so good. I was able to share a success story and I chose to share a
thought about my great-great-grandpa, who served a mission in Hungary
in 1908. I read some parts from his journal and letters about how the
beginning of his mission. He didn't know the language, didn't have
materials, and didn't have a companion, but had such faith in the Lord.
He wrote about how he knew this was God's work and how if he worked
hard, it would all work out. By the end of his mission, he had learned
the language, baptized people, translated the materials, started
translating the Book of Mormon, and just worked miracles. I know if we
are humble, trust in God, and do our best, we will all see similar
success in our lives. (We also discussed Doctrine and Covenants section
4 and how we need to be focused on the Lord to qualify for his help and
blessings. Feel free to check it out!)
Other exciting news-- we had transfer calls this
morning. I have no idea how six weeks just FLEW by, but somehow it did
and we were up for another call! Sister Papritz and I are staying
together, which is so so great :) We were actually one of only two
sister companionships that stayed together in the entire mission. As
for the rest of our district, Beaumont Elder is leaving Szeged to go to
Budapest. Our district was way tight this past transfer, so it's kind
of sad to see him go, but we're all super excited for him to go and work
his magic there (he is a very hard-working and good missionary. He
will be there to help transition in the new mission president at the
beginning of July). I am very excited for this upcoming month and a
half. Sister Papritz is now in her last transfer and we are determined
to work super hard to make it the best one yet!
Also, Sister Papritz gave me a study journal this
past week (I am obsessed with it!) and I wanted to share some of my
thoughts that I wrote down. I read this quote from C.S. Lewis that
says, "The trouble is that relying on God has to begin all over again
every day as if nothing had yet been done." I loved that because it is
so true. I think I see that so clearly on a mission, where every day we
have to wake up and work all day long even though we just did that the
day before. However, that hard work every day is the key because little
by little we get better and better. But we always have to work at it.
There will never be a point when we don't have to pray or study the
scriptures. Rather, we always should try our best and God will always
help us. And, working with God, our nature changes for the better.
Anyways, sorry if this email is kind of boring this
week... I'm kind of tired today (I think the anticipation of transfers
always tires me out). I hope you all have way more energy in this
upcoming week and treat each day as a gift!
I love you all!
Kramer Nővér aka McKenna
P.S.
A member here ordered the new For Strength of Youth pamphlet and lent
us a copy in English. I have been studying from it this past week and
it is SO GOOD! SO INSPIRED! I encourage you all to read through it! I
love the section on agency-- direct quote: "Next to the bestowal of
life itself, the right to direct your life is one of God's greatest
gifts to you." After reading that, I thought about how I am using and
honoring this gift? Do I respect my right to choose as much as God
does? Anyways, I know that the principles in it are good for everyone,
not just for those ages 12-18 :P
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