Wednesday, 2
January
It's still weird to type "2013." Today we
had three programs. First was with A. She met with the
missionaries 2-3 years ago, said that she's done a lot of thinking since then,
and wants to join the Church. So, we're trying to move things along.
Today we taught her the Restoration, which she actually remembered really
well. Sunday she is coming to church, and we will continue to roll from
there. Our second program was with T. He is a new investigator. He believes in God, but is
not united with any religion, and is actually strongly against all religions.
He is of the opinion that you can find out everything about every
religion on the internet, and that it's possible to find many flaws in all of
them. He was disappointed that we don't have multiple wives, was hard to
teach, but after saying he'd never read any of the Book of Mormon, accepted one
and said he'd read out of it. Lastly, we met with B and Z. We
completely focused on the Quit-Smoking Program. Our Landlady is coming
tomorrow.
My miracle today is a New Year's Resolution to do a
better job of letting myself be happy.
Thursday, 3
January
We met with J today. We talked about the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. He's beginning to take the lessons more and more
seriously. After our program, Sister Smith and Sister Carpenter came for
Apartment Inspections. While they were here, our Landlady showed up.
Elder Hunnicutt and I were able to get a new shower head and a microwave.
In the evening we headed to physical therapy in Kecskemet.
My miracle is another resolution to pay more attention to
the miracles of the earth, such as water and many of its miracles.
Friday, 4 January
Today, Elder Hunnicutt and I went up to Budapest for
interviews. It was my second interview with President Smith, the first
being when he arrived in the country six months ago. During the interview
he said that the two things each of us can do to hasten the work is first to be
more obedient, and second to work harder. I think I'd agree with that. After Elder Hunnicutt finished his interview,
we returned to Szolnok, made some calls, and I prepared tomorrow's training.
Today's entry receives yet another resolution. A
resolution to be more obedient than last year.
Saturday, 5
January
This morning we had District Meeting. We focused on
reflections and goals. Afterwards we had a couple hours to make calls.
We have five investigators who said they'll be at church tomorrow.
We found out that Elder Hunnicutt is indeed very likely to go senior next
transfer, and so, to better prepare him, I've made him acting senior for next
week too.
My miracle is more resolutions. I made a list of
all of my worst habits and am going to try to break all of them this year.
A year's a long enough time, right?
Sunday, 6 January
Fast Sunday was today. Only A came to
church. At the beginning of Sacrament Meeting, E got up to
announce, as a goal for this next year, the effort for all possible members to
make it to the temple at least once. After church we did our usual weekly
planning. This week we have a lot set-up. In addition to Zone
Training, Physical Therapy, restarting our teaching Angolora and at the high
school, and splits with the Kecskemet Elders, we still have 18 programs set-up,
with members coming to 10 of them and another 8 people who said they'd be able
to meet this week (but have not yet scheduled an exact day and time).
We'll see how it goes!
Another resolution for future miracles: to be more
prayerful.
Bonus:
In a Christmas letter I received I was asked about
Hungarian Christmas traditions. I don't remember whether or not I shared
any last year, but for the sake of efficiency, and to have them in an organized
place, I thought I'd write about a few of them.
In Hungary there are unique Christmas-time Songs, however
there are no Hungarian Christmas Stories.
Here they celebrate the Advent, putting up all kinds of wooden or canvas
tents around the main walking streets and squares, from which they sell winter clothing,
odds and ends, and especially treats and drinks. The most popular of
treats are called Kürtöskalacs's, which is a sweet bread, wrapped around a
large wooden stick, then rolled above a fire, and finally covered with
something, typically cinnamon, chocolate, sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a vanilla
glaze. Their traditional and most popular winter drink is boiled wine.
In Hungary Santa Claus does not bring the presents on
Christmas, but rather visits on December 6 with his little imp helpers (why are
they imps?....I don't know....but Google probably does). He usually only
brings presents to younger children though. It is also on this day that
people typically dress up in the common red Santa Hats, and Santa Suits.
Then, on the 24th, the beginning of their Christmas (as Christmas in
Hungary is considered to be from the 24-26), Baby Jesus brings the presents.
The presents are opened on the night of the 24th, and the traditional
Christmas Dinner of Fish Soup or Stuffed Cabbages is usually eaten on this
night. (Or one on the 24th, and the other on the 25th). However,
the 26th is also considered "Christmas" just as much as the 24 or the
25 are.
NOTICE: This
email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain
confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use,
disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended
recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of
the original message.
No comments:
Post a Comment