Tuesday, we went tracting in the south eastern part of our area. We didn't have any success knocking, but we ran into a few people. We saw a lady who was opening her car door in her driveway. We went over and asked her a few questions. Her name is Rachel and she immediately asked if we were Johavahs Witnesses. Everyone asks that. We told her that we were something completely different. She told us that she had a friend who is a member of our church and she was really interested in learning about what we believe. Right after that contact, we got in the car and started to drive away when a shirtless guy named Kenny ran into the street in front of our car. We got out and he asked us for a Book of Mormon. He said that he had some legal trouble in the past and wanted to get his life back on track. Isn't it awesome how the Lord work? Later that night, we had dinner with the Armendariz family. They are so humble. They told us that we can come over whenever we don't have a dinner scheduled. Sister Armendariz doesn't speak much English but Brother Armendariz asked us if we could dedicate his home. He asked me if I would perform the dedication and it was a humbling experience to have. I love that family. That is something I find myself saying to Elder Correia after every interaction.
Wednesday, we had exchanges. I went up to Eustis with Elder McFadden and Elder McKee. We did service for the night for a guy who lost his keys in a big brush pile. We spent hours taking brush off the pile and burning it. It was so hot I was probably sweating more than I ever have.
On Friday, there were a couple of cool experiences. We decided to stop by a lady named Sister Zych. We had never met her and we honestly have no idea why we chose her specifically. We rang the door bell and waited for a while. Normally, we'd leave because it was too long for someone to still be coming to the door, but my companion and I kept standing there when she answered. She told us that she was really overwhelmed. Her husband had passed away a few months ago and her yard was overgrown. She had no one to help her and we told her we'd be more than happy to help. It was such a miracle because I know that God prompted us to go see her. She said "This is an answer to my prayers, I had no idea who to reach out to." We then went over to a less-active member's house. He's been meeting with us for a while and has some things he needs to work through. We read the Book of Mormon with him and invite him to do things that will help him. This particular time, we felt like we should read Moroni 7 with him and invite him to pray more. He responded so well, more than he usually does. He told us that he really needed to hear that. It was a day of miracles.
Saturday, went to do service at Sister Zych's house. Her yard is huge and is on a lake front. I got to ride one of those big John Deer mowers. It was actually pretty fun. We got a lot done and she was emotional and grateful. I told myself while I was on the mower, it was super loud and I saw Sister Zych smiling and tearing up, "This is why I served a mission." I was so grateful that we were able to help her. It was the highlight of my week. That night we went to have dinner with the Gonzalez family. They moved in 6 months ago and are fairly young. He's a convert from Peru and she's from Hawaii. We had a great conversation and found out they will be blessing their 3 month old baby on July 1st. Diego asked us if we'd be in the circle to bless the baby and that was an exciting thing to be asked. After dinner I said to Elder Correia that they are already one of my favorite families.
All in all, it was a good week and I was blessed to help a few people. Joy comes from putting your own desires away and helping others.
Have a great week.
Elder Poulsen
The keys are in there somewhere.
The Burg
Leesburg Zone
