#cantstopwontstop

[that awkward moment] when your first investigator with a baptismal date is now in Jail...

..kind of puts a damper on things :(

Sister Bean and I were just sitting in Sacrament waiting for Michael to show up and he never did, after church Bishop told us the bad news.. It seems he got in an argument with his neighbor and things got out of hand. We're not sure exactly what went down but I guess we'll find out soon..

 

Besides that little blunder it's been a splendid week in the Madison 4th Ward! I feel so blessed to be here! Especially to be with Sister Bean, she is the best trainer ever! I would literally die without her, that is for sure! And I'm 100% positive our ward is the absolute best ward ever! The members are all so member missionary oriented, everyone wants to help, everyone wants to come to lessons with us, and everyone feeds us.... WAY - TOO - MUCH! (surprisingly still haven't had any Wisconsin cheese, I know.. it's a little disheartening) Sister bean and I are both new to the area, it was an Elder only area but President decided it need to be changed so he kicked the elders out and we took over. Even their apartment... scary right? But I guess the last few Elders just haven't been working very hard, they left no investigators so Sister Bean and I have totally had to start fresh, which has been insanely hard but insanely rewarding. We've had so many people tell us we are so different than the Elders, we had 5 people at church on Sunday.. I guess there hasn't been any investigators for a while so it's way different. I'd be lying if I said this difference was because of us, because it totally isn't! it's because of the Lord! He guides us to everyone!  I am just feeling immensely blessed! I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be and I have truly never been happier in my life. Amazing things happen when you "forget yourself and get to work". This is the Lord's work.

 

Okay so Tim, the less active we visit with is going on 9 days without smoking!! This is the guy who used to smoke 6 packs a day! It is literally a miracle! he is reading the scriptures daily, praying, and coming to church! he is so awesome!! We celebrated his week mark with him on Saturday with Martinelli's.. haha we walked up to his apartment with the bottle of Martinelli's and everyone who drove past us was giving us the weirdest looks... he is so awesome!! It's amazing the difference I can see in him just over the three weeks I have known him. He's like a different person! The gospel changes lives :)

 

We are also teaching this guy named Rocky... you can only imagine how awesome he is with a name like that! He is a retired school principal, and for anyone who remembers me in high school I was BFF with the principals so I love Rocky! He is an inactive catholic and he says he is just looking for more in a religion. He took the Book of Mormon and has already started reading! He's awesome!

 

We are also teaching this lady Kim, she is so awesome! She has been through so much! She has three children, all from different dads and the last one is in jail. She just feels lost and doesn't know her way, but she wants to follow Christ she just doesn't know how.. It's amazing to see the Lord working with her and in her home. She is African American and she told me she likes me cuz I act black... I told her thank you! haha my older brother Justin would get a kick out of that! She is great though! She is reading and praying and she is trying to keep the word of Wisdom!

 

We are also teaching Jim, the guy from the bus.. He has read the whole BOM!! but hasn't gotten a confirmation that is the word of God... but he won't pray about it.... BAH!

 

Sister Bean and I are working with so many amazing people! I wish I had all the time in the world to tell you about our other investigators but time goes by so fast on these computers. But we meet the most awesome people every day and as terrifying as it is to go up to complete strangers and start talking to them about Jesus Christ it is truly amazing the light we can see in people's eyes. The Gospel is true, I know it is. I know it with all my heart! The church is true!

 

I cannot wait for Conference this weekend!! AHHH! It's like Christmas!!

 

I love you all so much!!

I am so happy out!

 

With all my love, Sister Askerlund

 

Ether 12:4

"wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, year, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast always abounding in good works being led to glorify God"