News from the field 1 September

Not much time once again, so I'll focus on what happened to me this week, since that's what you people always seem to want. Me me me!

We found about 4 new investigators this week, which was awesome. We met a lady named kiri who said (paraphrase) "This is by far the best explanation as to why one church could be right I've ever heard!" compliments don't get much better than that on a mission!

One thing I've certainly grown to appreciate since coming on my mission is you guys's relationship. I can't even count the number of broken families I've met so far, even within the church! We're visiting a recent convert named Naomi, who has a boyfriend she lives with, but he doesn't ever want to have kids, and doesn't want to get married because "he thinks we're too incompatible to get married"! what's a polite way of saying, "drop him like a rock, honey, he's not worth it!"? It's experiences like thiat that make me even more motivated to make my marriage count (to whomever it is that I may marry ;P).

We also met a charming young man at an investigator's house who was drunk and stoned to a degree I had not yet encountered on my mission, yet he still managed to pick out my bike-locks combination, and break off one of the digits in the process! Honestly, I was more impressed than angry.

The Smiths had their brand new baby this week, and I got to take a photo when he was just four hours old! Unfortunately you'll have to wait until next week to see Mosiah Joseph Smith, as I forgot to bring my camera to the cybercafe. Sorry!

We also have a real 'born-again' investigator, even though he's still very open to the message. He keeps saying "Yes, Lord" at the end of every sentence whenever either of us say the prayer, it's really distracting! have you met anyone like that, Jess?

One last thing: at interviews President Porter strongly hinted that I'll be transferred, so don't send any packages yet! He also said he was sending two elders home this week, which was really sad.

Hope you enjoyed the brief report! It was good to hear that the postcards arrived (hearing your dry wit even made me slightly homesick), and know that the work is going very well.

I love you all

-Elder Petty