Wow, I don't even know where to start. This last week was so much better. It didn't take long after last week to feel better and then I kind of wished I hadn't written that email, but by then it was too late to do anything about it. I did learn one thing that was a little disturbing and made me really wonder what happened. President Piper only came and talked to our district and one other district. That tells me that whatever reports they received had to have come from us. (Above - Playing table tennis in the приход) They didn't even talk to the other districts in our zone. (Later I found out the real reason he came to our district) Well, that made us feel really bad but I honestly do not know what they could have heard. But, what is done is done and we are ALL working hard to become better missionaries than we ever have before. On Friday, Sister Саргсян (Sargsyan) and I sat down and made some goals. It seems like everyday we learn something new that we need to change to become better. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed but I am glad I am learning now and not one month before I go home. I think I know why we needed to learn this now too. I think there is a big work coming and we need to be prepared to handle it.

We got a glimpse of that this week as we found three Armenian families. Can you imagine? That is three entire families with whom we can work! The only problem is, that makes me wonder why I am needed here because when we are with them, they just talk all the time in Armenian. That's great for Sister Саргсян. She feels needed, but what about me? Oh well, I've made the decision that I will work however the Lord wants me to work, even if that means sitting quietly and bored out of my mind while my companion teaches them in a language I don't understand. Yeah, that's a hard thing for me to do, but if that's how He wants it, that's how it will be. It doesn't really matter if they accept the gospel through me or my companion, just as long as they find the happiness that comes with the gospel and can make their lives better.

So, I have to say this, I am really wanting a digital camera right now. All the Elders have them and every time they pull them out to use them I kick myself for not getting one before I came here. Especially now that it is cold, I can't take pictures anytime I want to because my camera won't work in the cold. (Left - A cake and banana bread that were given to us by some Elders) That makes me really sad because I am missing a lot of good pictures. But what makes me even sadder is that I can't take videos. A couple of the Elders, their cameras say they have sound with the film but when they play them back, they can't hear it. That tells me I want one that I can tell is recording the sound with out any extra equipment. Anyway, this is something that I can't get over because it keeps getting shoved in my face (unintentionally, of course). I was also wondering if you could send me some stuffing, stove top, you know what I like, and maybe some jerky if you get the chance. Don't worry about sending it quickly, I still have a lot of time left here. But I got your package (finally!) and thanks for the peanut butter m&ms. My companion really likes them too, and the other goodies. Especially my cereal. I don't know why I love it that much, but there is nothing like that here.

Ok, back to other stuff. We had one investigator that we thought could soon be progressing toward baptism. Then we had a meeting with her that put us into our place. She told us outright that she can't be baptized because she isn't keeping the law of chastity. She said a while ago that she wants to be baptized and she really likes our church (she even asked if she can keep coming even though she isn't baptized) but she just doesn't see any reason why she should legalize her marriage. Basically it isn't convenient for her right now. We didn't know what to say to that. She also sees poorly and told us that she wants to read the Book of Mormon with her own eyes. She has a lot of faith that that will happen, and she's come a long way after the accident that took her sight, but that could be years down the road and who knows what will happen before that time. That was really discouraging. Our DL told us that we needed to be bold and tell her that she needs to follow the commandments of God if she wants to be saved, but we haven't had the chance to do that yet. He keeps telling us that we need to be bold but that is easier said than done.

Anyway, mom, I wanted to tell you last week but I didn't have the chance, thanks for praying for me. (Above - Package!! I got M&Ms!) I need all the prayers I can get. This work is hard and it seems to get harder every day. I don't know why I am so determined to not let it get the best of me. Maybe that is because I know this is the most worthwhile thing I have ever done and probably will ever do. But, I still need little reminders of that, and I think your prayers help. Also, it really doesn't matter to me which way you write. I just like reading your emails. Which ever way is easier for you, please write that way.

I should go. Thanks for all of your support. I don't know what I would do without it. I don't know what missionaries do without it. I guess those missionaries are just stronger than me. Especially the ones I know here who are the only member in their family and here they are, giving all they have to serve the Lord. What great faith that takes, and what great love.

Love,

Сестра Атвуд