Rollercoaster

Dear family and friends, 

It's a bit tough to try and explain this week in a few words. When the week was all said and done though, it was great! 

It was an unusually hot week for us. We had a lot of new people that we were planning on beginning the discussions with, but unfortunately most of these people cannot speak English. All throughout the week we were constantly looking for member-translators and weren't getting much support. Actually, we were in a far village trying to teach a family one day, and no members were around. We ended up using a 14-year old girl who was nearby to do it for us. I thought that was really funny. Elder Horne also got sick for a few days. Every day we had tons of appointments booked, but almost all of them fell through. On Tuesday after a tough morning, we just had to sit down and cry for a few minutes. To top it all off, we didn't have any electricity in our apartment for more than two straight days - Friday to Sunday. Thanks to some sleeping pills though, we were able to make it through those hot, fan-less nights.

A big storm that flew right over us!  

Sunday it all changed: Sunday morning we were really surprised when President Heid's 1st Counselor showed up, along with the 1st and 2nd Counselor to our district presidency. With still no electricity, sacrament meeting got hot quickly. Miraculously, the lights came on and the fans cooled us all down. One by one, our investigators trickled in throughout the meeting. Eventually we ended up with FIVE investigators at sacrament. As the fifth one walked in, the only thing that came into my mind was "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer. Let me tell ya, that felt GOOD. 

The best part of the week, however, was the TWO baptismal dates we extended! That's right.... Tsito's having some baptisms! We've got one this coming Sunday, and two at the end of February. 

Looking back, I could see how Heavenly Father had blessed Elder Horne and I for our efforts. We did the best we could, and let Him make up the difference. Eternal perspective is a handy tool in our mortal journey.

This week is going to be great. On Friday we are going to watch the Worldwide Missionary Broadcast, and Sunday baptize Sefakor. 

I just wanted to say a big THANKS to the ward members at home for the nice package and the handwritten cards. That was very thoughtful of you, and I appreciate your support - and the Snickers bars. 

Have a great week! HAMMER TIME. 

Love, Elder Nissinen