Kisses And More Kisses...

Dzień dobry! 

This week was good! It definitely felt like a week that lasted three months... for why I could not tell you. 

Again we spent a lot of time outside street contacting which has been fun. We always meet some great older ladies. Two this week of note... 

One kept talking about how anti Catholic she is and how much she loves everyone.... so that was confusing. She really let us know how she felt about a lot of things and kinds of people... it was exciting. She then gave me a kiss on the neck (not the first time this has happened and unfortunately not the last) and a giant hug... you get use to a lot of things while serving a mission... but I can safely say I will NEVER get use to that. 

The second of note was this lady with a really smelly dog. That poor dog reaked and kept barking if we did not pet it while talking to her owner.... so... there we were petting the really smelly dog. The lady at the end was not interested however she did show us an INCREDIBLE song.

Other than that... 

We had exchanges this week which was fun. Again... always good to see other missionaries. We had some really great and powerful lessons that day. The joy of the gospel is so real and it is infectious! Being able to testify everyday and hear others testify as well is such an incredible gift. 

On Saturday we went to Wrocław to the Christmas Market and the branch christmas party. We are currently serving as unofficial young women's leaders soooo we got the girls together for an activity there. We had so so much fun together and it was absolutely beautiful. 

Sunday was amazing too. We had a primary concert. It is so incredible to hear songs that I've grown up singing being sung in Polish. I got a little teary eyed. There was a family visiting our branch from the Wrocław branch. They are from el slavador. They joined us yesterday so there kids could have a primary performance since they are the only primary in their branch. And let me tell you.... this had to be the cutest thing I have ever seen. These three little guys... ranging from ages 5-9 we're the cutest little guys I have EVER seen. They bore the cutest testimonies in spanish and sang a little trio together of "I want to be a missionary now." But in spanish. My heart died. Now on that one I cried a little I won't lie. You would have too if you were there. These brothers were so cute with eachother. The smallest one was scared so his older brother held his hand and pulled his in tight and then there oldest brother crouched down a bit so they could hear him sing the words.... it was really freaking tender. 

I was translating for their parents during sacrament meeting and when I introduced myself to the kids the middle guy turned to his parents and confirmed that my name with them... up until this point everything had been in spanish. This little guy turns to me and goes "it's nice to meet you Andrews" his parents tried to help him put the "hermana" in front of it... but I told them it was okay and the little guy was just grinning cause he was so proud he had said it in English. It was possibly the cutest interaction I've ever had. 

We ended off that Sunday with a lot of hugs and more neck kisses From some really cute grandma's... they blame it on my height but I keep practically getting on my knees to say bye to them.... these women are so so so tiny. 

Spiritual thought

This week I've been focusing on the blessings of discipline! 

There is a quote by president Nelson... somewhere that says "it is hard to find happiness where there is none.". I've reflected a lot on this. It is so simple but very powerful to me. 

This week I have found so much joy in being disciplined in all things. Sometimes things do not go the way we want. Things happen plans fall aparart unfortunate things come to pass... but at the end of the day we are left with our efforts. There is a special kind of joy in doing all that we can and find joy in that! 

There is another quote from elder Holland about something to the affect of "discipline and discipleship... practically the same word." 

In order to be disciples of christ we must be disciplined and not fall helpless to the whims of man! And when we do go to the lord, pick ourselves back up, and go again. 

I am really beginning to learn what a marvelous gift agency is. I'm grateful for a God who loves us enough to allow us to get hurt, learn, and try again. Imagine how painful that is for him. But imagine how great his joy is when we succeed! 

I am so grateful to be serving a mission. I would not trade this experience for my wildest dreams. 

I love you all and hope you have a great week! 

Andrews