Week 75 - Quail Creek, Oklahoma - Dec 9, 2013

Mi querida familia, Wow, what a week. So on Thursday we had the first real snowstorm of the year...2 inches of snow! We were talking to a member about the weather conditions and she said the Oklahoma was in a state of emergency. So I thought to myself... hmm 2 inches of snow = state of emergency in Oklahoma and then my companion and i laughed (since we're both from Utah and Idaho). We soon ate our words when we found out the danger wasn't the sonw but rather...the ice. Oh my word, the streets were frozen! And Oklahomans don't know how to drive on the ice. There were so many accidents on the freeway and there aren't any snow plow systems like there are in Utah. Basically only the main roads got plowed and all the residential areas were iced over. Needless to say, all vehicles were grounded. Well, my companion and I didn't like the idea of staying inside, so we went old school and walked around the near by neighborhoods. People thought we were crazy, we didn't get too much success. This one guy we talked to started preaching against us and we got an opportunity to bear a powerful testimony on the Book of Mormon.It truly contains the same gospel as the Bible (the same good news that Jesus is the Christ) and is such a powerful tool in helping us come closer to Christ. I've really learned how to avoid arguing with people about religion while on the mission. although the message we share is true, arguing will never bring the spirit, only bearing true testimony and showing sincere love, and praising other people for their faith in Christ. Life is great. Donna is progressing really well! She came to church again and she's read up to Alma 55! Please pray for her to help her keep the Word of Wisdom! We did a fun service activity on friday. sicne the roads were iced over, my companion and I decided to step outside the box a little. So we rounded up some shovels and we went tracting to go offer to shovel peoples driveways. We had some great service experiences including one older gentleman who had a pacemaker and couldn't shovel snow himself. We also got a lot of the same responses from many people than if we were knocking doors offering to pray with them. "No thanks, we're ok." Wow, rejecting free service to shovel driveways. It reminded me how it is a humbling experience to accept help from others. Remember to accept gifts with graciousness. giving is important, but receiving with graciousness is just as important. I also learned that asking permission to serve is not always the best idea. For example if you ask, "Will you let us shovel your driveway for free?" People are more inclined to so "No thanks, we're ok." But if you rather see that the driveways needs shoveling and just do it, then you get the service done and people are generally grateful for it. Obviously follow the spirit, we don't want to impose on people too much. But if you know someone that needs service, you don't always have to ask for permision. i've learned so much this weekend. Merry Christmas everyone! Feliz Navidad! I love you tons! Let's get Jane some piano lessons she's sounding like a pro! Con Amor, Elder Powley