Week 34 in Douala: We got that "special Spirit!"

 Bonjour amis et familles!

Yet another week in icky-and-stickyville. It's less sticky now as we are officially in the rainy season here in Douala. It still is hot but the rain is quite the relief. 

MISSIONARY MOMENTS OF THE WEEK 

We had a couple of new person lessons on Friday; both were super cool. The first one was with a lady named Thérèse that we'd contacted earlier in the week. Before we started the lesson, she felt she needed to share how as she was approaching us and started talking with us, she'd felt happy - like we had some kind of 'special Spirit'.  I told her that I believed her, because our message is special, unique, and makes people happy. I told her she had felt the Spirit - the Holy Spirit. It was a really cool moment. She then asked, "Well, what's this unique message?" She was pretty excited to get a Book of Mormon. I heard a 'waouh' or two (that's how people here spell 'wow').

The second lesson was with another lady named Sandrine. We asked her what she thought was missing in her life. She responded, a good relationship with her troublesome family. We felt impressed to talk to her about our purpose here on Earth and how the Atonement of Christ can help us do anything - like solving family dilemmas. She thanked us for the message and wants to come to Church soon! 

Last but not least, we got the kids, Parisse, Manu, and Ramelle all confirmed on Sunday (3 of 16 that day throughout the mission - a record for one week). I acted as voice for one of the confirmations - something I'd never done even in English! It was a grand opportunity to exercise the Priesthood and give a blessing as the Spirit directs. I was grateful for the privilege. 

FUNNY QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"My companion, why are you eating soap?"

Cheese is not eaten much in Kananga, I would assume. I was eating cheese and Elder Makashi got a troubled look on his face and asked me this. Later, he repeated the joke when I was making pizza. 

SCRIPTURE/SPIRITUAL THOUGHT OF THE WEEK 

"Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see
The distant scene— one step enough for me."
- from 'Lead, Kindly Light', Hymns, No. 97

As my release date inches closer and closer (officially less than 3 months away!), I've sometimes been anxious about how the rest of my life is going to go. This line helped me. I know a lot of people who receive these emails are young like me; this message is for us. We don't need to see 'the distant scene.' We can take things one step at a time, and know that Christ is leading us on every step of the way. And when we let him do so, everything will turn out right.

Je vous aime tous,

Elder May






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