Another week in Spotsylvania. Home of bluegrass and hillbillies. This last week was a really good week! We had a lesson with a lady named Terri. She has been talking with the missionaries for YEARS. She tells us that she would convert if she were younger, but she feels too old. We were reading the Book of Mormon with her and all of a sudden it hit me. God revealed to me what her concern was. She's scared. She's scared of what her family would think. She's scared of what her friends would think. She's scared of the different lifestyle. When I brought this up to her she became very solemn. I am here today to testify to you all that the Spirit was incredibly strong in that room at that moment. After a moment of silence, she revealed to us that the first time she read the Book of Mormon was right before she went to bed one night. As she tried to go to sleep, she wasn't able too. The curiosity of the Book kept her awake. She would then read another chapter, and then try to fall asleep. This occurred all throughout the night. She told us that in the morning she knew that the Book of Mormon was true, but put it in the back of her mind. We talked to her about overcoming fear and trusting in God. She's still got a ways to go, but the end is in sight!

We also went to visit a media referral that hadn't been home the past 9 times we tried to visit them. Guess what haha... They answered. It's a Mom with her two teen sons. They are Jehovah Witnesses, but are fed up with them. Her Husband and in-laws passed away within a matter of years apart while they were living in Wyoming. Their church did nothing to help them out, while their LDS neighbor did. The neighbor was incredible in helping them through that hard time in their lives and set an amazing example. This family moved out here to live with her parents. Years ago one of the sons did something that he probably shouldn't have, and the JW's shunned him and are continuing to shun him. Anyone who talks to him gets in trouble as well. It's a horrible situation. The Mom wants her sons to make friends in the LDS church and get involved in as many activities as possible. We have taught them the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation and they tell us that it rings true in their hearts. They didn't come to church yesterday which was a HUGE bummer, but they told us that they will come next Sunday. We are going to be working with the Young Men's president and the Relief Society President to fellowship this family. The gospel can improve their lives so much right now! 

Since Elder Norris served here is first transfer (16 months ago) we have been contacting former investigators like CRAZY! President and Sister Riggs have emphasized the importance of keeping a good area book and contacting former investigators. We have been able to reconnect with a lot of people who weren't ready to accept the gospel back then, but are ready to now. I LOVE IT!

I was able to go to a meeting with other missionaries from this mission at the mission home. We discussed different things that need to change among missionaries and their work ethic. My companion and I are going to report to our zone tomorrow. I also found out that Elder Packer of the Seventy will be visiting our mission in the beginning of December! He will be speaking to just our mission! AND I have the incredible opportunity to be one of the missionaries involved in a smaller, more private meeting after the big one to the mission.

Our Zone's new motto: John 14:15

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!