Hi Family!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! We had another great week. A lot has happened this week, but first things first - Don't worry about my hair/bump. I didn't mean to worry you. I am feeling 100%. I haven't talked to anyone about it yet, but I promise that I will call Sis. Heaton today (the senior missionary over medical stuff). As far as my hair falling out - I have noticed throughout my whole mission that my hair has become thinner than usual (I think that it is normal) but lately when i wash my hair in the shower, I scrub my head then look at my hands and there is at least 12 hairs on each hand! Then during the day if I run my fingers through my hair, hairs will fall out (like 2 or 4 each time). So ya, I'm a little concerned, I really don't want to go bald, but I don't know what to do! It isn't falling out in chunks or anything like that, but yes, this past transfer has been a little more stressful than others. The Walnut Creek Zone has a lot more disobedient issues than the San Francisco Zone, so I've had to deal with those. But overall I'm fine! So that's the scoop. If you have any more questions (or advice to save my hair!) you can ask me on Christmas. I'm excited to talk to ya'll! I think I'll probably call around 12:00 pm your time. I cant believe that this is my last call home...
Well this week has been crazy! We are still serving in the Walnut creek 3rd ward (the singles ward), but this was our first week in our new family ward - the Concord 2nd ward. It is a great ward, but very, very different from Clayton Valley 1st. The ward struggles and needs a lot of help! Our ward mission leader was very upset that the missionaries in his ward, now have to share with another ward. He said, "Let's be honest, missionaries have basically been taken out of our ward. Zone Leaders don't proselyte. You are to busy doing other things." Instead of saying "welcome to the ward, we are happy to have you here" he shared his frustrations. He then asked us to call each of the auxiliaries and have them bring 5 names to ward council for the focus family program. We were shocked! We told him that it was his job as a Ward Mission Leader to do that. Then he got super upset and threatened to call President Wade on us! (Remember we had only known him up to this point for about 10 minutes!) He was mad at us for no reason. So that same night we had our monthly Stake Meeting with the Danville Stake President and President Wade in Danville. After the meeting we asked president Wade what he would say to a WML that asks us to call the auxiliaries for him. He said, "I would tell him that, that's his job!" We told president that that's exactly what we did and that Bro Goodwin (our WML) got very upset. President said, "Of course he got mad, you called him to repentance!" We then told him the rest of our experience, and President was infuriated! He called our Bishop and talked to him about Bro Goodwin (the WML). So our first week in the ward, me and Elder Wickel have rocked the boat a bit, but positive change in this ward need to start somewhere! We are going to continue to love and serve bro Goodwin, and the ward the best that we can. (Are you beginning to understand why I am loosing hair!?)
The singles ward is doing great! Alexa is a miracle! A HUGE miracle. I love teaching her, because it reminds me that this is the Lords work, and he prepares his children to receive the gospel - we just need to find them! I just think of how many "Alexa's" there are out there - ready to accept the truth. She is so happy with all that she is learning. This week we had a lesson, and she showed up at the institute building (that's where we teach her), in a hoodie and pajama pants. She said in a whisper - "I am sick. I called in sick to work, but I won't cancel my lesson!" We told her she should rest, but she insisted that we have our lesson! Shes amazing. She told her mom this week that she is getting baptized, and her mom didn't flip out! She was angry, but there is even a chance that her mom might show up to the baptism! Her baptism is next week on the 29th.
We are teaching a new investigator named Veronica Dominguez. She is almost just like Alexa! Her friend brought her to church (just like Alexa), and she loved it. She said that she is going through a hard time in life right now, but the first time she came to church, she felt a peace that she had never before felt. She loved it and wanted to learn more! MIRACLES! It reminds me when Christ said that his sheep are numbered, and they know his voice. The elect of the Lord feel and recognize the spirit. So a challenge is that Veronica's friend that introduced her to the church is leaving for college next week. Her fellowshipper is leaving (just like Alexa's did!). But Alexa is doing great, and making new friends, so I'm sure that Veronica will be fine too. We have a lesson with her on Tuesday and we are planning on setting a baptismal date with her!
So things are going well. I love being a missionary more than anything. I'm grateful for my wonderful family, and my wonderful parents that have always been a great example to me. I will always be grateful for the foundation that you have helped me lay, but something that I feel that I have gained on my mission is my very own personal testimony. I know without a doubt that Christ lives, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that the Book of Mormon is true! Knowing these simple truths, and continuing to seek greater understanding of Gods plan for us, brings incomprehensible joy! I love my Savior and I am grateful for the peace, the purpose and the perspective that His gospel brings. I love you family!
-Elder Cook
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