Yay! We won't make the prophet sick!

 Hello family & friends,

This isn't a very interesting letter, but the bottom line is that we won't make President Nelson sick.

On Monday, August 9 - we moved into a different temporary home…The Marriott It’s very nice here:  a kitchen, separate bedrooms, separate bathrooms, hot breakfasts in the lobby, nice staff, no smelly carpet, and no bugs!  We might not want to move into our apartment next month!  

The only problem with our residence is that my bedroom is upstairs which is about 5 degrees warmer than the downstairs where my companion’s room is.  If the temperature downstairs is any cooler than 74 degrees, my companion puts on sweaters, sweat pants, and a blanket!  (My companion has offered to trade bedrooms, but I have declined because she is 84, and the stairs are narrow.)

We helped in the ESL class again.  The young sisters, Hermanas Sampson and Morales, do a great job of not only teaching, but also inviting the spirit.  The young man I sat next to speaks three languages: Spanish, English, and Tzotzil (an indigenous language in Mexico.) He speaks English quite well and reads English novels. I think he comes mostly for the conversational practice.  

Tuesday, August 10 – We helped out at the Methodist Church Food Bank, called several members in the ward who are inactive. Then we helped Sheri (the blind lady) again.  This time her mother, who is not a member of the church, was there so I was able to chat with her while my companion helped with the Braille lesson.  Her mother's a super Philadelphia Phillies fan!  I wish I could use this to transition to a gospel topic.  Anyway, she kept saying how nice it was to have someone to visit with her!

Wednesday, August 11 – Last night it was so warm upstairs that I tiptoed down stairs to adjust the thermostat.  That’s when I tripped on the bottom step and woke up my companion with my fall.   

We had our first District Council this morning--via Zoom.  I reached out to our Ward Relief Society President to offer our help, visited Kayla Harding who got home from the hospital yesterday, and bought a thermometer and a night light.  (No more falls. No more doubt about the temperature upstairs.)

Thursday, August 12 I went to lunch with my daughter-in-law’s aunt—Mary Gains. Mary is not a member of the church, so she asked me what kinds of things I do on my mission.  I told her we teach people about the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and we find ways to serve people.  I wish I’d had amazing conversion stories to share, but to be honest,  I’ve spent more time helping my companion learn to use technology than I have helping people learn the truths of the Gospel.

We visited Sheri and her mother again. After the braille lesson we prayed together with Sheri and her mother and left with a good spirit. 

Friday, August 13 – Had another opportunity to teach Darlene today.  The Elders came and another ward member came.  We talked about what the Holy Ghost feels like.  Darlene described it as a good feeling and wished she could feel that way all the time.  Elder Phelon explained the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Darlene said we could pick her up for church Sunday.

In the evening we had a zoom meeting with our Mission President & his wife & our Zone.  The meeting was to prepare us for a visiting General Authority next week, Elder Shayne M Bowen and his wife.  President Maurer promised us a revelatory experience if we pray for Elder & Sister Bowen and for ourselves. 

They also reminded us to wear masks.  (We have been wearing masks in public since the Covid numbers have gone up here and because a few missionaries have gotten Covid—even some who were vaccinated.)  We will all test ourselves for Covid on Sunday and phone in our results.  They explained that since General Authorities report back to the prophet, we must be extra careful.  We certainly don’t want to be the mission that transmits Covid to President Nelson! 

Saturday, August 14 – It occurred to me this morning that since my companion and I have been eating breakfast in the hotel lobby (it’s a great breakfast!) that we could become exposed to Covid because it isn’t possible to keep a mask on while eating and there are a lot of guests that show up for breakfast.  I told my companion we better not eat breakfast in the lobby until after the Mission Conference.  She rolled her eyes and proceeded out the door. So, I told her that if she went to breakfast, I would have to wear a mask whenever I am around her (in our cars, in our residence, etc.) She decided to skip the breakfast, but was grumpy toward me all day.

On our way to ESL class Darlene called and said she was too sick to attend church Sunday. We will follow up next week when she is feeling better. In ESL class Hermana Sampson asked me to say the opening prayer.  I was self-conscious because I am so out of practice, but it was ok. The young man I sat next to today is from Guatemala.  Besides English & Spanish, he speaks an indigenous language called Mam.  

Sunday, August 15 – This was an uplifting day!  The speakers were very inspiring.  After the meeting, my companion and I met with our Stake and Ward Relief Society Presidents.  The Stake Relief Society President told us what the previous Senior Missionary Sisters had done in this area.  It was very helpful! We're going to be busy.

When we got home my companion and I used our at-home Covid test kits—results negative yay, we won’t make the prophet sick! 

I love you all

Sister Manwaring